Utah's Best Stargazing Is In A Bryce Canyon National Park Resort Where You'll Sleep In A Glass Dome

Imagine falling asleep under a blanket of stars, only to wake up in the lap of luxury. That is exactly what you get at Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon, a one-of-a-kind bubble hotel set in Cannonville, Southern Utah. It's tucked away in a remote 80-acre private canyon and is a quick 15-minute drive from Bryce Canyon National Park. You'll experience luxury glamping in a futuristic glass-ceiling dome, perfect for stargazing in style. And if you're lucky, you'll catch the rare and otherworldly aurora lights that some guests have reported witnessing in early October.  

Following the debut of its Grand Canyon location near South Rim, Clear Sky Resorts launched the Bryce Canyon resort in August 2024. Both properties are packed with paths that pass through common activity areas. The resort is located along Utah's Highway 12 — one of the country's most idyllic routes — and is a short trip from the charming town of Tropic. The nearest airport for charter flights is Bryce Canyon National Park Airport, while Cedar City Regional Airport is the spot for larger flights. You can spend hours horseback riding or enjoy moments of solitude with an outdoor yoga class, and there are also activities and games such as rock painting, friendship-bracelet making, and cornhole to keep little ones entertained. A dedicated movie dome is also in the works, adding to the fun.

The resort currently houses 25 standalone sky domes sprawled across the plateau desert. The resort welcomes arrivals with a glass-domed reception and lobby, where a robot concierge greets you and provides hiking guides. The resort also includes an on-site dining venue, the Sky Nova Café Bar & Grill, which is one of the world's largest dome dining spaces and boasts a unique spaceship-inspired bar area. While the restaurant is currently undergoing renovation, guests can dine in Snow Globe Domes — available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Some accommodations feature open decks or fire pits, while all come equipped with a small refrigerator, microwave, and kitchenette. There are three categories of domes: Most accommodate two guests, while some sleep up to four, and one spacious dome can host eight. (Rates start at $297.50). Craving a bit more privacy? The rooms located on the outer edge of the resort are perfect for you — flanked by nothing but endless desert cliffs. Also, while most single-level domes are conveniently located, the natural terrain leading to the reception is rugged and uneven, which may be inconvenient for guests with mobility concerns. In such cases, you can request the staff to drive you to the lobby, although some accommodations may still be located further away.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park by DarkSky International, a non-profit organization committed to protecting the night sky. To fully enjoy this exceptional location, you can join a guided stargazing experience hosted by the resort. Learn about constellations, galaxies, and celestial phenomena while basking in an unforgettable evening under the stars.

The surrounding area is also blessed with scenic trails and dramatic natural landscapes, making it an ideal spot for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Adventure junkies can drive down to other nearby attractions, including Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (four minutes away), Kodachrome Basin State Park (15 minutes), Zion National Park (90 minutes), Capitol Reef National Park (two hours), Dixie National Forest (25 minutes), and Escalante Petrified Forest State Park (40 minutes). 

Alternatively, you can explore trails like the Mossy Cave Trail, known for its picturesque water canyon, and Queen's Garden Trail, which is part of the iconic Bryce Canyon Amphitheater. Both of these are ideal for beginners. For a more immersive experience, you can embark on a monthly full-moon hike. The area is also a prime spot for birdwatching, with frequent sightings of peregrine falcons, swifts, eagles, and hawks.