In July 1915, Joseph William (J.W.) Humphrey, a US Forest Service supervisor, visited Bryce Canyon for the first time. He wrote, “You can perhaps imagine my surprise at the indescribable beauty. . . . It was sundown before I could be dragged from the canyon view . . .” Under his direction, photos, a film, and articles publicized the beauty of Bryce and funding was found for road improvements and early trails.

Tourism increased, and local homesteaders Rueben (“Ruby”) and Minnie Syrett saw an opportunity. They erected tents and supplied meals for guests near Sunset Point, and in 1920 constructed Tourists' Rest, a lodge with tent cabins. When Bryce Canyon became a national monument in 1923, the Union Pacific Railroad purchased Tourists' Rest to construct the park's now historic lodge and cabins. The Syrett's visitor accommodations were relocated just north of the park, and Ruby's Inn serves visitors to this day.