Bryce Canyon National Park is one of Utah’s most popular attractions. With its exquisite natural amphitheatres, its spectacular slot canyons, and it towering hoodoos, Bryce Canyon is absolutely one of America’s best-kept secrets.
But Bryce Canyon is surrounded by small towns and not all of them offer much to tourists, which is why I wrote this insider’s guide for where to stay in Bryce Canyon.
This article breaks down the best towns and neighborhoods near Bryce Canyon into easy to digest categories, so you can quickly find the neighborhood that’s the right fit for you.
So whether you’re looking for a good deal, a comfortable family retreat, or to stay in the coolest neighborhood in town, you’ve come to the right place. Here are our top picks for where to stay in Bryce Canyon, Utah.
- Where to Stay in Bryce Canyon
- Bryce Canyon Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Bryce Canyon
- Bryce Canyon’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Bryce Canyon
- What To Pack For Bryce Canyon
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Bryce Canyon
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Bryce Canyon
- Buy Us a Coffee!
If you are backpacking Utah you will most probably swing by Bryce Canyon. Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Bryce Canyon.
Photo: Ana Pereira
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Quaint Home In Prime Location | Best Airbnb in Bryce Canyon
Start exploring the canyons and parks just around the corner from this home. Within about 8 miles you can get to all the local attractions such as Bryce Canyon National Park and Kodachrome State Park. To top it off, it’s perfectly cozy for the solo travelers and couples traveling together alike.
With 2 rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a washer and dryer for those clothes like are most likely going to get filthy from climbing, trekking, and visiting the beautiful waterfalls.
Bryce Pioneer Village | Best Budget Accommodation Option in Bryce Canyon
Bryce Pioneer Village is a charming two-star hotel located just minutes from the national park. It is a good-value lodge that boasts a stunning pool, a wonderful staff and a superb on-site restaurant. Each room has modern amenities, cable/satellite channels and a kitchenette.
Bryce Canyon Log Cabins | Best Hotel in Bryce Canyon
With its wonderful views and its comfortable beds, it’s no wonder this is one of the best places to stay in Bryce Canyon. Comprised of 10 spacious log cabins, each private cabin is well-equipped with contemporary amenities. Guests can enjoy free wifi and a BBQ/picnic area.
Bryce Canyon City
Bryce Canyon City is located less than five kilometres from the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park. This small Utah town is rich in natural attractions, outdoor adventures and unbeatable views, which is why it’s our pick for where to stay in Bryce Canyon if you’re visiting for the first time.
Tropic
Tropic is a quaint community located in Southern Utah. Set at the base of Bryce Canyon, Tropic if famous for its spectacular views, its natural surrounding and for its easy access to the regions top attractions.
Saint George
Well known for its bustling and buzzing atmosphere, Saint George is also where you’ll find the best nightlife near Bryce Canyon. Now, it should be noted, that the nightlife in Saint George is by no means comparable to say, LA, Vegas, or NYC, but for this region, it’s not too bad.
Bryce Canyon City
In addition to being the best place to stay in Bryce Canyon if you’re visiting for the first time, Bryce Canyon City is far and away the coolest neighbourhood in town. Home to a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheatres, spiralling spires and unique rock formations.
Panguitch
Panguitch is a town bursting with pioneer spirit and rustic charm. With its colourful main drag and its strong sense of history, Panguitch is a town where Western ambience brims in full force.
Set in southern Utah, Bryce Canyon is 145 square kilometers of stunning sights, incredible trails, and mind-blowing rock formations.
It is a haven for hikers, campers, and nature enthusiasts. Each year, nearly one million visitors flock to the region to explore the trails and take in the gorgeous and unique natural attractions.
There are limited lodging opportunities within the park, and as you can imagine, they fill up fast. Thankfully, there are a number of small towns and charming villages that surround Bryce Canyon National Park. Each is well equipped to host visitors and has ample options for accommodations for all styles and budgets.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the five best neighborhoods in and around the park.
Beginning of course with Bryce Canyon City, the closest community to the park’s entrance. Bryce Canyon City is surrounded by pristine nature and spectacular vistas and is perfect for anyone looking for a relaxing retreat.
