Where to Stay in Bryce Canyon
Your guide to the best areas and accommodation types
Ready to Book Your Stay in Bryce Canyon?
Compare prices from hundreds of hotels with free cancellation on most bookings
Prices via Trip.com. We may earn a commission from bookings.
Best Areas to Stay
Each neighborhood has its own character. Find the one that matches your travel style.
This tiny community sits directly adjacent to the park entrance along Highway 63, making it the most convenient base for park visitors. The area consists primarily of a 2-mile stretch of hotels, restaurants, and tourist services. Despite the name, it's an unincorporated area with a permanent population of fewer than 200 residents.
- Closest accommodations to park entrance (1-2 miles)
- Easy access for sunrise viewing at Bryce Amphitheater
- Concentrated dining and service options within walking distance
- No need to drive far after a full day of hiking
- Highest accommodation prices in the region
- Very limited nightlife or entertainment options
- Books up months in advance during peak season
The only lodging actually within park boundaries is the historic Bryce Canyon Lodge, located near the rim with unparalleled access to major viewpoints. This National Historic Landmark offers the ultimate convenience for serious park explorers. Camping is also available at two park campgrounds.
- Walk to major viewpoints and trailheads within minutes
- Historic ambiance and rustic charm
- No driving required once you're settled
- On-site dining eliminates need to leave the park
- Most expensive option in the area
- Books out 6-12 months in advance
- Limited room inventory (only 114 rooms total)
Located 11 miles east of the park entrance on Highway 12, Tropic is a small town of about 530 residents offering more affordable lodging alternatives. The town has a genuine local community feel with several family-run motels, B&Bs, and a small selection of restaurants. The scenic drive to the park passes through beautiful red rock country.
- Generally 20-40% cheaper than Bryce Canyon City
- More authentic small-town Utah experience
- Good base for exploring both Bryce Canyon and Grand Staircase-Escalante
- Several locally-owned dining options
- Requires 20-25 minute drive to park entrance
- Fewer accommodation choices overall
This historic town of 1,600 residents sits 24 miles northwest of Bryce Canyon along Highway 89. Panguitch offers the widest selection of budget accommodations in the region, with numerous chain motels and local options. The town has a charming historic downtown with brick buildings and serves as a hub for exploring multiple southern Utah attractions.
- Lowest prices in the Bryce Canyon area
- Largest selection of chain hotels and familiar brands
- Actual town amenities including grocery stores and gas stations
- Central location between Bryce Canyon, Cedar Breaks, and Zion
- 35-40 minute drive to Bryce Canyon entrance
- Less scenic setting than closer options
- Not ideal for multiple daily park visits
Located just 1 mile from the park entrance, this area is dominated by the sprawling Ruby's Inn complex, which has been serving park visitors since 1916. The complex includes multiple lodging properties, restaurants, shops, and tour services. It functions almost like a small resort village dedicated entirely to tourism.
- Closest accommodations to park entrance besides the in-park lodge
- Extensive on-site amenities including multiple restaurants and shops
- Tour booking services and activity options on-site
- Large inventory means better availability
- Can feel touristy and commercialized
- Older room quality in some buildings despite recent renovations
This quiet hamlet of about 170 residents sits 15 miles southeast of Bryce Canyon along Scenic Highway 12. Cannonville offers a handful of small B&Bs, vacation rentals, and rustic accommodations in a peaceful rural setting. The area appeals to travelers seeking solitude and a genuine backcountry experience.
- Peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere away from tourist areas
- Often features unique lodging like restored cabins and ranch stays
- Good access to both Bryce Canyon and Kodachrome Basin
- Dark skies excellent for stargazing
- Very limited dining options requiring meal planning
- Smallest selection of accommodations in the area
- May feel too isolated for some travelers
Located 30 miles west of Bryce Canyon on Highway 89, Hatch is a small ranching community of about 130 residents that offers a few basic lodging options. The town serves primarily as an overflow option when closer accommodations are fully booked. The rural setting provides an authentic glimpse of rural Utah life.
- Among the most affordable options in the region
- Often has availability when closer towns are sold out
- Quiet, authentic small-town atmosphere
- Convenient for visiting both Bryce Canyon and Cedar Breaks
- 45-50 minute drive to Bryce Canyon entrance
- Very limited services and dining options
- Basic, no-frills accommodations only
Located along Highway 12 about 10 miles west of Bryce Canyon, this area offers a few small cabin resorts and campgrounds nestled in Dixie National Forest. Red Canyon itself features striking red rock formations and serves as a preview of Bryce Canyon's geology. The area provides a forested mountain setting at around 7,400 feet elevation.
- Beautiful forest setting with cooler temperatures
- Access to Red Canyon trails and mountain biking
- More affordable than Bryce Canyon City
- Peaceful atmosphere with fewer crowds
- Limited accommodation inventory
- 15-20 minute drive to Bryce Canyon entrance
- Minimal services or dining nearby
Accommodation Types
From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, here's what's available.
