Zion national park is a scenic oasis in Southern Utah where you can see traces of volcanoes that erupted thousands of years ago and fossils that represent past life on Earth.
If you’re a fan of watching the night skies, the park provides you with exceptional conditions for that as they are a certified International Dark Sky Park.
But for you to enjoy the Zion national park, you’ll probably need accommodation. And you’re in luck because the park has many family resorts and hotels offering a wide range of fun activities for the revelers.
We will give you all the inspiration to help you plan your vacation. Here below are the best Zion national park family resorts:
1. Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort
When Ray and Ruth Lewis bought the ranch in 1962, they wanted guests to enjoy a peaceful place, the wonderful nature surrounding them, the scent of pine and juniper, and watch the wildlife.
Zion Ponderosa is a quiet destination away from the packed hiking and crowded restaurants.
The Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort has employees that will make you feel at home and top-notch amenities. The welcoming atmosphere and caring staff will give you an adventure of a lifetime. The resort offers lodging, dining and recreation.
The lodging amenities offer different options as follows:
- Vacation homes
- Cabin suites
- Deluxe glamping
- Glamping
- Conestoga wagon
- Cowboy cabins
- RV camping
- Tent camping
The recreational activities offered include:
- Canyoneering at the base of the park
- Traditional riding on horseback to experience the wild west guided by real cowboys
- Sunset Jeep tours
- Hiking around the resort and in the national park
- Ziplining
- Mini golf
The Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is your heaven on earth.
2. Zion Mountain Ranch
The Zion Mountain Ranch is one of the Zion national park family resorts next to the Zion national park itself. The proximity makes it a unique western destination. The ranch sits three miles away from the eastern entrance to the Zion national park. The Zion Mountain Ranch ranks second among the top Zion national park family resorts.
Inside the ranch, revelers enjoy a spectacle of roaming herds of buffaloes. As you eat, you will enjoy the breathtaking view of the national park and roaming buffaloes.
The Cordwood restaurant on the ranch offers organic food from the ranch itself or from sustainable sources.
In terms of lodging facilities, you can choose between a small cabin with all the modern comforts and a breathtaking view and larger accommodation for groups with a patio and private sauna. From the front of your cabin suite, you can catch the spectacular view of a beautiful sunset.
The roaming buffaloes do not take anything away from the luxury of the ranch. The ranch offers a range of fun activities, including:
- Horseback riding
- Canyoneering
- Rock climbing
- Zion Mountain climbing
- Trail biking
- River rafting
- Wildlife spotting
Lift your spirit in the wild and amazing Zion Mountain Ranch.
3. Cliffrose Lodge And Gardens
The Cliffrose Lodge and Gardens ranks third among the top Zion national park family resorts. It is also rated the best in the Southwest national park area. The lodging experience is one of a kind.
The Cliffrose Lodge and Gardens border the Zion national park. The view is magnificent, from the mountain peaks to the river façade.
There are plenty of exciting activities for all ages of guests. Children’s activities are also in plenty on the property. You do not need to worry about how to keep kids engaged as you kick off your shoes and soak in your family vacation.
The property has a wellness hotel, excellent rooms, and customer-centric service. The activities in Cliffrose Lodge and Gardens include hiking, wildlife, and nature spotting.
It has a good pool and is perfect for families.
4. Best Western Zion Park Inn
The Best Western Zion Park Inn ranks fourth among the top Zion national park family resorts. It is the largest lodging in Zion national park.
It sits at the foot of the red cliffs of Zion national park. The location gives it excellent scenery and plenty of adventures.
The activities in the Inn include canyoneering and adventures through the rocks. You can also go for a nature hike. The heated outdoor pool provides the perfect relaxation.
5. Pioneer Lodge
The Pioneer Lodge ranks fifth among the top Zion national park family resorts. The lodge is in Springdale, a few minutes from the southwest entrance to Zion national park. It offers a memorable experience of the town of Springdale, Utah.
Springdale is a town lined up with bed and breakfasts, motels, and plenty of small shops. It hosts the O.C. Tanner Amphitheater. Among the enjoyable spectacles of the theater is a weekly light and sound show in summer.
The pioneer lodge offers a breathtaking view of the red cliffs of Zion national park a few miles away. The lodge is the perfect place for outdoor adventures and the melting place of discovery.
The activities include:
- A nature hike on the rugged landscape
- Canyoneering
- A horseback ride through the trails lined with trees.