Head east and you’ll arrive in Tropic. One of the most impressive destinations in Utah, Tropic is famed for its incredible views, its access to nature and its quaint and charming atmosphere.
Set to the northwest of the park is Panguitch. Home to less than 1,500 people, Panguitch bursts with rustic and rural charm and boasts a strong sense of history and heritage.
And finally, to the southwest of the park is Saint George. A bustling base for city slickers, Saint George is a town that boasts a great variety of fun, adventure and nightlife options.
Still not sure where to stay in Bryce Canyon? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
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Buy the Pass!Bryce Canyon’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Let’s take a look, in more detail at the five best neighborhoods to stay in Bryce Canyon. Each neighborhood and town is different from the last so be sure to pick the one that’s the best fit for you!
1. Bryce Canyon City – Where to stay in Bryce Canyon first time
Bryce Canyon City is located less than five kilometres from the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park. This small Utah town is rich in natural attractions, outdoor adventures and unbeatable views, which is why it’s our pick for where to stay in Bryce Canyon if you’re visiting for the first time.
The main attraction in Bryce Canyon City (also known as Bryce) is without a doubt the national park. The town is located within a short distance from the park’s most famous attractions, including the extraordinary Amphitheatre, the stunning Agua Canyon, and the vibrant rocks of the Natural Bridge. Make your base in Bryce Canyon City and you’re never very far from the park’s natural wonders.
Quaint Home In Prime Location | Best Airbnb in Bryce Canyon City
Start exploring the canyons and parks just around the corner from this home. Within about 8 miles you can get to all the local attractions such as Bryce Canyon National Park and Kodachrome State Park. To top it off, it’s perfectly cozy for the solo travelers and couples traveling together alike.
With 2 rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a washer and dryer for those clothes like are most likely going to get filthy from climbing, trekking, and visiting the beautiful waterfalls.
Bryce Canyon Resort | Best Budget Accommodation Option in Bryce Canyon City
This pet-friendly hotel is located in Bryce Canyon City. It has an indoor swimming pool, a helpful ticket desk and 69 recently refurbished rooms with air conditioning, satellite channels and a mini kitchen. There’s also a pleasant on-site restaurant that serves delicious Italian food.
Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel | Best Hotel in Bryce Canyon City
This great three-star hotel comes complete with a range of wellness facilities, including a Jacuzzi and indoor pool. Its rooms also feature spa baths, kitchenettes, and wifi access. All this combined makes it our pick for where to stay in Bryce Canyon.
Bryce Canyon Pines | Best Hotel in Bryce Canyon City
Bryce Canyon Pines is a charming and contemporary two-star B&B hotel in Utah. Located in Bryce Canyon, this hotel is close to the park as well as many of the region’s top landmarks and attractions. This hotel boasts a range of amenities, including laundry facilities, and spacious and comfortable rooms. Breakfast is also available.
Things to See and Do in Bryce Canyon City
- Explore the otherworldly Bryce Amphitheatre.
- Enjoy spectacular views of Agua Canyon.
- Drive the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive and take in the exquisite sights.
- Snap a pic of the bright red rocks of Ponderosa Canyon.
- See magnificent views of the national park from Rainbow Point.
- Hike the strenuous Fairyland Loop.
- Peek through the Natural Bridge.
- Follow the Rim Trail along the edge of a canyon.
- Trek along the Queen’s Garden Trail, good for travellers of all ages and abilities.
- Soak in the stunning views from scenic Sunrise Point.
- Take a guided horse riding trip through the park.
- View interesting rock formations as you wander the Hat Shop trail.
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2. Tropic – Where to stay in Bryce Canyon on a budget
Tropic is a quaint community located in Southern Utah. Set at the base of Bryce Canyon, Tropic if famous for its spectacular views, its natural surrounding and for its easy access to the regions top attractions.
This town is also where you can find a good selection of budget hotels and inexpensive lodging options. From rustic retreats to charming inns, Tropic is the best place to stay in Bryce Canyon if you’re looking to save a few of your hard-earned travel dollars.
