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Bryce Canyon
Trip Planner

September 24–27, 2026  |  Panguitch, Utah  |  MTB Race Weekend

4
Days
3
Nights
235
Miles Each Way
5
Pee-Lys
Flip Through Your Trip
Utah Red Rock
Day 1 — The Journey Begins
Day 1

Thursday, Sept 24

  • 3:00 PM — Leave West Jordan (3hr 15min drive)
  • ~4:30 PM — Stretch stop in Beaver (halfway)
  • 6:15 PM — Arrive Panguitch, check into lodging
  • 7:00 PM — Dinner (Cowboy's, C Stop Pizza, Kenny Ray's, or Backroads)
  • 8:30 PM — Main Street walk, Gem Theater, or rest
Jump to Thursday Details ↓
Bryce Canyon Hoodoos
Day 2 — Explore Bryce & Red Canyon
Day 2

Friday, Sept 25

  • 7:00 AM — Breakfast (hotel free, Cowboy's, or Kenny Ray's)
  • 8:30 AM — Bryce Canyon hikes (Queen's Garden, Rim Trail, Mossy Cave)
  • 12:00 PM — Lunch (picnic in park, Lodge, or Henrie's)
  • 1:30 PM — Red Canyon biking, ATV, lake, or more hikes
  • 6:00 PM — Dinner in Panguitch
  • 9:00 PM — Dark Ranger Telescope Tour or DIY stargazing
Jump to Friday Details ↓
Mountain Biking
Day 3 — Race Day!
Day 3

Saturday, Sept 26

  • 6:30 AM — Early breakfast, pack race cooler
  • 8:00 AM — Mountain Bike Race (older boys race all day)
  • Mid-day — 9yr old: Mossy Cave, Red Canyon, or race venue
  • 12:00 PM — Lunch (packed cooler, Henrie's run, or pizza)
  • 6:00 PM — Celebration dinner!
  • 8:00 PM — Stargazing, campfire, or recovery rest
Jump to Saturday Details ↓
Bryce Canyon Scenic
Day 4 — Last Adventure & Home
Day 4

Sunday, Sept 27

  • 7:30 AM — Breakfast (hotel — most restaurants CLOSED Sun!)
  • 8:30 AM — Check out & load up
  • 9:00 AM — Morning adventure (scenic drive, hike, horseback, or lake)
  • 12:30 PM — Lunch (Bryce Lodge or pack for road)
  • ~3:00 PM — Drive home, arrive West Jordan ~6:15-7 PM
Jump to Sunday Details ↓

⚠️ Sunday Closures: Most Panguitch restaurants are closed Sundays — Cowboy's Smokehouse, Henrie's Drive-In, C Stop Pizza, and Kenny Ray's. Plan Sunday meals around hotel breakfast, Bryce Canyon Lodge, or packed food.

📋 Book These in Advance

01

Thursday, September 24

Road Trip South — Leave West Jordan 3:00 PM, arrive Panguitch ~6:15 PM

🚗
3:00–6:15 PM

Drive: West Jordan → Panguitch

~235 miles via I-15 South through Nephi, Fillmore, Beaver, then Hwy 20/89. Approx 3hr 15min. Stretch-stop in Beaver (halfway — gas, fast food, restrooms).

🍞 Road Trip Snack Plan

Pack sandwiches, trail mix, fruit, and drinks. Save dinner for Panguitch. Load up playlists or audiobooks!

🏨
6:15–6:45

Check into Lodging

Drop bags, unload bikes, get settled. See Lodging section below.

