Bryce Canyon National Park is named
for pioneer Ebenezer Bryce who came to the Paria Valley with his family
in 1875. He was sent by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
because his skill as a carpenter would be useful in settling this area.
Bryce built a road to the plateau top to retrieve firewood and timber.
He also built an irrigation canal to raise crops and animals. Local
people called the canyon with the strange rock formations near
Ebenezer's home "Bryce's Canyon". The Bryces moved to Arizona
in 1880, the name remained.
As southern Utah developed, Reuben
and Minnie Syrett--who homesteaded just outside the present park
boundaries--brought their friends to see the intricately eroded stone
formations. By popular demand, they developed sleeping and eating
facilities on the canyon rim. They called their establishment,
"Tourist's Rest." When the area was set aside as a national
monument in 1923, the Union Pacific Railroad bought out the Syrett's
interests and began to construct Bryce Canyon Lodge intending to make
the Bryce Canyon area part of their new "Loop Tour" of the
southwest. The Syrett's then built "Ruby's Inn" on their own
land just north of the park.
Interest in the area continued to
grow after the declaration of the new national monument. The Union
Pacific continued to improved facilities in the area. They improved
transportation into Cedar City and started a shuttle service from the
train depot there to Bryce Canyon National Monument. In 1924, Bryce
Canyon National Monument was declared Utah National Park. The Bryce
Canyon Lodge was finished in the same year. In 1925, the Union Pacific
continued to expand the Bryce Canyon Lodge, due to the overwhelming
popularity of the area.
Bryce Canyon Lodge still serves
park visitors. This National Historic Landmark has been renovated to
provide modern safety and conveniences, while maintaining the character
of the 1930's.
In 1928 an act of congress
increased the amount of protected land to double what was already
protected by the new national park. This addition of land was
accompanied by another name change. Bryce Canyon National Park was
officially designated on February 25, 1928.
Bryce canyon has two campgrounds,
North Campground and Sunset Campground. Follow the links below for
information and online reservations.
Reservations
For The North Campground
Reservations
For The Sunset Campground
Reservations
Provided By Reserve America
Activities in the park include
hiking, camping, horseback riding, auto touring, bird watching and
more.
For
more information on Bryce Canyon Click Here
