Bryce Canyon Grand

Sunrise in Bryce Canyon during the winter

admin — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:29:24 +0000

Sunrise at Bryce Canyon is one of nature’s most perfect scenes, especially during the winter. We all know how hard it is to get up before the sun, but trust me it’s completely worth it to see the sunrise at Bryce Canyon. This is definitely something everyone should have the opportunity to see. The early morning light enrich the natural colors and deepen the shadows of the rocks. The brilliant orange sandstone of Bryce Canyon faces to the east, and everything is covered, if not covered then lightly brushed with snow. The moment the sun crosses the horizon everything is bathed in a warm orange light reflecting off the snow to make the colors shine even more. The canyon’s pink and coral rock formations contrast beautifully with white snow, it’s simply AMAZING!

Cross Country Skiing In Bryce Canyon

admin — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:25:16 +0000

Recently I’ve had the opportunity to do the cross country skiing at Bryce Canyon, Utah. When I first set out on my journey, it was pretty hard to get the hang of it at the beginning. I kept losing my balance, however when I finally got use to it, it was a wonderful experience, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I don’t own a pair of skis, but that wasn’t a problem, Rubys Inn has plenty to rent out to anyone. The workers there were very nice and helpful; they gave me a map so that I wouldn’t get lost, because knowing me I would.
Bryce Canyon also “purposely” doesn’t plow some of the roads to the lookout points, so that you can ski out to those points. Right outside of Rubys they have groomed trails that go out to the rim of Bryce; they also have trails that interconnect with some of the ungroomed trails in Bryce Canyon National Park. I was expecting quite a few people to be out on the trails and overlooking Bryce, but to my surprise the usual crowds of visitors were gone, leaving you with a sense of solitary quiet in this monumental area. The views were unreal, the red rock amphitheater gleamed beneath a coat of white, and everything looked so surreal; the blanket of slushy snow dampens the trills of nature. If you haven’t already been skiing in this area, I would highly recommend it to anyone that goes to the Bryce Canyon area during the winter.

-Bryce Canyon Girl

Winter In Bryce Canyon

admin — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:36:14 +0000

Winter is one of the most colorful times of the year here in Bryce Canyon National Park. The canyon’s pink and coral rock formations contrast beautifully with white snow, evergreens and blue sky. The air is crisp and pure and you can see for hundreds of miles. An added benefit is that unlike the Salt Lake Valley, Bryce Canyon has some of the cleanest air in the lower 48 states.
The summertime crowds are replaced by incredible quiet and solitude. The park itself is open all year round and is accessible by automobile; however sections of the road may be temporarily closed after a heavy snowfall.
Every year we host a Bryce Canyon Winter Festival every President’s Day weekend. Winter activities at Ruby’s Inn include sleigh rides, snowmobiling, horseback riding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating.

Night Skys

admin — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 21:56:36 +0000

PLANET SKI OF THE UK: http://www.planetski.eu/news/2934 Article published July 12, 2011
Planet Ski stats:
We received up to 3,500 visits a day and in February 1.7m pages were viewed. Last month, June, 1.5m pages were read. The most popular stories have had over 20,000 impressions and PlanetSKI readers look at an average of 45 pages. The busiest day so far in July saw over 1, 600 unique visits. Not bad for summer! (Source:Google Analytics).

News Headlines |
Planes increase snowfall – That’s the claim from a group of US scientists that says…
Jul
12
Snow and stars
Tuesday July 12, 2011 – Email this article to a friend
To us skiers and snowboarders the state of Utah in the USAis probably better known for its snow than its stars. Think again.
Apparently there are 7,500 stars visible on a moonless night from the mountains of southern Utah in the USA.
Bryce Canyon National Park latched on to it a while ago and has developed speciality tours in the area. People can see nearly 200 miles to the Black Mesas in eastern Arizona on the ground.
Look upwards and on a clear dark night people can see 2.2 million light years or 527,000,000,000,000,000 miles to the Andromeda Galaxy.
A bit closer to home is Jupiter, 48 light minutes away, and the ring nebula, a mere 1,500 light years away
In 21st May next year will be the annular solar eclipse when the moon covers all but a bright ring around the circumference of the sun.
On the early evening of 21st May 2012, at about 6.30pm, the path of an annular solar eclipse will pass across south-west Utah.
Southern Utah claims to offer some of the best opportunities for seeing this eclipse.
If you don’t want to leave a visit to the end of the ski season then rangers in Bryce Canyon offer full moon hikes, including snowshoe walks in the winter.
These 1 to 2 mile walks take place three nights each month.
The night sky above Utah

For more information on the astronomy programme at Bryce Park then see here.
So, why are we telling you all about this on PlanetSKI?
Well this story from earlier in the summer had thousands of visits so our readers are clearly interested in the stars and all things celestial.
Another story from a couple of summers ago on the Perseid meteor shower as seen from The Alps had even more.
Happy star gazing!
Quite an experience

Utah Pairie Dog Day at Bryce Canyon National Park

admin — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:27:42 +0000

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Utah Prairie Dog Day 2011

Ng_UPD062411

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Date: June 3, 2011
Contact: Sarah Haas, 435-834-4753

Bryce Canyon National Park Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh invites you to join the park in our second annual Utah Prairie Dog Day celebration.

