Bryce Canyon on horseback

While the geological history of Bryce Canyon goes back millions of years, with the formation of the canyons and other natural features of the landscape, the history of its people and its creation as a national park are much more recent. According to archaeological data, the human history of Bryce Canyon began almost 12,000 years ago, from natives to settlers. Today, Bryce Canyon has become a place to connect with nature.

The indigenous peoples of southwestern Utah have created a rich and deep history in this land. There were three groups of natives who are known to have been in the Bryce area, the Anasazi, the Frémont and the Paiute.

Bryce Canyon National Park is now one of Utah' s most beautiful jewels and a nugget for any traveller. Its bizarre hoodoos and strange rock formations make it one of the most unique landscapes in the world. Millions of visitors come every year to see this incredible landscape and there's no reason why you shouldn't be one of them.

They are pillars of rock, generally between 5 and 150 metres high. Unlike a spire, hoodoos vary in thickness, resembling a totem pole throughout their height. The towers are generally made of sandstone covered with a layer of rock that is more resistant to erosion.

One of the most photographed hoodoos is Thor's Hammer near Sunset Point. In the middle of the hoodoos, some pines manage to take root.

One of the best ways to experience Bryce Canyon National Park is on foot or horseback. Hiking to the Bryce Canyon Amphitheatre allows hikers to get up close and personal with the canyon's unique rock formations, while hiking along the rim gives visitors the opportunity to see these bizarre formations from the top.

Some must-do hikes that are all levels:

• Navajo Loop Trail- This trail loops for about 2 hours from the rim of Sunset Point to the ground floor of Bryce Canyon while passing through impressive hoodoos and awe-inspiring rock formations.
• The Rim Trail- This trail is built around the Bryce Canyon Amphitheatre, the hoodoo-filled valley at the heart of the park.

Another great way to enjoy the National Park landscape is on the back of a horse. Horse riding has been part of the inspiring experience of the park since before it was established as a national park. Hikers cover many kilometres of bridle paths while enjoying guided tours led by wranglers. This is man's oldest and most reliable mode of transport. The ride is perfect for children and adults alike.

After arriving in Bryce Canyon, visitors head to the horse riding centre between The Lodge at Bryce Canyon and Sunrise Point. Upon checking in for the horseback ride, a cowboy will assign a horse or mule that best suits the rider. A beautiful story begins between you and your horse on this descent into the canyon. Along the way, local cowboys talk about the history and geology of Bryce Canyon.

Once the ride has reached the depths of Bryce Canyon, the horses pass along the canyon rim towards the rock formations. While this 2-hour horseback ride sounds inviting, the three-hour journey is a ride of a lifetime. Guided rides generally start in April and run until 31 October, depending on the weather. For more information on this trail: Canyon Rides