Home Care In Bryce, UT

BRYCE CANYON, Utah (ABC4) — The husband of Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo (R) died in Utah earlier this week after falling while hiking at Bryce Canyon National Park.

John Passidomo, 72, fell while hiking with his wife. Florida Senate President Pro Tempore Dennis Baxley (R) said Passidomo suffered massive head trauma in the fall, along with other very serious injuries. He was taken to St. George Regional Hospital and gently passed away a day later.

John and Kathleen Passidomo were law school sweethearts, according to Baxley. The two were going to celebrate their 45th anniversary together in September.

“The trip to visit several national parks in Utah was one of many great adventures they shared during five decades together,” Baxley said in a memo announcing the tragic passing. “Their last few days together were marked by many special moments, beautiful scenery, and wonderful reflections on their lifetime together and plans to live out their golden years watching their grandchildren grow up.”

Baxley said Sen. Passidomo was devastated by the sudden and unexpected accident but she is grateful to the first responders and medical staff in Utah who provided “vigilant support” for both her and her husband.

John Passidomo was reportedly in overall excellent health at the time of his passing and was a listed organ donor. Baxley said several matches were found and Kathleen Passidomo and their three daughters are finding comfort that their loss has resulted in a life-saving gift for other families.

Both Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson extended their condolences to the Passidomo family and all those affected by the news on behalf of Utah.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Bryce Young’s five touchdown passes were nothing all that new for Alabama’s Heisman Trophy winner.

That 63-yard sprint down the left sideline and other big runs presented a seldom seen side of his game.

Young didn’t just throw for those touchdowns — all in the first half — he even ran for 100 yards and a score in No. 1 Alabama’s 55-0 opening victory over Utah State on Saturday night.

It was, he said, a “cool” and “interesting” experience.

“I just try to do whatever is best for this team, whatever the defense gives us,” Young said. “That’s definitely interesting. It definitely wasn’t something I was planning. For me, it’s just taking whatever the defense gives us.

“Today that was just what was available. It’s cool.”

The Crimson Tide began their quest for national title redemption with a not unexpected start-to-finish domination of the six-touchdown underdog Aggies (1-1). Less anticipated: Young’s runs.

Known primarily as a passer with a penchant for scrambling and buying time, Young flashed his running ability more than he ever did last season, including a 63-yarder down the left sideline.

He also spread the ball around to Alabama’s new set of playmakers, with two touchdown passes to both Georgia transfer Jermaine Burton and Traeshon Holden and some handoffs to Jahmyr Gibbs.

Young ran five times after netting zero yards thanks to sacks last season with a previous long run of 16 yards. He also completed 18 of 28 passes for 195 yards before exiting one drive into the second half following his TD run.

“I see Bryce do that on the regular, so it wasn’t really new to me,” Alabama safety Brian Branch said. “Just watching him be himself out there is truly amazing. Playing with a Heisman winner, I can’t describe it.”

Gibbs, a much talked about transfer from Georgia Tech, flashed his speed with a 58-yard run on the first play after the half. He finished with 93 yards on nine rushes.

His backup, Jase McClellan, caught a pair of TD passes.

Alabama outgained the Aggies 559-136 in total yards.

“It is what it is, and I’ve seen people in the SEC come here and get treated exactly the same way,” Utah State coach Blake Anderson said. “We’re not built that way. We’re a long ways from being able to play that game physically and match up. Maybe we’ll never be able to.”

THE TAKEAWAY

Utah State, which finished last season ranked, had won two straight games against Power 5 teams and started off strong with a 23-yard gain. Then the offense stalled and the defense was overwhelmed by Young & Co. The Aggies couldn’t turn a late blocked punt into points.

Alabama: Spent the offseason stewing over a loss to Georgia in the national championship game and came in as the favorite to win the national title, according to FanDuel sportsbook. Then Alabama did pretty much what it wanted to against a mismatched opponent. The Tide put some new playmakers on display after losing receivers Jameson Williams and John Metchie III and tailback Brian Robinson Jr.

POLL IMPLICATIONS

Alabama didn’t do anything to diminish its status as the team to beat, but No. 3 Georgia and No. 2 Ohio State got the chance to make much bigger statements. The Bulldogs beat 11th-ranked Oregon 49-3. The Buckeyes topped No. 5 Notre Dame, 21-10.

SIDELINED Louisville transfer wide receiver Tyler Harrell had a walking boot on his right foot and didn’t dress for the game. Tight end Cameron Latu also missed the game with a knee injury.

