It's always interesting to take a look back at Utah's history, and these vintage photos of Bryce Canyon National Park will certainly take you back in time. Some things were very different back then, but other things (like the natural beauty of this amazing place) are just the same. As you are searching for a national park to visit in Utah, Bryce Canyon should be at the top of your list. This national park is a true treasure and these vintage photos will make you eager to plan a visit.
1. Sunset Point Guided Trip, 1920s
Wow! Can you even fathom hiking in this national park wearing a dress, hat, stockings, and heels? This is certainly not what we'd choose to wear today!
2. This photo was taken prior to 1929.
Back then, trails weren't completed and visitors often spent time listening to music along the canyon rim between Sunrise Point and Sunset Point. The radio is a battery-powered Charles Freshman tuned radio frequency (TRF) five-tube broadcast band receiver. You can still see this beauty in the park's lodge!
3. Bryce Canyon Lodge opened in 1925.
At that time, the park was Bryce Canyon National Monument — it wasn't designated a national park until 1929. Check out the lady in the fur coat! Can you imagine wearing that on your trip to this national park today?
4. Here's another photo of the lodge. This image was captured around the time the lodge first opened.
Doesn't it look great? This is definitely a national park to visit in Utah years ago (and today!).
5. The Inspiration Point kiosk in the 1930s.
Black and white just doesn't do this place justice. Imagine how excited photographers at Bryce Canyon National Park must have been once they had color film. Today, visitors snap beautiful pics with their smartphones.
6. Camping at Bryce Canyon National Park.
We are not sure the year this image was taken, but these folks look pretty relaxed, don't they? Have you ever seen a tent like that?
7. Hanging out around the campfire.
In this image, it looks as though the park rangers are giving some sort of talk, especially since they're standing and everyone else is lounging on the ground. Maybe park rangers were just a lot more formal back in the day?
8. Ranger Patrol on the Fourth of July, 1949.
What a pretty handsome group of men!
9. A horse riding tour.
You can still take a horseback tour of Peek-A-Boo Loop and travel right under the Wall of Windows today. In fact, Peek-A-Boo Loop Trail was named the best hike in Bryce Canyon National Park.
10. Another canyon trail ride.
Have you ever taken a canyon trail ride at one of the best parks in Utah?
11. The "Bryce Canyon Sing Away Song"
Once upon a time, Bryce Canyon Lodge employees stood on the back porch and serenaded travelers with the "Bryce Canyon Sing Away Song," which was written by former employees. It was a way to send travelers off with a warm farewell.
Things have certainly changed at Bryce Canyon, haven't they? It's still just as beautiful and one of the best national parks to visit in Utah.
What did you think about these vintage photos of Bryce Canyon? Share with us your thoughts in the comments! And, if you don't know much about the history of this national park, it's quite fascinating and dates back thousands of years.
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