We were so excited to explore Bryce Canyon Country, Utah finally! This was a rescheduled press trip from last summer with Bryce Canyon Country that is now a gals road tripping adventure, low key style. Originally last July, we were supposed to join a group press trip that included horseback riding, ATVs through the canyons and group hikes which all are still not quite attainable to this day. Fortunately the tourism board was very understanding about the summer from hell 2025 and were more than happy to reschedule and arrange a private visit for me and a guest. Ironically, my guest fell after donating blood and bruised her tailbone and head a week prior to this trip so we were quite the pair! But I took it as a sign from the universe to slow down and relax more – with adventures in spurts.
With a quick 1.5 hour flight from Phoenix to Salt Lake City, Utah, via Delta airlines, we booked an airport hotel overnight on our own to try to rest before the long 4.5 hour drive South ahead. Let’s just say that once I am out of all my Wyndham points, I will not be getting any more credit cards or staying at their establishments unless it’s necessary or the only option left. From the weirdness I experienced in Santa Fe to this questionable La Quinta place where the AC kicked on and off all night long giving you maybe 10 minutes of sleep in intervals, my guests alarm went off at 6 a.m., so I was the Crypt Keeper trying to get out of that place and wake up. It did have an airport shuttle (which was also confusing as one person told us it ran every 45 minutes, another 25 minutes and another said to call first to catch it) and a breakfast that was OK if you like SOS and powdered eggs but man, they really charge an arm and a leg to be by the airport. So maybe stay downtown if you can swing it, the prices are better and you get to see some of the city. We did find a quirky little Robert’s diner to eat at that was walkable. It was weird but tasty – and they had local beer! Not that I was having any and tempting fate, my stomach was going wild with the flight plus new 4,000+ feet altitude. Let’s just say I got a Utah cleanse before we hit the road thankfully.
Our whip for the week was a Chevrolet Equinox which is ironic as the summer solstice was upon us and we soon fell in love with this SUV. Fortunately we were both added as drivers with insurance through Enterprise Rental Cars and able to pick our own so we went with this baby blue one as the others were all boring plain neutral colors. It has an AWD option so we could easily get around rocks and backroads which certainly came in handy! The GPS took us mostly down Highway 15 but diverted us into some back roads which we didn’t hate, we actually had some amusing cow traffic in the road, saw butterflies, and passed Otter Creek Reservoir Recreation Area which is actually a 7-mile long reservoir renowned as a premier trout fishery stocked with Rainbow, Cutthroat, and Brown trout, as well as smallmouth bass. Even with the country roads detour with no restrooms by the way, we made it in time for check-in as planned.
I will miss this Chevy Equinox that we named Texas because of the state plates. Once we finally figured out the cruise control system, it was smooth sailing driving her! The only downside is the 30 MPG to the tank, not ideal in Trump’s economy. She also handles back roads like a champ!We pulled off at this stop because we saw green pastures in Bryce Canyon Country.Lots of random places where water runs through in Bryce Canyon Country.And of course the full mountain range in Bryce Canyon Country.
Stone Canyon Inn is literally located inside Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah! With views of Fairyland Canyon right behind your home for the next few nights, you can literally hike from the backside of the property starting at Tropic Trail Trailhead that leads to Peekaboo Loop, Wall Street and even into the park itself, saving you a nice chunk of change to explore the national park by foot if you have the energy. Stone Canyon Inn boasts secluded lodging options at the edge of the tiny town of Tropic, Utah, and also has a fancy on-site restaurant called Stone Hearth Grille with nice views of vistas from the spacious deck. Our budget was slim for this trip so we opted for more affordable options in town which I will share below.