CHANNELING SABAN

Saban emphasized it wasn’t a perfect performance and there’s plenty of room for improvement. His players echoed that sentiment.

“It was good, but we still have stuff to work on,” Branch said. “It’s not like we played a perfect game.”

Added Saban: “No disrespect to Utah State — their players played hard, they’ve got a good little team. But we’re going to play teams that are much more physical and aggressive and talented than what they are, so we’re going to have to do things correctly.”

UP NEXT

Utah State hosts Weber State on Sept. 10.

Alabama visits a Texas team led by former Tide offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian.

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The gift of Bryce Canyon National Park is perspective. The park’s signature sandstone spires known as hoodoos are some 60 million years in the making, and there are more of these geological phenomena in Bryce than anywhere in the world. A fairy hideout, Queen Victoria, pirate ships at sea—these bizarre formations have as many resemblances as clouds in the sky. For Paiutes, upon whose ancestral lands the park sits, Bryce’s hoodoos are the ancient “Legend People,” frozen into stone for using too many resources.

Whatever you see in the hoodoos, they are one of the most iconic sights across Southern Utah. This summer, Bryce turns 100 years old and the park is celebrating. On June 8, a free centennial ceremony and concert will commemorate the day in 1923 when the area was designated a national monument (later to be made a national park). This will kick off more events and programs staged throughout the year.

Read on for a lay of the land at one of the best national parks in the U.S., including nearby sights worth seeing and pro tips for enjoying all Bryce Canyon has to offer.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Getting to and around Bryce

Bryce Canyon National Park is a four-hour drive from the nearest major airports in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. The main way into the park is Highway 12, an exceptionally scenic route traversing 122 miles from the town of Panguitch just west of Bryce to the town of Torrey, gateway to Capitol Reef National Park. From I-70, pick up Highway 12 from the west via U.S. 89, or from the east via UT-24.

When it comes to outstanding outdoor locations, Utah has a blessing of riches. From towering snowcapped peaks to arid deserts to narrow, twisting stone canyons, the state has something to offer just about anyone who enjoys exploring wild places. One of the best of those places is Bryce Canyon National Park, which is home to some of the most stunning and memorable landscapes found anywhere in the American West.

Located in the southwest corner of Utah, Bryce Canyon isn't actually a canyon at all. Instead, it is a sprawling wilderness situated atop a massive plateau at the apex of the Grand Staircase Escalante. Spread out across 35,835 acres, the park comprises towering rock formations and a series of interconnected stone amphitheaters carved from the landscape by millennia of erosion brought on by frost and rushing water.

Named for a Mormon homesteader who lived in the region during the 1870s, Bryce Canyon was designated a national monument in 1923 and a national park five years later. Soon after, it became a popular destination for hikers, backpackers, and travelers, most of which come to see the park's most famous rock formations—the hoodoos. Surprisingly tall and thin, these stone spires cover the landscape, making it appear more like the surface of Mars rather than southern Utah.

Whether viewed from the park's upper boundaries or a trail deep in its interior, the hoodoos are a compelling draw for visitors from across the globe. In fact, the unique topography of Bryce Canyon lures more than 2.5 million people on an annual basis. That's enough to rank it in the top 15 most visited national parks in the entire country.

Park Activities

Visitors to Bryce Canyon usually fall into two categories; those who come to hike its backcountry trails and those who prefer to drive between its scenic overlooks. No matter which of those activities draws you to the park, you'll certainly come away thoroughly satisfied.

Of the 2.5 million visitors that pass through the park's gates, the vast majority come to drive its 18-mile one-way scenic roadway. The route provides access to 13 stunning viewpoints, culminating at the famous Rainbow Point. This breathtaking overlook offers a grand view of Bryce's beauty, which stretches for miles in each direction.

Savvy travelers will bypass all of the other stops along the road and make their way to Rainbow Point first. If you arrive early enough, it is possible to beat the crowd and have the place more or less to yourself. Afterward, backtrack along the road, stopping at other lookouts as you go. Each offers a stunning vantage point, but the most popular include Inspiration Point, Bryce Point, Sunrise Point, and Sunset Point.

Day hikers can access several trails directly from the main parking lot, taking in some epic views while en route. The Sunset to Sunrise trail is a paved, easy route that is only 1 mile in length and is accessible to most visitors, including those with disabilities. The Rim Trail is longer—stretching 11 miles in length—but is also relatively easy and provides a bit more solitude, especially if you get a mile or two in. The bird's eye view of the hoodoos makes it an interesting walk, to say the least, so don't forget to bring your camera.

