The drab-colored landscape along the southeast border of the park has been developed in alternating beds of shale, coal, and sandstone (Cretaceous age); in the resulting erosion forms, slopes, mounds, rounded ridges, and valleys with inclined or steplike sides predominate. The brightly colored rocks that form the topmost cliffs and terminate abruptly in such headlands as Steamboat Mountain, Bryce Point, and Rainbow Point are resistant limestones of Tertiary age (Wasatch formation). They erode as vertical walls (Pink Cliffs), which weathering has developed into the astonishing display of architectural forms that make Bryce Canyon distinctive.
In going to Bryce Canyon National Park the motorist turns east from the main highway, U S 89, 7 miles south of the town of Panguitch, Utah. From that junction it is 25 miles to the park. This road follows Red Canyon, a brilliantly colored little gorge which is often mistaken for Bryce Canyon itself. The approach to Bryce is unusual; no evidence of the canyon is visible until the visitor walks to the rim and suddenly has revealed to him the great sight in all its breath-taking beauty. Improved highways make Bryce Canyon National Park easily accessible except during the winter.
Travelers by rail may reach the park over the Union Pacific Railroad to Cedar City, Utah, the gateway to Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Canyon (North Rim) National Parks and Cedar Breaks National Monument. Motor buses of the Utah Parks Co. operate to those areas.
Main bus lines operate from Salt Lake City and Los Angeles to Cedar City, where passengers going to the park may transfer to buses of the Utah Parks Co. On prior notice, connections may be made with the Santa Fe Trails System at Marysvale or Panguitch.
United Air Lines serves Salt Lake City, and from there passengers may go by Union Pacific Railroad or bus to Cedar City. Air service is also available from Los Angeles by Western Air Lines, with stops at Las Vegas, Cedar City, and Salt Lake City.
The National Park Service has completed an excellent road, 20 miles long, which follows the high rim the full length of the park plateau. Short spurs lead to such scenic places as Inspiration Point, Bryce Point, Paria View, Natural Bridge, and Rainbow Point.