Bryce Canyon National Park: Swamp Canyon

Swamp Canyon is usually overlooked by visitors, who disregard Bryce Canyon National Park's tiniest vantage point as just another minor outcrop. However, this Utah wonder offers views of the park's attractions from a more intimate location. In fact the nearby hoodoos and fins appear much grander and can have a greater impact.

It is sad that Swamp Canyon gets disregarded in Bryce Canyon as too small to have any real worth, but it is so much more. It gives a better view than anywhere in this national park of the colorful rocky formations, allowing visitors to experience their massive size.

To the south of the Canyon, eroded pieces of the plateau rise up – the Noon Canyon and Mud buttes are the best. In the rest of the area, hoodoos and fins share space, some developing into natural archways, windows almost to another world. In fact, hoodoos are the remnants of these once amazing archways.

It is also completely surprising to most people that the name does not compare to the swamps of the southeastern United States. However, these are diverse wetlands, traversed by creeks and spring waters that irrigate plants such as the Iris, and makes a home to local salamanders. It is also a haven for varied songbirds.

Nearby trails connect hikers to the backcountry and camping sites. The trail loops around and covers a four mile span, but it is still virginal as no facilities have yet been added. However, this does not perturb campers and hikers, who come to enjoy the true spirit of nature.