Finally we arrived to Stone Canyon Inn! Check in is all the way to the left where the wooden awning is loacted.The nicest gal from Phoenix, Wendy, greeted us at Stone Canyon Inn. With a little mixup with the check-in name because of who booked it, we were soon on our way to relax!With the literal last of any energy I had left, I went into media machine mode at Stone Canyon Inn.The front door was too large for a Nikon photo but it’s certainly giving cabin vibes at Stone Canyon Inn.Around the side with the mini porch in the back at Stone Canyon Inn.Even our whip looked majestic against the mountains at Stone Canyon Inn.Walking inside Stone Canyon Inn, the vaulted ceilings and cool air caught my attention.The windows you can see from the front door at Stone Canyon Inn.The kitchen was fully stocked for cooking at Stone Canyon Inn. We only really microwaved or ate out for this portion of the trip.The master or primary room is to the right of the kitchen at Stone Canyon Inn.Some chairs tucked in the corner of the main bedroom at Stone Canyon Inn.The vanity is outside the bathroom in the main suite at Stone Canyon Inn full of toiletries.There was a TV in the dresser to the left however I didn’t use it at Stone Canyon Inn. The beds were amazingly comfortable and we slept so well here, no noisy air conditioning or actually any noise waking us up.The bathroom was hard to photograph but you get the idea at Stone Canyon Inn. That is not dirt it’s hard water stains that wash off.The closet and toilet with window above it at Stone Canyon Inn. I don’t unpack, just put my suitcase on the holder usually.The guest bedroom was to the other side of the kitchen and also had a connecting door to the toilet at Stone Canyon Inn.Connecting the toilet to the guest bedroom was a vanity at Stone Canyon Inn.Looking into the guest bedroom from the bathroom at Stone Canyon Inn. There was a stuffed chair in the corner to my right.The guest bath connected to the kitchen at Stone Canyon Inn.The guest bathroom was like a cave shower at Stone Canyon Inn. You had to go in and to the left.The showers got hot if you wanted at Stone Canyon Inn.Another view of the kitchen at Stone Canyon Inn. We found some random items in drawers and in the dishwasher but nothing gross at Stone Canyon Inn.The fireplace we didn’t use as it was hot until the middle of the night at Stone Canyon Inn. We did watch some TV and found it a bit small so scooted the couch closer.We didn’t use the grill however it would be nice to grill and chill with beer at Stone Canyon Inn.The hot tub that we couldn’t get the top back on at Stone Canyon Inn. We had to call for help ha! It was set at 96 degrees, we weren’t sure how to increase it and also some of the neck pieces would float off randomly and we’d snap them back in – rinse and repeat.The whole back porch vibe at Stone Canyon Inn.I guess it was worth the struggle for these fun shots at Stone Canyon Inn.On the back porch, this was our view at Stone Canyon Inn. It looked like three units in one.Thank goodness our hosts gave us these cans of Boost Oxygen at Stone Canyon Inn. As you can see, we immediately started huffing this air. According to Wikipedia, Tropic has an elevation of 6,309 elevation. My friend also got those little high altitude stickers to go behind your ears, every little bit helps!The name of our cabin at Stone Canyon Inn, number 14. I assume Manzanita refers to drought-tolerant evergreen shrubs native to western North America.They also offer “tree houses” which are cabins with legs at Stone Canyon Inn. A bit smaller for our needs though fun idea!We found a nice little shaded spot near the trees to keep the sun off our Texas whip at Stone Canyon Inn.A better view of the back porch at Stone Canyon Inn at sunset.And the cabin from the backside of the road at Stone Canyon Inn.Quite an epic sunset the first night at Stone Canyon Inn.On our very last morning at Stone Canyon Inn, this stick bug was on my porch door at Stone Canyon Inn. Allegedly it is often seen as a symbol of hope, new beginnings and transformation as well as strength, power and determination. Some say if you encounter a stick bug in real life, take it as a sign that you need faith and trust in the change process. It’s also a reminder that even the smallest creature can have a big impact. I’ll take it!As we drove out, our first set of deer were right next to the road at The Pizza Place in Tropic, Utah.You will see this green dinosaur who makes a good marker at The Pizza Place in Tropic, Utah.There’s also the oversized chair if you want a fun photo near The Pizza Place in Tropic, Utah.A memorial across the street at Tropic, Utah.Ironically or not, our waitress Grace’s brother built this in Tropic, Utah.We were blessed to see maybe the same deer from before at Tropic, Utah. There is a funny story here that is only seen on my Instagram!The most picturesque photo in Tropic, Utah.‘Merica turns 250 years old soon in Tropic, Utah.
Restaurants in Tropic, Utah
Once content was captured and a quick lay down on the couch happened, we were starving. I had already located most of the places I wanted to try in this tiny town so a huge pizza was calling us quickly. At this point I was so exhausted from not sleeping, driving, getting up too early and running around in the heat, I started slurring words. It felt like I was drunk but I wasn’t so I power chugged salted water (literally put sprinkle salt into my water) and iced tea when we sat down to order. The Pizza Place is a helluva place to eat a pizza! And since carbs also help with altitude sickness, I was ready to throw down as much as physically possible.
The Pizza Place in Tropic, Utah
I had a one track mind and it led to carb land at The Pizza Place in Tropic, Utah.I usually am not craving pizza so badly but was then at The Pizza Place in Tropic, Utah.I was very happy to learn my friend also loves a good supreme pie at The Pizza Place in Tropic, Utah.We were in the corner at The Pizza Place in Tropic, Utah.Outside was a huge table full of pizza from a sports group at The Pizza Place in Tropic, Utah.I enjoyed the trees holding things up at The Pizza Place in Tropic, Utah.Finally our pie arrived from the best gal in the West, Grace, who is going places at The Pizza Place in Tropic, Utah.Pineapple DOES belong on pizza ya’ll at The Pizza Place in Tropic, Utah. It was SO good!Because of the long wait, they even threw in a salad at The Pizza Place in Tropic, Utah. Thanks guys!
