Stay in a Glass Dome Near Bryce Canyon: Clear Sky Resorts Review + Guide

In the middle of our southern Utah roadtrip, I surprised my kids with a stay that’s unlike anything we’ve ever done before. We pulled in just as the sun was beginning to set and it felt like we’d just arrived at some other worldly, yet fully luxurious, base camp. My kids knew immediately that this wasn’t just a place to stay, it was an entire experience that they couldn’t wait to start. As we parked and unpacked the car, we took in the quietness, the views of the red rock walls around us, and the unique domes dotting the private canyon. The feeling was that this just wasn’t another place to sleep, it was going to be a part of the adventure.

That’s exactly what Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon delivers. This was a hosted stay in partnership with Clear Sky Resorts, but the views and opinions expressed are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

If you’re planning a trip to Bryce Canyon National Park and want something that feels a little more immersive, a little more memorable, this might just be one of the most unique places you can stay. Before we get too carried away with the magic of it all (and it really does feel magical), let’s ground this a bit. If you’re anything like me, you’re already wondering: Where exactly is this? Is it actually comfortable? And is this something I could realistically do with my kids?

Here’s the quick version before we dive in:

Clear Sky Resort Bryce Canyon: Quick Guide.

• Location: Near Bryce Canyon, Utah
• Stay Type: Glass dome (luxury) glamping. (preview a video here)
• Best For: Stargazing, unique stays, and getting away from it all.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall.
• Family Friendly: Yes (best with older kids).
• Dining? On-site Sky Nova Restaurant

What is Clear Sky Resorts?

Pulling up to the dome, my kids could hardly wait to hop out of the car. We loved how part of the exterior of the domes was a dusty red to blend in with the canyon around it, giving it an almost Mars settlement like feel. My son asked to type in the door code and the scene awaiting inside took our breath away.

The entryway wrapped around to a massive, king size bed, with robes and slippers awaiting on top of the cozy looking bedding. While it’s a “glamping” resort it feels much more like an ultra modern, luxury resort. We imagined we were space tourists to a distant planet, boasting luxury vacations for intergalactic travelers. My daughter claimed the comfy couch, while my son raced up the spiral staircase. Upstairs, there were two, twin beds for my kids.

And then there’s the part you can’t really replicate anywhere else: the huge, curved glass ceiling that lets you watch the sky shift from daylight to sunset to a full canopy of stars, all without leaving your bed. The huge curtains covering the glass had a remote control for the top part, which was a highlight in of itself!

It’s unlike any “glamping” experience we’ve ever had!

Inside the dome.

The resort has different size of domes, yet each has it’s own bathroom. While you may be glamping, there’s really no roughing it here. We stayed in the Milky Way dome, which featured a king size (very comfy) bed with a really cool wall lighting feature as the headboard, plus two, twin size beds in the loft (connected with a spiral staircase). If you’re looking for something smaller, for two, they have those as well. Plus, they even some fun disco themed domes with colorful decor and fun lighting.

A quick note – while you could easily accommodate a family of four, with the kids in the loft, I wouldn’t recommend the spiral staircase for very young children.

What else you’ll find in the domes:

• A comfortable, king size bed (the kind you’re actually happy to crawl into after a long day exploring)
• Modern, unique lighting
• Table with comfortable chairs, and a couch with reading light
• Climate control to handle those big Utah temperature swings
• Remote controlled curtains

You can also choose domes in more remote corners of the canyon, with their own fire pit!

Bathroom and practical details.

Don’t worry, you’re not going to have to trudge to a shared bathroom in the middle of the night. At Clear Sky Resort Bryce Canyon, each dome comes with it’s own, well appointed bathroom! Ours had a huge, walk in shower, with a rain shower head, double sinks, toilet, and plenty of counter space. It was SO nice to take a long, hot shower after a day spent exploring. Especially since one of the days it was rainy and a bit chilly while we were hiking. You may be “glamping” in a glass dome, but this bathroom is the total luxury experience. Note – there is no bathtub but the walk in shower is spacious.

The best part: nighttime in the dome.

