Bryce Canyon Hoodoos

Imagine for a minute towering, weather worn, almost gothic style spires rising up from a Utah canyon, and one can clearly picture the beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park's hoodoos. In fact, most visitors are not surprised to hear the interesting names that have been applied to these rock formations.

When visitors glance at the many hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah), it is not just their individual names that inspire visions of Gothic Europe. These hardened ancient towers of eroded rock provide formations that are never repeated, each one being totally unique from its neighbours.

These hoodoos are all that is left of their former volcanic ancestors. They have weathered the course of time beautifully, especially when the morning sunrise scatters its light rays upon the rocks, almost dancing in finger thin strips of glowing color. Others have also compared the view to childhood stories of demonic goblins doing a jig in the infernal caverns of Hell. However, whatever one's opinion, everyone agrees that the sight is truly magnificent.

What makes the hoodoos unique is millions of years of sedimentary build up – layer upon layer of purples, reds and browns. Some of the most famous of these are Thor's Hammer, the Poodle, Tower Bridge, the Chessman and the Wall of Windows. However, if these are the makings of legends, then the local native tail about evil people being turned to stone may make any visit there more enchanting.

The hoodoos of Bryce Canyon can be seen by three different states. Their shadows forever haunt anyone who visits them.