For something a bit more challenging, try the 1.3-mile Navajo Loop, which begins and ends at Sunset Loop. Perhaps the most famous of all of Bryce's trails, Navajo drops hikers down into the canyon itself, immersing them into the red rock formations. For something a little less busy, head to the Sheep Creek Trail to Swamp Canyon, which provides access to Bryce's backcountry along its 4-mile length.

Experienced hikers and backpackers should add Peekaboo Loop to their list of "must-do" activities. The 5.5-mile trail features some steep climbing at times but takes adventurous visitors into the heart of Bryce Canyon and far away from the hustle and bustle of the parking lot. The 4.7-mile Bryce Amphitheater Traverse is also a particular favorite of park veterans.

Other things to do in Bryce Canyon include exploring the park by horseback and dropping by the visitor center or park museum. In the winter, the trails can be accessed by snowshoes as well, and backcountry camping is an option all year round. However, conditions can change rapidly within the park, so come prepared with the proper gear and skillset.

Where to Eat and Stay

If you're planning on spending a few days exploring Bryce Canyon, you'll find several options for where to eat and stay while in the area. Several small communities are located within easy driving distance, providing a selection of restaurants, hotels, and motels. For instance, nearby Antimony gives visitors a chance to channel their inner cowboy, while Boulder offers access to several other national parks and monuments, including Zion.

If you prefer to stay inside the national park itself, the Lodge at Bryce Canyon is an excellent option. Located within easy walking distance of the Bryce Amphitheater, the lodge features various room styles and cabins to choose from. An onsite dining room serves up delicious meals all day long, and there is even a gift shop for picking up Bryce souvenirs. The Lodge does tend to sell out quickly during the summer months, however, so be sure to book your reservations early.

One of the more popular places to stay in Bryce Canyon country is Ruby's Inn, located along the park's shuttle route and features several activities. Ruby's offers up comfortable rooms and RV and tent camping, along with horseback riding, mountain biking, ATV tours, and more.

Of course, the other option for staying inside the park is to take up residence at one of Bryce's lovely campsites. RV camping is available at both the North Campground and Sunset Campground, while backcountry camping is an option for backpackers. The park does require backcountry campers to stay at designated campsites only and requires a permit, which can be obtained at the visitor center. There is also a $5 per person fee for all campers over the age of 16.

Day trippers looking for something to eat inside the park should head over to Valhalla Pizzeria & Coffee Shop. Snacks and cold beverages are also available at the General Store, which is found near Sunrise Point.

Getting There

Due to its remote location, a vehicle is a necessity when visiting Bryce Canyon. The closest large airports are found in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City, each three-plus away. Smaller airports can be found in nearby Cedar City and St. George, but even those locations require a minimum of a 1.5-hour drive.

To reach the park from the north, drive south along I-15 to exit 95, taking UT-20 east to US-89. From there, turn south to UT-12, then east to UT-63, once again heading south until you arrive at the park. If you're coming from the south, you'll head north on I-15, following the same directions after taking exit 95.

Accessibility

As you would expect, the park's facilities—including the visitor center, lodge, General Store, and museum—are all wheelchair-friendly. That includes restrooms, parking lots, and other public areas. Likewise, the various scenic viewpoints found along Bryce's road offer accessible parking areas and ramps. There is even a 1/2-mile section of the Rim Trail that is wheelchair accessible, although most other routes offer little to no access. For more information, check out the National Park Services access guide for Bryce Canyon.

Tips for Your Visit

For millions of years, water has carved Utah’s rugged landscape, leaving a stunning natural playground.

August 19, 2019

•8 min read

Established: 1928 Size: 35,835 acres Annual Visitors: 2.7 million Visitor Center: Bryce Canyon Entrance Fee: $35 vehicles; $20 individuals nps.gov/brca

Bryce Canyon showcases the stunning geology of southern Utah, a red-rock wonderland created by wind, water, and snow. Among the nation’s most beloved (and photographed) parks, Bryce is a major draw for hiking, challenging rock climbing, and winter cross-country skiing trails.

And the park is less than 40 miles as the crow flies from another natural gem: Zion National Park.

Perhaps nowhere are the forces of natural erosion more tangible than at Bryce Canyon. Its wilderness of phantom-like rock spires, or hoodoos, attracts 2.7 million visitors a year. Many descend on trails that give hikers and horseback riders a close look at the fluted walls and sculptured pinnacles.