The outdoor swimming pool is an excellent way to cool off after a day outdoors.
The pioneer lodge has forty deluxe rooms besides two apartments suitable for families. There is a heated spa and grand pool.
The lodge also boasts a coffee shop and a magnificent restaurant. It is a great place to visit with friends and family.
6. Bumbleberry Inn
The Bumbleberry Inn ranks second among top southern Utah lodges. It ranks sixth among the top Zion national park family resorts.
The Inn is the utopia of Utah. It is near the Zion national park and is convenient for vacation. This relaxing getaway belongs to the Smith family and is a landmark in its own right.
The Bumbleberry Inn offers access to the Bumbleberry Theater for live rock entertainment. From your window, you have an excellent view of the red rock cliffs of the Zion national park.
The rooms are spacious with alluring views. The rooms are comfortable and classic, making them perfect for families. Bumbleberry Inn boasts of a gift shop famous for Bumbleberry Pies. The modern amenities include:
- The gift shop
- An onsite restaurant
- A fitness center
- Swimming pool
- Internet
There are plenty of activities at the Bumbleberry Inn, including:
- Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Rock climbing
- Live entertainment
- Horseback riding
- Sightseeing
- Photography.
The Virgin River is also a good place for those who bring their fishing poles along.
The outdoor swimming pool and the in-ground hot tub make for a perfect way to unwind after a day full of action.
7. Clear Creek Guest Ranch
The Clear Creek Guest Ranch ranks seventh on the top Zion national park family resorts. The ranch sits two miles to the east of Zion national park. It is the ideal country getaway in Utah. From the small ponds to the majestic mountains to the fresh air, the scenery offers a lot of relaxation.
The activities include:
- Hiking in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
- Fishing and swimming in Lake Powell
- Traveling through the wondrous landscapes of the Zion national park
- Fun-filled picnics
- Buffets and barbeques
- Hayride
The charming accommodation and ultra-modern amenities will make anyone feel at home. The Clear Creek Family Ranch is the perfect setting for corporate team building.
8. Cable Mountain Lodge
The Cable Mountain Lodge ranks second among top southern Utah lodges. It ranks eighth among the top Zion national park family resorts.
The stonework architecture dates back to the old days of great American national parks. The accommodation facilities consist of fifty private suites. The spa and heated swimming pool are perfect for relaxation after a day in the sun.
The activities at the lodge include:
- A visit to the Zion canyon
- A visit to the Virgin River
- Shuttle to the canyon
- Crossing the footbridge into the Zion national park
- Hiking
- Shopping
The spacious accommodation and full kitchen are fit for the whole family.
9. Zion Lodge
The Zion Lodge ranks third on top southern Utah ranches and lodgings. It ranks ninth on the top Zion national park family resorts.
The lodge is the only lodge located in the park. It is home to over 146,000 acres of cliffs, plants and animals, canyons, and beautiful scenery.
The Zion Lodge offers horseback riding. The sandstone walls make for peaceful reflection for the revelers.
The accommodation comprises cabins with double size beds, a fireplace, a full bath, and a porch. The Zion Lodge is an excellent hotel for families.
10. The Best Western Abbey Inn Hotel
The Best Western Abbey Inn Hotel ranks ninth among top St. George hotels. It ranks tenth among the top Zion national park family resorts.
The hotel is a good location for all Utah adventures. You can access the Zion national park and Grand Canyon national park.
You can also access hiking trails, ten golf courses, and several amusement parks from the hotel. The accommodation consists of 150 comfortable and clean rooms.
The amenities include pay-per-view videos, satellite television, and a fitness center.
Activities include sightseeing, rock climbing, and shopping. The Best Western Abbey Inn Hotel is your perfect family holiday destination.
11. Best Western Coral Hills
The Best Western Coral Hills ranks tenth among top St. George hotels. It ranks eleventh on the top Zion national park family resorts. The property is in the St. George district and a short distance away from Utah’s national parks. It allows access to the Zion national park and Snow canyon state park.
Downtown, the Fiesta Fun Family Center provides plenty of fun to families. There is sensational shopping, and dining, among other attractions. The accommodation consists of spacious rooms, free wireless internet, and a 42-inch television.
The heated outdoor pool and kid’s pool ensure that everyone relaxes after a day out in the sun. The Best Western Coral Hills is a destination for the family.
More about our TFVG Author
A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.
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