Bryce Canyon National Park is home to the world’s highest density of rock hoodoos. The unique landscape and sometimes even bizarre surroundings in this Utah park are spectacular to take in. But where to stay near Bryce Canyon National Park for the best experience?
The old-school Bryce lodging within the park gives you the ultimate hoodoo access. However, the gateway town Bryce Canyon City offers hotels near Bryce Canyon with more amenities, such as swimming pools.
If you rather stay off the beaten path, Bryce Valley’s Tropic and the bigger town (relatively speaking) Panguitch provide additional Bryce Canyon accommodations, including motels, bed & breakfasts and cabins.
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Table of contents
- Bryce Canyon NP – Within park
- Bryce Canyon City – Gateway town
- Bryce Valley – East of park
- Panguitch – Bigger city
- Kanab – Southwest access
- Springdale – One Bryce & Zion base
Bryce Canyon National Park
Do you want to stay with Bryce National Park on your very doorstep? For this ultimate access, there’s just one Bryce Canyon lodging opportunity available inside the park.
Uniquely so, you spend your whole Bryce trip exploring the park at the Lodge at Bryce Canyon. When you enjoy the only Bryce Canyon lodging within the park, your whole trip is a mighty Utah adventure.
Location wise, you can’t beat the Lodge at Bryce Canyon.
Accommodation options here include western cabins, sunrise & sunset lodge rooms, guest suites and guest studios. However, it’s — exactly like it should be — a rustic place to stay for Bryce Canyon National Park
Do you want a luxury hotel near Bryce Canyon National Park? Then the Lodge at Bryce Canyon certainly isn’t for you.
But regardless of preferences, you can’t miss its rustic charm, and, of course, ultimate location.
Just have in mind that as there’s only one lodging alternative within Bryce National Park, the Lodge at Bryce Canyon sells out quickly. So make sure to book as early as you can if you want to stay here.
In short, when staying at the Lodge at Bryce Canyon, you have all the park action right on your doorstep. But for better amenities, look towards the other options for where to stay when visiting Bryce Canyon National Park.
- Distance: 0 mi
- Driving time: 0 min
- Pick Bryce Canyon NP for: Bryce lodging within the park.
Bryce Canyon City
Bryce Canyon City is the gateway to Bryce Canyon National Park. It’s an option for where to stay near Bryce Canyon that gives you superb access but still a few more of those treasured amenities.
The unique landscape in the area makes it easy to envy Bryce Canyon City’s position. It’s just 2.5 miles (4 km) from hotels in Bryce Canyon City to Bryce Canyon Visitor Center, located inside the park.
Bryce Canyon sunrises and sunsets are iconic. Staying in Bryce Canyon City, you easily catch them, or get to the park for some top-class stargazing — there’s no discernible light pollution here.
If you look for conveniently located Bryce Canyon accommodations, this is a great alternative.
The hotels in Bryce Canyon City also call for your attention because of their amenities. Although this is a small town at the edge of civilization, the Bryce Canyon hotels here provide great comfort — including swimming pools for those balmy Utah days.
Do you plan on taking the shuttle to the park? From April to October, the Bryce Canyon shuttle takes visitors from Bryce Canyon City to the trailheads inside Bryce Canyon National Park.
Thanks to the shuttle, you can keep your car parked at your hotel in Bryce Canyon City while you discover the brilliant trails inside the park. It saves a you a good deal of headache, especially during peak season.
All in all, Bryce Canyon City is a great option for where to stay near Bryce Canyon National Park. The small city is located so very near the park action and offers appreciated amenities — this is hard to beat.
- Distance: 2.5 mi / 4 km
- Driving time: ≈ 5 min
- Pick Bryce Canyon City for: Bryce hotels in the gateway town.
Favorite location. Bryce Canyon City is the ultimate option where to stay near Bryce Canyon National Park if you want it all. The small Utah town offers both extremely good park access and that appreciated comfort.
Recommended hotels in Bryce Canyon City
BW Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel
Are you a picky traveler who want both superb park access and a top Bryce Canyon hotel? Then check in at Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel. This Bryce Canyon hotel offers all the amenities you crave for — including an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, best enjoyed after a long day of hiking.
BW Plus Ruby’s Inn
Best Western PLUS Ruby’s Inn might sound like just another chain hotel. However, Ruby’s Inn has a more than 100 years long history as a gateway to Bryce Canyon National Park. Boasting an old west theme, Ruby’s Inn is an institution in Bryce Canyon City offering a spacious indoor pool area.
For a special occasion, check out the Deluxe King rooms with your own private spa tub.