Tropic is also a great destination for adventurous and intrepid travellers. Here you can enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities including horseback riding, four-wheeling, hiking, biking, and more.
Spacious And Homey Apartment | Best Airbnb in Tropic
This brand new apartment will make you feel right at home when you stay here. The beds have the softest sheets you will ever find in an Airbnb, the angelic hands have blessed them, wherever they came from. Everyone can enjoy a seat in the living room too. It’s very open and spacious for the size. Speaking of space, this home sleeps more than 1, more like 4 or even 5 if you count the couch. Just in case you aren’t traveling alone on this one.
And if you are here to see the canyon, don’t worry, it’s literally 5 minutes away. Which means this home has the best views and location for those adventures you will take without having to worry about the time getting back to base camp. One more thing, there’s a shuttle the home offers if you plan on not driving or just wanna relax and let someone else take the wheel.
Bryce Pioneer Village | Best Budget Accommodation Option in Tropic
Bryce Pioneer Village is a charming two-star hotel located just minutes from the national park. It is a good-value lodge that boasts a stunning pool, a wonderful staff and a superb on-site restaurant. The rooms have modern amenities and offer cable/satellite channels and a convenient kitchenette.
Bryce Canyon Log Cabins | Best Hotel in Tropic
With its wonderful views and its comfortable beds, it’s no wonder this is one of the best places to stay in Bryce Canyon. Comprised of 10 spacious log cabins, each private cabin is well-equipped with contemporary amenities. Guests can enjoy free wifi and a BBQ/picnic area.
Bryce Canyon Inn | Best Hotel in Tropic
Thanks to its central location, Bryce Canyon Inn is our choice for the best hotel in Tropic. You’ll enjoy charming rooms with elegant décor, five-star amenities and an on-site ticket service. This great hotel also boasts a BBQ/picnic area as well as free wifi throughout.
Things to See and Do in Tropic
- Wander along the Rim Trail.
- Hike the nearly five kilometres Navajo/Queens Garden Loop and enjoy scenic vistas.
- Take a Jeep ride through Zion National Park.
- Watch the sunrise from stunning Bryce Point.
- Hike down through the canyon on the Navajo Trail.
- Trek the Peek-A-Boo Loop and enjoy a picturesque picnic at the bottom.
- Snap an incredible picture of the canyon spread about below you from Sunset Point.
- See marvellous hoodoos in the Bryce Amphitheatre.
- Sip a fantastic cup of coffee at Bryce Canyon Coffee Co.
- Sink your teeth into great barbecue at IDK Barbecue.
- Grab a slice at The Pizza Place.
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View on Osprey View on REI3. Saint George – Best area to stay in Bryce Canyon for nightlife
Well known for its bustling and buzzing atmosphere, Saint George is also where you’ll find the best nightlife near Bryce Canyon. Now, it should be noted, that the nightlife in Saint George is by no means comparable to say, LA, Vegas, or NYC, but for this region, it’s not too bad.
Sports, bars, pubs and restaurants, dot this Utah town, offering up a good selection of relaxing places to enjoy a pint and dine on a few tasty snacks.
Beyond the bars, Saint George has a variety of museums, galleries and activities to keep you occupied and entertained when you’re looking for a break from the park.
Clarion Suites | Best Budget Accommodation Option in Saint George
Thanks to its central location, Clarion Suites is one of the best hostels in Saint George. It has an indoor pool, laundry services and convenient luggage storage. Each room comes complete with a fridge, microwave and coffee/tea facilities. This hotel also boasts a delicious and relaxing on-site restaurant.
Wingate by Wyndham St George | Best Hotel in Saint George
This three-star hotel is our pick for where to stay in Saint George. Conveniently located within the city, this hotel is close to cafes, restaurants and Saint George’s top attractions. This hotel boasts a number of awesome amenities including a hair salon, a golf course, a pool, and a gym.
BEST WESTERN Coral Hills | Best Hotel in Saint George
A stunning pool and a great location make this hotel an excellent choice for your stay in Saint George. A short walk from local attractions, this hotel is close to restaurants, cafes and shops. It has a stylish lounge bar and an outdoor swimming pool.
