If you’re looking for the best Utah summer vacation resorts for exploring all that the region has to offer, you can’t beat Water Canyon Resort. The resort is located in Hildale, Utah, on the border between Arizona and Utah. Our location makes us the ideal base camp for exploring the many national and state parks and other outdoor destinations that Southern Utah and Northern Arizona have to offer.
One of those destinations is Bryce Canyon National Park. While its neighbor, Zion National Park, may be the more popular destination, Bryce Canyon offers equally incredible views, hiking trails, scenic drives, and more, along with fewer crowds.
If you’re looking for a fun day trip to enjoy during your stay in one of the best luxury resorts Utah has to offer, keep reading to learn more about Bryce Canyon National Park.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the Utah Mighty 5. This often-overlooked park covers 35,000 acres in Southern Utah, to the Northeast of Zion National Park. It’s known for its unique geological formations and vibrant colors.
The park’s most famous feature is the large collection of hoodoos, a type of narrow, towering rock formation that was formed over millions of years by erosion. The park is home to hundreds of hoodoos—the largest collection of such formations in the world.
The largest collection of these hoodoos appears in Bryce Canyon’s natural amphitheater. This giant natural bowl is filled with hundreds of towering hoodoos, in vibrant shades of red, orange, and pink. The result is a truly mesmerizing view, especially at sunrise and sunset, when the colors become even more amazing.
How to Get to Bryce Canyon
If you’re looking for a fun day trip during your stay in the best Utah summer vacation resorts, Bryce Canyon National Park is a great choice. The park is just two hours away from our Hildale resort.
You’ll actually travel South into Arizona, before turning back North into Utah. You’ll pass right by Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. But we recommend saving this beautiful state park for another day, as it’s well worth its own trip! From there, you’ll pass through Mt Carmel Junction and catch US-89.
Like all of Utah’s Mighty 5, Bryce Canyon National Park charges an entrance fee. The cost is $35 for a private vehicle holding 15 or fewer passengers. Motorcycles pay an entrance fee of $30.
If you’re planning to visit more than one national park during your stay in Water Canyon St George, consider purchasing a national park annual pass. This pass provides access to all national parks and National Park Service sites for one full year for two cardholders and any passengers in their vehicle, or up to three guests if entering on foot. You can use your pass to visit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Zion, Pipe Springs National Monument, and more during your stay.
What to Do in Bryce Canyon
Besides being a photographer’s dream, Bryce Canyon National Park is a popular destination for hiking. Hiking is one of the best ways to experience the park’s incredible views during a day trip from Water Canyon St George. The park’s most popular trail is the Rim Trail. This trail offers awe-inspiring views of the canyon and its hoodoos from many different vantage points. As you stroll along the rim of the canyon, you’ll be treated to panoramic views that stretch for miles. The views rival those of Angels Landing, but without requiring a permit to hike!
Another great way to take in the views at Bryce Canyon is with a scenic drive. In fact, the very drive from the best Utah summer vacation resorts to the national park is filled with great views. But once you get there, head to the Bryce Canyon Scenic Byway.
This 18-mile route takes you past the park’s most iconic viewpoints, including Sunset Point, Sunrise Point, and Inspiration Point. Each stop along the drive offers a different view of the canyon and its ever changing views and colors. Take your time driving the road during your visit from the best luxury resorts Utah has to offer—and don’t forget to bring a fresh memory card for your camera!
When it’s time to refuel and relax, Bryce Canyon National Park has a number of picnic areas where you can take a break. There are also a few restaurants in the town of Bryce Canyon City, just outside of the park’s entrance.
Planning Your Stay at the Best Utah Summer Vacation Resorts
If you’re looking for great hiking trails and incredible views, Bryce Canyon National Park is a great day trip to enjoy during your stay at the best Utah summer vacation resorts. It’s just one of the many national parks, state parks, and other outdoor destinations you could explore during your stay at Water Canyon Resort.
Ready to start planning your next stay at one of the best luxury resorts Utah has to offer? Now is a great time to book a stay at Water Canyon Resort. Right now, when you book a stay of three or more nights, you’ll enjoy a 25 percent discount on your booking. Book today to take advantage of these savings!