Bryce Valley
Bryce Valley is an appealing option for where to stay near Bryce Canyon National Park off the beaten path. But even masters of geography ask themselves: What’s the Bryce Valley?
A gateway to adventure, Bryce Valley is the hidden area east of Bryce Canyon National Park. Here, from east to west, the three tiny ranching towns Cannonville, Henrieville and Tropic are located.
Cannonville and Henrieville are the two quieter communities. Expect just a few places to stay and not much more going on — except for the magnificent surrounding nature, of course.
Tropic, located just 11 miles (17 km) by car from Bryce Canyon, is bigger and offers not only more Bryce Canyon lodging but also a few welcome places to grab a bite.
As an additional feature, you can hike from Tropic to the very heart of the Bryce Amphitheater. The Tropic Trail, 1.7 miles (2.7 km) long one way, takes you to the Navajo and Peekaboo trails. From here, continue to the most iconic Bryce spots, such as Thor’s Hammer and Queen Victoria — both jaw-dropping hoodoos.
This unique route, beginning below the rim, means that you necessarily don’t have to drive through Bryce Canyon City to get to the park.
Do you want to discover the area past Bryce? Cannonville, Henrieville and Tropic frame Utah’s Highway 12, an American bucket-list road, offering easy access to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
To sum up, Bryce Valley adds another dimension to a Bryce Canyon stay. Home to a delightful mix of lodging — including motels, bed & breakfasts and cabins near Bryce Canyon National Park — Bryce Valley has a rare rural charm that it’s easy to fall in love with.
- Distance: 11-20 mi / 17-32 km
- Driving time: ≈ 15-30 min
- Pick Bryce Valley for: Rural Bryce Canyon hotels.
Recommended hotels in Bryce Valley
Bryce Country Cabins
Bryce Country Cabins in Tropic provides unique cabins near Bryce Canyon National Park. Imagine spacious grounds overlooking the surrounding Utah landscape, roaming farm animals and your own private porch. This place to stay near Bryce Canyon offers country living at its best.
Bryce Canyon Log Cabins
For its small size, Tropic impresses with its great Bryce Canyon accommodations. A stone’s throw from Bryce Country Cabins, the charming Bryce Canyon Log Cabins call for your attention. This is a great option for everyone who looks for rustic but comfy cabins near Bryce Canyon.
Bybee’s Steppingstone Motel
In a remote ranching area of Utah, it feels better than ever to check in at a cozy roadside motel. Bybee’s Steppingstone Motel, in the heart of Tropic, provides nicely decorated rooms and an overall delightful vibe. Who needs a luxury Bryce Canyon hotel when you can check in at Bybee’s?
Panguitch
Don’t get us wrong here: Panguitch is by most standards not a sizable town. However, everything is relative, and in the rural Bryce Canyon area, Panguitch fits the bill as a bigger town.
This is the best serviced town near Bryce Canyon National Park.
Panguitch is also a historic option for where to stay near Bryce Canyon. First settled by pioneers in 1864, Panguitch — the name means “big fish” — is a town where you still to this day can feel that exciting pioneer spirit.
Downtown Panguitch, appearing like the perfect town to film a western movie, is framed by historic brick buildings. Here, on Main Street, you find not only hotels near Bryce Canyon but also eateries and shops.
In Panguitch, included in the National Register of Historic Places, against the backdrop of some of Utah’s most impressive nature, you feel at exactly the right place.
Are you up for a scenic drive? Utah State Route 143 between Panguitch and Parowan, passing Lake Panguitch and entering Dixie National Forest, is one not to miss.
For the full experience, detour to Cedar Breaks National Monument.
In conclusion, Panguitch is a gorgeous option for where to stay near Bryce Canyon National Park. Compared to other alternatives in the immediate Bryce Canyon area, this is a town with more activity.
- Distance: 24 mi / 39 km
- Driving time: ≈ 30 min
- Pick Panguitch for: A bigger Bryce town.
Recommended hotels in Panguitch
The Panguitch House
Over 100 years old, the Panguitch House is a historic home in a historic town. Providing a home away from home in Southern Utah, this is a great place to stay near Bryce Canyon for travelers who want to connect with the area. As soon as you step into the Panguitch House, you feel an unmatched warmness.
Countryside Cabins
Panguitch’s Countryside Cabins give you the best of both worlds. These log cabins remind of something that you normally find in the middle of the wilderness, yet they are conveniently positioned on Main Street in Panguitch — with restaurants within steps.
Blue Pine Motel
For the budget-minded traveler, the Blue Pine Motel ticks every box. Reasonable rates, check; central in Panguitch, check; comfy rooms; check — don’t look past Blue Pine Motel if you look for where to stay near Bryce Canyon National Park on a budget.
