CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — An iconic Southwestern destination, the towering sandstone hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park have astonished visitors from around the world – and just down the road – for more than a century. Experience an unforgettable late summer getaway at Ruby’s Inn, just a stone’s throw away from one of the jewels of Utah’s public lands.
Ruby’s Inn is your one-stop shop for all travel needs in the Bryce Canyon area. The sprawling property offers a variety of lodging options, including traditional hotel rooms, rustic cabins and tent and RV campsites. Hungry adventurers will find a plethora of food options ranging from burgers and pizza at the Canyon Diner to a hearty homestyle dinner at Cowboy’s Buffet & Steak Room.
“Summer is the perfect time of year to stay at Ruby’s Inn,” general manager Lance Syrett said. “We’re just two hours away from St. George, so you can get here and back on less than a tank of gas.”
At almost 8,000 feet above sea level, Bryce Canyon offers a much-needed break from the summer heat scorching most of southwestern Utah. Daytime highs seldom exceed 85 degrees, and hikers can enjoy miles of gorgeous, uncrowded trails.
If you prefer adventures on wheels, Ruby’s Inn will serve as the starting point for the annual Canyon 2 Canyon Family Bike Ride on Aug. 26. This family-friendly event follows the Canyon 2 Canyon Trail from Inspiration Point in Bryce Canyon to Red Canyon 17 miles away.
The path is paved, mostly downhill and easy to navigate. Registration, which includes a T-shirt and prizes, is required and costs $5 per person; kids age 5 and under can ride for free.
Bring your own bike or grab a rental from the Ruby’s Inn Adventure Center, which offers activities for all ages to enjoy including guided ATV tours and horseback rides. There are also thrilling virtual reality tours and scenic airplane and helicopter flights over the park and surrounding natural wonders.
There’s always something to do at Bryce Canyon, which is marking 100 years as a national park in 2023. Centennial events include a plein-air painting demonstration on Sept. 18 and the Heritage Days cultural celebration from Sept. 28-30.
On Aug. 10, the Utah Symphony and Utah Opera will visit the park as part of their “Music Elevated: Forever Mighty State Tour,” which spans more than 600 miles and features concerts and music education opportunities in six locations across Utah. The performance, held at Ruby’s Inn, is free to attend. Tickets are required, and limited space is available.
Associate conductor Benjamin Manis will lead the orchestra in a program featuring two internationally acclaimed Utah-based singers, soprano Madison Leonard and baritone Shea Owens. They’ll perform a wide collection of Broadway, opera and American folk music, including favorites ranging from Aaron Copland’s “Hoedown” and “Simple Gifts” to John Williams’ “Theme from Jurassic Park.”
Bryce Canyon is renowned as a stargazer’s paradise, and it also lies directly in the path of the annular solar eclipse that will take place on Oct. 14. An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon covers the Sun’s center, leaving the outer edges to form a “ring of fire” or annulus around the Moon. This year’s eclipse is the first of its kind visible in the United States since 2012. Weather permitting, onlookers can expect to see a 90% eclipse of the Sun.
“All of these events are free or dirt cheap, which makes it a great time to come,” Syrett said. “We have an event atmosphere up here most of the time anyway.”
Ruby’s Inn is the only destination in Southern Utah offering high-quality Branson and Nashville-style entertainment every night. Take in homestyle cooking and live music performed by the Bryce Canyon Wranglers at Ebenezer’s Barn & Grill. The venue offers two shows, “Timeless” and “A Song Like Me,” both of which take audiences on a journey through the hits that shaped country music.
“This show absolutely blows people’s minds with how great it is,” Syrett said.
Marvel at the skills of local cowboys during the Bryce Canyon Country Rodeo, which runs four nights a week through the end of August. And don’t miss Nashville Stars Over Bryce Canyon on Aug. 4-5, a dinner show featuring songwriters Danny Myrick, Shelly Fairchild and Travis Howard, who have penned hits for some of the biggest names in country music.
Ruby’s Inn is offering hot deals all summer long to help Southern Utah locals take advantage of this world-class destination that’s right in their backyard. Stay two nights or more and enjoy 20% off per night between Aug. 20-31. Rates include breakfast every morning.
“People literally come from all over the world to see Bryce, and we’re lucky enough to have it right here in our backyard,” Syrett said. “If you’ve never been, make an excuse to come up here.”
Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.
• S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T •
Resources
- Ruby’s Inn | Address: 26 S. Main St., Bryce Canyon City | Telephone: 866-866-6616 | Website.
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.