Bryce Canyon National Park in southwestern Utah preserves a high-elevation stretch of immense natural amphitheaters along the Paunsaugunt Plateau, famed for thousands of vividly colored hoodoos formed by frost weathering and erosion. People have lived here for at least 10,000 years, including Anasazi, Fremont, and later Paiute communities, whose traditions explained the stone formations through legend. In the 19th century Mormon settlers entered the area, and it took its name from Ebenezer Bryce, who homesteaded there in 1874. Protected first as a national monument in 1923 and redesignated a national park in 1928, it is also notable for historic park architecture, varied high-country ecosystems, and exceptionally dark night skies.