Bryce Canyon has an interesting history that began in the 1850s when Mormon pioneers made their way to the area to settle in and raise their families. In 1874, Ebenezer Bryce set up his own homestead, which led to the naming of the settlement as Bryce Canyon.
The expansive range of carved rock arches, pink cliffs, forests, and unusual formations inspired the designation of Bryce Canyon as a national monument in 1923 by President Warren G. Harding. In 1928, Congress re-designated the monument as Bryce Canyon National Park.
Bryce Canyon City is adjacent to Bryce Canyon National Park, making the area a prime destination for travelers. The city's origins began in 1916 as a small community and it incorporated as a town in 2007. Although the resident population is low, the tourist population can reach the thousands.
When should you visit Bryce Canyon, Utah?
Bryce Canyon City has a diverse climate that ranges from perfect summer temperatures to plunging winter lows.
Depending on travel itineraries, travelers can expect sunshine for around 255 days and an average of 15 inches of rain annually. July is an excellent time to visit as temperatures average 81 degrees in contrast to January temperatures averaging 10 degrees.
For snowy scenery, Bryce Canyon City receives 82 inches of snowfall compared to the U.S. average of 26 inches. For the overall comfort level, the U.S. rating is 54 out of 100 whereas Bryce Canyon City is 65 out of 100, meaning it has a more comfortable climate throughout the year.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Bryce Canyon, UT:
Bryce Canyon, UT: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Bryce Canyon, UT. Browse these illustrations to determine the most cost effective time to book in Bryce Canyon for upcoming travels.
What are the luxury hotel options in Bryce Canyon, Utah?
For travelers arriving by plane at Cedar City Regional Airport, several hotels are available in Panguitch about an hour's drive from the airport. From Panguitch, the drive to Bryce Canyon is about 30 minutes.
Quality Inn Bryce Canyon Panguitch generates a rustic western atmosphere throughout the hotel. The 80 non-smoking rooms have the comforts of home with a mini-fridge, microwave, coffeemaker, cable TV, Wi-Fi, and free breakfast each morning. During your stay, you'll have access to the business center, laundry facilities, live music, room service, and the hotel's restaurant featuring weekend dinner shows.
Less than 15 minutes from Bryce Canyon National Park is the Bryce Pioneer Village in Tropic, Utah, nestled beneath the majesty of Bryson Canyon's pink cliffs. Step back in time and enjoy the western motif of the village situated on 13 acres. The village offers western cabins, campsites, and an RV park in a serene setting with amenities that include a pool, fire pit, and the village's Showdowns on-site restaurant with live entertainment.
Choose from among several historic cabins constructed in 1925, preserved and updated by the Village. Cabin types include one queen, queen with kitchenette, and queens with microwave and refrigerator. Rooms include singles, doubles, and queen family units. Some of the amenities include free wireless internet, flat-screen TV, free continental breakfast, and maid service. If arriving by RV, the park has pull-through sites, bathrooms and hot shower facilities, fire pits, water and sewer, and power with 50-amp connections.
What are the affordable hotel options in Bryce Canyon, Utah?
3 Star Average Prices: $131.28
Best Western Plus Ruby's Inn is within walking distance of Bryce Canyon National Park. Relax in the western-themed lobby designed with log pillars, high ceilings, and a stone fireplace before heading to one of the 370 pet-friendly, non-smoking rooms fitted with microwaves, refrigerators, Wi-Fi, coffeemaker, and cable TV.
Guests have everything needed for a comfortable stay with amenities such as an on-site laundry, fully stocked general store, business center, on-site restaurant serving three meals a day, and the convenience of the attraction shuttle service. The seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub are refreshing, and the indoor pool is perfect any time of year.
2 Star Average Prices: $100.25
What hotels in Bryce Canyon, Utah can you get the best discounts?
Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel offers a quaint and cozy atmosphere with its wood beams and fireplace in the front reception area. The pet-friendly hotel provides a selection of standard, double, king, or queen rooms, and deluxe suites. Rooms are equipped for convenience and entertainment with access to the free Wi-Fi, in-room movies, microwave, and refrigerator. For comfort and relaxation, unwind in the heated outdoor pool or whirlpool hot tub. The hotel has meeting and banquet spaces for group events with seating for 120 guests and offers discounts for seniors and AAA members.
What are the best value hotel options in Bryce Canyon, Utah?
