The news story is based on a press release from the National Park Service, which was issued on July 7, 2023. You can read the original release here. 100 years of Bryce Canyon! Celebrating this centennial with a Geology Festival that will be held on Friday, July 14 and Saturday, July 15. The festival offers a range of activities, including guided hikes, geology programs, and interactive family-friendly booths. This year, the festival highlights evening programs by author and geologist Christa Sadler and park paleontology fellow Tut Tran, who will explore fossil discoveries within and around Bryce Canyon National Park. Admission to the Geology Festival is free with park admission, but some programs may require tickets.
Each day of the festival will begin at 10 a.m. with a geologist-guided hike lasting about 90 minutes. These hikes are suitable for families and require free tickets, available at the Visitor Center from 8 a.m. onwards on the day of the hike.
Starting at 12 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday, interactive geology and paleontology booths will be open to the public until 4 p.m. These booths, located at the Visitor Center plaza, feature various local public lands and educational institutions, providing engaging information.
Throughout the festival, daily geology talks at 11 a.m. and rim walks exploring natural and cultural history at 2 p.m. will continue to be offered. These programs begin at Sunset Point and are open to everyone.
Special evening programs will be held at the North Campground Outdoor Theater at 8 p.m. On Friday, paleontology fellow Tut Tran will discuss the paleontological work conducted in the park, highlighting significant fossil discoveries. Saturday’s evening program will feature geologist and writer Christa Sadler, who will delve into the paleontology of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, an area neighboring Bryce Canyon. These evening programs are open to the public, and free tickets can be obtained at the Visitor Center starting from 8 a.m. on the day of the program. In case of inclement weather, the program may be relocated to Bryce Canyon Lodge, with reserved seating for ticket holders.
Before your visit to Bryce Canyon, it is recommended to check the conditions, alerts, and other important information on the official website at www.nps.gov/BryceCanyon. You can also contact the park through social media or by calling (435) 834-5322 for further inquiries.