Rubys Inn Blog

We all know how hard it is to get up before the sun, but trust me it’s completely worth it to see the sunrise at Bryce Canyon. Sunrise at Bryce Canyon is one of nature’s most perfect scenes, especially during the winter. The brilliant orange sandstone of Bryce Canyon faces to the east, and everything is covered, if not covered then lightly brushed with snow. The moment the sun crosses the horizon everything is bathed in a warm orange light reflecting off the snow to make the colors shine even more. The early morning light enrich the natural colors and deepen the shadows of the rocks. The canyon’s pink and coral rock formations contrast beautifully with white snow. Sunrise in Bryce Canyon during the winter is definitely something everyone should have the opportunity to see. Simply BEAUTIFUL!

(XOXO)

Recently I’ve had the opportunity to do the cross country skiing at Bryce Canyon, Utah. I don’t own a pair of skis, but that wasn’t a problem, Rubys Inn has plenty to rent out to anyone. The workers there were very nice and helpful; they gave me a map so that I wouldn’t get lost, because knowing me I would. When I first set out on my journey, it was pretty hard to get the hang of it at the beginning. I kept losing my balance, however when I finally got use to it, it was a wonderful experience, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Right outside of Rubys they have groomed trails that go out to the rim of Bryce; they also have trails that interconnect with some of the ungroomed trails in Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce Canyon also “purposely” doesn’t plow some of the roads to the lookout points, so that you can ski out to those points. The views were unreal, the red rock amphitheater gleamed beneath a coat of white, and everything looked so surreal; the blanket of slushy snow dampens the trills of nature. I was expecting quite a few people to be out on the trails and overlooking Bryce, but to my surprise the usual crowds of visitors were gone, leaving you with a sense of solitary quiet in this monumental area. If you haven’t already been skiing in this area, I would highly recommend it to anyone that goes to the Bryce Canyon area during the winter.

-Bryce Canyon Girl.. XOXO

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Utah Prairie Dog Day 2011

Ng_UPD062411

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Date: June 3, 2011
Contact: Sarah Haas, 435-834-4753

Bryce Canyon National Park Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh invites you to join the park in our second annual Utah Prairie Dog Day celebration.

The theme of this year’s Utah Prairie Dog Day celebration is “Connections in Nature” – Bryce Canyon National Park is celebrating the unique and important role that Utah prairie dogs play in our environment. A year-round inhabitant of Bryce Canyon’s high plateau meadows, Utah prairie dogs live in social colonies or “towns” and display amazingly complex communication. Their burrow systems are made up of several chambers and provide the animals with protection from predators, places to raise young, store food, and hibernate through the cold winter months. Utah prairie dogs are considered “keystone species” that perform a variety of important ecological functions including soil aeration which helps plants grow, providing prey for other animals, and maintaining meadow ecosystems. Connecting with Utah prairie dogs can help humans learn about healthy ecosystems and the important role that one species can play in maintaining the diversity of life.

The Utah Prairie Dog has been federally listed under the Endangered Species Act since 1973 and is protected as a threatened species. Bryce Canyon National Park reintroduced the Utah prairie dog to park meadows beginning in 1974 and is the only National Park Service unit they inhabit. Today, approximately 200 Utah prairie dogs are found in several meadows within the park. Every year these colonies are monitored and counted to track the health of the animals and condition of their habitat.

Park Biologist Sarah Haas states, “This year’s celebration of the Utah prairie dog will focus on how these animals are instrumental to the well being of other plants and animals and the importance of the role of prairie dogs in sustaining grassland environments. There will be plenty of opportunities to watch prairie dogs living in their natural settings – foraging, watching for predators and displaying an amazing array of barks, chirps and chatters that make up prairie dog language. They are a fascinating animal – one worth knowing!”

=”3″>The celebration will occur on Friday, June 24, 2011 from 9 a.m. through the evening with planned activities that include watching Utah prairie dogs in their natural habitat with a Park Ranger, special presentations on Utah prairie dogs, kids’ tables with activities, and face painting and refreshments. There will also be a special surprise guest! Most activities will take place during the day at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center with a special presentation entitled “Utah Prairie Dogs and Other Cool Critters” at the Bryce Canyon Lodge at 8 p.m.