The park follows the edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. To the west are heavily forested tablelands more than 9,000 feet high; to the east are the intricately carved breaks that drop 2,000 feet to the Paria Valley. Many ephemeral streams have eaten into the plateau, forming horseshoe-shaped bowls. The largest and most striking is Bryce Amphitheater. Encompassing six square miles, it is the park’s scenic heart.

Bryce past and present

For millions of years, water has carved Bryce’s rugged landscape. Water may split rock as it freezes and expands in cracks—a cyclic process that occurs some 200 times a year. In summer, runoff from cloudbursts etches into the softer limestones and sluices through the deep runnels. In about 50 years, the present rim will be cut back another foot. But there is more here than spectacular erosion.

Unlike the early Mormons who viewed Zion Canyon as a heavenly gift, rancher Ebenezer Bryce viewed the badlands that ran through his 1870s ranch as a bane. “It’s a hell of a place to lose a cow,” he once famously quipped.

The area’s indigenous people were far more amazed. According to Paiute Indian legend, the canyon’s hoodoo rock formations were created by that old trickster Coyote, who turned the gluttonous To-when-an-ung-wa (“Legend People”) into stone.

Truth be told, Bryce isn’t a canyon. It’s a natural amphitheater carved into the eastern flank of the Paunsaugunt Plateau by millions of years of wind and water erosion (and perhaps a little help from the Coyote god). While the fantastical hoodoos are certainly what draws most visitors to Bryce, the park’s extreme altitude means that visitors can also explore alpine meadows and coniferous forests that provide habitats for a wide variety of flora and fauna.

In the early morning you can stand for long moments on the rim, held by the amphitheater’s mysterious blend of rock and color. Warm yellows and oranges radiate from the deeply pigmented walls as scatterings of light illuminate the pale spires.

Can’t-miss experiences

To help alleviate heavy summertime traffic, visitors are encouraged to park outside the park and hop the free Bryce Canyon Shuttle from a station off Highway 63 in Bryce Canyon City. The shuttle runs to the visitor center, lodge, campground, and several overlooks. However, you will need your vehicle to reach viewpoints at the southern end of the main park road.

By far the park’s most popular activity is walking all, or part, of the 11-mile Rim Trail between Fairyland Point and Bryce Point. Offering panoramic views of the kaleidoscopic topography, the trail can be accessed from several places along the rim, including Sunrise Point and Sunset Point, as well as the old and esteemed Bryce Canyon Lodge (opened in 1925).

It’s a hell of a place to lose a cow.Rancher Ebenezer Bryce

The easiest way to dip down into the canyon is the Queen’s Garden Trail, a 1.8-mile route that starts from Sunrise Point. At the opposite extreme are routes like the Under-the-Rim Trail (23 miles) and Rigg Springs Loop (8.8 miles) that meander through stone formations and forested areas below the plateau; backcountry campsites along both of these trails enable multiday treks through the best of Bryce.

The classic auto tour of Bryce runs 18 miles south from the visitor center to Rainbow Point, where the view encompasses all five colorful layers (pink, gray, white, vermilion, and chocolate) of the Grand Staircase formation. From nearby Yovimpa Point, the view extends all the way to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon on a clear day.

Hotels • Bryce Canyon Lodge: An excellent example of National Park Service Rustic design, the lodge was built between 1924 and 1925 with local materials; restaurant and pizzeria. • Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel: A mile outside the park, this casual hotel is run by Best Western and offers amenities like a pool. • Bryce Canyon Inn: This affordable, rustic property is conveniently located to both Bryce and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Camping • There are several campgrounds within the national park, including two near the visitor center. Check with the Park Service for more info.

• The Bryce Canyon Snowshoe Program includes free ranger-led hikes along the rim and among the hoodoos. • Cross-country skiing is encouraged on park trails above the rim and in adjacent Dixie National Forest. • Permits for backcountry hiking during the winter months are issued only to experienced and well-equipped campers.

Bryce Canyon is also an extraordinary winter park. Seeing the hoodoos covered in a shroud of fresh snow is surreal.

This article was last updated on August 19, 2019 and was excerpted from the National Geographic books 100 Parks, 5000 Ideas and National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of the United States, Seventh Edition, 2012 as well as articles featured in “Cutting Loose” in National Geographic Traveler.

When the weather gets cold and the winter storms roll in across the state, you might feel like snuggling up with a blanket and a cup of cocoa. While we wholeheartedly endorse that idea, you might also lace up your snow boots, put on your parka, and get out there to enjoy Utah’s frozen landscape. Bryce Canyon National Park is particularly pretty in the snow, and you’re going to want to get a look. When you are searching for the best national park to visit in Utah during the winter, we highly suggest Bryce Canyon.

