Paria View is one of the few places in Bryce Canyon that provides a view of the setting sun. Here, one of the prominent and photogenic castle-like hoodoos Ýview rises dramatically above the canyon floor. Paria is a word from the Paiute tribe, meaning “water with elk,” or “water with mud.” The Paria River drainage to the east and south is famous for its slot canyons, which were initially carved by rapid rates of runoff in Spring thaws during the Ice Age. Erosion continues today during flash floods, when water can pour through these narrow places at rates up to 50 miles an hour! Hikers are strongly urged to stay out of the Paria River Canyons during thunderstorms for obvious reasons. In addition, overlooks can be dangerous during storms due to lightning strikes.    260 220 2 84