Tropic UtahATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Tropic, Utah.
1. Bryce Canyon National Park
SPECTACULAR HOODOO FORMATIONS
Bryce Canyon National Park is filled with fascinating structures, amazing rock formations, and beautiful colors like red, orange, and white. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of hoodoos from turnouts and parking areas along the park roads. For a full experience, hiking adventures ranging from novice to strenuous allow visitors to immerse themselves in the red rock landscape.
2. Canyon Trail Rides
HORSEBACK TOURS THROUGH CANYON
Canyon Trail Rides offers guided horseback riding tours that showcase America's most beautiful and rugged national treasures. Most mounts are mules, known for being steady, fit, and calm during the journey. Visitors can take a 3-hour ride down into the canyon for approximately $100 per person plus recommended gratuity.
3. Heritage Museum
LOCAL HISTORY AND ARTIFACTS
The Heritage Museum in Tropic features two main rooms of exhibits showcasing local history and geology. The first room offers geological history including various fossils, Native American artifacts, and information about how the landscape formed over millions of years. Dinosaur enthusiasts will particularly enjoy viewing the numerous bones displayed from extinct species.
4. Ebenezer Bryce Cabin
HISTORIC PIONEER LANDMARK
Ebenezer Bryce Cabin is a historic site commemorating one of the area's earliest settlers. The cabin represents the pioneer history of the region and provides insight into early settlement life. While it's located in a nice town close to Bryce with wonderful natural scenery, visitors should note that access to the cabin itself may be limited.
5. Kodachrome Basin State Park
COLORFUL ROCK FORMATIONS
Kodachrome Basin State Park encompasses 2,240 acres of beautiful red, gray, and white rock formations and spectacular views. The park offers some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the region, making it a photographer's paradise. Visitors consider this scenic area a must-see when traveling near Tropic.
6. Tropic Reservoir
FISHING AND RECREATION SPOT
Tropic Reservoir is a beautiful lake nestled in Ponderosa Pine Forest atop the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Visitors can cast their lines to catch a variety of different trout while enjoying the peaceful scenery. The reservoir also serves as a popular location for boating, hiking, and camping in the Dixie National Forest.
7. Red Canyon
SCENIC DESERT LANDSCAPE
Red Canyon offers beautiful and scenic explorations that showcase why southern Utah attractions are so popular. Located in Dixie National Forest, this area features striking red rock formations similar to those found in nearby national parks. Visitors can enjoy hiking, site-seeing, and photography among the vibrant landscape.
8. Pine Lake
MOUNTAIN RECREATION AREA
Pine Lake is a popular destination for fishing, boating, hiking, and camping within the Dixie National Forest. This mountain lake offers a peaceful retreat with opportunities to catch various fish species. Many visitors consider Pine Lake a bucket-worthy adventure and an excellent complement to the desert landscapes that dominate the region.
9. Grand Staircase National Monument
VAST PROTECTED WILDERNESS
Grand Staircase National Monument is a massive protected area showcasing millions of years of geological history in its colorful cliffs and terraces. The monument offers numerous hiking opportunities, including guided ATV tours into this remote wilderness. Its vast landscapes provide visitors with a sense of solitude and natural beauty that is increasingly rare in today's world.
10. Calf Creek Falls
STUNNING DESERT WATERFALL
Calf Creek Falls features a creek that emerges from the upper end of Calf Creek Canyon and cascades over a nearly vertical cliff into a large pool below. Sandstone walls enclose this beautiful southern Utah attraction, creating a dramatic contrast between the flowing water and desert landscape. The falls offer a refreshing destination for hikers looking to cool off during warm weather months.
11. Hole in the Rock
HISTORIC PIONEER TRAIL
The Hole in the Rock is a historic site where early pioneers traveled to the Colorado River in their covered wagons. Visitors can take a scenic hike on this short but steep trail and imagine the challenges the pioneers experienced. The site offers both historical significance and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
12. Cedar Breaks National Monument
HIGH-ALTITUDE AMPHITHEATER
Cedar Breaks National Monument sits at over 10,000 feet elevation, offering breathtaking panoramic views of a natural amphitheater. Visitors can enjoy not only the spectacular scenery but also a variety of activities in the area during all seasons. Whether visiting in summer or winter, there are always recreational opportunities available at this stunning natural monument.
13. Stage Stop Station
GIFTS AND CONVENIENCE STORE
Stage Stop Station offers a large variety of gift shop and convenience items for visitors to the Tropic area. The shop provides essential supplies and souvenirs for travelers exploring Bryce Canyon and surrounding attractions. With convenient hours, it serves as a helpful resource for both planned purchases and last-minute needs.
14. Mecham Outfitters
ATV ADVENTURE TOURS
Mecham Outfitters provides private guided ATV tours into the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. Tours range in length from 2 hours to multi-day excursions, allowing visitors to experience the backcountry at their own pace. These off-road adventures offer access to spectacular scenery that cannot be reached by conventional vehicles.
15. Red Rock Ride
GUIDED HORSEBACK EXCURSIONS
Red Rock Ride offers private tours and horseback riding excursions through the beautiful red rock landscapes surrounding Tropic. The 3-hour rides provide guests with breathtaking views and entertaining guides known for their sense of humor. These horseback adventures allow visitors to experience the natural beauty of the area from a unique and traditional perspective.