🍽️
7:00–8:30 PM

Thursday Dinner

🍽️ DINNER OPTIONS

Click any card to mark your pick

Cowboy's Smokehouse
Mesquite-smoked BBQ, steaks (Sirloin $27, NY Strip $34, Ribeye $39, Filet $33), homemade cobbler & rolls. Western atmosphere, family-run since 1991.
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-8pm Closed Sun
Phone: (435) 676-8030
Address: 80 N Main St
Full Menu & Prices → Order Online →
Local Favorite
C Stop Pizza & Deli
Scratch-made dough & sauce, 34+ years. BBQ chicken pizza, meat lovers, pizza pockets, wings. Open late.
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-10pm Closed Sun
Phone: (435) 676-8366
Address: 561 E Center St
Kid Approved
Backroads Bistro
Fresh American/fusion. Unique sandwiches, salads, desserts. Warm hospitality, cozy setting.
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-9pm
Phone: (435) 676-2290
Address: 5 N Main St
Top Rated
Kenny Ray's
Famous patty melt, reuben, burgers, fries, onion rings, soup/salad bar. Don't miss the homemade pies!
Hours: Mon-Sat 6:30am-10pm Closed Sun
Phone: (435) 676-8851
Address: 80 N Main St
Big Menu • Pies!
🌙
8:30–10 PM

Thursday Evening

Walk Historic Main Street
National Register district. Western shops, antiques, red-brick architecture, small-town vibes.
Free
Gem Theater
Est. 1909 — movies, ice cream, game room, rock shop, Mexican food. Kids love the upstairs area.
Hours: 4-10pm • (435) 676-2221 • 105 N Main St
Showtimes →
Great for Kids
Rest & Prep
Relax, prep hiking gear, get to bed early — big adventure day Friday!
02

Friday, September 25

Full Day Exploring — Bryce Canyon, Red Canyon & More

☕
7:00–8:00 AM

Friday Breakfast

⚠️ Flying Goat Café appears permanently closed (Feb 2026 Yelp). Call (435) 676-8302 to verify.

Hotel Breakfast
Quality Inn and others include free continental breakfast. Easiest option.
Free
Cowboy's Smokehouse
Opens 8am. Eggs, pancakes, hearty plates.
(435) 676-8030
Kenny Ray's
Opens 6:30am! Full breakfast until 10:30am. Good fuel before hiking.
(435) 676-8851
Pack from Grocery
Granola bars, yogurt, fruit, juice. Eat at lodging, early trail start.
Early Start
🥾
8:30 AM–12

Morning: Bryce Canyon National Park

🏞️ Bryce Canyon Essentials

  • Entry: $35/vehicle, 7-day pass — NPS fees
  • Shuttle: Free, 8am-8pm Sept, every 10-15 min, no reservation
  • Visitor Center: Open daily. Free Junior Ranger booklet for the 9yr old!
  • Ranger Programs: Free guided hikes, geology talks, rim walks — check bulletin board
  • Drive time: Panguitch to Bryce entrance ~25 min

Pick one or combine shorter hikes — see the Trail Gallery above for photos!

Queen's Garden + Navajo Loop
3mi, 600ft, 2-3hrs. THE #1 must-do. Start at Sunrise Point.
Moderate • Must-Do
Rim Trail (Sunrise→Sunset)
1mi paved, 30min. Panoramic views, ADA accessible.
Easy • All Ages
Mossy Cave Trail
0.8mi, 45min. Waterfall + cave. On Hwy 12, FREE entry!
Easy • Kid Fave
Tower Bridge
3mi, 2hrs. Fairyland Point. Less crowded.
Moderate
Bristlecone Loop
1mi, 45min. 1,800yr old trees at 9,100ft.
Easy • Unique
🥪
12:00–1 PM

Friday Lunch

Picnic in Bryce Canyon
Pack sandwiches, chips, fruit. Best lunch views in Utah! Free.
Best Views
Bryce Canyon Lodge
Burgers, sandwiches, salads inside the park.
Info →
In the Park
Henrie's Drive-In
Handmade burgers, Chubby Cheese, thick shakes. 70+ year tradition. CASH preferred.
Thu-Sat 11am-8pm Closed Sun
(435) 676-2731 • 166 N Main
Website →
70-Year Tradition
🚴
1:30–5:00 PM

Friday Afternoon Adventures

Pick one or two — see Activities Gallery above for photos & booking links!

