The Bryce National Park area was originally settled by Mormon pioneers and was named after Ebenezer Bryce, who homesteaded in the area shortly after the American Civil War. The area around Bryce Canyon was designated as a national monument by President Warren G. Harding and was redesignated as a national park by Congress. The park covers 35,835 acres (55.992 sq miles).   
During this trip, I chose to walk the Queen's Garden Trail which has some incredible areas overlooking the hoodoos and rock formations that define Bryce National Park.
According to www.LightPollutionMap.info, this is a Bortle Class 2 location.
From Las Vegas, take Highway the I-15 north as if you're going to Salt Lake City for a little over 2 hours.  Take the exit to Utah-20 East and go 20 miles until you reach US 89-S.  Turn right and travel 31 miles to the city of Bryce.  Go south for 5 miles and you're THERE!