Bryce Canyon is something of a misnomer; despite its famous name, it isn't really a canyon. A canyon is a narrow chasm with steep walls on both sides. But there's only one side to Bryce. What it is is an amazing feature caused by erosion by frost weathering and stream weathering on the east side of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in southern Utah. Millions of years ago, this area was under water; the rock was formed by sedimentation, then the plateau was lifted by tectonic forces. The gorgeous reddish colors are evidence of a high concentration of iron oxide in the rock. During the midday hours, the colors are somewhat washed out (but still beautiful), but in the warm glow of a sunrise, they are quite spectacular.