Red Canyon Bike Trail
5.5mi paved, all ages. $10/hr at Ruby's. 15min from Panguitch. Free entry!
(435) 834-8032
Rent Bikes →
All Ages
E-Bike Canyon2Canyon
17mi Bryce to Red Canyon. ~$40/2hrs.
(435) 690-9520
Book →
Book Ahead
ATV/UTV Tour
Guided Casto Canyon tour, 3hrs, red rock. From ~$150/2hr.
(435) 676-3636
Book →
Limited Spots
Panguitch Lake
Fish, kayak, paddle, relax. 20min from town. Free!
Family Fun
Red Canyon Hikes
Hoodoo Trail 0.3mi, Pink Ledges, Birdseye 1.7mi. Free entry.
Visitor Center: (435) 676-9300
Easy-Moderate
Thunder Mtn MTB
15mi singletrack. Advanced — older boys pre-race recon.
Advanced Only
🍽️
6:00–7:30 PM

Friday Dinner

Backroads Bistro
Fresh American/fusion. Mon-Sat 11am-9pm. (435) 676-2290
Local Favorite
Cowboy's Smokehouse
BBQ feast. Mon-Sat 8am-8pm. (435) 676-8030
Menu →
Steakhouse
C Stop Pizza
Scratch-made pizza. Mon-Sat 11am-10pm. (435) 676-8366
Pizza Night
Henrie's Drive-In
Burgers + shakes. Fri 11am-8pm. Cash preferred. (435) 676-2731
Classic
⭐
8:00 PM+

Friday Evening — Dark Skies

Bryce Canyon is a certified International Dark Sky Park — one of the best stargazing spots on Earth.

Dark Ranger Telescope Tour
3hrs, pro telescopes, hot drinks, laser sky tour. 9pm-12am. Adults $30, Teens $15, Kids $7.50. Family ~$97.50.
(435) 590-9498 • Book ~1 week ahead!
Book Online →
Bucket List
NPS Ranger Astronomy
Free, Fri evenings (May-Sept). Constellation tour + telescopes. Arrive 15-30min early.
NPS Info →
Free • Fri Night
DIY Stargazing
Drive into Bryce after dark. Any viewpoint. Blankets + hot cocoa. Milky Way visible to naked eye. Free!
Free • Anytime
03

Saturday, September 26

Race Day! Mountain Bike Race for the Older Boys

🏁 Race Day Game Plan

The two older boys (15 & 13) race most of the day. Arrive early for warm-ups & registration. The 9-year-old and family can cheer then break off for mini-adventures. Pack a full cooler with lunch, snacks, water. Bring camp chairs, canopy, sunscreen!

☕
6:30–7:30 AM

Saturday Breakfast — Fuel Up!

Hotel Breakfast + Pack Cooler
Quick hotel breakfast, then pack energy bars, bananas, PB&J, Gatorade for the race cooler.
Race Day Smart
Kenny Ray's (opens 6:30am)
Full breakfast to load up on energy. (435) 676-8851
Cook at Cabin
If you have a kitchen — eggs, pancakes, bacon. Control timing perfectly.
🏁
8 AM–4 PM

Mountain Bike Race

Older two boys race. Cheer loud! Pack cooler, chairs, canopy, sunscreen.

Meanwhile: Activities for the 9yr Old + Family

Between cheering, pick something fun for downtime

Stay & Cheer at Race
Hang out at the venue, enjoy race atmosphere. Bring games, books, football.
Mossy Cave Trail
Easy 0.8mi to waterfall & cave. On Hwy 12, free! Perfect quick adventure.
Easy • 45 min
Red Canyon Hoodoo Trail
0.3mi loop at Visitor Center. Quick, easy, fun. Free!
Easy • 20 min
Gem Theater (opens 4pm)
Games, ice cream, rock shop, movies. Good for late afternoon. (435) 676-2221
Afternoon Fun
🥪
12:00–1 PM

Saturday Lunch

Packed Cooler at Race
Sandwiches, wraps, fruit, chips, energy bars. No need to leave!
Most Practical
Henrie's Drive-In Run
Chubby Burgers + milkshakes. Sat 11am-8pm. Cash preferred. (435) 676-2731
Burgers & Shakes
C Stop Pizza Run
Grab a pizza for the race. Sat 11am-10pm. (435) 676-8366
🍽️
6:00–7:30 PM

Saturday Celebration Dinner

Race is done — time to celebrate! Go big tonight.

