Sponsored: Your home-away-from-home at Ruby’s Inn

With the hustle and bustle of modern times, it’s easy to forget the importance of quality family time. Look no further than Ruby’s Inn for some undistracted adventures with the whole family in picturesque Bryce Canyon Country.

Redefining family time has never been easier. Ruby’s Inn is a few hours drive from the Wasatch Front, making it the perfect location for a three-day weekend family road trip.

Rich in pioneer history, the Bryce Canyon area was founded and named after Ebenezer Bryce, who was one of the many original LDS settlers sent to establish communities in the west. In true pioneer fashion, Ruby Syrett and his wife, Minnie Excell Syrett, traveled in a white-topped buggy from Panguitch, Utah, settled their family on the rim of what would eventually become the famous Bryce Canyon National Park.

Ruby’s Inn quickly went from a humble log cabin for intrepid travelers called Tourist’s Rest to a destination in its own right. The lodge remains in the family to this day demonstrating the values of hard work and perseverance that Ruby instilled in his own children.

What is a true American West experience without traveling by horseback? Experience true Wild West living as you retrace the steps of infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy in true cowboy fashion atop a horse. Take in the views of the hoodoos from above, along the rim of Bryce Canyon National Park or ride into Red Canyon to experience the hoodoos up close with shade from the Ponderosa Pines. Don’t forget your hat and boots to really get into the cowboy spirit!

Rides are available to family members of all ages, seven years old and up, and experience levels from first-time riders to skilled riders. Experienced wranglers will guide you through a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through the expansive scenery of Bryce Canyon.

For the more experienced riders, the challenging Thunderback Mountain Trail may be more up to speed. The trail takes riders through Red Canyon along switchbacks ending with a breathtaking view of Bryce Canyon as a well-deserved reward.

Rides through the Grand Staircase-Escalante region are offered throughout the year weather permitting. Ancient Native American petroglyphs can be seen along the trail walls of the narrow slot canyons of Willis Creek.

For those who prefer to get their adrenaline pumping, guided ATV tours are a great way to see the sights. One-hour tours are available for a thrilling family-friendly activity. Our guides will take

the whole family on an exciting tour through the Dixie National Forest, all the way up to the rims of Bryce Canyon.

One might argue that the best way to truly take in the natural wonders of Bryce Canyon and the surrounding areas is by taking a trek on one of numerous hiking trails. There are hiking options for all ages and skill levels, each with its own unique view of the world-renowned red rock.

Among the most popular of the trails is the Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop trail, which takes hikers along the rim of Bryce Canyon and descends into the canyon to witness the towering hoodoos up close. Once you reach the bottom, a mysterious hoodoo in the shape of Queen Victoria awaits. At 2.9 miles and an elevation gain of 600 ft, the trail is classified as moderate but is easy enough for even the youngsters.

For a quick and easy walk, The Rim Trail is a phenomenal choice. The one-mile paved trail gives visitors the opportunity to observe the magnificent colors of the Main Amphitheater from above.

From nice easy scenic trails like the Canyon 2 Canyon paved trail that connects Bryce Canyon to Red Canyon to advanced rides like the Thunder Mountain trail, there are plenty of mountain

biking options. Bring your own bikes, or rent some from the Ruby’s Adventure Center. You can even rent electric bikes for a smoother ride!

Nothing says summer quite like a good ol’ fashioned rodeo. Running every Wednesday through Saturday after Memorial Day until August, your family will love the thrill of watching bucking broncos, barrel racing and more as the cowboys and girls show off their skills.

From May to September, Old Bryce Town is a great option for a stroll back in time. The shops were designed in an old western style to resemble an authentic Wild West Main Street, including an old-time Jail replica. Don’t forget to bring your camera for some memorable snapshots of the family in fun costumed cut outs!

Summers get hot in the desert, so stop by the old-fashioned ice cream parlor for a cold treat. Then head over to the Canyon Rock Shop to marvel at the wide variety of fossils, rocks and minerals, local to the geology of the surrounding area. The Mercantile is filled with special mementos you can bring home to remember the trip.

Get a birds-eye view of Bryce Canyon National Park and beyond when you try Soaring Southern Utah. This virtual reality ride will have you feeling like you’re flying over many of

Southern Utah’s natural wonders, or try your luck at finding Montezuma’s treasure with the Montezuma Treasure Ride. Both experiences will give you a thrilling ride your family will love.

Kick back with your loved ones after a fun day of activities at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill for dinner and a show. Listen to country classics and songs from the chart-topping album, “A Song Like Me,” performed by The Bryce Canyon Wranglers. This year, The Bryce Canyon Wranglers will introduce a new show entitled “Timeless,” featuring new favorites that return back to country music’s roots. Every night, a hearty BBQ dinner is served starting at 7:30 p.m. followed by the show at 8:00 p.m.

Ruby’s Inn has always been about family. Make Ruby’s Inn your home-away-from-home this summer while you redefine how you spend family time. Book your stay today at Rubysinn.com