Though, sunset and blue hour are incredible at every spot around the resort, nighttime is extra special. We decided to leave the upper curtains open for the evening. Once the sun was down and it got completely dark, we made sure we had all of our lights off in our dome. My kids and I climbed into the king size bed and looked around as the stars started twinkling hello. In the summer and early fall (when we visited) it takes until pretty late for it to be very dark, but it’s so worth it! One night, we slept with the upper curtains open so we could see the soft glow of sunrise in the morning too!

If you’re a homeschooling, or adventure schooling, family: a stay at this resort would be the perfect field trip for an astronomy or space study!

A tip: make sure you have a night sky observation app on your phone to help guide your stargazing. Or, talk with the front desk about when they’ll have astronomers and telescopes available in community spaces.

Morning in the high desert.

We experienced two different mornings, one where we got up early and ventured out for a day of exploring, and one where we lingered a bit. The slow morning was made even more special by sleeping with the upper curtains open, so when the sun started to tint the horizon pink once more, we were woken gently with the morning. It can get quite warm during the day with the sun on the glass, so we made sure to close the curtains before we left for the day. Don’t forget to leave time to enjoy breakfast at the Sky Nova Cafe, it opens at 7 AM on the resort property.

If you’re looking for a place to stay that feels like part of the experience, not just a place to sleep, this is where Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon really stands out.

What it’s like to stay in a glass dome.

Well, for starters, staying in a glass dome in the desert with kids is really fun. We had such a great time imagining we were staying on a Mars settlement (better than a camp out at NASA)! The red dirt and red rock canyon walls really added to the experience. It felt oddly magical to park our car by our personal dome, type in the code, and enter. The massive glass ceiling had our jaws on the floor immediately. The furniture was comfortable and there was really unique lighting with a futuristic vibe throughout. We felt very secure, even when it was raining. Wildlife wasn’t an issue and we never spotted any bugs inside our dome. It was clean, luxurious, and incredibly adventurous.

The glass is partially covered so you’re protected in the bathroom, upstairs in the loft, and when you enter your dome. The curtains are split so you can have both the upper and lower open, or choose to have just one layer open. We liked having the upper curtain open most of our stay.

Why this stay is so unique.

If the glass dome with incredible night sky views isn’t enough to convince you, here are a few more reasons why Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is in a class of it’s own:

• Bookable experiences – from in room massage and wellness options, plus: horseback riding, yoga, sound bath, movie night, and a kids club activity time.
• Sky Nova Cafe – is unlike any cafe we’ve eaten at before. It’s futuristic and delicious, with indoor or outdoor dining, a beautiful bar, and they can accommodate for food allergies.
• Community spaces – the lobby has plenty of card and board games, plus a nightly bonfire with smore’s kits!

Stargazing at Bryce Canyon (don’t skip this section!).

One very cool fact: in 2019, Bryce Canyon National Park earned recognition as an International Dark Sky park! What does that mean? It means that the park has little to no light pollution and uninterrupted, incredibly night sky views. It has some of the darkest skies in the country, thanks to the higher elevation and clean air. Dark skies, with no light pollution, means unparalleled views of the night sky. In fact, on very clear nights, you may even be able to see the Milky Way with your own eyes (without a telescope).

• Book a Stargazing tour – available onsite at the resort, for all ages and includes an expert with a high powered telescope to walk you through a tour of the night sky.
• NightSky App – this is the app that I use for our night sky observations.
• Audubon Society Field Guide to the Night Sky
• National Geographic Pocket Guide: Night Sky of North America

What you can actually see.

On a clear night, the sky doesn’t just have a few scattered stars, it’s completely filled. If you live in a city, seeing the night sky in all of it’s unobstructed glory is an awe inspiring experience. We’re talking:

• The Milky Way stretching across the sky
• Constellations you can actually pick out without squinting
• More stars than you can realistically count, or even fathom

The coolest part? You don’t have to hike out in the dark or find a special overlook to experience it. You can literally watch it all from your bed.

For homeschoolers, curriculum to consider:

• Intro to Astronomy – middle grades
• Space Science – all ages
• Astronomy – all ages

Tips for the best stargazing experience.

If you really want to make the most of it, a little planning goes a long way:

• Check the moon phase – A full moon is beautiful, but it will wash out a lot of the stars. If you can, aim for a new moon or smaller moon phase.
• Give your eyes time to adjust – It takes about 20–30 minutes for your eyes to fully adapt to the dark. It’s worth the wait.
• Use a red light (or your phone on low brightness) – Bright white light resets your night vision fast.
• Layer up – Even in warmer months, desert nights can get chilly, especially when you’re sitting still.
• Stay up a little later than you think – The sky just keeps getting better as the night goes on.

Now, let’s talk about what else there is to do nearby and how to make the most of your time around Bryce Canyon.

Things to do near Clear Sky Bryce Canyon.

While staying at Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is an experience all on its own, you’re also just minutes away from one of the most unique landscapes in the country. Bryce Canyon National Park doesn’t feel like anywhere else. It’s an incredible part of the Grand Staircase in Utah; it’s a mix of towering hoodoos, winding trails, and viewpoints that somehow look even better in person than they do in photos.

If you’re planning to spend some time here, these are a few can’t-miss experiences:

Catch a sunrise at Bryce Canyon.

If you do one thing: make it this. Sunrise at Bryce Canyon is one of those moments that fully lives up to the hype. As the light hits the hoodoos, the entire canyon starts to glow in shades of orange and gold. It is stunning, to say the least.

Best spots:

• Sunrise Point
• Inspiration Point
• Bryce Point

Pro tip: It’s cold in the mornings, even in warmer months. Bring layers and maybe a warm drink, it’s worth it.

Hike the Navajo Loop Trail.

The Navajo Loop Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park and it’s for a good reason. This trail takes you down into the canyon, weaving through the hoodoos and into sections like Wall Street, where the rock walls rise up on both sides. It’s one of the most photographed parts of the park and it’s beautiful if you have the time for it.

• Distance: ~1.3 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate (steep switchbacks)
• Best for: Older kids, adventurous families

For a full trail breakdown, check out my friend, Zion Adventure Photog’s blog post about the Navajo Loop Trail.

In the peak months (summer) parking is very difficult! Plan to leave your car outside of the park and take the free shuttle to your designated trail head or stop. It also gets busier as the day goes on. So, get there early for premium parking spots.

Explore Mossy Cave Trail.

If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed (or a good option with kids), the Mossy Cave Trail is a great choice.

• Short and easy hike
• Leads to a small waterfall (seasonal, but still fun)
• Less crowded than main canyon trails

This is a great “balance” activity after a bigger hike or early morning adventure. We paired it with our day trip to Kiva Coffee and Escalante, Utah. Be aware of weather, as always, flash flooding can be very dangerous in the desert. We actually witnessed some flash flooding from rain upstream while we were hiking at Mossy Cave.

Drive the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive.

Not every experience here requires a hike and some of the best views are just a short walk from your car. Sometimes we like to pair an easy, scenic drive day after a big day of hiking. The Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive takes you through multiple viewpoints, each offering a slightly different perspective of the canyon.

A few worth stopping at:

• Natural Bridge
• Rainbow Point
• Yovimpa Point

Perfect for slower days or when you want to take it all in without rushing. It can also be helpful for traveling with younger children, or anyone with limited mobility. It was actually a nice activity for a rainy day, because we stayed on paved trails and could wait out the downpours in our car.

A few more highlights.

• The Bryce Canyon National Park visitor center – be sure to get your passport stamp and check out the educational exhibits. I’m also always a sucker for the gift shop and bought some stickers too.
• Bryce Canyon Coffee Co is very close to Clear Sky Resorts and it’s an adorable spot to start your day.
• Valhalla Pizza at Bryce Canyon Lodge is delicious, has a gluten free option, and is perfect after a day spent exploring.

So now that you know what it’s like to stay here, and what there is to do nearby, let’s get into the question most people are really asking: is it actually worth it?

Is Clear Sky Resort worth it? (Honest review).

So let’s talk about it. This is usually the question that matters most. Is staying at Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon actually worth it? Short answer: ye. But, it depends on what you’re looking for.