The theme of this year’s Utah Prairie Dog Day celebration is “Connections in Nature” – Bryce Canyon National Park is celebrating the unique and important role that Utah prairie dogs play in our environment. A year-round inhabitant of Bryce Canyon’s high plateau meadows, Utah prairie dogs live in social colonies or “towns” and display amazingly complex communication. Their burrow systems are made up of several chambers and provide the animals with protection from predators, places to raise young, store food, and hibernate through the cold winter months. Utah prairie dogs are considered “keystone species” that perform a variety of important ecological functions including soil aeration which helps plants grow, providing prey for other animals, and maintaining meadow ecosystems. Connecting with Utah prairie dogs can help humans learn about healthy ecosystems and the important role that one species can play in maintaining the diversity of life.

The Utah Prairie Dog has been federally listed under the Endangered Species Act since 1973 and is protected as a threatened species. Bryce Canyon National Park reintroduced the Utah prairie dog to park meadows beginning in 1974 and is the only National Park Service unit they inhabit. Today, approximately 200 Utah prairie dogs are found in several meadows within the park. Every year these colonies are monitored and counted to track the health of the animals and condition of their habitat.

Park Biologist Sarah Haas states, “This year’s celebration of the Utah prairie dog will focus on how these animals are instrumental to the well being of other plants and animals and the importance of the role of prairie dogs in sustaining grassland environments. There will be plenty of opportunities to watch prairie dogs living in their natural settings – foraging, watching for predators and displaying an amazing array of barks, chirps and chatters that make up prairie dog language. They are a fascinating animal – one worth knowing!”

=”3″>The celebration will occur on Friday, June 24, 2011 from 9 a.m. through the evening with planned activities that include watching Utah prairie dogs in their natural habitat with a Park Ranger, special presentations on Utah prairie dogs, kids’ tables with activities, and face painting and refreshments. There will also be a special surprise guest! Most activities will take place during the day at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center with a special presentation entitled “Utah Prairie Dogs and Other Cool Critters” at the Bryce Canyon Lodge at 8 p.m.

Utah students and adults are invited to participate in the Connections in Nature art contest! Artwork should focus on how Utah prairie dogs are an important part of our environment. Age categories for the art contest are: K–4th, 5th–8th, 9th–12th, and adult (18 years+). Students in the K-4th category are allowed to color in a drawing of a prairie dog town (contact Marilyn Bulkley for a copy of the drawing). All other age categories should submit original artwork – crayon, pen or pencil sketches, markers, watercolor, oils, etc. On the back of your artwork write: title of artwork, name of artist, age category, and a phone number or contact information.

All artwork must be submitted by June 15th to:

Marilyn Bulkley, Education/Outreach Specialist

Bryce Canyon Natural History Association

P.O. Box 640051, Bryce, UT 84764

435-834-4784

Entries will be judged by Bryce Canyon National Park and Natural History Association staff. First place and runner up prizes will be awarded on the afternoon of June 24th at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center.

All students (K-12th) and their families can enter the park free on Utah Prairie Dog Day. Just tell the Park Ranger at the entrance gate: “I’m here to see the Utah prairie dogs!” and you’ll be admitted for free!

Temple-like spires can be seen in the main amphitheater at Bryce

Did You Know?
March 13, 1919: A Utah Joint Memorial passed legislation which read in part: We urge that the Congress of the United States set aside for the use and enjoyment of the people a suitable area embracing “Bryce’s Canyon” as a national monument under the name: “Temple of the Gods National Monument.”
more…

