Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon in central Utah is full of color, vistas and unique hiking trails. Like the Grand Canyon, it's impressive to look at but you really need to go inside to experience it. Unlike the Grand Canyon, you can easily do so without killing yourself on the way back out. Even if you don't hike, you will still get a good park experience from all the vista points on the 18 mile road. For hikers, the scenery changes rapidly because of all the rock towers called Hoodoos. The Hoodoos are fascinating and you will end up taking way more pictures than you will ever need. From May to September a free shuttle is offered. this is perfect for one-way hiking in the park. Be sure to visit Rainbow Point at the end of the Park Road. It's the highest point in the area, 1200 feet higher than the first viewpoints so the scenery is spectacular. Bryce is near several other national parks so I recommend just one day exploring it and move on to the next one. In winter, the park is open but you will need to cross-country ski (there are groomed trails) or snowshoe to get around. There are rentals for both at Ruby's Inn at the park entrance. Also check out these hikes: