Fall Leaf Drive Heads Up, September 22—24, 2023!
By: Roger Heath
Another fall leaf drive to Bryce Canyon and Torrey is over. The fall colors through Huntington Canyon and along Gooseberry Road didn't disappoint, weather was perfect and the traffic was light for the most part, and we did have the numerous RVs that made us drive a little saner . During our lunch stop in Huntington on the way home a few of us talked about switching it up next year, though not too drastic as Hwy 72 from Fremont to I-70 was a crowd favorite, as were the colors mentioned above.
Looking ahead to Sep 22nd - 24th, 2023 I will put together an event that will include 2 nights in Tropic. Going to Tropic and coming home will still include Huntington Canyon, Hwy 72, Fish Lake and Gooseberry Rd.
What changes? Gone will be the Saturday morning group drive into Bryce Canyon, the midday drive down the Burr Trail and the evening drive into Capitol Reef NP.
New - 2 nights in Tropic so you can unpack and relax a little. Saturday will be open for you to explore the area on your own or in a group that could include Kodachrome State Park, Bryce Canyon, Cedar Breaks and Panguitch Lake, or wherever you would like to explore.
There are a handful of places to stay in Tropic. A couple I would recommend are (5 minute walk between the two):
Bryce Country Cabins - Perly and I stayed here in 2020 for one night in a deluxe king cabin and loved it and will stay here again. Other options include individual cabins with 2 queens, double cabin with 2 rooms (queen beds and private bathrooms) and other cabins for multiple families that may want to split the cost. The good - nice grassy area to get together in the evening, fire pit, charcoal grills if you would prefer to eat in rather than out (Perly and I plan to grill out Saturday night), great view of the sunset over Bryce Canyon from the front porch and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument from the back deck of the deluxe king cabins. The bad - you are charged upfront for the entire stay and a 30% cancellation fee should you have to cancel.
Bryce Canyon Log Cabins - just slightly more expensive than Bryce Country Cabins though you can cancel without penalty. They have cabins with either 1 king or 2 queens.
Both locations are open for Sep 2023 reservations if you're ready to commit. Dates again are Sept 22—24th.
https://www.brycecountrycabins.com
https://www.brycecanyonlogcabins.com
Please note that the Panguitch Lake trip that was planned for July has been cancelled and replaced with this trip.