Cowboy's Smokehouse
BBQ feast! Steaks $25-$39, smoked meats, cobbler. Sat 8am-8pm. (435) 676-8030
Menu →
Celebration Worthy
Kenny Ray's + Pie
Full dinner + homemade pies for dessert! Sat 6:30am-10pm. (435) 676-8851
Don't Skip the Pie
Backroads Bistro
Fresh American/fusion. Sat 11am-9pm. (435) 676-2290
C Stop Pizza Party
Kids' choice! Multiple pies. Sat 11am-10pm. (435) 676-8366
Pizza Celebration
⭐
8:00–10 PM

Saturday Evening

Stargazing (if not Fri)
DIY at Bryce — free, any viewpoint, bring blankets. Sat is private-tour-only for Dark Ranger.
Unforgettable
Campfire & S'mores
If lodging allows, build a fire, make s'mores, relive the race. Quality Inn has a fire pit!
Family Bonding
Rest & Recovery
Boys may be wiped. Card games, board games, early to bed.
04

Sunday, September 27

Morning Adventure, Then Drive Home — Depart ~3:00 PM, arrive ~6:15-7 PM

⚠️ Sunday Restaurant Alert: Cowboy's, Henrie's, C Stop, Kenny Ray's are ALL CLOSED Sundays. Plan to eat at hotel (breakfast), Bryce Canyon Lodge, Ruby's Inn, or pack food.

☕
7:30–8:30 AM

Sunday Breakfast

Hotel Breakfast (Best Bet)
Most reliable Sunday option. Quality Inn includes free continental.
Free & Reliable
Cook at Cabin
Big breakfast if you have a kitchen. Fill everyone up!
Pack from Groceries
Buy cereal, muffins, fruit, OJ Saturday night.
🏨
8:30–9 AM

Check Out & Load Up

Pack the car, check out. Full morning for one last adventure!

🥾
9:00 AM–12

Sunday Morning: Last Adventure

Pick one great sendoff before the drive home

Red Canyon Bike Ride
5.5mi paved, all ages. $10/hr at Ruby's. (435) 834-8032
1-2 hrs
Bryce Scenic Drive
18mi, 13 viewpoints, 1.5-2hrs. No hiking needed — great for tired legs! Use same $35 pass.
Relaxed
One More Bryce Hike
Hit a trail you missed Friday. Queen's Garden, Mossy Cave, Bristlecone.
1-2 hrs
Horseback Riding
Ruby's Horseback Adventures. 1.5hr $90/person, 3hr $125. Min age 7. All 3 boys qualify!
(866) 782-0002 • 26 S Main, Bryce Canyon City
Book Ahead! →
Book Ahead
Panguitch Lake Morning
Skip rocks, fish, paddle. 20min from town. Free!
Relaxing
🥪
12:00–1:30

Sunday Lunch (Last Meal Before Home)

Bryce Canyon Lodge
Best Sunday option. Burgers, sandwiches, salads. Open daily!
Info →
Open Sundays!
Ruby's Inn Deli
Near park entrance. Sandwiches, snacks, drinks. Open daily.
Ruby's Inn →
Pack & Eat on the Road
Pack cooler Sat night. Leave earlier, stop in Beaver if hungry.
Maximize Time
🚗
~3:00 PM

Drive Home: Panguitch → West Jordan

~3hr 15min via Hwy 89/20 to I-15. Leave by 3pm, arrive 6:15-6:45pm. Movies/audiobooks for tired boys!

🚗 Halfway Stop: Beaver, UT

~1.5hrs in. Gas stations, McDonald's, Arby's, Subway right off I-15. Good stretch stop.

