Discover My Adventure: Glamping and Hiking in Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks

When I picture Utah, I envision its stunning national parks. Along with the famous Zion, the 'Mighty Five' includes Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Bryce Canyon – all essentials on many hikers’ bucket lists.

As a member of Dinogo Planet’s social team, those iconic red rocks had filled my feed for ages. So, when the chance arose to visit Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon, I was excited to finally see them in person.

Note: I haven’t explored Zion, Arches, or Canyonlands, so I can’t draw comparisons. I consider myself a casual hiker—a city girl at heart who enjoys stepping outdoors, embracing challenges, and soaking in beautiful landscapes that remind me of the vastness of the world.

Southwestern Utah provided everything I hoped for and more.

Where did you stay? What was the atmosphere like?

For two nights, I and a few fellow travel writers lodged at Under Canvas Bryce Canyon, conveniently located just 15 minutes from the park.

It truly brings the ‘glam’ to glamping.

My private tent surprisingly accommodated a full bed and bathroom – complete with a real toilet and hot shower, score! – plus a cozy seating area. It felt just like a regular hotel room, except I had to unzip the entrance and light a stove to keep warm at night. Since the property is spacious and the other guests were scattered (the main lobby tent was a 10-minute stroll away), I felt isolated but not too alone. I enjoyed socializing around the fire pits, where fellow travelers shared stories and indulged in s’mores post-dinner. With no wi-fi and limited cell service, it was a perfect chance to truly disconnect and savor the moment.

Near Capitol Reef in Torrey, we checked into Skyview, which has recently opened in one of Utah’s International Dark Sky-designated communities. My double room featured an outdoor hot tub that offered a stunning view of the red rocks (along with grazing cattle). Unfortunately, the hotel’s domes – deluxe bubble tents perfect for stargazing – weren’t yet available to guests; ideally, I would have loved to stay in one of those to complete my glamping adventure. However, the desert’s isolation made even the standard rooms feel like an escape from reality. Dining options in this small town were limited, but I enjoyed a cider at the nearby Etta Place and breakfast at Wild Rabbit Cafe, appreciating the warm welcome from the local Torrey community.

What’s the most hidden gem activity you experienced?

The downside of popular trails is the likelihood of getting caught in a bottleneck, waiting to navigate over rocks or squeeze through narrow passages. As an impatient New Yorker, that really dampens the experience for me. Enter the Sulfur Creek trail at Capitol Reef, a serene 5.8-mile trek through unspoiled nature, blissfully free of crowds. Our guide, Mason from Sleeping Rainbow Adventures, led our group through the slot canyons, sharing insights about the geological marvels surrounding us. It was a relief to have someone knowledgeable to follow, as this area has no human-made markers: no trail signs, no restrooms, and no trash cans. Plus, the absence of steep inclines made my legs very grateful.

The highlight was descending through the creek’s waterfalls; if you decide to go, make sure to wear waterproof gear. The water level can fluctuate throughout the year (check with the National Park Service for current conditions), potentially rising to chest height, so use dry bags for your belongings and leave any cotton items behind. I began the hike in regular socks and sneakers but switched to neoprene socks paired with sport sandals once we reached the creek. You’ll be wading through water over slippery stones, so supportive footwear is essential for ankle stability.

What was the best dish you savored?

The drive from Torrey to Bryce Canyon is as captivating as the parks themselves. We journeyed along Scenic Byway 12 and made a stop in Boulder, Utah, for an authentic farm-to-table lunch at Hell’s Backbone Grill & Farm (named for the treacherous stretch of road with steep drops). Chefs Blake Spalding and Jen Castle started this restaurant over twenty years ago, emphasizing sustainable farming practices deeply connected to the land's history. One standout dish featured Fremont beans, a native variety from southwestern Utah. I had never encountered such large beans before, and it felt special to enjoy something that Indigenous communities have cultivated for generations. Even everyday foods like strawberries tasted exceptional when you witness someone harvest them right from the ground.

A close second for my favorite meal was pizza delivered from Garden Patch in Torrey. Owner Beth arrived at Skyview with her mobile wood-fired oven, crafting fresh pies for us on the spot. As someone who is lactose intolerant and generally avoids cheese, her pesto-and-vegetable pizza was the best – yes, the absolute best cheeseless slice I've ever tasted.

What was the most touristy activity you participated in?

While at Bryce Canyon, I hopped on an e-bike and, after a few laps around the parking area to refresh my riding skills, cruised along the Canyon 2 Canyon trail. I was grateful for the e-bikes over traditional bicycles, as they allowed me to glide through the ponderosa pines and feel the refreshing breeze on my face instead of worrying about pedaling fast enough to keep pace with more seasoned riders.

We made a brief stop in Old Bryce Town (a perfect opportunity to feel like you’re in a classic western film) and snapped the obligatory tourist photo in front of the Bryce Canyon National Park sign before reaching Inspiration Point. This breathtaking viewpoint is ideal for marveling at the hoodoos, so expect to see large tour groups and remember to bring your camera along.

What was the most surprising aspect of your trip?

The nights were unexpectedly cool for a summer in Utah. With Torrey sitting at over 6000 feet and Bryce Canyon even higher, you can anticipate much chillier temperatures here compared to places like Moab or Salt Lake City, where summer highs can soar to 90° or 100°F. I found mid-June to be delightfully warm and sunny during the day, ideal for hiking.

In the evenings, I found I needed a light puffer jacket. While staying at Under Canvas, I had to request extra blankets from the front desk, as it got quite chilly once the fire in my stove went out, regardless of how many fleece layers I wore. So, if you’re planning a similar adventure in Capitol Reef or Bryce Canyon, make sure to bring waterproof attire for splashing in waterfalls and a warm jacket for when the sun dips. You'll be glad you did.

Deepa visited Utah at the invitation of Visit Utah. Dinogo Planet does not accept complimentary items in return for favorable coverage.