Bryce Canyon Lodge: History Set in Stunning Scenery

In this installment of ‘History Off the Beaten Path,’ we examine a rustic century-old structure built to accommodate visitors drawn to an extraordinary canyon.

The lodge at Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah. Public Domain

Of the United States’s 63 national parks, Utah’s Bryce Canyon ranks No. 8, according to an April 2025 U.S. News and World Report, for its “jaw-dropping natural wonders and unforgettable terrains,” as well as its “scenic beauty.” There’s more here than just the natural beauty, however. Tucked into a wooded area and surrounded by looming Ponderosa pines is the Bryce Canyon Lodge, rich in history and historical artifacts. 

Many visitors to stunning sections of Bryce Canyon National Parks as the Amphitheater or Rainbow Point are occupied by the sight of remarkable red rock formations called “hoodoos.” They often drive right by the lodge, unless they plan to stay there.