Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
In 1916, Reuben Syrett, also known as Ruby, and his wife Minnie settled in the Bryce Canyon area and built a ranch. Six weeks after their arrival, a local rancher told Ruby about Bryce Canyon. The Syretts made a trip to the canyon and were impressed by its size and beauty. As word spread, people came to see Bryce Canyon so, Ruby and Minnie set up tents and provided meals to accommodate the visitors. They later built a lodge called the Tourist Rest near what is now Sunset Point. In 1923, Bryce Canyon became a national monument and later a national park. The Syretts moved back to their ranch and built a lodge called Ruby's Inn.
What started as a canvas shelter has now grown to a complex of 368 guest rooms at Ruby's Inn, 160 rooms at Bryce View Lodge, and a 200-site campground and RV park. A conference center, restaurants, general store, art gallery and car care center offer services, while swimming pools, spas and a host of activities, including scenic helicopter flights, horseback riding and fishing entertain guests.
Ruby's Inn is still owned and operated by Ruby's grandchildren. The Syretts have added more services and activities in recent years. They worked with the park service to develop the Bryce Canyon National Park Shuttle, and Ruby's Inn has been instrumental in developing the Bryce Canyon Airport.
Open all year, Ruby's Inn provides accommodations allowing visitors to see Bryce Canyon in the off-season. Cross-country ski trails have been developed on the resort property and trails are groomed for track skiing during the snow season. Some of the trails interconnect with ski trails in the park, and Ruby's Inn has groomed trails for snowmobiling to Tropic Reservoir. And every winter, the Inn hosts the Bryce Canyon Winter Festival.
In any season, Ruby's Inn is a delightful destination--a place to relax and enjoy the splendor of beautiful Bryce Canyon in the tradition of Ruby and Minnie Syrett.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