Utah students and adults are invited to participate in the Connections in Nature art contest! Artwork should focus on how Utah prairie dogs are an important part of our environment. Age categories for the art contest are: K–4th, 5th–8th, 9th–12th, and adult (18 years+). Students in the K-4th category are allowed to color in a drawing of a prairie dog town (contact Marilyn Bulkley for a copy of the drawing). All other age categories should submit original artwork – crayon, pen or pencil sketches, markers, watercolor, oils, etc. On the back of your artwork write: title of artwork, name of artist, age category, and a phone number or contact information.

All artwork must be submitted by June 15th to:

Marilyn Bulkley, Education/Outreach Specialist

Bryce Canyon Natural History Association

P.O. Box 640051, Bryce, UT 84764

435-834-4784

Entries will be judged by Bryce Canyon National Park and Natural History Association staff. First place and runner up prizes will be awarded on the afternoon of June 24th at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center.

All students (K-12th) and their families can enter the park free on Utah Prairie Dog Day. Just tell the Park Ranger at the entrance gate: “I’m here to see the Utah prairie dogs!” and you’ll be admitted for free!

Temple-like spires can be seen in the main amphitheater at Bryce

Did You Know?
March 13, 1919: A Utah Joint Memorial passed legislation which read in part: We urge that the Congress of the United States set aside for the use and enjoyment of the people a suitable area embracing “Bryce’s Canyon” as a national monument under the name: “Temple of the Gods National Monument.”
more…

Utah Prairie Dog Day 2011

Ng_UPD062411

Subscribe RSS Icon | What is RSS
Date: June 3, 2011
Contact: Sarah Haas, 435-834-4753

Bryce Canyon National Park Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh invites you to join the park in our second annual Utah Prairie Dog Day celebration.

The theme of this year’s Utah Prairie Dog Day celebration is “Connections in Nature” – Bryce Canyon National Park is celebrating the unique and important role that Utah prairie dogs play in our environment. A year-round inhabitant of Bryce Canyon’s high plateau meadows, Utah prairie dogs live in social colonies or “towns” and display amazingly complex communication. Their burrow systems are made up of several chambers and provide the animals with protection from predators, places to raise young, store food, and hibernate through the cold winter months. Utah prairie dogs are considered “keystone species” that perform a variety of important ecological functions including soil aeration which helps plants grow, providing prey for other animals, and maintaining meadow ecosystems. Connecting with Utah prairie dogs can help humans learn about healthy ecosystems and the important role that one species can play in maintaining the diversity of life.

The Utah Prairie Dog has been federally listed under the Endangered Species Act since 1973 and is protected as a threatened species. Bryce Canyon National Park reintroduced the Utah prairie dog to park meadows beginning in 1974 and is the only National Park Service unit they inhabit. Today, approximately 200 Utah prairie dogs are found in several meadows within the park. Every year these colonies are monitored and counted to track the health of the animals and condition of their habitat.

Park Biologist Sarah Haas states, “This year’s celebration of the Utah prairie dog will focus on how these animals are instrumental to the well being of other plants and animals and the importance of the role of prairie dogs in sustaining grassland environments. There will be plenty of opportunities to watch prairie dogs living in their natural settings – foraging, watching for predators and displaying an amazing array of barks, chirps and chatters that make up prairie dog language. They are a fascinating animal – one worth knowing!”

=”3″>The celebration will occur on Friday, June 24, 2011 from 9 a.m. through the evening with planned activities that include watching Utah prairie dogs in their natural habitat with a Park Ranger, special presentations on Utah prairie dogs, kids’ tables with activities, and face painting and refreshments. There will also be a special surprise guest! Most activities will take place during the day at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center with a special presentation entitled “Utah Prairie Dogs and Other Cool Critters” at the Bryce Canyon Lodge at 8 p.m.

Utah students and adults are invited to participate in the Connections in Nature art contest! Artwork should focus on how Utah prairie dogs are an important part of our environment. Age categories for the art contest are: K–4th, 5th–8th, 9th–12th, and adult (18 years+). Students in the K-4th category are allowed to color in a drawing of a prairie dog town (contact Marilyn Bulkley for a copy of the drawing). All other age categories should submit original artwork – crayon, pen or pencil sketches, markers, watercolor, oils, etc. On the back of your artwork write: title of artwork, name of artist, age category, and a phone number or contact information.

