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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 Rubyís Inn.
What started as a canvas shelter has now grown to a complex of 368 guest rooms at Rubyís 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.
Rubyís Inn is still owned and operated by Rubyís 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 Rubyís Inn has been instrumental in developing the Bryce Canyon Airport.
Open all year, Rubyís 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 Rubyís Inn has groomed trails for snowmobiling to Tropic Reservoir. And every winter, the Inn hosts the Bryce Canyon Winter Festival.
In any season, Rubyís Inn is a delightful destinationóa place to relax and enjoy the splendor of beautiful Bryce Canyon in the tradition of Ruby and Minnie Syrett.
For Zions Bank, Iím Fred Ball. Iím speaking on business.
