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The tiny town of Tropic, Utah, is a good base for visiting nearby Bryce Canyon National Park. It’s only 7 ½ miles (12.1 kilometers) from the park.
Introduction to Tropic, Utah
The townsite was surveyed in 1889 and Tropic was founded in 1891 by a group of 15 families. An early community leader, Andrew J. Hansen, suggested the name to reflect the idea that with irrigation, the area could support fruits such as apples, peaches, and grapes.
Around 1890, settlers began digging a canal to provide irrigation for farmland in what was originally a very dry area. The 10-mile canal was completed by the spring of 1892, diverting water from the Sevier River into the Tropic valley. It officially began flowing on May 23 of that year, and Hansen’s vision became a reality. Orchards and ranching were successful, allowing Tropic to thrive.
The town shifted towards tourism with the establishment of Bryce Canyon National Monument on June 8, 1923. Today, it continues to welcome park visitors with a good variety of accommodation.
Where to Stay in Tropic, Utah
Because we were scheduled to arrive in the evening, we didn’t want to risk not getting a campsite at Bryce and decided to find a place in town.
Bryce Pioneer Village
We camped at Bryce Pioneer Village. We were able to find a nice flat spot in a grassy area, and there was a very clean shared bathroom facility. Other tents were pitched at a good distance so we didn’t feel like we were on top of our neighbors.
Bryce Pioneer Village also has cabins, RV sites, and a motel. There’s a restaurant, laundry facilities, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool open in the summer. Staff is friendly and helpful.
Where to Eat in Tropic, Utah
We had a couple meals during our stay in town.
Bryce Canyon Coffee Co.
We had breakfast and coffee at the cozy Bryce Canyon Coffee Co. The healthy breakfast choices and good coffee were a great start to a long day. If you’re looking for a place to stay, they also offer cabins at the adjacent Bryce Canyon Inn as well as vacation homes for rent.
Clarke’s Restaurant (Permanently Closed)
For dinner, we ate at Clarke’s. It’s only a couple blocks from Bryce Pioneer Village. They have a decent menu with friendly service. I had a penne pasta dish which hit the spot on a cold rainy night.