All artwork must be submitted by June 15th to:

Marilyn Bulkley, Education/Outreach Specialist

Bryce Canyon Natural History Association

P.O. Box 640051, Bryce, UT 84764

435-834-4784

Entries will be judged by Bryce Canyon National Park and Natural History Association staff. First place and runner up prizes will be awarded on the afternoon of June 24th at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center.

All students (K-12th) and their families can enter the park free on Utah Prairie Dog Day. Just tell the Park Ranger at the entrance gate: “I’m here to see the Utah prairie dogs!” and you’ll be admitted for free!

National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Bryce Canyon
National Park
PO Box 640201
Bryce , Utah 84764
435 834-5322 phone
435 834-4704 fax
Bryce Canyon National Park News Release
April 14, 2010
For Immediate Release
Dan Ng (435) 834‐4740, 11‐07
National Parks Will Waive Entrance Fees During National Park Week
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced free admission to all National Park Service
sites, including Bryce Canyon National Park, from April 16 through April 24 to help celebrate
National Park Week. National Park Week provides an opportunity to engage families and
communities in America’s Great Outdoors, reconnecting them with nature and creating
opportunities for people to get outside, be active, and have fun.
This year’s theme is “Healthy Parks, Healthy People.” “Parks are a great untapped resource in
fostering health and wellness across the U.S.,” said NPS Director Jon Jarvis. “Our national parks
have always been loved for their symbolism and scenery, but we aim to increase the awareness
of all parks as places for exercise and healthy living.” National parks will have free admission
during National Park Week, April 16 to 24. This fee waiver does not include camping and special
permit fees.
Bryce Canyon National Park is renowned for its spectacular geology and colorful rock
formations. For information check at the park’s visitor center, opened daily from 8:00 am to
6:00 pm. Here you can obtain information on hiking, trail conditions and ranger programs. You
can also purchase books, watch an orientation video and explore the museum. The Lodge at
Bryce Canyon, restaurant, gift shop, general store, showers and laundry are open for the
season. North Campground is also open. Canyon Trail Rides offers guided horse trips into the
canyon. The Bryce Canyon Shuttle begins service on May 6th.
Park rangers will be presenting daily geology talks at Sunset Point and evening programs at the
lodge. Full moon hikes (reservations required) are offered on the nights of April 16th and 17th
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA
The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.
and night sky programs on Saturdays. To celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd, a special ranger
program “Beautiful Nature” will be presented at the lodge at 8:00 pm. In addition, the Bryce
Canyon Natural History Association will be offering discounts on selected sales items in the
visitor center during National Park Week.
Day hiking trails are open, but are snow‐covered, icy and muddy. Hiking boots or snowboots
with traction devices, as well as hiking poles, are highly recommended. Visitors are reminded
to prepare for winter driving conditions, high elevation and to dress warmly for the cool
temperatures and snow.
Due to rock slides and hazardous trail conditions, the Navajo Loop and Wall Street are
temporarily closed for visitor safety. Assessments will be made weekly to determine when the
trail can be safely reopened. Visitors can hike down into the hoodoos and canyon along the
Queens Garden Trail.
For more information, please visit the park’s website at: www.nps.gov/brca or call 435‐834‐
5322.

