Bryce Canyon National Park in southwestern Utah is renowned for its extraordinary collection of hoodoos — tall, thin spires of rock formed by frost weathering and stream erosion of the Claron Formation limestone. Despite its name, Bryce Canyon is not a true canyon but rather a series of natural amphitheaters carved into the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. The area was designated a national monument in 1923 and became a national park in 1928. The Paiute people, who inhabited the region for centuries before European contact, called the hoodoos "red rocks standing like men in a bowl-shaped canyon" in their oral tradition.
📚 Learn More at NPSHistory.com →In 1874, Mormon settler Ebenezer Bryce homesteaded in what is now southwestern Utah, reportedly saying the colorful amphitheaters were a 'helluva place to lose a cow'—a comment that would name the canyon.
Not a true canyon but a series of giant natural amphitheaters along the Paunsaugunt Plateau created by erosion. Designated as Bryce Canyon National Park on February 25, 1928; expanded through 1942 to reach 35,835 acres. Contains over one million hoodoos—distinctive tall, thin spires of rock—creating one of Earth's most otherworldly landscapes.
The administration has ordered replaced or removed content that includes the language: “Gases and tiny particles in the air cause haze. Windblown dust and soot from wildfires are natural causes of haze. Human-caused sources come from burning fossil fuels that release nitrogen and sulfur gases.”, “You can help keep the air clear. Conserve energy, use renewable resources, switch to cleaner technologies, and support programs that do the same.”, and “...What happens outside the park - Winds carry pollution into the park from a coal-fired power plant 60 miles (98 km) away in Page, Arizona”.
The administration has directed that this content be replaced or removed, not merely revised but eliminated from the visitor experience at Bryce Canyon National Park.
Why this matters: Bryce Canyon's hoodoos demonstrate how wind, frost, and water can sculpt rock into the most fantastical formations. Over 1.2 million people visit this site each year.
Visitor Center exhibit on Air Quality. Text block reads "Gases and tiny particles in the air cause haze. Windblown dust and soot from wildfires are natural causes of haze. Human-caused sources come from burning fossil fuels that release nitrogen and sulfur gases.“
Side panel text: ”You can help keep the air clear. Conserve energy, use renewable resources, switch to cleaner technologies, and support programs that do the same. “
Includes inset photo of coal fired power plant with caption ”...What happens outside the park - Winds carry pollution into the park from a coal-fired power plant 60 miles (98 km) away in Page, Arizona".
Most practical way to make change, if needed, would be removal and replacement of panel with different text.
In 1874, Mormon settler Ebenezer Bryce homesteaded in what is now southwestern Utah, reportedly saying the colorful amphitheaters were a 'helluva place to lose a cow'—a comment that would name the canyon.
Not a true canyon but a series of giant natural amphitheaters along the Paunsaugunt Plateau created by erosion. Designated as Bryce Canyon National Park on February 25, 1928; expanded through 1942 to reach 35,835 acres. Contains over one million hoodoos—distinctive tall, thin spires of rock—creating one of Earth's most otherworldly landscapes.
Among the content targeted: “Currently the climate here provides a perfect balance of freezing temperatures to create hoodoos. As global temperatures rise, fewer freeze/thaw cycles may occur, creating more rounded hoodoos shaped more by rain and chemical weathering than ice.” — language that the administration has flagged for review under its directive to review historically accurate interpretive materials.
Why this matters: Bryce Canyon's hoodoos demonstrate how wind, frost, and water can sculpt rock into the most fantastical formations. Over 1.2 million people visit this site each year.
Wayside exhibit regarding formation of hoodoos, the park iconic geologic formations. Contains text "Currently the climate here provides a perfect balance of freezing temperatures to create hoodoos. As global temperatures rise, fewer freeze/thaw cycles may occur, creating more rounded hoodoos shaped more by rain and chemical weathering than ice."
Recommendation is to leave as is. If review determines change is needed due to mention of 'global temperature rise', text can be edited and panel reproduced.
In 1874, Mormon settler Ebenezer Bryce homesteaded in what is now southwestern Utah, reportedly saying the colorful amphitheaters were a 'helluva place to lose a cow'—a comment that would name the canyon.
