4 Best Gateway Towns To Bryce Canyon National Park
There are national parks that span millions of acres and encompass wildly diverse terrains. Some, however, focus on a single feature that sets them apart from the rest of the crowd. Utah's compact Bryce Canyon National Park certainly belongs to the last category. At just 56 square miles, Bryce boasts the world's highest concentration of hoodoos, or totem-pole-like rock columns. There's just nothing of that magnitude elsewhere on the planet. Needless to mention, you have to visit Bryce to appreciate its geographically astounding credentials. Not sure where to base yourself? Discover the 4 best gateway towns to Bryce Canyon National Park.
Bryce Canyon City
Bryce Canyon National Park is laid out along an 18-mile north-south road, with one entrance at the northern end just outside Bryce Canyon City. You can stop at the Bryce Canyon City Visitor Center, located on Highway 63, just about 2 miles from the downtown area and right next to the entrance. Pick up maps, stroll through exhibits at the park's museum on its geology and fauna, and shop at the bookstore. Of course, remember to get some useful hiking tips from the rangers. Alternatively, Bryce Canyon National Park operates a regular, convenient shuttle bus that you can hop on at one of the many stops in town. These include the iconic Ruby's Inn, Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, the Visitor Center, and Old Bryce Town.
Although buses typically arrive every 15 minutes, don't forget to check the shuttle website for real-time updates. For top-notch convenience, the recently renovated Ruby's Inn, now a Best Western Plus property, is hard to beat, especially for its location just outside the park entrance in Bryce Canyon City. Moreover, you can rent one of the hotel's bikes and go exploring in nearby Dave's Hollow or along the park's paved trails. Afterwards, a hearty comfort fare at the hotel's family-style Western buffet and steakhouse should be a fitting climax.
Tropic
Tropic is a small town of about 500, conveniently located just about 10 miles from the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center, which serves as the park's entrance. It is right next to Bryce Canyon City on Utah State Route 12, also known as "Highway 12 — A Journey Through Time Scenic Byway.” Bryce Trails Bed and Breakfast, a relaxed B&B with scenic views and a sun deck, is among the most preferred accommodation options in the area. Patrons rave about the large, quiet rooms and the friendly, personable hosts.
Although the town is quite small, it boasts a few decent restaurants, including The Pizza Place, a neat, upbeat eatery serving pizza with a delicious variety of toppings. There's also a highly rated grocery store, Clark's Country Market, where you can get locally sourced, packed chicken and beef, along with other essential supplies. It is right on Main Street. You can take Route 12 to the park, then turn south onto UT-63, which leads directly into Bryce Canyon National Park. You can also take a taxi.
Panguitch
Panguitch, a Native American term meaning “Big Fish,” supposedly because of the finny delicacies at nearby Panguitch Lake, is a popular base camp for folks traveling to Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Zion National Parks. Nestled in the fertile Panguitch Valley, Panguitch is about 24 miles from the Bryce Canyon Visitor Centre at the park's entrance. It features several accommodation options, whether charming B&Bs or rustic cabins in neat, peaceful environments. There's the Panguitch House, an adorable establishment on Center Street with ample parking space and fresh, home-style breakfasts. Alternatively, rooms at the pet-friendly Lamplighter Lodge start from as low as $47.
The old-timey Main Street district in Panguitch has a couple of nice places to eat and shop, including Cowboy's Smokehouse Cafe/Steakhouse and Patches Quilt Shop. The former, with its delicious meats and impressive side dishes, can go head-to-head with anything in the Salt Lake Valley, while the latter is widely known for its large selection of top-name fabrics. Take the southbound Highway 89 for about 7 miles, then slide east on Route 12 for about 15 miles to Bryce Canyon City, then to the park.
Hatch
A small, historic town in Garfield County with a peaceful, rural feel, Hatch is yet another fantastic jumping-off point for Bryce Canyon National Park. It is on Highway 89 in the valley of the Sevier River, just about 25 miles from the Bryce Canyon National Park Visitor Center. From the town, you will drive about 8 miles northeast to the junction that branches on Route 12, then drive 17 miles to the visitor center. Accommodation options include the Galaxy Motel, a clean, friendly venue with a Harley-Davidson theme and beautiful decor. It is particularly well equipped for motorcyclists visiting the nearby parks (including Bryce) and even has sponges for guests to wash their bikes, if they choose.
Alternatively, Coddiwomple Cottage has themed rooms, a shared kitchenette with all you need to whip up a delicious meal, and incredibly awesome hosts. Sinclair Gas Station is a decent fuel station with a convenience store and clean restrooms. You will find a few cute restaurants and cafes (such as The Outlaw Saloon- Grill & Steakhouse 21+), though most close during the winter season. After you turn on Route 12, keep an eye out for Bryce Canyon Trading Post, a great spot with lots of unique gifts and souvenirs specific to the local area and national parks. If you don't want to rent a car, Red Rock Shuttle might be able to pick you up in Hatch, provided you book the pickup in advance and confirm it with the company.
So, unlike several of its peers, Bryce Canyon National Park packs a lot of drama and colour in a relatively small space. Regardless, the fairy chimneys and series of natural amphitheaters filled with vibrant red, orange, and white rock formations are quite a spectacle. To access this unique outdoor wonder in Utah, tourists have to be acquainted with some of its most convenient gateways.