Bryce canyon astronomy festival

admin — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 20:01:18 +0000

National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Bryce Canyon
National Park
PO Box 640201
Bryce, Utah 84764
435 834-5322 phone
435 834-4102 fax
Bryce Canyon National Park News Release
June 9, 2011, 11-14
For Immediate Release
Kevin Poe 435-834-4712
Celebrate the 11th Annual Bryce Canyon
Astronomy Festival, June 29 – July 2, 2011
Bryce Canyon National Park invites you to join its “Dark
Rangers” and amateur astronomers from the Salt Lake
Astronomical Society for the 11th Annual Bryce Canyon
Astronomy Festival.
“With its renowned dark skies, astronomy is part of Bryce
Canyon’s appeal for many visitors,” says Park
Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh. “People nearby, and
from all over the world, come to experience the stars,
made more brilliant by the exquisite dark sky backdrop.
We hope that many visitors and nearby residents yet to
experience the beauty of our night sky will take advantage
of the special opportunities and programs offered during
the Astronomy Festival.”
This year’s festival will be held Wednesday, June 29
through Saturday, July 2. Ian Cheney, 2011 keynote speaker, will feature his presentation, “The
City Dark.”
With majestic HD time-lapse footage of the night sky, The City
Dark poses questions about the human relationship to the night.
With more than half of the world’s population now living in cities,
and the subsequent growth in lighting, the loss of the night sky
represents a profound shift in perspective—what changes in our
own humanity when the earth grows too bright to see beyond?
And, do we need the dark?
To answer those questions and more, award-winning filmmaker
Ian Cheney toured the globe filming the planet’s best night skies,
as well as locations where the most acute loss of darkness has
occurred. He has interviewed a variety of people who advocate
the protection of darkness for a host of reasons including cancer
prevention, ecological health, and of course, astronomy.
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA
The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.
Join Ian for a behind-the-scenes look into the making of his latest film and for a pre-release
screening of the film’s most stunning photography and interviews of its most entertaining
characters.
Ian Cheney’s program will be held on Friday, July 1, from 9:30pm-11:00 pm in Ebenezer’s Barn
and Grill in Bryce Canyon City, Utah, adjacent to the park. Tickets are $2 per person and will be
sold at the door. Following the indoor presentation, free stargazing with telescopes will be
provided outside the building courtesy of the Salt Lake Astronomical Society and the “Dark
Rangers” of Bryce Canyon.
The 2011 Astronomy Festival will also feature model rocket
building and launching workshops led daily by veteran
rocketeer, Joel Allen from Denver, CO. Other afternoon
workshops cover such topics as learning the night sky using
planispheres, learning about our sun and safely viewing it with
solar telescopes, and guided walks along a scale model of
our solar system. In the evenings, join the “Dark Rangers” and
other guest speakers for presentations on topics related to
astronomy and nocturnal animals, before venturing out into the
night to stargaze under Bryce Canyon’s famous dark skies.
Thanks to the Salt Lake Astronomical Society, over 50
telescopes will be available for public viewing of the universe
after the nightly presentations.
Throughout the festival,
the Bryce Canyon
Shuttle will provide free transportation to and from
program venues within the park. Additionally, free
shuttles will travel between Bryce Canyon City to
Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill Arena for those attending Ian
Cheney’ s program on Friday night. Contact the Shuttle
Boarding Area at Ruby’s Inn for information (435-834-
5290).
NASA’s Solar System Ambassador, and arguably Utah’s
most famous sky watcher, Patrick Wiggins, proclaims,
“I’ve been to zillions of these star parties, all around the world, and nobody does it like Bryce
Canyon! Not only is it one of the darkest places left on the planet, they make it fun for all ages.
You don’t have to be a rocket scientist or an astronomy geek to have a blast!”
Concludes Dark Ranger Kevin Poe, “We’ll be
conducting over 100 astronomy programs this year
at Bryce Canyon — every Tuesday, Thursday, and
Saturday night, May through October. But, the
Astronomy Festival is the main event. We hope to
see you there!”
For more information consult the Bryce Canyon
Astronomy Festival Website:

http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/astrofest.htm

or call 435-834-5322.

Utah Pairie Dog Day June 24th

admin — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:45:36 +0000

Utah Prairie Dog Day 2011

Ng_UPD062411

Subscribe RSS Icon | What is RSS
Date: June 3, 2011
Contact: Sarah Haas, 435-834-4753

Bryce Canyon National Park Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh invites you to join the park in our second annual Utah Prairie Dog Day celebration.

All artwork must be submitted by June 15th to:

