Located in the American Southwest, Bryce Canyon National Park and its vicinity are geologic wonderlands. Whether it be the landscape’s terracotta hoodoos or forested canyons such as Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, the outdoor adventure opportunities and breathtaking vistas are never-ending here. Supplementary to its untamed wilderness, a crop of small quintessential American Old Western towns freckle the area. Read below to learn more about where to stay, eat, drink, and visit when making the trek to the mesmerizing Bryce Canyon National Park and its beautiful Southern Utah surroundings.
Where to Stay:
Under Canvas Bryce Canyon
Just a 15-minute drive from Bryce Canyon National Park, Under Canvas’ Bryce Canyon flagship epitomizes off-the-grid, luxury camping for those who prefer sleeping in a plush king-sized bed rather than a frigid sleeping bag. Safari-style tents clad in neutral-toned furnishings, modern bathrooms, and in-room cast iron fireplaces immerse guests in the outdoor experience while still providing luxe accommodations.
Yonder Escalante
An ensemble of refurbished vintage airstreams and elevated private cabins comprise Bryce Canyon Country’s Yonder Escalante. Spa-like bathhouses are equipped with heated indoor-outdoor private showers and luxurious amenities (rumor has it that there are Dyson hair dryers for everyone to use). Exploring the surrounding land during the day calls for stargazing at the retro drive-in movie theatre at night.
Where to Eat:
Kiva Koffeehouse
A scenic café embedded overlooking Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, head to Kiva Koffeehouse before starting an adventure-packed day. Its menu changes daily with variant breakfast sandwiches, soups, and salads; however, the warm and gooey chocolate chip cookies are a staple here.
i.d.k Barbecue
For all-American BBQ, this retro roadside stop has everything your heart desires: pulled pork, baked beans, mac n’ cheese, potato salad, cole slaw, and an ever-so-sweet moist cornbread muffin are just a few of the drool-worthy menu items. We hear the Peach Cobbler in a Cone with a dollop of ice cream is the cherry on top.
Where to Drink:
4th West Pub
This family-owned restaurant and bar along Scenic Highway 12 is an inviting Wild West-reminiscent haunt for locals and travelers alike. American classics infused with the owners’ Southern California roots appear on the food menu, along with an extensive selection of alcoholic beverages: beer on draft, ciders, and even non-alcoholic drinks are available.
Where to Visit:
Trailheads & Vantage Points in Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park, sprawling across Southern Utah, is known for its crimson-colored hoodoos, which are spire-shaped rock formations. For awe-inspiring vistas of the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater, visitors can easily access Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and Inspiration Point to take surreal pictures of the canyon. Several popular trailheads, including Queen’s Garden, Navajo Loop, and Fairyland Loop trails, get you up close and personal with incredible hoodoo landmarks such as Thor’s Hammer and Queen Victoria. Horseback riding via a guided tour with Canyon Trail Rides into the park makes you feel like a cowboy charting across untouched land.
Road Trip on Scenic Byway 12
Designated as an All-American Road, the 123-mile-long stretch referred to as Scenic Byway 12, better known as “Highway 12 — A Journey Through Time Scenic Byway,” is an unforgettable road replete with Utah’s miraculous scenery. With private transportation arranged by Southwest Adventure Tours, visitors can take in sweeping red rock formations in Red Canyon while driving under rock-carved tunnels that bridge over these unique roadways.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
For those who prefer straying off the beaten path, the deep-cut canyons piercing into the earth’s core in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is where you’ll find adrenaline junkies and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Try canyoneering with a guided slot canyon hiking tour with Excursions of Escalante. First-timers shouldn’t fret with expert guide Rick leading the way and emphasizing the importance of safety during day trips.
Explore Bryce Canyon City
The town of Bryce Canyon, known as Bryce Canyon City or just Bryce, is an Old West town with rustic yet modernized establishments for tourists staying nearby. Enjoy a prefixed barbecue dinner with a live country music performance by the Bryce Canyon Wranglers at the town’s premiere dinner and show venue, Ebenezer’s Barn & Grill. History buffs will appreciate Old Bryce Town’s main thoroughfare, which contains classic souvenir shops such as the Canyon Rock Shop and Ruby’s Inn General Store.
