Fun Family Things to Do Near Bryce Canyon (Plus the Best Place to Stay!)
If you’re visiting Bryce Canyon National Park, don’t limit yourself to staying within the park boundaries. Though Bryce is an incredible place, I think any trip to the area should include some of the more off-the-beaten path attractions outside the park as well. From hiking a slot canyon to checking out a hidden gem of a state park, you’ll find lots of family-friendly things to do near Bryce Canyon.
Things to Do Near Bryce Canyon Itinerary
Since I spend most of my time in and around Zion National Park, it’s always nice to get a chance to explore other places in southern Utah like Bryce Canyon. I recently enjoyed a staycation near Bryce with my kiddos, and this was our itinerary.
Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon: Clear Sky Resort
We made Clear Sky Resort our home base for adventuring around Bryce, and we absolutely loved this place! The location was super convenient for exploring all the things to do near Bryce Canyon, and the amenities were awesome.
At Clear Sky Resort, you stay in a glass dome so you can stargaze right from bed! We got incredibly lucky to be staying during a time of super dark skies with no moon or clouds, and it was absolutely incredible. Laying in bed and looking out at a sky full of stars is truly magical.
Beyond the stargazing, the sky dome was actually very comfortable to stay in and fits a family of four perfectly. The beds were very comfortable, and even in the cold, the dome stayed warm and cozy. Each dome also has a private bath with a rainfall shower.
Day 1 of Things to Do Near Bryce Canyon
Evening: Check Into Clear Sky
After about a 2-hour drive from the Zion area, we checked into Clear Sky Resort for our staycation near Bryce Canyon. We tried the stargazing tour that the resort offers, but a big rambunctious group that also joined took all the attention of our guide, so we decided to cut it short and get our money back. I do think it would be a fun experience otherwise!
Day 2 of Things to Do Near Bryce Canyon
Breakfast: Clear Sky
Clear Sky will deliver your breakfast right to your dome, and I loved this! Eating breakfast in the dome while slowly waking up in the morning was a special experience to savor.
Morning: Willis Creek
After breakfast, we headed out to Willis Creek slot canyon, about a half an hour drive from Clear Sky. Hiking Willis Creek is one of my favorite things to do near Bryce Canyon, because it’s an easy slot canyon where you can choose how far you want to explore.
We didn’t do the full hike this time because it was icy, and we didn’t bring traction for our shoes…next time. If you do bring Yaktrax or microspikes, I highly recommend Willis Creek in the winter because the ice in the slot canyon with the sandstone walls towering above you is absolutely magical.
Willis Creek Trail Details
Distance: 4.8 miles round trip (but the best narrows are in the first mile and a half or so)
Elevation Gain: 675 feet
Location: The trailhead is along BLM500/Skutumpah Road near the town of Cannonville.
Check out my blog post here for more stunning southern Utah slot canyons to explore!
Lunch: Route 12 Grill in Tropic
Winter is the off-season in this area near Bryce Canyon, so we found very limited options for meals which was frustrating. We had lunch at Route 12 Grill in Tropic because it was the only place open. While it is located in a cute gas station with fun souvenirs, the food was not particularly great…just fast fried food.
Afternoon: Kodachrome Basin State Park
After lunch, we made our way to Kodachrome Basin State Park. I seriously love this park, and visiting it is definitely one of my top things to do near Bryce Canyon.
The park was so quiet and peaceful while we were there, which is one of the pluses of visiting southern Utah in winter. We hiked Angels Palace, my favorite trail in the park, and didn’t see a single person the whole time.
Evening: Sightseeing & Dinner
To finish our day, we drove over to Chimney Rock and then Grosvenor Arch. Both are quick stops to see some unique and cool rock formations.
By then we were absolutely exhausted after our day of adventure, so we headed back to Clear Sky for dinner. Though the restaurant dining room was closed for renovations while we were there, they had dining domes set up which were pretty fun to eat in. There was also live music both nights of our stay, and my kiddos loved playing games on the lawn and the free s’mores in the evening.
Day 3 of Things to Do Near Bryce Canyon
Morning: Bryce Canyon National Park
We enjoyed another wonderful breakfast at Clear Sky, and then we sadly had to check out. But luckily Bryce Canyon National Park is just 20 minutes away! My kids weren’t feeling up for a hike in Bryce on this trip, so we just took a nice drive out Rainbow Point.
But if you’re looking for family-friendly hikes in Bryce Canyon, I highly recommend the Mossy Cave Trail. This short hike is just under a mile and follows Water Canyon so you get to see some of the iconic hoodoos that Bryce is known for. The Navajo Loop Trail is my other favorite easy trail in Bryce since it heads through Wall Street, the only slot canyon in the park.
Other Awesome Things to Do Near Bryce Canyon
If you’re staying at Clear Sky, it is so close to so many amazing spots for hiking and exploring and other things to do near Bryce Canyon……like so, so many! Here are a few:
Escalante
The town of Escalante is just about a half an hour away from Clear Sky, and it features both incredible hiking and 5-star farm to table dining. In Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, you can hike Lower Calf Creek Falls, a truly spectacular trail to a waterfall, or Zebra Canyon, an easy, non-technical slot canyon. After hiking, treat yourself to a scenic drive to dinner at Hell’s Backbone Grill, a foodie haven on a farm.
Get even more info about visiting Escalante in my blog post here!
Red Canyon
Red Canyon is an oft-overlooked part of Dixie National Forest, but it’s absolutely worth checking out…especially since it’s just half an hour from Clear Sky. Along Scenic Byway 12, you’ll pass through two arched tunnels of red rock and see hoodoos, spires, and more lining the road. You can easily pull off to take pictures of the cool sandstone and limestone formations or stop to stretch your legs on a hike.
Cottonwood Canyon Road
Take a scenic drive off the beaten path in southern Utah along Cottonwood Canyon Road. The dirt road stretches 47 miles from Kodachrome Basin State Park to Kanab, UT, and there are so many opportunities to explore along the road. I highly recommend stopping along the way to hike Cottonwood Narrows North…the slot canyon is stunning, and it’s a quick and easy hike to get to it.
WARNING: Do not attempt this road if there is a chance of rain in the forecast. The road will quickly become a muddy mess, and there is no cell service out here if you do get stuck.
Hope this list of things to do near Bryce Canyon inspires an adventurous family trip to southern Utah for you!
Happy Adventuring,
Arika