Marilyn Bulkley, Education/Outreach Specialist

Bryce Canyon Natural History Association

P.O. Box 640051, Bryce, UT 84764

435-834-4784

Get into Bryce Canyon National Park Free Days

admin — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:04:43 +0000

National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Bryce Canyon
National Park
PO Box 640201
Bryce , Utah 84764
435 834-5322 phone
435 834-4704 fax
Bryce Canyon National Park News Release
April 14, 2010
For Immediate Release
Dan Ng (435) 834‐4740, 11‐07
National Parks Will Waive Entrance Fees During National Park Week
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced free admission to all National Park Service
sites, including Bryce Canyon National Park, from April 16 through April 24 to help celebrate
National Park Week. National Park Week provides an opportunity to engage families and
communities in America’s Great Outdoors, reconnecting them with nature and creating
opportunities for people to get outside, be active, and have fun.
This year’s theme is “Healthy Parks, Healthy People.” “Parks are a great untapped resource in
fostering health and wellness across the U.S.,” said NPS Director Jon Jarvis. “Our national parks
have always been loved for their symbolism and scenery, but we aim to increase the awareness
of all parks as places for exercise and healthy living.” National parks will have free admission
during National Park Week, April 16 to 24. This fee waiver does not include camping and special
permit fees.
Bryce Canyon National Park is renowned for its spectacular geology and colorful rock
formations. For information check at the park’s visitor center, opened daily from 8:00 am to
6:00 pm. Here you can obtain information on hiking, trail conditions and ranger programs. You
can also purchase books, watch an orientation video and explore the museum. The Lodge at
Bryce Canyon, restaurant, gift shop, general store, showers and laundry are open for the
season. North Campground is also open. Canyon Trail Rides offers guided horse trips into the
canyon. The Bryce Canyon Shuttle begins service on May 6th.
Park rangers will be presenting daily geology talks at Sunset Point and evening programs at the
lodge. Full moon hikes (reservations required) are offered on the nights of April 16th and 17th
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA
The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.
and night sky programs on Saturdays. To celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd, a special ranger
program “Beautiful Nature” will be presented at the lodge at 8:00 pm. In addition, the Bryce
Canyon Natural History Association will be offering discounts on selected sales items in the
visitor center during National Park Week.
Day hiking trails are open, but are snow‐covered, icy and muddy. Hiking boots or snowboots
with traction devices, as well as hiking poles, are highly recommended. Visitors are reminded
to prepare for winter driving conditions, high elevation and to dress warmly for the cool
temperatures and snow.
Due to rock slides and hazardous trail conditions, the Navajo Loop and Wall Street are
temporarily closed for visitor safety. Assessments will be made weekly to determine when the
trail can be safely reopened. Visitors can hike down into the hoodoos and canyon along the
Queens Garden Trail.
For more information, please visit the park’s website at: www.nps.gov/brca or call 435‐834‐
5322.

Springtime in Bryce Canyon National Park

admin — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:36:59 +0000

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA
The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.
Bryce Canyon National Park News Release
March 31, 2011
For Immediate Release
Dan Ng (435) 834‐4740
11‐05
Bryce Canyon Welcomes Spring Visitors
Winter and early spring is perhaps the most beautiful time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park. Following snowstorms, the
colorful red hoodoos are layered in bands of white snow. The park is largely snow covered on the plateau. The current
snowpack at the Visitor Center (elev. 7,900 ft.) measures 11 inches. Snow in the southern end of the park towards
Rainbow Point (elev. 9,100 ft.) is 2‐3 feet deep. March‐April temperatures average to 50° F during the day and drop to 20°
F at night.
Fairyland and Paria View roads remain unplowed for use by cross‐country skiers and snowshoers. All other park roads
and viewpoints remain open, though the main road to Rainbow Point may be temporarily closed due to snowstorms. The
Visitor Center is opened daily from 8:00 AM‐4:30 PM and extending to 6:00 PM on April 3. Visitors are reminded to
prepare for winter driving conditions, high elevation and to dress warmly for the cold temperatures and snow.
Day hiking trails are open, but are snow‐covered, icy and muddy. Hiking boots/snowboots with traction devices as well as
hiking poles are highly recommended. For the Fairyland Loop and Peekaboo Loop, it is advisable to carry snowshoes. Due
to deep snow in the southern section of the park, backcountry hiking is not recommended.
Due to rock slides and hazardous trail conditions, the Thors Hammer’s side of the Navajo Loop is temporarily closed for
visitor safety. Assessments will be made weekly to determine when the trail can be safely reopened. The Wall Street side
(which is closed during winter) will remain closed for several more months.
Park rangers present geology talks daily, and on Saturdays, evening and night sky programs. Cross‐country ski trails in the
park are on ungroomed 2‐track trails. The slope between the Plateau Rim and 7600 foot contour elevation is closed to
skiing, snowboarding, sledding or sliding devices. Below the Rim, cross‐country skiing is permitted on the Under‐ the‐ Rim
Trail and Riggs Spring Loop.
The Bryce Canyon Lodge, restaurant and gift shop reopen on April 1. Public showers and laundry will be open April 1st
and the General Store by April 3. Horseback rides will resume around April 1 once trails are free of snow and ice. For
more information, please visit the park’s website at: www.nps.gov/brca or call 435‐834‐5322.
‐NPSNational
Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Bryce Canyon
National Park
PO Box 640201
Bryce , Utah 84764
435 834-5322 phone
435 834-4102 fax

German Utah National Parks Article

admin — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:54:50 +0000