RV Lifestyle Stop 2: Bryce Canyon National Park The vibe: Alien rock formations What to do: Bryce Canyon hides its treasures from view when you first enter the park but, as soon as you reach the rim of the plateau, an army of rock spires called hoodoos stands at attention in the bowl of the natural amphitheater. The paved road through the national park is sprinkled with scenic overlooks where you can stop and gawk at these mesmerizing formations. Inspiration Point and Rainbow Point are both ‘wow’-worthy pull-off points. But getting in among the hoodoos is a must. Hike the Navajo Loop from Sunset Point, book a horse ride on Peekaboo Loop or find a quieter collection of hoodoos on the Fairyland Loop. What to eat: Bryce Canyon is Utah’s only other national park (besides Zion) that has a historic lodge inside the park which has a restaurant (don’t miss the elk chili). There’s also a park general store that sells pizza, craft beer, ice cream and snacks. Bryce Canyon City is just outside of the national park gates, but the restaurants in the small town of Tropic – a short drive to the southeast – are better. Try the pulled pork at IDK Barbecue or have a classy white-tablecloth dinner at Stone Hearth Grille. Where to stay: Book far in advance to snag a place to sleep inside the park – either a campsite or a room at Bryce Canyon Lodge. Bryce Canyon has two campgrounds: North Campground (open year-round) and Sunset Campground (closed in winter). Both campgrounds are located in close proximity to the Visitor Center, Bryce Canyon Lodge and the main Bryce Amphitheater. Both campgrounds are reservation-based during peak season (May 19-October 7) and are first-come, first-served during the shoulder season (October 8-May 18). Bryce Canyon City has several options near the park entrance, but it’s worth driving a little further to Bryce Glamp & Camp, a scenic, secluded spot where you can watch the night sky from your bed in a bubble dome. The drive (200 km): Continue on Scenic Byway 12, which gets even more beautiful as you crest the roller-coaster hills and sail down the switchbacks. Much of the surrounding land is part of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which covers nearly two million acres. Tempting trailheads beckon, particularly around the towns of Escalante and Boulder; pull over and hike if you have time. Scenic Byway 12 ends at State Route 24 near Torrey, the gateway town to Capitol Reef National Park. Lava Point Campground is about a one-hour drive from Zion Canyon on the Kolob Terrace Road (closed in winter). In East Zion, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is ideal for families with activities for all ages. To the west, AutoCamp Zion offers a hip stay in Airstream trailers, and Under Canvas has set up gorgeous luxury glamping tents on Kolob Terrace Road. The drive (120 km): Leave Zion National Park through the east entrance, driving through the tight-squeeze Zion/Mount Carmel Tunnel which was the longest tunnel in the country when it opened in 1930. Continue on State Route 9 to Mount Carmel Junction and then head north on U.S. Highway 89. Turn east on Scenic Byway 12, nationally recognized as an All-American Road for its history and landscapes. You get a taste of what’s in store at the next national park as you drive through red rock arches and past intriguing rock formations shaped like Crayola crayons – and coloured just as brightly. Note: If travelling in an RV which is 3.45 metres tall or taller, or 2.38 metres wide or wider including mirrors, awnings and jacks, you will need a tunnel permit. Also note: Starting in mid-2026, Zion National Park will no longer allow oversized vehicles to travel the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, the scenic byway that bisects southern Utah’s top tourist draw. Instead, drivers of all vehicles heavier than 22,680 kg, longer than 10.9 metres, taller than 3.45 metres or wider than 2.38 metres will be rerouted to roads around the park. CSANews | FALL 2024 | 25
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