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA
The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.
Bryce Canyon National Park News Release
March 31, 2011
For Immediate Release
Dan Ng (435) 834‐4740
11‐05
Bryce Canyon Welcomes Spring Visitors
Winter and early spring is perhaps the most beautiful time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park. Following snowstorms, the
colorful red hoodoos are layered in bands of white snow. The park is largely snow covered on the plateau. The current
snowpack at the Visitor Center (elev. 7,900 ft.) measures 11 inches. Snow in the southern end of the park towards
Rainbow Point (elev. 9,100 ft.) is 2‐3 feet deep. March‐April temperatures average to 50° F during the day and drop to 20°
F at night.
Fairyland and Paria View roads remain unplowed for use by cross‐country skiers and snowshoers. All other park roads
and viewpoints remain open, though the main road to Rainbow Point may be temporarily closed due to snowstorms. The
Visitor Center is opened daily from 8:00 AM‐4:30 PM and extending to 6:00 PM on April 3. Visitors are reminded to
prepare for winter driving conditions, high elevation and to dress warmly for the cold temperatures and snow.
Day hiking trails are open, but are snow‐covered, icy and muddy. Hiking boots/snowboots with traction devices as well as
hiking poles are highly recommended. For the Fairyland Loop and Peekaboo Loop, it is advisable to carry snowshoes. Due
to deep snow in the southern section of the park, backcountry hiking is not recommended.
Due to rock slides and hazardous trail conditions, the Thors Hammer’s side of the Navajo Loop is temporarily closed for
visitor safety. Assessments will be made weekly to determine when the trail can be safely reopened. The Wall Street side
(which is closed during winter) will remain closed for several more months.
Park rangers present geology talks daily, and on Saturdays, evening and night sky programs. Cross‐country ski trails in the
park are on ungroomed 2‐track trails. The slope between the Plateau Rim and 7600 foot contour elevation is closed to
skiing, snowboarding, sledding or sliding devices. Below the Rim, cross‐country skiing is permitted on the Under‐ the‐ Rim
Trail and Riggs Spring Loop.
The Bryce Canyon Lodge, restaurant and gift shop reopen on April 1. Public showers and laundry will be open April 1st
and the General Store by April 3. Horseback rides will resume around April 1 once trails are free of snow and ice. For
more information, please visit the park’s website at: www.nps.gov/brca or call 435‐834‐5322.
‐NPSNational
Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Bryce Canyon
National Park
PO Box 640201
Bryce , Utah 84764
435 834-5322 phone
435 834-4102 fax

Visit Bryce Canyon Before It Changes Forever
Travel Tips, What’s New — By julietrevelyan on February 25, 2011 at 6:53 pm

Bryce Canyon National Park is ancient. The funky hoodoos, pinnacles, fins, and other bizarre rock formations that create its natural amphitheater and draw awestruck visitors from around the world began forming millions of years ago. In the great scheme of things, Bryce Canyon changes very, very slowly. Right?

Well, no. Part of this unique national park’s attraction is its constant changeability. Water trickles and erodes the earth, ice creates and then breaks apart the sculpted hoodoos, and gravity ultimately demands every grain of sand. The landscape today is quite different from that of a million years ago, of a thousand years ago, and sometimes of just last week.

One of the reasons Bryce enjoys national park status is that it’s crumbling and eroding all the time. This makes the scenery gorgeous, dramatic, and always changing. A hoodoo that resembles, say, a member of the royal family may (in fact, will) morph beyond recognition as time and gravity work their inexorable forces on it. Bryce Canyon will certainly be around for a long time still — but it truly will be a different place than it was when you first started planning your trip.

image: Alaskan Dude/Flickr

Consider this:

1. The amphitheater rim recedes at the rate of one foot every 65 years. In geologic terms, that’s practically sprinting.
2. Hoodoos erode an estimated two to four feet every 100 years.
3. Rainfall in the form of a single thunderous summer storm can sluice thousands of tons of sand and silt away from Bryce Canyon. Imagine how much is carted off with each year’s many storms!
4. During late winter and early spring, the thawing ground grumbles and groans as ice and water do their job of eroding the earth.

Awe-inspiring Wall Street is a stunning section of the Navajo Loop hike that features prominently in many visitor photographs. But will it be open when you make it to Bryce Canyon? Very possibly, the answer is no. Wall Street closes often due to rock falls that are not only potentially dangerous to hikers, but also create lasting transformations in the landscape. In fact, one day the Park Service may permanently close this hike as it evolves along its own natural, ever-shifting path.

So get to Bryce Canyon and see it before the next transformation occurs. Even better, stand in awe as you survey the incredible view and realize this place is changing, quite literally, right before your eyes.
Tags: Bryce Canyon, geology, hike, hiking, hoodoo

For Bryce Canyon Hotels, Motels, Lodging and Activities
www.rubysinn.com
Best Western Ruby’s Inn
26 South Main Street
Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764
435-834-5341