Imagine standing on the rim of Bryce Canyon National Park, the red rocks contrasting beautifully with a blanket of white, freshly fallen snow; the crisp, clear air fragrant with the scent of evergreen trees and nothing but the brilliant, blue sky overhead. It’s quiet, still, peaceful and, perhaps most importantly, refreshing.
It’s a stunning sight and a serene experience that, during the busy summer months, most visitors never get to have. When winter comes, the summertime business is replaced with a peaceful solitude and Bryce Canyon National Park is transformed into an almost private destination where the whole family can create a unique memory they will never forget.
Winter is on its way, with snow and holidays along with it. As the temperatures drop and the weather changes, it’s a great opportunity to get away and enjoy the changing seasons.
The historic Ruby’s Inn is the ideal holiday destination vacation where families and travelers can have fun without the stress of holiday planning, cooking and cleaning. As a family-owned resort, they know how to create a “home-away-from-home” perfect for hosting holiday festivities. And far from the hustle and bustle of daily life, Ruby’s Inn, which has operated for more than a century, is the perfect place to bring families closer together, no matter the time of year.
Ruby’s Inn has a variety of lodging options to choose from, including the lodge and grand hotel, all at low rates for the winter. These high-quality lodging options are perfect for any family experience and, with the off-season deals, can come at a fraction of the cost of other vacations. Visitors who reserve a room from November 1 to March 12 get 50 percent off each additional night in the accommodation of their choice for a maximum of three nights. Visitors will also receive a free copy of the Bryce Canyon Auto and Hiking Guide, a great resource to get the most out of the magnificent and unique scenery. Some blackout dates do apply.
As a full-service resort, Ruby’s Inn also has a number of dining options where visitors can enjoy hot meals without lifting a finger, giving them more time in nature and with each other. The Cowboy’s Buffet & Steak Room, located in the main lodge, also prepares special menus for Thanksgiving and Christmas. These festive meals include all the classics, giving families who are visiting Ruby’s Inn over the holidays a great way to relax and celebrate together.
With everything already taken care of, it’s easy for visitors to relax and fill their days with adventure. The Ruby’s Inn Activities Desk is a perfect stop for that, with information about all the events and winter activities in the area, like ice skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, sleigh rides and horseback riding — making Ruby’s Inn is a destination unto itself.
Ice skating
Located at the Ebenezar’s Barn and Grill, Ruby’s Inn provides an outdoor Ice skating experience for both young and old alike. Proven to be a family favorite, visitors can rent their skates and glide on the ice while admiring the winter scene that surrounds them. Hours vary, so be sure to follow the Ruby’s Inn Winter Adventure on Facebook for updates.
Snowshoeing
For those who enjoy hiking in the summer, snowshoeing can be a unique seasonal twist. Snowshoes make it possible to travel through deep powdery snow and reach the untouched beauty of Bryce Canyon and the surrounding forest. Couples, families, and children can immerse themselves in the winter wonderland and enjoy the magical serenity of winter hiking.
Bryce Canyon National Park allows snowshoeing, and the nearby Canyon 2 Canyon Trail, used for hiking and biking in the summer, is transformed into a snow-covered trail for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing is a graceful and challenging activity. A fun activity for many Utah residents, these skiers must use their whole body to smoothly glide across the snowy terrain.
Right outside the doors of Ruby’s Inn, the resort is connected to over 18 miles of trails that wind through Ponderosa forests, meadows and majestic overlooks of Bryce Canyon. A select number of cross-country trails are also available in Bryce Canyon National Park to traverse the Rim Trail along the edge of the Main Amphitheater, the Bristlecone Loop Trail and more.
Snowmobiling
Although Ruby’s Inn doesn’t rent snowmobiles, visitors are welcome to bring their own motorized machines to race on the East Fork Trails. These trails provide miles of play areas near the Tropic Reservoir and East Fork of the Sevier River. This network of trails can take guests almost anywhere they want to go and includes both marked and non-groomed trails north of Ruby’s Inn.
For those who want to slow down a bit more can forego the snowmobiles and bring their sleds instead. Red Canyon is a popular sledding area for the local residents and a unique one for visitors as they’re surrounded by natural rock wonders of the area.
Horseback riding and sleigh rides
Horseback riding is available all-year-round by reservation. Once the snow falls, family members of all ages and experience levels can explore the frosted local landscape, including canyons, narrows, rivers, petroglyph and ancestral ceremonial sites and more.
Visitors can also bundle up and relax in a sleigh ride as horses whisk them across the field of snow. Rides are offered on a regular daily schedule and last about 30 minutes depending on snow conditions. It’s a classic way to experience the winter season.
Rental equipment for many of these activities can be acquired at the Ruby’s Inn Winter Activity Center at the Ebenezar’s Barn and Grill building.
No matter what activities visitors decide to experience on their holiday destination vacation, Ruby’s Inn has the comforts that will make them feel like you’re coming home for the holidays. Reserve a room at Ruby’s Inn today, use the Winter Warmer Deal and save money to experience Ruby’s Inn to the fullest. Visit rubysinn.com/bryce-canyon-lodging/ for details.