Learn more about Bryce Canyon National Park on its website, and follow its Facebook page to see the latest weather updates.

We love Bryce Canyon National Park and truly believe it is one of the best parks in Utah. Plus, the history of this park goes way back. Check out these vintage photos of the beautiful Bryce Canyon.

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Courtnie Erickson | January 22, 2022

What are some of the best things to do outside in Utah?

When it comes to finding things to do outside in Utah, the opportunities are endless. The Beehive State is an outdoor lover’s paradise with incredible hikes, lakes, ski resorts, etc., all within a short drive. We recommend visiting one of the best parks in Utah if you want to spend time outdoors. The Beehive State is not only home to five national parks, but more than 40 state parks are scattered around the state as well.

Dead Horse Point State Park is one of the most popular and best parks in Utah. At this state park, you will find the famous and frequently photographed overlook of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park.

In the northern part of the state, head out to Antelope Island State Park. This state park is home to free-range bison and bighorn sheep, lots of trails, and sandy beaches. Antelope Island is the largest of the islands in the Great Salt Lake and quite a unique place to explore. You may want to camp at this state park because it is an International Dark Sky Park, and the night sky is incredible.

What are some of the best hiking trails in Utah?

It is hard to narrow down the best hiking trails in Utah. There are dozens of scenic trails that vary in distance and are perfect for all skill levels. During the winter in Utah, tackle a challenge and climb Grandeur Peak. This is not an easy trail so only experienced hikers should begin this adventure.

For an easier journey, hike the Cascade Springs Interpretive Boardwalk Trail. This hiking trail in Utah is located on the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway and features waterfalls, bridges, and gorgeous vegetation. This is one trail in Utah that the entire family will enjoy.

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Burrow on over to Bryce Canyon for Utah Prairie Dog Day

A beloved festival returns for the park’s centennial year on May 11

BRYCE, UT – No celebration of Bryce Canyon’s centennial year would be complete without a special day for one of its keystone species. Utah Prairie Dog Day will return on Thursday, May 11 and feature ranger-led prairie dog viewing, family-friendly activity booths and a special keynote presentation by Keith Day, former Sensitive Species Biologist with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. The event is free with park admission. For a detailed schedule, please visit go.nps.gov/UtahPrairieDogDay.

“Utah Prairie Dog Day is an opportunity to learn first-hand about a species found in no other national park,” said park superintendent Jim Ireland, “and it’s also an opportunity for Bryce Canyon to connect with our local community and partners to celebrate a story of successful conservation. The cooperative efforts between Bryce Canyon National Park, state and federal public lands agencies and the park’s local community over the past decades have helped protect not only the Utah prairie dog, but the meadow ecosystems that depend upon it.”

To help promote the event, the park held an art contest open to students in Garfield, Wayne, and Kane counties. The park received 150 artwork submissions from students in classes first through sixth grade depicting the Utah prairie dog in its native environment. All artwork submissions will be on display at the Visitor Center on May 11, and honorable mentions and grade-level winners will be recognized at 1:30 p.m. in the Visitor Center plaza. “Prairie Dog Goodnight” by Jack Harlen K. Shakespeare, a 4th grader from Panguitch Elementary, is featured on this year’s poster.

Teachers interested in attending Utah Prairie Dog Day with their classes can apply for free entrance to the park by following the instructions at the park’s Academic Fee Waiver page at go.nps.gov/BryceFeeWaivers.

A year-round inhabitant of Bryce Canyon’s high plateau meadows, the Utah prairie dog is a critical part of the park’s meadow ecosystem. Utah prairie dogs are considered a “keystone species” as they serve a variety of important functions including aerating soil and promoting plant growth. Over 200 other species have been associated with prairie dog colonies, including wildlife that depend upon prairie dog activity for both food and habitat. The Utah prairie dog has been listed under the Endangered Species Act since 1973, and was successfully reintroduced to the park in the 1980s. More information on the Utah Prairie Dog can be found online at go.nps.gov/UtahPrairieDog.

The park thanks the Bryce Canyon Association, Dixie National Forest, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for their involvement and support of this event.

For more information on the park, 2023 centennial events or Utah Prairie Dog Day please visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/brycecanyon, or contact the park by e-mail at [email protected], or phone at 435-834-5322.

-NPS-

About the National Park Service –More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.