The Tropic Ditch — Answered Prayer for Water in the Bryce Badlands

The settlers of the Bryce Canyon area, including the family of Ebenezer Bryce and the later residents of Tropic, faced the constant threat of starvation and abandonment due to the arid climate and flash floods. The DUP manuscript 'A Bryce Canyon Lodge history' and associated Pioneer Pathways notes detail the spiritual struggle and eventual triumph of the Tropic Irrigation Ditch. Completed in May 1892 after years of grueling labor and community prayer, the arrival of the water from the East Fork of the Sevier River was viewed as a direct answer to the community's collective petitions. Upon the water's arrival, the pioneers held a celebration where they 'sang out praises and prophesied great things,' acknowledging the hand of God in their survival in the difficult terrain of the Bryce badlands.