Chic And Peaceful Home | Best Airbnb in Saint George
Enjoy your time spend in this immaculate and well-decorated home on your holiday as it’s in the prime location for when visiting Saint George. Whether you are a solo traveler or not, this home accommodates up to 3 people. The apartment building gives you access to a pool to cool off on those treacherous summer days and a full-on heated hot tub for when it’s bone-chilling cold.
Just taking a step in the backyard, you will have the chance to see the stunning views of the mountains without taking a footstep outside of the perimeter of the space. If you can’t miss a gym day, this home has your back. The condo has a fully equipped gym; you don’t have to miss a day lifting those weights traveling.
Things to See and Do in Saint George
- Have a great night out with drinks and snacks at the Bout Time Pub and Grub.
- Satisfy your sweet tooth at Croshaw’s Gourmet Pies, Inc.
- Eat incredible dishes at the Painted Pony.
- Solve puzzles and answer riddles to escape the room at the Mystery Escape Room.
- Wander throughout the beautiful Pioneer Park.
- Rent ATVs and tour Utah’s desert landscapes as you zoom across dunes and cruise through canyons.
- Browse the exhibits at Rosenbruch Wildlife Museum.
- Explore Red Cliffs Recreation Area and take in the amazing views.
- Enjoy amazing seafood and American fare with a stunning view at the Cliffside Restaurant.
- Grab a pint at Wing Nutz.
4. Bryce Canyon City – Coolest place to stay in Bryce Canyon
In addition to being the best place to stay in Bryce Canyon if you’re visiting for the first time, Bryce Canyon City is far and away the coolest neighborhood in town. Home to a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheatres, spiralling spires and unique rock formations, Bryce Canyon City is a destination that will intrigue and delight visitors of all ages, styles and interests.
A small town of just a few hundred people, Bryce Canyon City is bursting with opportunities for adventure. Whether you want to explore on foot, rent horses and head out on an ATV, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the amazing sights and sounds of Bryce Canyon City.
Entire Home On The Lake | Best Airbnb in Bryce Canyon City
Live like a local on the lake during your time in Bryce Canyon. Only just outside of the state park is this beautiful family home you can have to yourself or with friends if you choose to travel that way. Just down the street you can find all the local bars and cafes.
The golden ticket is having coffee in the morning on this porch, starring across the smooth slick lake the wind hasn’t touched yet. If you are looking for an oasis, you found it. Snuggling up next to the fireplace after a day of hiking may only sound like a dream, but dreams do come true. And if its dead winter, well you can’t get bored in this house. —Thats right! They have a game room! Either play some foosball, AIR HOCKEY or jump on the treadmill to stay active.
Bryce View Lodge | Best Budget Accommodation Option in Bryce Canyon City
The Bryce View Lodge is a rustic hotel with contemporary features and a fantastic location. Set in Bryce Canyon City, this hotel provides guests with easy access to the park as well as a range of outdoor activities. Its rooms have awesome views of the forest, as well as wireless internet and coffee/tea facilities.
Best Western PLUS Ruby’s Inn | Best Hotel in Bryce Canyon City
Comfortable and charming, this three-star hotel is a great base for your time in Bryce Canyon. Comprised of 370 spacious rooms, this hotel comes complete with a spa, a wellness centre, a pool and a Jacuzzi. There’s also a delicious on-site restaurant, a bicycle rental, and a BBQ area.
Things to See and Do in Bryce Canyon City
- Fuel up before a big day at Bryce Canyon Lodge.
- Dine on delicious food and pies at Bryce Canyon Pines.
- Eat well at Cowboy Ranch House at Bryce Canyon Resort, a cosy restaurant.
- Savour delicious American-style dishes at Stone Hearth Grill.
- Hike the Mossy Cave Trail at night and gaze up at the brilliant night sky.
- Enjoy the magnificent views from Inspiration Point.
- See a Thor’s Hammer, a rock formation that looks just like the Norse god’s sledgehammer.
