Jul 09
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If you are ready to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Strip, take a tour of Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park. Generally, you will find these two parks a combination package tour. They are both unique in their own way and both a photographer’s dream. Their breathtaking landscape is one that you will remember for the rest of your life. Not to mention the one of a kind scrapbook you will be able to share with those who were not able to make the trip to Las Vegas.
Bryce Canyon National Park
You will feel you entered into another world when you visit the breathtaking Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce Canyon is located within the park. The unique thing about Bryce Canyon is that it is not a canyon, at all! Technically, it is a huge amphitheater that has been carved by erosion along the eastern side of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Bryce Canyon is even more unique because of its structures, called hoodoos that were formed from wind, water, and ice erosion of the river and lakebed rocks.
These sedimentary rocks are colorful, making Bryce Canyon an exquisite sight. Its red, orange, and white colors blend together to create an essence of natural, pure beauty. Bryce Canyon is beyond beautiful. Its captivating colors and breathtaking beauty has drawn people from all over the world just to experience this natural wonder.
As you begin your journey through Bryce Canyon National Park, you will want to take in all there is to see. Pay attention to all that is around you. Take time to listen and feel what this beautiful national park has to offer.
Look for the more than 400 native plant species that live in the part. The types of plants and trees you will see will depend on the elevation you are at.
There are three zones of life that the park is based on by elevation, which are:
• Lowest Zone – Here you will see dwarf forests that are made of Pinyon Pine and Juniper. Along the crystal clear streams, you will find Aspen, Cottonwood, Water Birch, and Willows.
• Mid Zone – Here you will experience the beauty of Ponderosa Pine forests that have Blue Spruce, Douglas-fir, and Manzanita.
• Highest Zone – This is where you can see the Douglas-fir and White-fir, as well as Aspen and Engelmann Spruce. Be preparedto see some of the oldest trees ever, the ancient Great Basin Bristlecone Pine, which some are over 1,600 years old! What an amazing tree to witness.
Not only will you witness trees that are thousands of years old, but you will be captivated by the wildlife that lives in the park that has actually been listed under the Endangered Species Act. These include: The Utah Prairie Dog, The California Condor, and the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher.
As you journey through the park, you will also see and hear birds of all kinds, such as swifts, jays, ravens, eagles, etc. Also be on the lookout for the mule deer, mountain lion, and coyotes.
Zion National Park
This is just as beautiful as Bryce Canyon. People have compared it to “the Garden of Eden.” It is a photographer’s dream. Zion Canyon was created by the Virgin River that runs through it. This deep valley had intriguing waterfalls, creating crystal clear waters running through the Zion Canyon.
Consider visiting the Zion National Park in the fall, just when the leaves are changing colors. The spectacular contrast of the red-rock and the fall colors of the leaves are beyond words!
Be sure to book a tour early. Expect this tour to last two to four days! But, it is well worth the time you spend away from the busy Las Vegas Strip!
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