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 stunning national forests (especially colorful in the fall), interpretive displays and possibly even some wildlife.
Modern-day Panguitch is much different, of course, but it does offer small-town charm in big doses. The gateway to Scenic Byway 12, Bryce Canyon National Park, and beyond, Panguitch is worth a drop in to nosh, shop and sleep.
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?
The name says it all at Smokin’ Hot Antiques & Collectibles, located in the old firehouse; there’s even an Indian Trading Post inside with vintage and new items such as jewelry, pottery, baskets, and blankets. Now, slide on over to Small Town Cozy, the adorable purveyor of everything from sweets and snacks to refinished furniture and decorative items for your home. Round out your shopping trip at Red Canyon Indian Store, where you can purchase souvenirs, Navajo rugs, sand paintings, pottery, and Western apparel, and pick from what they claim to be the largest selection of moccasins in Utah.
Have you shopped till you dropped? Then spend a night or two in Panguitch. 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 Canyon Lodge Motel.
Discover More
-
The All-American Road: Scenic Byway 12
This is 122.863 miles (to be exact) of pure driving bliss. Welcome to Utah’s Scenic Byway 12, a designated All-American Road.
-
Seven Must-Ride Mountain Biking Trails in Utah
To help you plan a Utah mountain biking trip, we've assembled a list of seven of Utah’s best mountain biking trails followed by a roundup of Utah’s best fat-tire destinations.
-
10 Top Stops Along the National Pioneer Mormon Heritage Area
Here are 10 of the best stops along Utah's Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area’s backroads and byways. Explore rich Mormon historic sites, awe-inspiring canyons and mountains and unforgettable outdoor adventures.
-
Panguitch Scene: Kenny Rays and Cowboy's Smokehouse
Travelers through Cedar Breaks, Bryce Canyon and Highway 12 are likely to pass through historic Panguitch. Here you will find a few eclectic food options to fill your belly while taking a break along your travels.
-
Panguitch Lake's Literal "Big Fish"
People have been traveling to fish at Panguitch Lake for a long time. Legend has it this popular high mountain fishery in Southern Utah was named by the Paiute people who once frequented the area and it translates to mean “big fish.”
-
10 Routes Chosen by Utah Cyclists
We reached out to cycling experts and enthusiasts — in some cases to people who literally wrote the book on cycling in Utah — to get a feel for some of Utah's best road cycling routes.
-
Traveling with Dogs: The Mighty 5 National Parks
At all of The Mighty 5® national parks, activities with pets are extremely limited, and every time your dog is out of your vehicle, it must be restrained in a crate, cage, or on a leash (of no more than 6 feet).
-
Winter in Southern Utah Like a Local
Southern Utah comes alive in winter with unexpected experiences for those who are well-prepared and solitude for those who want to expand their view.
