The Piute Tribes, who are native to south-central Utah, call Bryce Canyon National Park Unka-timpe-wa-wince-pockich, which means “red rocks standing like men in bowl shaped canyon.” The red rocks they are referring to are tall spires called hoodoos that are found in the Bryce Canyon National Park area. The legend that coincides with this unusual name is a fascinating tale.

The legend says that a long, long time ago a group of people moved into the area and made a coyote angry with their bad behavior. The coyote put a curse on the people, now called “Legend People” turning them to stone.

Many visitors to Bryce Canyon that have heard the legend, say they can see the images of people sitting, standing and holding each other, when they look into the amphitheaters though out this captivating national park.

The park was given it's “American” name when the early Mormon settlers came to the area. A homesteader, named Ebenezer Bryce, built his home in the area where the park’s lodge stands today. His neighbors began referring to the area as Bryce’s Canyon, and the name stuck. Reports say that when Bryce was asked about his thoughts on the canyon he replied, “It’s a heck of a place to lose a cow.”

The area was set aside as a National Monument by President Harding in 1923. By 1928 Congress had given the area National Park status. There have been several boundary changes throughout the years increasing the size of the park. Bryce Canyon is currently an impressive 35,835 acres of juniper forests, hoodoos and incredible views.