Explore Bryce Canyon National Park from Tropic and the canyon country around Escalante from Ponderosa Inn—two distinct Southern Utah landscapes connected by Scenic Byway 12.
Please Note: Hours and seasonal availability vary. Always confirm directly with parks and outfitters before visiting, especially during spring, fall, and winter. Check nps.gov/brca for current park conditions.
Bryce Canyon is unlike any other national park in the United States. The world's largest concentration of hoodoos—irregular geological columns formed by frost and erosion—fill a series of natural bowls called amphitheaters. The colors shift from cream to salmon to deep red depending on the light.
Park Entry
Fee required — America the Beautiful pass accepted
Elevation
8,000–9,100 ft at the rim
Nearest Entrance
~5 miles from Tropic
Open
Year-round (some roads close in winter)
From easy rim walks to strenuous full-day loops, Bryce Canyon has a hike for every ability. We've mapped out the best trails with difficulty, distance, and what to bring.
See the canyon from the saddle. Guided horseback rides operate near Bryce Canyon National Park and offer a classic Western experience for families and first-timers.
Southern Utah's canyon country opens up on four wheels. From sand dunes to mesa roads, explore backcountry terrain that no hiking trail can reach.
Scenic Byway 12 is one of America's most beautiful roads. We cover the best drives and day trips from Tropic—Red Canyon, Kodachrome Basin, Capitol Reef, and more.
Escalante is a gateway to Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, wide-open desert, and some of Southern Utah's most memorable hikes. Drive times vary by destination, road conditions, and weather—check with the appropriate land manager before heading out.
Explore a vast landscape of sandstone canyons, plateaus, arches, and quiet backcountry roads surrounding Escalante. Stop at the visitor center for current conditions and route advice.
A rewarding desert hike to a cool, 126-foot waterfall through red-rock canyon scenery. Bring plenty of water and allow time for the sandy trail and creek crossings.
Two famous narrow slots along Hole-in-the-Rock Road. These routes are rugged and conditions can change quickly, so check flash-flood forecasts and route requirements before going.
Walk among colorful petrified wood and fossilized trees on easy trails close to town. The park also has a reservoir, picnic areas, and camping.
Take a scenic dirt-road drive through Grand Staircase country to unusual sandstone formations at Devil's Garden. Road conditions vary; verify access before leaving pavement.
Continue east from Escalante along one of America's most beautiful roads, with expansive views toward Boulder Mountain and the high plateaus.
These restaurants, cafes, and quick-bite stops are in Escalante or along nearby Highway 12. Hours and seasonal availability change, so confirm before making the drive.
Pizza, sandwiches, salads, and coffee
Escalante
A Main Street outfitter and cafe with pizza, baked goods, and trail-friendly meals.
Pub food, burgers, and drinks
Escalante
A casual local pub for burgers, comfort food, and an evening meal.
Cafe, sandwiches, smoothies, and natural grocery
Escalante
A natural grocery and cafe with coffee, baked goods, sandwiches, and trail supplies.
Reservation-focused seasonal dinner
Escalante
A dinner restaurant at Slot Canyons Inn west of town; confirm current service and reservations.
Coffee, breakfast, and cafe fare
Escalante
A current Main Street cafe for coffee and breakfast; confirm seasonal service before visiting.
Brunch, dinner, and seasonal local cooking
Escalante
A contemporary Main Street kitchen with brunch and dinner service; current days and hours vary.
Mexican grill and tacos
Escalante
A local Mexican restaurant that moved from a food truck into an Escalante Main Street location in 2026.
Barbecue, burgers, pasta, soup, and salad
Escalante
A varied casual menu with barbecue, burgers, pasta, and salads.
Mexican and Latin American
Escalante
A seasonal outdoor cafe serving Mexican favorites.
Coffee, breakfast, and American cafe fare
Escalante
A local cafe for coffee, breakfast, and lighter meals.
Coffee, breakfast, lunch, and baked goods
Highway 12 east of Escalante
A scenic canyon-side coffeehouse on Highway 12 with baked goods and light meals.
Seasonal farm-to-table Southwestern
Boulder
A destination restaurant in Boulder, near the outer edge of the 30-minute range.
Seasonal farm-to-table dining
Boulder
A seasonal dinner option at Boulder Mountain Lodge, near the outer edge of the 30-minute range.
Happy Trails puts you minutes from the park entrance and within easy reach of everything on this page.
