Most visitors don’t realize where Tropic, Utah is in relation to Bryce Canyon National Park. When staying in Tropic, you are in an epicenter of adventure. Not only are you 15 minutes to the entrance of Bryce Canyon, but also 20 minutes from Kodachrome Basin State Park and about 15 minutes to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
In other words, Tropic is the top spot for your trip.
Take your time when coming to the area and spend a weekend exploring each park or monument to the fullest. Need more convincing? We have seven reasons why you should.
Explore Nearby Bryce Canyon National Park
Have you ever seen the sunrise or sunset over a horizon of hoodoos? Now’s your chance. Within a short 15-minute drive, Bryce Canyon National Park is waiting for you. The park holds days’ worth of adventure with hikes from the canyon rim down to the amphitheater floor. The best hikes range in difficulty, assuring that every member of your party can see the striking views of Thor’s Hammer, the hoodoos and photo opportunities around every corner.
Visit Local Bryce Canyon Restaurants
After a day in Bryce Canyon, there’s nothing better than a hot-cooked meal at any of the unique local restaurants in the area. Tropic has restaurants that are nearby for fantastic food.
The classic American-style eatery, The Pizza Place, is open year-round with hand-tossed pizzas, salads, sandwiches, beer and more. Another American restaurant is IDK BBQ, which offers classic barbeque cuisine located on National Scenic Byway 12. If you are looking for more variety, Rustler’s Restaurant not only has the option for indoor and outdoor serving but also a well-rounded menu. Their menu includes American and Mexican options with the option of accompanying alcoholic beverages.
If you are looking for a luxurious meal for your trip, Stone Hearth Grille is the ideal Tropic pick. Serving steak, fish, chicken and a variety of vegetarian dishes, this restaurant has an indoor and outdoor dining area with an overlook with a stunning view.
Expanding into the larger Bryce Canyon Area, there are more establishments that will curb your craving. Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill and Showdowns Restaurant both offer dinner and live music shows to bring the western feeling to your family vacation.
Trail through Kodachrome Basin State Park
After seeing the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon, Kodachrome Basin State Park offers another unique set of sandstone pipe-looking rock formations that are both similar and different to the viewer. The red color still stands out from the landscape and the sand pipes, or chimney rocks as they are called, are believed to be remnants of solidified sediment that filled the ancient geysers that dominated the area. That’s right! Kodachrome Basin used to resemble Yellowstone National Park. With the largest spike over 170 feet tall, there are multiple hikes ranging from 1-mile long to multi-mile round trip excursions. The park also has campgrounds, pavilions, and amenities to help you, including a convenience store.
Reserve Unique Lodging in Tropic, Utah
Don’t think that your adventure has to stop when the sun goes down!
The quaint town of Tropic has unique lodging options, along with the traditional hotel and campground. If you love the outdoors, there are camping accommodations at Bryce Pioneer Village Campground and the Cannonville-Bryce Valley KOA Campground and RV Park. Both options have RV sites, campsites, bathroom amenities and more.
Red Ledges has 65 rooms for your comfort, including suites, that offer experiences with the comforts of home. Bryce Country Cabins will give you both the comforts of home with the rustic western appeal in their cozy cabins. If you are looking for more unique lodging, you can stay in cabins, bungalows, or a treehouse at the Stone Canyon Inn.
There are so many fun ways to bring spirit and life to your vacation and lodging is one of them! Tropic also has many bed and breakfasts, cottages, and vacation rentals that can also add to your vacation experience.
Catch a Fish
Are you looking for something new to try? Fishing is a wonderful and peaceful pastime. Tropic Reservoir and Pine Lake are popular for fishing, boating, hiking, and camping. Part of Dixie National Forest, these locations are bucket-worthy adventures in another landmark destination.
Tropic Reservoir has the trailhead for Paunsaugunt Trail, which is accessible by foot or ATV. This intermediate trail that covers many miles of land, provides views of pink cliffs and parts of Grand-Staircase-Escalante National Monument. ATV trails are also available at Pine Lake.
If you are fishing in the reservoir or lake, you have the opportunity to secure brown trout, rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. At Tropic Reservoir, you can fish from a boat or from the shore, the choice is yours. Small motorized and non-motorized boats can use the ramp when the water is high enough. At Pine Lake, you can fish from the shore or from a canoe.
Travel through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
It never ceases to amaze visitors how many national and state-designated areas are in Bryce Canyon Country. The Tropic area truly is the hotspot for adventure and that continues when you drive about 15 minutes to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. This area has another unique view of rock formations that cover three distinct districts in the monument. At one point in history, paleontologists have stated that this area was underwater or the ocean, as they have found various fossils of fish, sharks, and dinosaurs here. What will you find when you hike through?
Take a Trip to Tropic any Season of the Year
Your trip is starting to take shape and with this full bucket list of things to do in Tropic, Utah there is only one more note to add — Tropic is a year-round destination. It’s an easy getaway for the winter with a new perspective and a whole new bucket list of adventures. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking, and even sledding are fun activities for the family. Ice fishing at Tropic Reservoir is also common.
For winter activities in the area, closely watch websites, social media, and local news to discover road conditions and daily weather forecasts. For example, Ice fishing at Tropic Reservoir often requires a snowmobile rather than car transportation and some hikes may be closed due to heavy snowfall.
However, no matter the season, Tropic is the ideal top spot for adventure. There’s nothing better to bring excitement to your trip both in Bryce and beyond.