Bryce Canyon Lodge is the only option in this category, offering historic accommodations with direct park access. Features rustic cabins and lodge rooms with period-appropriate decor managed by park concessionaires.
Best for: Park purists wanting an authentic national park experience with maximum convenience
Several national brands operate in the area, primarily concentrated in Panguitch and Bryce Canyon City. Options include Best Western, Hampton Inn, and Holiday Inn Express offering familiar standards and loyalty program benefits.
Best for: Travelers seeking predictable quality and amenities, families wanting pools and breakfast
Locally-owned properties ranging from basic roadside motels to upscale mountain lodges. Quality varies significantly, but many offer personal service and local knowledge. Ruby's Inn is the largest and most established independent property.
Best for: Travelers wanting local character and supporting small businesses
Small B&Bs scattered throughout Tropic, Cannonville, and surrounding areas offer intimate accommodations, typically in renovated historic homes or purpose-built lodges. Most feature home-cooked breakfasts and personalized service.
Best for: Couples, solo travelers seeking social interaction, those appreciating home-cooked meals
Cabins, condos, and houses available throughout the region via platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. Options range from basic cabins to upscale mountain homes, with the best selection in Tropic and Panguitch.
Best for: Families, groups, extended stays, those wanting kitchen facilities
Multiple options including two National Park Service campgrounds (North and Sunset), private RV parks near Ruby's Inn, and dispersed camping in Dixie National Forest. Facilities range from primitive to full hookups.
Best for: Budget travelers, RV owners, outdoor enthusiasts, summer visitors
A growing category including yurts, safari tents, and upscale camping experiences. These properties typically offer a middle ground between camping and traditional lodging with comfortable beds and some amenities.
Best for: Adventurous travelers wanting outdoor experience with more comfort than camping
Booking Tips
Insider advice to help you find the best accommodation.
Peak summer months (June-August) require booking 6-12 months ahead for best selection. The limited accommodation inventory in this remote area means properties fill quickly. Last-minute travelers during summer may need to stay in Panguitch or even further afield in Cedar City.
May and September offer excellent weather, smaller crowds, and rates 20-40% lower than peak summer. The park is fully accessible and arguably more beautiful with spring wildflowers or fall colors. October can be unpredictable with potential snow, but offers the lowest prices and smallest crowds.
Bryce Canyon works well in combination with Zion (90 miles), Grand Canyon North Rim (150 miles), and Capitol Reef (120 miles). Strategic accommodation placement can save money-staying in Panguitch or Hatch provides central access to multiple parks. Consider spending 2-3 nights in one base rather than moving daily.
Many independent properties have strict cancellation policies (48-72 hours minimum, some non-refundable). Weather can be unpredictable, especially in spring and fall when snowstorms can close roads. Book refundable rates when possible or purchase travel insurance for expensive reservations made far in advance.
Bryce Canyon sits at 8,000-9,000 feet elevation, meaning cold nights even in summer and potential snow from October through May. Ensure your accommodation has adequate heating if visiting outside peak summer. Some properties, particularly cabins and glamping sites, operate seasonally and close entirely from November through April.
While a 30-mile distance seems short, mountain roads mean 40-50 minute drives from Panguitch or Hatch. If you plan multiple daily park visits (sunrise and sunset photography, for example), staying closer despite higher costs may be worthwhile. Calculate fuel costs and driving time when comparing prices.
Ruby's Inn and some other properties offer packages including accommodations, meals, and activity bookings (horseback rides, ATV tours, helicopter flights). These can provide value and convenience, though compare prices carefully. Some packages include park entrance fees, though the annual America the Beautiful Pass ($80) may be a better value for multi-park trips.
Find Your Perfect Bryce Canyon Hotel
Browse hundreds of options with price comparison and free cancellation
Prices via Trip.com. We may earn a commission from bookings.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability.
For June-August visits, book 9-12 months in advance, especially for Bryce Canyon Lodge and properties in Bryce Canyon City. Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day) require even earlier booking. Expect limited availability and premium pricing with minimum stay requirements common.
May and September require 3-6 months advance booking for best selection, though last-minute deals sometimes appear. Late September (fall colors) can be as busy as summer. Rates typically run 15-30% below peak summer prices with more flexible minimum stays.
October through April offers the easiest booking, often possible just days or weeks ahead. Many properties close entirely November-March, limiting options but ensuring availability at those that remain open. Winter visitors (December-February) can sometimes negotiate rates, though many lodges maintain fixed pricing. Snow can close Highway 12 east of the park, limiting access to Tropic and Cannonville.
Book as early as possible for summer visits, 3-6 months ahead for shoulder season, and remain flexible in winter when weather may impact plans. Consider refundable rates or travel insurance for bookings made far in advance, particularly for shoulder and winter seasons when weather is unpredictable.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information.