Frommer’s EasyGuide to Bryce Canyon National Park. Mary Brown Malouf

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is beautiful in the winter, when the white snow creates a perfect frosting on the red, pink, orange, and brown stone columns standing strong against the cold winds. Cross-country skiers will find several marked, ungroomed trails (all above the rim), including the Fairyland Loop Trail , which leads 1 mile through a pine and juniper forest to the Fairyland Point Overlook. From here, take the 1-mile Forest Trail back to the road, or continue north along the rim for another 1¼ miles to the park border.

      Snowshoeing is allowed anywhere in the park except on cross-country-ski tracks. There are also connections to ski trails in the adjacent national forest.

Winter Safety

      Although the entire park is open to cross-country skiers, rangers warn that it’s extremely dangerous to try to ski on the steep trails leading down into the canyon.

      Stop at the visitor center for additional trail information, and go to Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn (p. 249), just north of the park entrance (www.rubysinn.com; 435/834-5341), for information on cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling opportunities outside the park. Ruby’s grooms more than 30 miles of ski trails and also rents snowshoes and cross-country ski equipment.

      Camping

      In the Park

      Typical of the West’s national park campgrounds, the two campgrounds at Bryce offer plenty of trees for a genuine “forest camping” experience, easy access to trails, and limited facilities. North Campground has 101 sites; Sunset Campground has 102 sites. One section in North Campground is open year-round; Sunset Campground is open late spring through early fall only. North Campground is best because it’s closer to the Rim Trail—making it easier to rush over to catch those amazing sunrise and sunset colors—but any site in either campground is fine. Neither has RV hookups or showers, but both have modern restrooms with running water. Reservations are available from early May through late September for North Campground and for 20 tent-only sites in Sunset Campground (www.recreation.gov; 877/444-6777) for an additional booking fee of $10, regardless of the number of days. If you don’t have reservations, get to the campground early to claim a site (usually by 2pm in summer). Cost is $20 per night (tents) and $30 (RVs) at either campground.

      Showers ($2), a coin-operated laundry, a snack bar, bundles of firewood, food and camping supplies, and souvenirs are located at the General Store (for information, contact the Lodge at Bryce Canyon [p. 251]; 435/834-5361), which is usually open daily from mid-April through October. The store is a healthy walk from either campground. The park service operates an RV dump station ($5 fee) in the summer.

      Nearby

      In addition to the campgrounds listed below, there is camping at Kodachrome Basin State Park (p. 253)

      King Creek Campground Located above Tropic Reservoir, this forest service campground, at 7,900 feet elevation, has graded gravel roads and sites nestled among tall ponderosa pines. Facilities include flush toilets, drinking water, and an RV dump station ($5 fee), but no showers or RV hookups. The reservoir has a boat ramp (see “Fishing,” above). To get to the campground from the Bryce Canyon National Park entrance, go north 3 miles on Utah 63 to Utah 12, turn west (left), and go 2½ miles to the King’s Creek Campground Road; turn south (left) and follow signs to Tropic Reservoir for about 7 miles to the campground. Note: This is a favorite place for ATV enthusiasts; although the vehicles are only allowed to enter and exit the campground, be aware that this very noisy sport will be nearby.

      Dixie National Forest Information Center, 345 E. Riverside Dr., St. George. www.fs.fed.us/dxnf. 435/688-3246. 37 sites. No credit cards. Closed Oct to mid-May.

      Ruby’s Inn RV Park & Campground Ruby’s is the closest campground to Bryce Canyon National Park that offers complete RV hookups, and it’s also on the park’s shuttle-bus route. Many sites are shaded, there’s an attractive tent area, and just adjacent to the campground are a lake and horse pasture. Facilities include a swimming pool, coin-op laundry, barbecue grills, and a store with groceries and RV supplies. Also on the grounds are several camping cabins ($56 double) and tepees ($40.95 sleeps 8), which share the campground’s bathhouse and other facilities.

      300 S. Main St., Bryce Canyon City. www.brycecanyoncampgrounds.com. 435/834-5301 (Nov–Mar 435/834-5341). 150 sites. Full hookups $45; electric/water only $42; tent space $32. Closed Oct–Apr.

      Where to Stay

      Room taxes add about 11% to the cost. Pets are not accepted unless otherwise noted.

      In the Park

      The Lodge at Bryce Canyon This sandstone and ponderosa pine lodge, which opened in 1924, is located extremely close to the Rim and the Rim Trail. The luxurious lodge suites are furnished with charming white wicker furniture, ceiling fans, and separate sitting rooms. Ask for a sunrise or sunset view motel unit, simply pleasant modern motel rooms, with two queen-size beds and either a balcony or a patio for a priceless view. The best choice is one of the historic cabins, restored to their 1920s appearance. They’re a bit small, but have two double beds, high ceilings, stone (gas-burning) fireplaces, and log beams. The gift shop has one of the best selections of American Indian jewelry in the area. All units are nonsmoking.

      Bryce Canyon National Park, Bryce. www.brycecanyonforever.com. 435/834-8700. 114 units, 110 in motel rooms and cabins, 3 suites and 1 studio in lodge. $223 double, double; $231 cabin. Closed Mid-Nov through Mar. Amenities: Restaurant (see review, p. 251).

      Nearby

      Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel “Western luxury” sums up the atmosphere at this upscale hotel, just a stone’s throw from the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park. The rooms are well furnished and comfortable, with either one king or two queen beds. The hotel caters to those who want to take care of business while on vacation, with large working desks plus everything else you might want to keep in touch with the office. The spacious deluxe suites, at 770 square feet each, have a king bed, a hide-a-bed couch, and a jetted tub. The hotel is under the same management as the nearby Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn (below). All units are nonsmoking.

      31 N. 100 E. (at the entrance to Bryce Canyon), Bryce Canyon City. www.brycecanyongrand.com.

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