The Cool Old Hotels, Rich History and Eclectic Shopping of Historic Panguitch
Sometimes you enter a small town in the American West and you can sense a proud and deep heritage. The gateway to Scenic Byway 12, Bryce Canyon National Park, and beyond, historic Panguitch is worth a drop in to nosh, shop and sleep.
In its first year, the Mormon settlement of Panguitch faced uncertainty as early winter struck and became exceedingly harsh. Provisions ran low and supply routes were blocked by snow. Seven men rose to the challenge of traveling by foot to the nearest settlement for the necessary food for the residents of Panguitch to survive. However, the deep snow was treacherous and they needed a way to solve the problem of falling through. So they utilized quilts. Yes, that’s right: the men would walk on quilts laying one before the next as they made progress to the settlement and back, thus creating the famous Utah tale of the “Quilt Walkers.” Today, you can easily drive that route (though with care during snowstorms) on Scenic Byway 143, fondly referred to as the Patchwork Parkway. Though you won’t encounter the tremendous hardship, you will encounter the stunning Dixie National Forest (especially colorful in the fall), interpretive displays and possibly even some wildlife.
Along downtown’s Main Street, you’ll find a bevy of locally-owned shops to satisfy any shopper in your group, or to ensure you bring home the ideal gift to your loved ones. You’ll find everything from cowboy collectibles and eccentric antiques to the traditional kitsch — perfect, right? Fun fact, much of the town's main drag sits on the National Register of Historic Places.
Along Panguitch’s Main Street, you’ll find a bevy of locally-owned shops.
Modern-day Panguitch offers small-town charm in big doses.
Have you shopped till you dropped? Then spend a night or two in Panguitch before continuing on to Bryce Canyon National Park or outdoor hub Kanab. The looks of the vintage signs out front of many of Panguitch’s motels make one reminiscent of a bygone era. The accommodations are all modern, though. Don’t miss the opportunity to take photos of your family in front of the cool exteriors and vintage signage either. Some choice spots include Adobe Sands Motel, Blue Pine Motel, Bryce Canyon Motel and the Purple Sage Motel.
What's Nearby
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Dixie National Forest
This forest stretches for 170 miles across southern Utah. Visitors can experience its brilliant red spires and cliffs by car or by hiking one of the nature trails in the canyon.
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Bryce Canyon National Park
An alpine forest with as many red rock hoodoos as trees. At dawn and dusk, mule deer graze the forested plateau along the road into Bryce Canyon.
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Red Canyon
As Bryce Canyon’s lesser-known neighbor, Red Canyon offers hiking, biking, camping, off-roading and horseback riding among red-rock hoodoos and tunnels.
The Best Restaurants in Panguitch
From Utah trout (yes, it’s good) to classic burgers, fries, and pizza, Panguitch offers an eclectic mix of flavors and styles for visitors needing to fuel up after their adventures.
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