BRYCE CANYON CITY — Get on your hiking boots because Utah’s national parks are calling once again. The national parks system is offering free admittance on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
Check out these lesser-known fun adventures in three of Utah’s national parks.
Bryce Canyon National Park
November is a beautiful time of year for horseback riding. Ruby’s Inn, Bryce Canyon’s nearest hotel, provides horseback riding tours every season.
Riding on horseback provides the perfect opportunity to explore beautiful Red Canyon. The Thunder Mountain Trail climbs in and around red rock hoodoo overlooks while traversing through green ponderosa pines.
If you’re lucky enough to go when it snows, horses are versatile enough to make it through most weather conditions and the amazing red rock scenery against the white crystallized snow is a sight you’ll never forget.
Enjoy the fresh wind in your hair while mountain biking on Bryce Canyon trails. Rentals and a shuttle service are available from Ruby’s Inn. Ride through ponderosa pines and alpine landscapes to catch amazing views of the highest concentration of hoodoo rock formations in the world at Bryce Canyon.
November’s setting sun makes the oranges, reds, yellows, blues and greens stand out brilliantly.
Capitol Reef National Park
The Waterpocket Fold is a great sight to check out in November’s crisp air. The name comes from how the rock has been pushed and molded into many enormous mountain-like folds. This buckle in the earth runs north and south for 100 miles. The brilliant colors of white, red, orange and even stripes of blue paint the landscape.
The wind and water have carved many narrow slot canyons into the rock which make for great sights and hiking opportunities.
Canyonlands National Park
Escape the crowds this Veterans Day by experiencing the unique Island in the Sky scenic drive in Canyonlands National Park. This 34-mile sightseeing drive has great 1,000 foot overlooks above the incredible terrain.
If you want to stretch your legs, there are plenty of hiking trails that will take you into the back country for a few hours or more. November is a great time to experience the Grand Canyon-like views.
About Ruby’s Inn
Since 1916, Ruby’s Inn has been making it easy for visitors from around the world to experience the epic scenery of Bryce Canyon National Park.
Ruby’s Inn is located at the entrance to the park and offers the closest lodging with everything from luxury hotel rooms to RV parks and campgrounds. Ruby’s Inn is open year-round with a general store that provides fuel, groceries, camping gear, clothing and gifts. To plan your vacation, visit the Ruby’s Inn website or call 1-866-866-6616.
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