53 units. Prices range from $150–$171 for a standard room, but may fluctuate with the seasons. Amenities: Restaurant; Jacuzzi; covered heated pool (Apr–Oct only); free Wi-Fi.
Bryce Country Cabins There’s something special about staying in a genuine log cabin during a national park vacation, but there’s also something very appealing about hot showers and warm beds. Bryce Country Cabins offers the best of both worlds, with modern log cabins and a historic pioneer cabin. The grounds are nicely landscaped, with good views, although we wish the units were farther from the highway.
The modern cabins have knotty pine walls and ceilings, exposed beams, and ceiling fans. Each has one or two queen-size beds, a table and chairs, and a porch. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos or showers only. The 1905 pioneer cabin has two spacious rooms with country-style decor. Each has two queen-size beds and a full bathroom, and the rooms can be rented together or individually. There are outdoor barbecues, a fire pit for evening gatherings, and a children’s play-fort. All cabins are nonsmoking.
320 N. Utah 12, Tropic. www.brycecountrycabins.com. 435/679-8643. 13 units. Summer $160–$189 double; villa with a king or two queens and a twin $326. Lower rates off-season Amenities: Free Wi-Fi.
Bryce Valley Inn A member of the America’s Best Value Inn & Suites franchise, the Bryce Valley Inn offers simply decorated, basic motel rooms that are a clean, well-maintained, and relatively economical choice for park visitors. Units are furnished with either one king-size bed, one or two queen-size beds, or two double beds. There are also suites with either one queen or one king bed, plus a refrigerator and microwave. All units are nonsmoking. A gift shop on the premises offers a large selection of American Indian arts and crafts, handmade gifts, rocks, and fossils.
199 N. Main St., Tropic. www.brycevalleyinn.com. 800/442-1890 or 435/679-8811. 65 units. Late spring to early fall $85–$115 double and suite; rates from $50 double the rest of the year. 8 miles east of the park entrance road. Pets accepted ($20 fee). Amenities: Restaurant; free Wi-Fi.
Bryce View Lodge This basic modern American motel offers the best combination of economy and location. It consists of four two-story buildings, set back from the road and grouped around a large parking lot and attractively landscaped area. The simply decorated average-size rooms are comfortable and quiet, with two queen-size beds and artwork depicting the rock formations you’ll see in the park, located just down the road. Guests have access to the amenities at Ruby’s Inn, across the street. All units are nonsmoking.
105 E. Center St., Bryce Canyon City. www.bryceviewlodge.com. 888/279-2304 or 435/834-5180. 160 units. Summer double $110 and up, rest of year double $100 and up. Pets accepted ($20 per night fee). Amenities: See Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn, p. 249.
Stone Canyon Inn This charming inn is the best place to stay outside the park for those who seek upscale accommodations and fantastic views. Each room is unique, with queen- or king-size beds, colorful quilts, handsome wood furnishings, and a classic Western look; most have private hot tubs. In addition to rooms, including a new-in-2018 king room with soaker tub and fridge and one room partly crafted for travelers with disabilities, choose a 2-bedroom, 2-bath cottage that sleeps six, and assortment of guest houses, and a “tree” house. The Stone Hearth Grill serves upscale American food (and plenty of beef); dinner entrees range from $26 to $38. The inn sits well off the main road, on the boundary of the Bryce Canyon National Park, and large windows afford views either into the park or nearby Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument. Smoking is not permitted.
1220 W. 50 S., Tropic. www.stonecanyoninn.com. 435/679-8611. Rates from $235 bungalow to $365 for 2-bedroom cottage; reduced rates in the off-season. Rates include full breakfast. Amenities: Restaurant; sauna; free Wi-Fi. From Utah 12 in Tropic, take Bryce Way Rd. west 1 mile to Fairyland Lane, and follow the sign to the inn. Children 4 and under not allowed in the inn; no age restrictions for cottages.
Where to Eat
In addition to the restaurants discussed below, Ebenezer’s Barn & Grill (https://ebenezersbarnandgrill.com; 435/834-5341, ext. 7099) part of the Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn complex, at 26 South Main St., in Bryce Canyon City, offers a Western dinner and slightly hokey show nightly at 8pm during the summer. Diners choose from a set menu then mingle at large tables to eat and enjoy the show, which is a combination of Western-style music and humor. Dinner options include rib-eye steak, baked salmon, baked chicken, and barbecue, with prices from $26 to $32; all meals include beans, potatoes, corn bread, dessert, and a nonalcoholic beverage. Tickets are available at Ruby’s Inn.
In the Park
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon AMERICAN They call it “parkitechture”—that stone-and-wood design of many national park lodges that evokes a certain era. Here, two handsome stone fireplaces and large windows look out on the park, which is reason enough to dine at the lodge. But the food’s good, too, and reasonably priced. Breakfasts offer typical American standards and a good buffet. At lunch, you’ll find sandwiches, burgers, salads, and a taco bar. The menu changes periodically, but may include dinner specialties such as pan-seared Alaskan sockeye salmon topped with sun-dried tomato pesto, and perhaps a rack of lamb. Steaks are also offered, including a bison tenderloin, and other dishes frequently available include chicken with lime and chili. There are also vegetarian items, and the restaurant serves wine and beer.
Bryce Canyon National Park. www.brycecanyonforever.com. 435/834-8700. Breakfast a la carte or buffet ($15 adult, $8 12 and under); Lunch entrees $10–$16 or buffet ($16 adult, $8 12 and under). Dinner entrees $18–$35. Daily 7–10am, 11:30am–3pm, and 5–10pm. Closed Mid-Nov through Mar.
Nearby
If you want a break from meat and potatoes, try The Pizza Place (http://brycecanyonpizza.com; 435/679-8888), open year-round at Bryce Canyon Inn in Tropic, or Valhalla Pizza ( 435/834-8709) and RoadRunner Pizza (http://www.roadrunnerpizzafresh.com; 707/812-2403), open seasonally in Bryce Canyon City.
Canyon Diner AMERICAN Part of the Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn complex, this self-serve restaurant offers typical fast-food fare, relatively quick and close to the park. Breakfasts, served