Family-owned Bryce Canyon Pines offers accommodations in the hotel, private cottages, campgrounds, and full hookups for RV travelers. The hotel is nestled among Ponderosa pine trees, with peaceful surroundings and seclusion as your neighbors. Relax by the fireplace in the reception area, sleep soundly in a four-poster bed, access the internet, pick up items at the on-site store, swim in the outdoor pool, or enjoy the hot tub. Guests have access to a gas station, laundry, and an on-site restaurant with down-home cooking.
In Panguitch, include Quality Inn Bryce Canyon as your base and enjoy a beautiful drive nearby on Scenic Byway 12. The affordable hotel has a rustic charm, friendly service, and clean and pleasant rooms with TV and coffeemaker. Guest have access to free Wi-Fi, laundry services, and a delicious complimentary breakfast.
Days Inn Panguitch makes travel time comfortable and convenient. The pet-friendly hotel features free amenities that include breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi. Rooms are nicely appointed with flat-screen TVs and tea and coffeemaker. The renovated hotel is non-smoking and has a children's play area, a business center, RV parking, and staff available at the reception desk 24 hours a day.
What are the top things to do in Bryce Canyon, Utah?
When visiting Bryce Canyon, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy with the majority centered around Bryce Canyon National Park. Within the park, hiking trails are plentiful for all levels of skill. During your hike, you'll see unusual rock formations such as Queen Elizabeth, Thor's Hammer, Gulliver's Castle, Twin Bridges, and the Natural Bridge.
Bryce Canyon National Park's hiking trails allow visitors to explore the many layers that make up the cliffs, escarpments, and unique hoodoo rock formations. The trails are categorized as easy, moderate, and strenuous. A few of the top day hikes for all ages include Mossy Cave Trail, Bristlecone Loop Trail, Navajo Loop Trail, the Rim Trail between the Sunset and Sunrise Points, and Queens Garden Trail. These trails are all less than 2 miles in length.
For extraordinary photo opportunities of either the sun rising or setting over Bryce Canyon, take one of the trails to Sunrise Point or Sunset Point to capture the stunning rays highlighting the backdrop of the colorful rock formations.
There are several additional points within the park that provide panoramic views. Each offers its own view of named formations, canyons, plateaus, arches, and cliffs. Plan your itinerary to visit these areas that include Rainbow and Yovimpa Points, Farview Point, Paria View, and Bryce Point.
Exploring the vast openness of Bryce is available with a variety of options. For die-hard hikers, exploring the numerous trails on foot remains a popular choice. Taking in the sights with a group who has chosen to work their way in, out, and around formations along trails via horseback provides an easygoing mode of transportation suitable for all ages. Action seekers with a love of maneuvering and manipulating will find that ATV tours provide an adrenaline rush of excitement while zipping through the colorful landscape.
The Bryce Canyon Winter Festival is an annual event hosted by the national park and Ruby's Inn. It's a fun festival of winter activities featuring classes, demos, workshops, dance instruction, ski clinics, presentations, tours, and arts and crafts. Snow enthusiasts can participate in cross-country skiing, sled races, snowshoeing, ice skating, snow boot races for kids, and more.
Two other festivals to consider include the annual Bryce Canyon Geology Festival (GeoFest) and the Bryce Canyon Astronomy Festival. At the GeoFest, visitors are in for a treat with multiple activities. The fest offers guided hikes with park rangers, bus tours with a geologist, family-friendly programs, exhibits, and evening programs.
The annual Bryce Canyon Astronomy Festival is an opportunity to set up a telescope and witness the sparkling beauty of the Milky Way set against a background of towering Ponderosa pines and sandstone hoodoos.
If you're interested in a day trips to other Utah destinations with natural sculptures making up the landscape, there's Powell Point for mountain biking and Zion National Park is just 90 minutes away. A visit to the 1.9-million-acre Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is yet another rugged paradise of painted grottoes, imposing rock walls, and narrow canyons not to be missed.
When visiting Bryce Canyon, Utah, you'll step into an atmosphere of rustic charm where the landscape provides incredible beauty and breathtaking scenery. Whether you choose to stay in a hotel just steps from the park gate or stay in a nearby city, no matter which direction you choose to travel, the road to Bryce Canyon is filled with interesting stopovers along the way.
FAQs about hotels in Bryce Canyon
How much does a cheap hotel in Bryce Canyon cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Bryce Canyon can be as cheap as $100.25 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Bryce Canyon cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Bryce Canyon has been $131.28 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)