Winter's Bright Edge
Bryce Canyon National Park is a marvelous destination for winter recreation. The park's pink spires and hoodoos are gorgeous when set against a snowy backdrop. Bryce usually receives heavy snow - plenty for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Snowmobiling is popular in the adjacent mountains.
The annual Bryce Canyon Winter Festival will run Feb 19-20-21 this year. It is hosted by Ruby's Inn, located right at the mouth of the national park. More information about the festival is given below.
Cedar Breaks National Monument, located in the tops of the mountains just west of Bryce Canyon, is also a superb spot for snow sports. "The Bright Edge," the forested rim above the multi-colored Cedar Brakes amphitheater, is one of the world's great places for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The scenery is breathtaking. The Cedar Breaks Rim is over 10,000 feet above sea level.
Nearby, Brian Head Ski Resort offers excellent down hill skiing, a fun family tubing park and excellent cross country ski trails. Duck Creek Village and adjacent play areas on Cedar Mountain rank among the top snowmobile destinations in the US.
Winter sports equipment can be rented or purchased from shops at Ruby's Inn, Duck Creek Village and Brian Head.
So far, Utah's weather has been unusual this winter. Daytime temperatures have been unseasonably mild - making it very pleasant for outdoor activities. Snowfall has been heavy over our northern mountains but light in southern Utah. Most low elevation areas do not have any snow accumulation. We've had great weather for hiking in Zion and Arches and other national parks.
The rim at Bryce Canyon is almost 8,000 feet above sea level. Recent storms have dropped some snow in the area and our best guess is there will be plenty for the Winter Festival. If snow is scarce, the festival will continue with other fun activities. Call Ruby's Inn for updates: 800-468-8660.
The festival includes events for all ages and interests. Some are snow-dependent but others are not.
Festival highlights include:
Of course there will be food, music and other activities. See this pdf document for a complete schedule.
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