Place · 0.2 mi away
Overview
This is the park’s practical hub for refueling yourself and your gear. Set by the main lodge area near Sunrise Point and North Campground, the General Store bundles hot grab‑and‑go food, groceries, camping supplies, souvenirs, restrooms, and even showers and laundry into one easy stop. Historically, it’s part of the early visitor infrastructure created by the Utah Parks Company and later transferred to the National Park Service in 1972.
What You’ll Find
- Food and drink: hot and cold grab‑and‑go (think pizza, hot dogs, sandwiches, salads), coffee, soda, water, and snacks.
- Store aisles: fresh/frozen/canned basics, firewood and fuel, simple emergency and camping gear, gifts, clothing, and souvenirs.
- Facilities: flush restrooms, a small porch with tables, and nearby picnic benches for a quick sit‑down.
- Extras: token‑operated showers and a laundromat around the back; buy tokens at the counter. There’s also a bike rack and outlets for charging small devices.
Showers & Laundry
Showers are clean, timed (about 8 minutes per token), and a lifesaver after dusty hikes. Laundry machines take coins/tokens; detergent is sold inside. Expect practical rules like a cut‑off for last dryer loads in the evening. If you’re camped at North Campground, this is the convenient place to get clean and restocked.
Best Times to Visit
It gets busiest from late morning through mid‑afternoon, especially on Fridays and weekends. Swing by early (right after opening) or later in the afternoon to avoid lines and snag hot items before they sell out. Hours vary seasonally; expect daytime operations and check the door for the day’s schedule.
Wildlife Note
This isn’t a wildlife viewing spot, but you may spot birds, chipmunks, or the occasional deer moving through the nearby lodge and campground areas. Keep food secured and give animals space.
A Bit of History
The store traces to the park’s early concession era under the Utah Parks Company, which developed the lodge complex to serve automobile travelers. In 1972 those in‑park assets, including the General Store, were donated to the National Park Service—one reason the place still feels embedded in the park’s core experience.
Gotchas
- Peak‑season crowds can make mid‑day slow.
- Selection thins later in the day; grab hot food earlier.
- Some amenities (like full showers/laundry service) may be limited or paused in winter or during maintenance.
Pros
- Hot grab-and-go food plus groceries and camping supplies
- Token-operated showers and laundry behind the store
- Porch seating and nearby picnic benches for quick meals
Cons
- Midday crowds and lines during peak season
- Prices higher than outside the park and popular items sell out later
- Some amenities run seasonally with winter limitations
Tips
- Hit the store early or after 3 pm to avoid lines.
- Buy shower tokens at the register; showers and laundry are behind the building.
- Hot items can sell out by afternoon—grab lunch sooner than later.
- Expect seasonal operations; some amenities are limited in winter.
- If you’re camping, bring your own toiletries and laundry soap to save time.
