Vacation Rentals in Bryce Canyon National Park

Tucked away in Southwestern Utah, the Bryce Canyon National Park is one of America’s most other-worldly locales, marked by a series of natural amphitheaters and hoodoos (distinctive rock formations). The park and the surrounding areas are not too large and can be easily navigated with a car. Desert landscapes and red rocks aside, Bryce Canyon boasts fantastic star-gazing opportunities – stargazers have been known to catch over 7000 stars with the naked eye here! There’s culture and history to be discovered too at Bryce’s museums, and historical sites. The year-round lineup of festivals will keep culture trippers so pack those bags, pick a Holidu vacation rental and let the adventure begin.

Vacation rentals on Holidu are perfect for every kind of traveler – families traveling with pets and kids, groups of friends, and couples too. Most properties come fitted with amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, cable TV, and fully-functional kitchens. BBQ facilities, heating, patios, and outdoor pools are a nice touch. With regards to location, rentals around Tropic Valley will place you at the epicenter of all the adventure. Also, the Bryce Canyon National Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument are all a 15-20 minute ride away. Moreover, you’ll enjoy freshly cooked meals at Tropic’s many local restaurants. Alternatively, the town of Alton makes for an excellent basecamp when visiting the Bryce Canyon National Park and its surroundings.

Bryce Canyon isn’t all rocks and boulders; there’s tons of culture and history too. Make sure to visit the Bryce Wildlife Museum which showcases over 1000 animals species, as well as artifacts from the Indian Piute and Anasazi communities that lived here. The animal skull displays are impressive. A 2-hour drive from Bryce will get you to the Anasazi State Park Museum which features the Coombs Site ruins, as well as a life-size replica of the pueblo the Anasazi people lived in nearly 900 years ago. For stories on pioneer grit and sheer engineering marvel, visit the Escalante Heritage/Hole-in-the-Rock Center which recounts the story of how pioneer men carved out a narrow (hole-like) mountain path to the river that the wagon train could descend on.

The Bryce Canyon National Park’s biggest draw is its series of natural amphitheaters studded with towering skinny rock pinnacles called hoodoos (the word “hoodoo” means “to bewitch” and this, they surely do!) The best time to catch them is in the soft light of sunrise or sunset when they glisten softly. Scenic overlooks such as Inspiration Point and Bryce Point offer visitors a ringside view of Nature’s extraordinary craftsmanship. Notable hoodoos you’re likely to encounter are the regal-looking Queen Victoria Hoodoo (the trail is easy and doable for all ages), and Thor’s Hammer which comprises a tall spire upon which sits a heavy rock that resembles a hammerhead. Besides the well-marked hiking trails, another fun way to explore the canyon is with a guided horseback ride – inquire with local outfitters.

Locally-owned restaurants are scattered throughout Bryce Canyon Country, and visitors can stock up on sumptuous, hot meals. A top recommendation is the Bryce Canyon Pines Restaurant for its breakfast specials – biscuits & gravy, buttermilk pancakes, and bacon and cheese omelets. For a lunch refuel, try the rustic Big Fish Family Restaurant in Panguitch. Recommended here are their hamburgers and grilled sandwiches – the service is friendly and attentive at this fuss-free restaurant. Vegans and vegetarians meanwhile will feel right at home at Sweetwater Kitchen which offers a good selection of meat-free and dairy-free options. That said, their BLT sandwiches and trout preparations are just as delicious.

Bryce Canyon’s family-friendly festival line-up makes it such an attractive all-ages destination. The year kicks off with the family-friendly Bryce Canyon Winter Festival in February. There’s everything from sled races and archery to kayaking demos, crafts, and colors. Learn about constellations, nebulae, asteroids, and nocturnal birds at June’s annual Astronomy Festival. This is followed by the 4th of July Independence Day celebrations, an extravaganza of scintillating fireworks, rodeo, and BBQ cookouts. Ever wondered how hoodoos are made, and how so many of them are at Bryce Canyon? You’ll need to attend the summertime Bryce Canyon Geology Festival which features ranger-led hikes, geologist talks, and even painting on the amphitheater rims.

Less than a two-hour drive southwest of Bryce Canyon is the Zion National Park, home to one of the world’s largest freestanding natural arches. Zion is also one of the best places in the world to go cannoneering amidst dramatic sandstone cliffs and brilliant blue skies.

Bryce Canyon is teeming with mountain and high desert wildlife so bring along a sharp set of binoculars – you could spot porcupines, bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes, and foxes. Birdwatchers – note that over 175 species of avian residents live here!

Bryce Canyon transforms into a winter wonderland, and visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, show-shoeing, and even snowmobiling through scenic trails. Fishing enthusiasts can head down to Panguitch Lake which is well-stocked with trout.

Rent a car and cruise along Byway 12 which winds through diverse landscapes - pink cliffs, steep rugged canyons, aspen and pine forests, and charming rural towns. En route, look out for the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, curious mud granaries, and Powell Point.

Finally, why not hit the skies with a scenic flight tour over Bryce Canyon. You’ll enjoy birds-eye views of miles of unforgettable landscapes such as Rainbow Point, and the Natural Bridge. Bryce Canyon Airlines’ Encounter Flight is recommended.