What we loved.

There’s a lot to love about this stay, especially if you’re looking for something beyond a standard hotel experience.

The experience itself
This isn’t just a place to sleep, it’s part of the destination and itinerary. From the moment you arrive to the time you turn out the lights and look up at the stars, it feels different in the best way.

Stargazing from your bed
Being able to watch the night sky without leaving your room is something you just can’t replicate in a traditional stay and it ended up being one of the most memorable parts of our trip. Along with the robot in the lobby when we checked in.

The setting
The quiet, open landscape adds to the whole experience. It feels removed (in a good way), which makes it easier to slow down and actually enjoy where you are. The views from the restaurant outdoor patio are unmatched. We even saw a rainbow!

A hit with older kids
If you’re traveling with older kids or teens, this kind of stay tends to land really well. It’s unique enough to feel exciting, but still comfortable enough to enjoy. It’s actually teenager approved, and that says a lot.

Things to consider.

This is where setting expectations really matters and here’s what I’d invite you to remember before you book.

It’s not a traditional hotel
If you’re expecting full-service amenities, room service, or a luxury resort feel, this might not be the right fit. However, it still felt luxurious to us, and there are all kinds of cool things to add on to your experience. You will not have a TV in your room and wifi can be a bit spotty (but it is there).

Weather matters
You’re in the desert, which means temperature swings can be significant. The domes are climate-controlled, but it’s still something to be aware of when packing and planning. Rain and thunderstorms can be louder on the glass domes.

You’re here for the experience
If your plan is to spend very little time at your accommodations, you might not get the full value out of this stay. It’s ideal if you plan to explore early on one day, then enjoy the resort in the late afternoon and evening, then hang around the next morning for breakfast.

Final verdict (for us).

For us, staying at Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon was absolutely worth it. Not because it was the most luxurious place we’ve ever stayed, but because it was easily one of the most memorable. Though, the luxury amenities are definitely there and the menu of experiences keeps growing each year. Clear Sky Resort Bryce Canyon forces you to slow down, be present, and really dig in to enjoying the unique experience with your family or whomever you’re traveling with. The resort is a destination and fully immersive experience, and its’ an absolute YES from us.

Who this place is perfect for.

This resort is really for everyone, and they welcome everyone. Here’s who I think it’s best for:

• Couples will find it romantic, with domes hidden away in corners of the canyon, with wonderful onsite dining, and unique events to enjoy.
• Families with older children, it may not be ideal for infants and toddlers.
• Anyone who appreciates a well thought out, unique, experience based stay.
• Adventurous and discerning travelers who still want comfortable amenities, at a place that leaves them with unique stories to tell.

Tips for staying at Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon.

A few things that will make your stay even better:

• Book early – These domes fill up quickly, especially in spring and fall.
• Pack layers – Desert temperatures swing a lot between day and night.
• Plan your meals ahead – You’re not in the middle of a big town, so it helps to know your options before you arrive. I’d also recommend packing some snacks or easy breakfasts.
• Check the moon phase – If stargazing is a priority, aim for a darker sky.
• Slow down and enjoy it – This isn’t a place you want to rush through, build in time to just be there, and bring a book.

Final thoughts (now go start planning!).

Some places are just places you visit, then there are the ones that stay with you. Our time at Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon was one of those. It was the kind of experience that slows you down, pulls you out of the rush, and reminds you to look up a little more. Between the quiet desert mornings, the wide open space, and nights spent watching the stars from inside the dome, it became more than just a place we stayed. It became part of the story we told our friends and a cherished memory from our trip.

If you’re planning a trip to Bryce Canyon National Park and want something that feels just a little different, in the best kind of way, this is one worth considering!

Want more adventures? Here are some other posts you might like in the “cool places to stay” category:

• Check out our first experience with Clear Sky Resorts – at their Grand Canyon location.
• Looking for something really cool (and maybe a little weird)? Check out Outpost X.
• For one more crazy place to stay (that’s actually one of our top three) check out this post all about staying in a decomissioned, Cold War era, Titan 2 missile launch control center (Titan Ranch).