On a spring trip to Greater Zion (who hosted our trip), we were charmed by the area’s natural beauty and plenty of outdoor recreation.
Zion National Park Angel’s Landing
GETTING THERE
From Sedona, you can drive to Greater Zion in about five hours. You also could fly out of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to St. George, Utah. From there, it’s about a one-hour drive to Zion National Park.
Snow Canyon State Park
SNOW CANYON STATE PARK
If you fly into St. George or drive through it, the 7,400-acre Snow Canyon State Park is worth checking out. We spent roughly 40 minutes driving around here and stopped throughout the take photos. This canyon features colorful sandstone cliffs along with plenty of lava flows and big sky views everywhere. It’s an otherworldly site. Explore the park on foot, bike or on horseback. If you’re short on time, the driving tour alone is worth it.
Snow Canyon State Park
ST. GEORGE
The Greater Zion Visitor Center is a great place to learn more about the area and even see topographical maps and animals like snakes under glass. We also checked out two different sweet shops before we left town. Judd’s General Store is an old-timey candy shop stocked with candy (of course), ice cream and a wood counter. Before you leave St. George, be sure to stop by the Dutchman’s Market. This gas station and market sells tasty pink sugar cookies and is stocked with adorable goods.
Zion National Park Watchmen
ZION NATIONAL PARK
Zion National Park is an enormous gorge carved by the Virgin River, and it’s simply beautiful with towering colorful sandstone walls surrounded by blue skies. Zion is also very accessible. A bus transports you up the canyon with stops at scenic places. The Emerald Pools features waterfalls that you can walk underneath. When we here, the water was flowing and offered up a misty glow. We also made the short hike up to Weeping Rock. Standing underneath the arch-shaped rock as the water falls down as you stand below it is an experience that makes you appreciate the natural world all around you.
Zion National Park The Narrows
Two of the most famous spots are The Narrows and Angel’s Landing. The Narrows is named that because it’s the narrowest part of Zion canyon. Even if you don’t want to hike it, it’s worth walking down to the trailhead to take in scenic views. Angel’s Landing requires a permit to reach. The hike also famously features a handrail bolted to its rocks and is easily one of the park’s most photographed sites. On our last day in Zion, we took a guided e-bike tour with the Zion Adventure Company. E-bikes are powered by a motor and make it a gentle, easy way to explore an area. Our tour guide pointed out various geographical features throughout the park. We even spotted a herd of deer crossing a river.
Grafton
GRAFTON
Grafton is a ghost town located off of a dirt road. Pop in and out of historic wood buildings including homes, a schoolhouse and a church. Grafton is isolated, quiet and a fascinating place to check out. Before you leave, don’t miss the well-maintained cemetery. A book left just outside the cemetery lists just how the occupants passed.
Toquerville Falls
TOQUERVILLE FALLS
One of our favorite parts of this trip was taking a UTV off roading to reach Toquerville Falls. The water was roaring down layered rocks when we visited last spring. The only way to reach this waterfall is by heading off road. If you’ve never done it before, riding in a UTV is so rugged. You’re in an open-air vehicle speeding along with the wind in your hair on some bumpy terrain and seeing places that are difficult or even impossible to reach otherwise. We drove over rocks and saw breathtaking desert landscapes that stretched on for miles. Mad Moose Rentals & Tours is where we rented our UTV from.
WHERE TO STAY
Open Sky
OPEN SKY
Perched up high on a dirt road, Open Sky is a luxury glamping destination that’s secluded and breathtaking. Look forward to sandstone walls all around and sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Open Sky is home to 13 accommodations or camps designed to resemble safari-style tents and draped in canvas that offer luxe amenities in the wild. They’re each spaced out well and offer privacy. We loved the wrap-around porch, outdoor fire pit, plush bed, glass shower and heated floors in our space. The expansive windows made us feel more immersed in the wild. It was also so quiet and relaxing. Our absolute favorite feature? The outdoor shower that we used one sunny, toasty afternoon. The on-site restaurant is also stellar.
AutoCamp
AUTOCAMP
AutoCamp is a national company that revamps Airstream trailers into plush accommodations. The Zion location includes scenic views of the desert and feels like you’re really camping, just in much nicer digs. Our Airstream – one of 72 on the 16-acre property – included a sitting area, a full bathroom, a kitchenette and enormous bed. We loved the outdoor pool and fire pits nearby the modern clubhouse where we roasted s’mores kits that were packed with gourmet chocolates. Fire pits are also right outside the Airstreams if you’d prefer to gather there. The Zion location is also mere steps from the Virgin River.
AutoCamp
WHERE TO EAT
We had a few fabulous meals when we were in town. The fried pickles and chicken sandwich at Camp Outpost are both excellent. Try to grab a seat outside and bask in the sunshine at this modern American restaurant. Housed is in a striking orange building, Balcony One is one of the fancier restaurants in town. Dive into fresh pastas, