Bryce Canyon makes a great vacation spot closer to home for Utahns

We at Ruby’s Inn might be seeing a lot more Utahns this summer as gas prices alter state residents’ plans to go on a summer vacation further from home. A recent Salt Lake Tribune editorial encourages Utahns to stay close to home for their summer vacations and visit Utah’s national parks, including Bryce Canyon. Another recent Tribune article describes Bryce Canyon as a less crowded national park option compared to Zion and Arches.

Apparently, Bryce Canyon’s vast array of hoodoos resembles the buildings of Chicago’s skyline, according to a Chicago Tribune blog . The blog entry features photo comparisons of the two, bringing a fresh perspective to Bryce Canyon’s colorful scenery.

Bryce Canyon’s panoramic landscape awaits you this summer, whether you are a Utahn, a Chicagoan, or from anywhere else in the U.S. or the world. Whenever you visit the area, book your lodging at Ruby’s Inn – the most comprehensive hotel in the Bryce Canyon area.

Bryce Canyon shuttle begins summer schedule

Beginning Friday, May 23, the Bryce Canyon Shuttle will begin its summer schedule, operating daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. until September 28. The voluntary shuttle, implemented to help reduce automobile traffic in the most popular places in the park, is voluntary. The shuttle will operate from a new facility and parking lot located across UT 63 from Ruby’s Inn – a partnership between Ruby’s Inn, Bryce Canyon National Park and other entities. For further details about the shuttle, read this recent Daily Spectrum article or check out the Bryce Canyon Shuttle information page .

Bryce Canyon and Ruby’s Inn receiving positive press

In the last week, there have been three articles in the news about Bryce Canyon, two of them mentioning Ruby’s Inn. The first, a column in The Coast News , a newspaper in Encinitas, California, describes the awe the writer felt as she hiked among Bryce Canyon’s colorful hoodoos. She stayed at Ruby’s Inn during her trip. She is complimentary of our hotel. She even relates some of our history. The next article about Bryce Canyon within the last week appeared in The Salt Lake Tribune . The article lists Bryce Canyon National Park as one of Utah’s seven natural wonders. Another Salt Lake Tribune article tells about the late Bob Syrett, an owner of Ruby’s Inn, being honored for his work in Utah tourism at the Utah Tourism Conference in Salt Lake City last week. Come join us this spring, summer or fall so Bryce Canyon can inspire you and you can take advantage of the excellent accommodations at our Bryce Canyon hotel!

Bryce Canyon Trail Spotlight: Bristlecone Loop

Last week we highlighted the closest Bryce Canyon National Park hiking trail to Ruby’s Inn. This week we will spotlight one of the trails that is located farthest away – the Bristlecone Loop Trail. Accessed via Rainbow Point at the southern end of the park’s scenic drive, the Bristlecone Loop traverses the highest portion of the park, reaching elevations up to 9,100 feet above sea level. The trail received its name because of the stands of bristlecone pine you will see along the route. Bristlecones are some of the earth’s oldest living organisms. Some of the specimens you will see along the trail are nearly 1,800 years old! In addition to bristlecone pine, you will also see Blue Spruce, Douglas Fir and White Fir.

Another attraction of this trail is its stellar views into the Four Corners area, due to the Bryce Canyon’s fresh air and excellent visibility. During your jaunt along the one-mile path you might also catch a glimpse of the area’s wildlife, including grouse, woodpeckers, ravens, and a variety of chipmunks and squirrels.

Click here for the official National Park Service web page about the trail

Bryce Canyon Trail Spotlight: Fairyland Loop

Most Ruby’s Inn guests enjoy hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park during their stay. As such, we would like to highlight the park’s trails in this blog to help you plan your hiking itinerary. We will begin with the Fairyland Loop Trail, the closest Bryce Canyon trail to your accommodations at Ruby’s Inn.

The Fairyland Loop Trail begins at Fairyland Point, reached by taking a left onto a spur road off UT 63 even before you reach the park’s fee station, only minutes from your Ruby’s Inn motel room. The 8-mile round trip hike offers spectacular views of colorful hoodoos and mesas. It is an ideal trail to hike if you would like to get away from the crowds. The first 1.5 miles of the trail winds through the north side of Boat Mesa, descending into Fairyland Canyon, the lowest point of the hike. The next 2.5 miles climbs out of Fairyland Canyon and offers views of Sinking Ship Mesa , which truly resembles an enormous sinking ship.

The mid-way point of the hike is the 0.2-mile spur trail to Tower Bridge , an excellent spot for a lunch break. From the Tower Bridge Junction, the trail ascends 1.5 miles back to the rim of Bryce Canyon’s main amphitheater. This portion of the trail traverses Campbell Canyon and offers superb views of the Chinese Wall. When you reach the rim, you can return to Fairyland Point or stroll along the rim to Sunrise Point and the park’s main tourist area.

Click here for the official National Park Service web page about the trail and here for a description of the trail on the Travel West website.