Coffee Shop in Tropic, Utah
The next morning I had my eye on Bryce Canyon Coffee Co. which was the cutest, snug little log cabin with a patio for espresso drinks and smoothies, plus baked goods and breakfast bites. Dubbed Bryce Canyon’s best coffee shop and established in 2013 as a cozy space where travelers and locals alike could obtain an amazing cup of coffee. Since then, they’ve grown the menu and welcomed visitors from all over the world. Literally located on the main road of Tropic, Utah, you can’t miss it. And we were so happy to see Grace there from the pizza place the night before. Apparently owned by the same company, these food spots were not letting our tastebuds down and was open until 6 p.m.
The front patio of Bryce Canyon Coffee Co. for cooler days.Bryce Canyon Coffee Co. is also connected to a long line of cabins from Bryce Canyon Inn as well as ATVs sitting nearby. We even saw kids riding dirt bikes on the main road, it’s yee-haw funk the law out here!A whole section of merch was available at Bryce Canyon Coffee Co.Since we had some protein for breakfast, it was time for this famous banana bread at Bryce Canyon Coffee Co.It was totally delicious and moist but also dense at Bryce Canyon Coffee Co.This was our plan after getting some caffeine in our bloodstream at Bryce Canyon Coffee Co.The best cold brew with some chocolate syrup and whipped cream at Bryce Canyon Coffee Co. It was so good I came back for another the next day!A very lodge like feel at Bryce Canyon Coffee Co.After exploring some more of the area and doing some hiking, it was time for a late lunch back in Tropic, Utah.
Lunch in Tropic, Utah
We explored some other options but kept coming back to the same tiny town gems! Rustler’s Restaurant in Tropic, Utah really does grilled meats right and hit the spot after being out in the sun all day. The space is attached the only grocery store in town and is a relaxed, cowboy-themed space for steak, seafood and other meats along with hamburgers, pasta and salads. It also claims to have Wifi but it wasn’t working when we were there, but the other two spots we were well connected. This is a great place for lunch that lasts until 4:30 p.m. and you can’t beat the prices for that deal! We’ll call is lupper or the early bird special if you like.
According to Google reviews and Grace, this was a stellar place also owned by the same company at Rustler’s Restaurant in Tropic, Utah.To the right of Rustler’s Restaurant is an ice cream spot which we didn’t hit up but should have!To the left of Rustler’s Restaurant, is the only grocery store in Tropic, Utah which had some options.I’m assuming all their meat was local which is why it was so good at Rustler’s Restaurant.They seated us in the back of Rustler’s Restaurant.It was a long hallway style space at Rustler’s Restaurant.My guest got the steak burrito which was fire with a huge Dr. Pepper at Rustler’s Restaurant.I opted for the juiciest chicken bacon and cheese sandwich at Rustler’s Restaurant with a huge iced tea. I would certainly return for this!
Live Country Music with BBQ
Last but certainly not least, we have Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill dinner and a show which gave great vibes! I wasn’t sure what to expect but was pleasantly surprised to have some homegrown steak from Utah, seared to perfection with natural juices flowing while enjoying live country music from Bryce Canyon Wranglers. I’m certainly not a country music expert, but I was able to groove along to a lot of the songs and pleased my plus one was lip syncing every song happily. Unlimited soda refills, some fun merch – even vintage finds, and a full bar at the entrance made for a great night as the sun set in the sky. We had a great table of folks who soon became friends and enjoyed sharing all of our adventures around the area while sharing tips to explore more. I especially loved the ladies below and the fiddler, she was amazing. For a low key relaxing night, Ebenezer’s hits the spot!
We arrived early as always to Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill.Stepping inside you can see why it’s called Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill. It’s a huge barn!The hostess station when you walk in has deer horns adorning it at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill.Near the entrance, more beheaded animals on the wall at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill.A wall of memorabilia at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill.The kitchen staff getting all the BBQ food ready at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill.‘Merica to your left near the stage at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill.And more ‘Merica to the back near the sound area at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill. This cowboy was shy!A table full of cowgirl and cowboy merch is available at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill as well as vintage finds to the right.Next to the wagon to the left of the stage was sprinkled with vintage wear at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill.To set the mood for the night, these gals started warming up the crowd at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill.Soon the place started filling up at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill. It was about half full on a Saturday night. We were then called by rows to get our food buffet style.My guest got the Country BBQ plate which was good with BBQ sauce however the chicken was barely there at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill.I was very happy with my juicy steak that somehow was all meat and pink in the middle at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill. Perfect plate here!Soon the show started and was low key at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill. They had a man narrating as they went and between sets.Some of my favorite ladies right here at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill. The dynamic trio of talent!It was hard to get a good look at this interesting character in the back at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill.A duet happened once or twice too at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill.A lot going on in this photo towards the end of the set at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill.Because everyone needs an old timey photo at least once, the band at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill on the wall before you leave. Some people stayed and met them, we helped take some photos and were on our way.And were met with a hazy sunset from the Utah fires nearby at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill. Great night and good vibes stayed with us!