Quick Reference

Booking & Reservation Directory

Every phone number and link in one place

WhatPhoneWebsite / Book
LODGING
Quality Inn Bryce Canyon(435) 676-8770choicehotels.com
Purple Sage Motel(435) 676-2659purplesagemotel.biz
Bryce Canyon Motel(435) 676-8787brycecanyonmotel.com
Canyon Lodge Motel—guestreservations.com
Church's Blue Pine Motel(435) 676-2197—
Blue Springs Lodge (cabins)(435) 676-2277bluespringslodge.com
Ruby's Inn(866) 866-6616rubysinn.com
Bryce Way Motel—brycewaymotelpanguitch.us
ACTIVITIES (Book Ahead!)
Dark Ranger Telescope Tours(435) 590-9498darkrangertelescopetours.com
Ruby's Horseback Adventures(866) 782-0002horserides.net
American ATV Rentals(435) 676-3636americanatvrentals.com
Bryce UTV Rentals—bryceutvrentals.com
Bryce Canyon EZ Riders (E-bikes)(435) 690-9520brycecanyonezriders.com
Ruby's Inn Bike Rentals(435) 834-8032rubysinn.com/bikes
RESTAURANTS (Call to verify hours)
Cowboy's Smokehouse Closed Sun(435) 676-8030thecowboysmokehouse.com
C Stop Pizza Closed Sun(435) 676-8366—
Kenny Ray's Closed Sun(435) 676-8851—
Henrie's Drive-In Closed Sun(435) 676-2731henriesdrivein.com
Backroads Bistro(435) 676-2290—
Gem Theater(435) 676-2221panguitchgem.com
PARK INFO
Bryce Canyon NP(435) 834-5322nps.gov/brca
Red Canyon (Powell Ranger Dist)(435) 676-9300fs.usda.gov
Be Prepared

Tips, Weather & Packing Checklist

🎒 Packing Checklist

🌡️ Late September Weather

Daytime highs: 60–72°F
Nighttime lows: 30–40°F (freezing possible!)
Bryce Canyon: Even cooler at 8,000+ ft
Humidity: Low, clear skies typical
Storms: Possible afternoon thunderstorms
Sun: Strong at altitude — wear SPF!
Bonus: Fall colors starting to show

Bottom line: Dress in layers! Mornings and evenings are chilly, midday is pleasant. Bring warm jackets.

💡 Pro Tips

• Bryce entry: $35/vehicle (7-day pass)
• Red Canyon = FREE entry (Dixie Nat'l Forest)
• Free shuttle in Bryce (Apr-Oct)
• Free Junior Ranger program at Visitor Center
• Pack lunches to save money + time
• Start hikes early to beat crowds
• Gas up in Panguitch — limited stations south
• Most restaurants CLOSED Sundays!
• Book lodging ASAP — Sept is still busy
• Book Dark Ranger tour ~1 week out
• Bring CASH for Henrie's
• Check Wall Street trail status before hiking Navajo Loop
• Elevation is 8,000+ ft — stay hydrated!

Estimate

Rough Budget Breakdown

Ballpark costs for a family of 5 — depends on your choices

CategoryBudgetMid-RangeSplurge
Lodging (3 nights)$210–300$350–500$500–750
Gas (~470 mi RT)~$50–80
Dining (all meals, 4 days)$200–300$300–450$400–550
Bryce Canyon Entry$35 (per vehicle, 7-day)
Dark Ranger Tour (family)~$97.50
Horseback (all 5, 1.5hr)$450
Bike Rentals (5 bikes)$50–100$100–200$200+
ATV/UTV Tour$150–300+
Estimated Total$600–900$1,000–1,500$1,500–2,200

* Not all activities will be done — pick what fits your family & budget

Ready to Book?

Pick your favorites above, then let's lock in reservations for lodging, dining, and activities!

Tip: Book lodging and Dark Ranger Telescope Tours first — they fill up fastest.

Pee-Ly Family Bryce Canyon Trip Planner — September 2026

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Live status badges embedded in each time slot below

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