The Faces of Bryce Canyon Country, a Series Part 2

This month we’re back with another post about the residents of Bryce Canyon Country. With a county that offers incredible scenery and hundreds of activities, there are definitely some amazing people that contribute to making sure you have a wonderful visit. 

To get to know this beautiful area of Utah, filled with miles of breathtaking, mountainous desert landscape and hundreds of places to explore, we need to learn about the people who make this a thriving community.

Each participant will answer some questions and, if you’re lucky, tell you their favorite hidden gem in Bryce Canyon Country. Many of these people own or work for small businesses and would love your support as well. Visit them on their website or social media.

Lacey Mecham

  1. How long have you lived in Garfield County? What city do you live in? If you’re not from Garfield County, what brought you there? I graduated from Panguitch and then moved out of state for a few years. My husband and I moved back to his hometown of Tropic, just over two years ago to raise our circus!
  2. If applicable, what is the name of your business or place of employment? I’m lucky enough to be a stay-at-home mom that works weekends at the cutest little coffee shop, Bryce Canyon Coffee Co. in Tropic. If you’re in need of a strong espresso after a sunrise hike this is the place!
  3. What is your favorite thing about living in Garfield County? Definitely the variety of outdoor activities it has to offer! We can leave our house and literally drive in any direction and find some amazing adventures.
  4. What is one of your favorite places to explore in Garfield County? My kids and I have recently been spending a lot of time in Kodachrome Basin State Park. It’s a beautiful area, filled with fun hikes and we never see more than a few others out on the trials. 
  5. What is your favorite local restaurant? After a long day playing outside we’ll usually grab a pizza from The Pizza Place or some yummy nachos from IDK BBQ. These two places serve delicious food and make my (usually starving) children happy! Win/Win!
  6. Do you have a favorite hidden gem in Garfield County? There are so many, but Red Canyon has a few fun trails that usually get overlooked. One of our favorites is the Losee Canyon Trail. The Grand Staircase also has some amazing areas, but we promised to never tell about some of those! 🙂
  7. Do you have any advice for people visiting Garfield County? Most people think a day or two is enough time to explore Garfield County, thinking Bryce Canyon is all they need to see. But really a week or more would be ideal! Garfield County has so many beautiful places to offer; from lakes, slot canyons, national park and forests, state parks and Grand Staircase-Escalante, it has just about everything you could want in any direction!

Capt. Ray Golden

  1. How long have you lived in Garfield County? What city do you live in? If you’re not from Garfield County, what brought you there? I have lived in eastern Garfield County, in the town of Ticaboo, for 5 years now. My wife and I came here to help Ticaboo Lodge start up an outdoor recreation business.
  2. If applicable, what is the name of your business or place of employment? North Lake Powell Adventures at Ticaboo Lodge
  3. What is your favorite thing about living in Garfield County? The outdoor adventurer and explorer in me thrives in this remote, stunningly scenic environment. There is something new to explore every single day!
  4. What is one of your favorite places to explore in Garfield County? The Henry Mountains
  5. What is your favorite local restaurant? Hell’s Backbone Grill in Boulder
  6. Do you have a favorite hidden gem in Garfield County? Yes, the multiple dinosaur tracks along Lake Powell.
  7. Do you have any advice for people visiting Garfield County? Absolutely hire a guide,there is so much you will miss if you don’t.

Follow Ticaboo Lodge on Facebook

Steve Lee

  1. How long have you lived in Garfield County? What city do you live in? If you’re not from Garfield County, what brought you there? I was raised in Panguitch and have continued living here off and on over the last ten years. My spouse and I moved back home five years ago to raise our two boys near their grandparents while the two of us finish our degrees. I lived in the DC Metro area for a few years just out of high school and still cheer for all the DC sports teams.
  2. If applicable, what is the name of your business or place of employment? I work for the city of Panguitch, with duties over public events, marketing, chamber of commerce, and, my personal favorite, historic preservation. As a side-gig, I colorize/restore old black and white damaged photographs. I also write a local history column for the Insider Newspaper and I’m working on a manuscript for my first book to be released this October, “Haunted Highways: Restless Spirits Along Historic Highway 89.”
  3. What is your favorite thing about living in Garfield County? The depth and range of significant historical events that have transpired in Garfield County is breathtaking. I love living among the 100+-year-old homes and other fascinating historical sites.
  4. What is one of your favorite places to explore in Garfield County? The Markagunt Plateau, especially the Panguitch Lake area and along the Old Spanish Trail.
  5. What is your favorite local restaurant? Wanderlust because they have fantastic coffee and pastries.
  6. Do you have a favorite hidden gem in Garfield County? I have several! I love visiting old ghost towns and cemeteries; my favorites are Orsiris and George Town.
  7. Do you have any advice for people visiting Garfield County? Enjoy Bryce Canyon, but don’t neglect to explore the many other smaller parks, sights, and activities along the way!

Follow Panguitch City on FacebookInstagram, and Pinterest

To follow Steve’s historical research projects and writing topics follow the Garfield and Wayne County Insider on Facebook

Scott and Jan Roundy

  1. How long have you lived in Garfield County? What city do you live in? If you’re not from Garfield County, what brought you there? We have lived in Garfield County in Escalante for 5 years. We lived in Heber City for 23 years before coming to Escalante. My dad Jerry Roundy was born and raised in Escalante and moved back when he retired. Five years ago we bought some land from him and started building yurts. We opened Escalante Yurts 4 years ago.
  2. If applicable, what is the name of your business or place of employment?We own and operate Escalante Yurts in Escalante.
  3. What is your favorite thing about living in Garfield County? We love the beautiful scenery and the down-to-earth people who live here.
  4. What is one of your favorite places to explore in Garfield County? We really like hiking to the Golden Cathedral. My grandfather had a cattle permit in that area so it has some sentimental value, but it is a beautiful place and not many people make the effort to get there.
  5. What is your favorite local restaurant? Right now, it’s Ranch Dog Kitchen, but all the restaurants in Escalante are good!
  6. Do you have a favorite hidden gem in Garfield County? We would have to say Golden Cathedral!
  7. Do you have any advice for people visiting Garfield County? Plan ahead, bring something you can drive on gravel roads and take lots of water!

Follow Escalante Yurts on Facebook and Instagram.

We hope you’ve been able to learn a little more about The Faces of Bryce Canyon Country. The community knows the area best as most of them hike and explore on a daily basis. Take their advice, explore some lesser-known areas, try a new restaurant and talk to residents when you visit Bryce Canyon Country.

Look for the next post of The Faces of Bryce Canyon Country in August!

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