THINGS TO DO

Discover Stories of our Past at the

Heritage Center Museum

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of our community's history at the Heritage Center Museum. Explore fascinating exhibits that bring to life the people, places, and events that have shaped our unique heritage. From early settlers and pivotal moments to everyday life through the decades, our museum offers a captivating journey for visitors of all ages.

NEARBY

Tropic, Utah, nestled near the majestic Bryce Canyon National Park, serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring a wealth of natural wonders and engaging in thrilling outdoor activities. Within a short drive, you'll discover iconic landscapes and opportunities for adventure that will create lasting memories. There are many nearby things to do in Tropic Utah.

Bryce Canyon National Park: Just a stone's throw from Tropic, Bryce Canyon is world-renowned for its unique amphitheaters filled with vibrant orange, pink, and white hoodoos – irregular columns of rock.

Mossy Cave: Located a mere 5 minutes north of Tropic along Highway 12, the Mossy Cave area offers an easy 0.8-mile out-and-back trail. This short hike leads to a moss-covered grotto and a small waterfall along Water Canyon Creek. It's a fantastic introduction to the area's beauty and is accessible for most fitness levels. Please note that pets are not allowed on this trail.

Red Canyon: Situated along Scenic Byway 12, the "most photographed place in Utah," Red Canyon offers a striking preview of Bryce Canyon's beauty with its own impressive red rock formations and towering ponderosa pines.

Activities: Red Canyon boasts an extensive trail system catering to various interests. You can enjoy hiking trails like the easy 0.9-mile Buckhorn Trail or the longer 5-mile Buckhorn-Golden Wall Loop. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore trails like the popular 7.8-mile Thunder Mountain Trail. For those seeking off-road adventures, numerous ATV trails are available, and guided tours and rentals can be found nearby. Horseback riding is also a popular way to experience the stunning scenery on many of the shared-use trails.

Tropic Reservoir: Also located within the nearby Dixie National Forest, a short drive generally southeast from Tropic town, sits Tropic Reservoir. At an elevation close to 8,000 feet, this scenic mountain lake offers a different kind of natural beauty.

Activities: It's particularly renowned for excellent fishing, stocked with Rainbow, Brook, and Cutthroat trout. The calm waters are ideal for canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and small motorized boats. Camping is often available nearby, making it a peaceful spot to enjoy the high-country atmosphere.

Kodachrome Basin State Park: A short drive southeast of Bryce Canyon, Kodachrome Basin is a geological marvel characterized by its towering, multicolored sandstone spires, also known as sedimentary pipes.

Unique Features: The park features 67 identified sand pipes, ranging dramatically in height and displaying hues of gray, white, and various shades of red. Geologists theorize these formations resulted from ancient geyser activity or sandstone intrusions.
Activities: Kodachrome Basin offers several hiking trails, from easy strolls like the 1.5-mile Grand Parade Trail to moderate loops like the 3-6 mile Panorama Trail. Mountain biking is permitted on some trails, and guided horseback riding tours provide a unique perspective of the landscape. Declared an International Dark Sky Park in 2021, it's also a prime location for stargazing.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (Eastern Section): To the east of Bryce Canyon and Kodachrome Basin lies the vast and rugged landscape of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. This expansive monument protects a series of colorful cliffs, plateaus, and canyons stretching over 1.87 million acres.

Eastern Access: The eastern sections, near the towns of Escalante and Boulder, offer access to remarkable slot canyons, hiking trails, and opportunities for backcountry exploration. Popular areas include Calf Creek Falls along Scenic Byway 12 and the intriguing canyons accessible via the Hole-in-the-Rock Road.

Outdoor Adventures Abound: The region surrounding Tropic is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Hiking: From easy nature trails to challenging canyon hikes, numerous options exist in Bryce Canyon, Red Canyon, Kodachrome Basin, and Grand Staircase-Escalante.
Horseback Riding: Several outfitters in the area offer guided horseback tours, allowing you to experience the scenery in a traditional Western style.
ATV Adventures: Red Canyon and the surrounding Dixie National Forest provide extensive networks of ATV trails for thrilling off-road exploration.

OUTFITTERS

Discover Bryce Canyon and the stunning landscapes around Tropic, Utah, with experienced local outfitters providing guided tours, equipment rentals, and unforgettable outdoor experiences. These experts can help you experience the many things to do in Tropic Utah.