This national park is located in south-central Utah, and its elevation is between 8,000 and 9,000 feet. It is known for its unusual rock formations called “hoodoos.” [note: these are the largest concentration of “hoodoos,” anywhere in the world].
The spire-shaped “hoodoos” were formed by erosion of freshwater limestones of the Eocene-age Claron Formation. These rocks were originally formed a system of freshwater lakes in a flat, low-lying basin where muddy sediments accumulated. Eventually the pinnacles, canyons, bridges, and spires were formed by frost-weathering and stream-erosion processes. These rocks constitute a series of giant natural amphitheraters formed by fresh-water stream-erosion of river and lake beds, which now make up the non-marine Claron Formation.”
The Claron Formation is underlain by marine Cretaceous rocks which have some fossils (early mammals, lizards, etc.). Elsewhere in the park are some Cretaceous rocks with some dinosaur remains and tracks, as well as some turtle and crocodilians remains, etc. Of course, collecting of fossils is not allowed anywhere in the park!
Bryce Canyon is an interesting place and definitely worth visiting. I visited the site in 1975. If you go there in the fall or winter, bring a warm jacket.
Figure 1.Scenic view of the "hoodoos" rock formations.
Figure 2. Close-up of some "hoodoos."
Figure 3. View of one of the trails that visitors can hike down into some outcrops of rock.
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