Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the more popular parks in southern Utah, attracting crowds from around the world.  Being relatively close to Nevada, many people fly to Las Vegas and drive up from there.  The unique formations of the hoodoos and the accessibility of the park make this such an attractive destination.  But once off the beaten trail, the crowds thin out and nature takes over.  The park boasts a diversity of wildlife.  Visible even from the road is a large prairie dog colony.  Pronghorn, chipmunks, smaller mammals and reptiles also call this place home.  The park and area supports a few cougar which will sometimes make an appearance in winter while tracking game.  Birds that live in the park include the Peregrine Falcon, the Nutcracker, and the California Condor as well as the raven which will bug you relentlessly for food or other handouts.  The canyon supports a lush forest of trees both along the rim and down in the base of the canyon.  There are few trees nestled in among the hoodoos, the hoodoo being the main source of shade under the rim.  The various trees found in the park include Ponderosa and Bristlecone Pines, junipers, cedars, firs, spruces, and Douglas Firs.  The trees found in the area are twisted and stunted.  The winds moving through the area, twist the trees around as they grow.  Trunks and logs, found along the rim and trails leave uniquely twisted forms of spiral patterns in wood.