Contact: Kevin Poe, 435.834.5322
Bryce Canyon National Park Offers Special Interpretive Programs During the Holiday Season Superintendent Eddie Lopez invites you to attend special ranger-led programs this holiday season at Bryce Canyon National Park. Interpretive Park Rangers will offer astronomy presentations, guided snowshoe hikes, and geology talks during Christmas and New Year’s weeks. Programs are free of charge with payment of the park entrance fee, $25 per car, good for 7 days. Astronomy programs will be offered Tuesday, December 23, 2008, and Tuesday, December 30, 2008, at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center beginning at 7:00 pm. “Dark Ranger” Kevin Poe, will offer his popular “Dark Wars” multimedia presentation. Poe takes us on a tour of the battlefield between artificial light and natural darkness—a struggle where the fate of astronomy, nocturnal animals, and even human health hangs in the balance. The presentation is 60 minutes long and will be followed by stargazing (weather permitting) with professional telescopes operated by Poe’s fellow “Dark Rangers.” Poe says, "Though winter nights can be bitter cold at Bryce, the cold, dry air makes this the very best time of year to see Bryce Canyon's world class night sky!" This holiday season, the night sky showcases planets Venus and Jupiter, the Great Orion Nebula, Crab Supernova Remnant, and many more astronomers’ favorites. Dress warmly for the outdoor telescope session which lasts until you get cold! Geology Talks are offered daily at 11:30 a.m. Check at the visitor center for location. Snowshoe hikes will be offered at 2:00 p.m. on December 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, and 31, and January 2. Bryce Canyon has a limited number of free snowshoes available for these ranger-led snowshoe hikes, or you’re welcome to bring or rent your own snowshoes. Because space is limited, sign-up at the Visitor Center is required for snowshoe hikes. The Bryce Canyon Visitor Center will be closed December 25 and 26, 2008. President Bush has issued an Executive Order declaring Friday, December 26, 2008 a Federal holiday, thereby closing all Federal offices. Other than these two federal holidays, the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center will be open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. throughout the winter. The park never closes. Park roads are plowed and sanded after each snowstorm, but some roads may be temporarily closed during and following winter storms. The staff at Bryce Canyon National Park wish you a happy and healthy holiday season, and hope to see you at our interpretive programs! |
Last updated: February 24, 2015