- Climb to the top of Bryce Point and take in the sunrise.
- Rent ATVs and explore the park on two very fun wheels.
- Enjoy the vibrant colours of the Three Wisemen rock formations.
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Grab an eSIM!5. Panguitch – Best neighborhood in Bryce Canyon for families
Panguitch is a town bursting with pioneer spirit and rustic charm. With its colourful main drag and its strong sense of history, Panguitch is a town where Western ambience brims in full force.
A hub for outdoor adventures, Panguitch is our recommendation for where to stay in Bryce Canyon for families. Not only is it a short drive from Bryce Canyon National Park, but it is a great base for exploring many of Utah’s other great parks, including Zion and Capital Reef. You’ll also find Cedar Breaks National Monument and Dixie National Forest close by.
Charming Antique Townhouse | Best Airbnb in Panguitch
You can’t find a better house in Bryce Canyon then this one. The place is exceptionally accommodating, especially for families. They even offer bicycles to ride during your stay here. The charming home has an interior that makes you feel like you stepped into the1900s. From the treasure chest to the lockers in the mudroom and we can’t forget to mention the awesome oil lanterns.
The home truly has everything you need during your travels, including a washer and dryer, which is one of our favorite features. —You never know when you will have the chance to wash your clothes if you are the backpacker type. With only a 30 minute drive, you can get to Bryce Canyon from this home, not to mention all the other National Parks at your doorstep!
Blue Pine Motel | Best Hotel in Panguitch
In addition to its great location, this motel has a swimming pool, comfortable rooms and free wireless internet. A short 20-minute drive from the airport, this two-star motel is also close to Bryce Canyon City. It has 20 comfortable and spacious rooms, great for families keen to explore the region.
Quality Inn Bryce Canyon Western Resort | Best Hotel in Panguitch
This is the best place to stay in Panguitch thanks to its wonderful views, comfortable rooms and its extraordinary amenities. Each of the hotels’ 80 charming rooms comes with its own microwave, TV, and coffee/tea making facilities. There’s also an on-site restaurant and breakfast is available each morning.
Purple Sage Motel | Best Budget Accommodation Option in Panguitch
This quaint three-star hotel is your best bet for budget accommodations in Panguitch. It is a short drive to Bryce Canyon City and the stunning national park. This hotel has 14 spotless rooms with comfortable beds and essential amenities. You’ll also enjoy free wifi throughout your stay.
Things to See and Do in Panguitch
- See incredible natural scenery in Red Canyon.
- Catch a flick at the historic Panguitch GEM Theatre.
- Shop for souvenirs at the Bryce Canyon Trading Post.
- Dine on savoury and succulent burgers, fries, steak and more at Cowboy’s Smokehouse Café.
- Sink your teeth into delicious American fare at Henrie’s Drive Inn.
- Eat an incredible slice of pizza at C Stop Pizza.
- Enjoy awesome food and a welcoming local atmosphere at Kenny Rays.
- Dig into a large plate of tasty food at the Big Fish Family Restaurant.
- Explore Bryce Canyon National Park.
- Hike the Bristlecone Loop through a coniferous forest.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Bryce Canyon
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Bryce Canyon and where to stay.
What To Pack For Bryce Canyon
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Bryce Canyon
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Bryce Canyon
In this guide, we’ve covered the five best neighborhoods to stay in and around Bryce Canyon, Utah. Unfortunately, there aren’t many hostels in the area. To ensure Bryce Canyon is accessible to all styles of travellers, we’ve tried to include budget hotels and inexpensive motels alongside rustic lodges and relaxing retreats.
Bryce Canyon is a truly spectacular location. With its unique rock formations and it’s otherworldly views, you won’t believe your eyes as you explore this exquisite natural wonder.
To recap; Bryce Pioneer Village is our pick for the best budget accommodations in Bryce Canyon. Not only is it a good value, but it has a pool, a restaurant and modern amenities.
Another great option is the iconic Bryce Canyon Lodge. This rustic retreat has cosy rooms, a delicious restaurant, and is just minutes from the park’s main attractions.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Utah.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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