Kanab
Kanab is located further south in Utah, near the state border to Arizona. The 78 miles (126 km) and 1.5 hours from Kanab to Bryce Canyon makes it a rather long drive between the two.
If you want the best access to Bryce Canyon, don’t consider Kanab.
But you don’t stay in Kanab only to visit Bryce Canyon. This town sits in a beautiful region with breathtaking Mother Earth productions to visit both in Utah and on the Arizona side.
Blessed with natural beauty, Kanab on top of Bryce Bryce Canyon has Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend within 90 minutes. That’s certainly a sweet base for exploring the region during a trip to Southwest USA.
It’s also often possible to find cheaper hotel rates in Kanab, compared to if you stay nearer each natural wonder. This makes Kanab an alternative for where to stay when visiting Bryce Canyon on a budget.
In short, Kanab isn’t the ultimate option for where to stay near Bryce Canyon National Park. However, it’s a budget-friendly pick that unlocks several other natural gems in the Southwest region.
- Distance: 78 mi / 126 km
- Driving time: ≈ 1.5 h
- Pick Kanab for: A budget-friendly base for more places to see.
Springdale
Last but not least among the options for where to stay when visiting Bryce Canyon National Park is Springdale. Although located 86 miles (138 km) from the park, it’s still a popular alternative.
How could that be?
Springdale is located further away than all the other options for Bryce Canyon lodging. In particular, the hotels inside Bryce Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon City and Tropic offer much better access to the park.
However, Springdale is conveniently located just outside the famous Zion National Park. So to combine Zion and Bryce Canyon, without switching hotel, many pick Springdale as their base.
Surrounded by vivid sandstone cliffs, Springdale is a neat town with lots of accommodations — everything from luxury resorts to low-key motels — and dining options. Compared to Bryce Canyon City, you find a much bigger offering in Springdale.
So if you want one single base, it makes a lot of sense to pick Springdale for where to stay near Bryce Canyon and Zion. There are few options for where to stay between Zion and Bryce, but Springdale caters to all visitors.
To sum up, Springdale is the best option for where to stay if you want one single base for exploring both Zion and Bryce. The town’s location, right where the Zion adventure starts, as well as an abundance of lodging and eateries makes Springdale a great choice when combining the two.
- Distance: 86 mi / 138 km
- Driving time: ≈ 2 h
- Pick Springdale for: Combining Bryce NP and Zion NP.
Tips for your Bryce Canyon stay
Now you know everything there’s to know about where to stay near Bryce Canyon. With these tips, you also avoid those unfortunate beginner mistakes.
- Book early – Although there are several different towns near Bryce Canyon, these are small communities without too many options to choose from. Therefore, the best hotels near Bryce Canyon sell out frequently, but especially during peak season.
- Embrace Bryce – It might surprise you to hear, but many visitors still treat Bryce Canyon as just a sweet day trip from Zion National Park. But have in mind that Bryce Canyon offers one of the most unique landscapes in the USA. Therefore, give this geological hotspot the attention it deserves, meaning at least a full day but preferably more.
- Take the shuttle – Operating from April to mid-October, Bryce’s dutiful shuttle saves you from headache. It’s free with park admission, and it runs from Bryce Canyon City to many of Bryce’s most shining points of interest, including Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point and Sunrise Point. Two hotels in Bryce Canyon City — BW Grand Hotel and BW Ruby’s Inn — as well as the Lodge at Bryce Canyon have designated stops en route. Out of town visitors can park at Bryce Canyon Shuttle Station and Bryce Canyon Visitor Center.
- Consider Capitol Reef – It seems like the scenery never ends in Utah, doesn’t it? Zion and Bryce is a proven combo that many visitors enjoy. For an off the beaten path addition, also consider Capitol Reef National Park. From your comfy Bryce Canyon hotel, it’s roughly 2.5 hours by car to Fruita, the lovely heart of Capitol Reef.
- Pack layers – With a general high elevation, reaching 9,115 feet (2778 m) at Rainbow Point, it’s generally colder in Bryce Canyon, compared to other Utah parks. So while Zion is boiling from June to August, the hiking conditions are optimal in Bryce Canyon. In summer, expect daytime temperatures in the high 70s or low 80s (27°C), while nightly temperatures up here retreat to the low 50s or even high 40s (10°C).
Final words about where to stay near Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park is home to the world’s largest concentration of rock hoodoos. It’s truly a mesmerizing park, and the best places to stay near Bryce Canyon ensure that you make the most of your visit.