Not a true canyon but a series of giant natural amphitheaters along the Paunsaugunt Plateau created by erosion. Designated as Bryce Canyon National Park on February 25, 1928; expanded through 1942 to reach 35,835 acres. Contains over one million hoodoos—distinctive tall, thin spires of rock—creating one of Earth's most otherworldly landscapes.
Among the content targeted: “Almost extinct by the 1970s because of chemical poisoning, the poplulation of these beautiful hunters has recovered thanks to more careful use and regulation of pesticides.” — language that the administration has flagged for review under its directive to review historically accurate interpretive materials.
Why this matters: Bryce Canyon's hoodoos demonstrate how wind, frost, and water can sculpt rock into the most fantastical formations. Over 1.2 million people visit this site each year.
Legacy wayside, requires eventual replacement due to condition and weathering of panel. Contains the following text about Peregrine Falcons: “Almost extinct by the 1970s because of chemical poisoning, the poplulation of these beautiful hunters has recovered thanks to more careful use and regulation of pesticides.”
Panel can be edited and replaced if required after review.
In 1874, Mormon settler Ebenezer Bryce homesteaded in what is now southwestern Utah, reportedly saying the colorful amphitheaters were a 'helluva place to lose a cow'—a comment that would name the canyon.
Not a true canyon but a series of giant natural amphitheaters along the Paunsaugunt Plateau created by erosion. Designated as Bryce Canyon National Park on February 25, 1928; expanded through 1942 to reach 35,835 acres. Contains over one million hoodoos—distinctive tall, thin spires of rock—creating one of Earth's most otherworldly landscapes.
Among the content targeted: “By 1940, this magnificent bird was on the verge of extinction from poaching, DDT contamination, habitat destruction, and lead poisoning from consuming carrion containing lead bullets” — language that the administration has flagged for review under its directive to review historically accurate interpretive materials.
Why this matters: Bryce Canyon's hoodoos demonstrate how wind, frost, and water can sculpt rock into the most fantastical formations. Over 1.2 million people visit this site each year.
Wayside exhibit about California Condors with text: “By 1940, this magnificent bird was on the verge of extinction from poaching, DDT contamination, habitat destruction, and lead poisoning from consuming carrion containing lead bullets”
If review determines that revision is necessary, text can be edited and new panel produced.
In 1874, Mormon settler Ebenezer Bryce homesteaded in what is now southwestern Utah, reportedly saying the colorful amphitheaters were a 'helluva place to lose a cow'—a comment that would name the canyon.
Not a true canyon but a series of giant natural amphitheaters along the Paunsaugunt Plateau created by erosion. Designated as Bryce Canyon National Park on February 25, 1928; expanded through 1942 to reach 35,835 acres. Contains over one million hoodoos—distinctive tall, thin spires of rock—creating one of Earth's most otherworldly landscapes.
From the internal review records: “Look into the forest. It is more than trees, it is a woodland community of animals, plants, and insects that thrives when the ecosystem is balanced. Over one hundred years of fire suppression has changed the balance, composition, density, and health of western forests, increasing the chance of severe wildfires, disease, parasites, and insect infestation. To reverse these changes, today's forest...”
Why this matters: Bryce Canyon's hoodoos demonstrate how wind, frost, and water can sculpt rock into the most fantastical formations. Over 1.2 million people visit this site each year.
Wayside exhibit regarding NPS forest management. Requires review to determine if text and illustrations emphasize matters unrelated to the beauty, abundance, and grandeur of this natural feature.
Primary text:
Maintaining a Healthy Forest"
Look into the forest. It is more than trees, it is a woodland community of animals, plants, and insects that thrives when the ecosystem is balanced. Over one hundred years of fire suppression has changed the balance, composition, density, and health of western forests, increasing the chance of severe wildfires, disease, parasites, and insect infestation. To reverse these changes, today's forest management policies include prescribed burns, mechanical thinning, and removal of diseased trees. These strive to mimic nature's balance, facilitating conditions for a much healthier ecosystem capable of surviving fires, disease, and a changing climate."
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