For the most intimate experience — possibly including some memorable stargazing, the Utah sky here is incredibly clear — stay inside the park at the Lodge at Bryce Canyon or right outside the park in Bryce Canyon City.
But have in mind that the best Bryce hotels, especially for the busy summer season, sell out in advance. Therefore make sure to book your Bryce stay as early as you can to avoid disappointment.
Where to stay near Bryce Canyon FAQ
Here you find the answers to some frequently asked questions about where to stay near Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah.
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon, the only place to stay inside Bryce Canyon National Park, and hotels in the gateway town, Bryce Canyon City, give you the ultimate park access. Location wise, these are the best options for where to stay when visiting Bryce Canyon.
However, Bryce Valley is another appealing option. Here, an area consisting of the three sleepy towns Cannonville, Henrieville and Tropic, you find an inviting mix of motels, bed & breakfasts and cabins near Bryce Canyon National Park.
For a bigger, although still small, town with hotels near Bryce Canyon, consider Panguitch. Its entire downtown area is included in the National Register of Historic Places — you can’t miss the charm.
Bryce Canyon City is the small town that sits right at the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park. From the heart of Bryce Canyon City, it’s just 2.5 miles (4 km) to Bryce Canyon Visitor Center.
If you look for something more off the beaten path, consider Tropic. This Bryce Valley town, offering refreshingly quiet Bryce Canyon accommodations, is positioned just 11 miles (17 km) by car from Bryce Canyon National Park. As a bonus, the Tropic Trail offers unique hiking access to the hoodoo-filled Utah park.
From April through mid-October, Bryce’s shuttle runs from Bryce Canyon City to some of the most popular points of interests within the Utah park, such as Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point and Sunrise Point. Although the shuttle isn’t mandatory, it’s free with your park admission and avoids both congestion and pollution.
For maximum convenience, there are three Bryce Canyon hotels with designated shuttle stops. BW Plus Grand Hotel is stop number 3, BW Plus Ruby’s Inn stop number 4 and the Lodge at Bryce Canyon stop number 12.
Yes, you can stay within Bryce Canyon National Park. For park access, the rustic Lodge at Bryce Canyon is the ultimate option for where to stay when visiting Bryce Canyon — it’s the only place to stay inside the park. However, if you want more amenities, consider the comfy hotels in the adjacent Bryce Canyon City.
There are several unique places to stay near Bryce Canyon. Although this is a rural area, Bryce Canyon provides accommodations for every preference.
Location wise, the low-key Lodge at Bryce Canyon is the most unique place to stay when visiting Bryce Canyon. Only here, steps from popular Bryce Canyon trailheads, you bed down inside the park.
But for both great park access and comfort, it doesn’t get better than Bryce Canyon City’s BW Plus Grand Hotel and BW Plus Ruby’s Inn. Just minutes from the park action, with designated shuttle stops, these Bryce Canyon hotels offer all the facilities you crave for.
If you want to get to know the area, and not only Bryce Canyon, step into the delightful Bryce Valley, home to additional unique places to stay near Bryce Canyon. Tropic, the biggest of the three Bryce Valley towns, even has its own Bryce Canyon trailhead, offering access to Bryce Canyon from the east.
Finding budget-friendly places to stay near Bryce Canyon can be a bit tricky. As at most national parks, the closer the action, the steeper rates.
Luckily, the nearby Bryce Valley and Panguitch are beautiful options for where to stay near Bryce Canyon on a budget. Bryce Valley’s cozy Bybee’s Motel and Panguitch’s comfy Blue Pine Motel show loud and clear that you can enjoy Bryce Canyon National Park without breaking the bank.
Featuring jaw-dropping landscapes, many want to visit both Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park. It’s a bucket list-worthy duo in the American Southwest.
However, have in mind that these Utah parks at a bare minimum, if you just target some of the highlights, need a full day each. Because it’s two hours from Bryce to Zion, you don’t get that if you just day trip.
Therefore it for the average visitor doesn’t make sense to stay between Bryce and Zion. Instead, for the best experience, first explore the ins and outs on one of them, and then move on to the next.
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon presents the only lodging inside Bryce Canyon National Park. It offers the prime park access, but not those appreciated amenities that you find at Bryce hotels in the nearby towns.
Hence, check availability at the Lodge at Bryce Canyon if you prioritize that unique in-park location. Or book a Bryce Canyon hotel in Bryce Canyon City, Tropic or Panguitch if you rather enjoy more amenities.
As Bryce Canyon is rather compact, it’s possible to scratch the surface and see some of the most famous viewpoints in as little as half a day. But optimally, spend at least a full day or two at Bryce Canyon National Park. Remember, this is one of the most unique national parks in America.
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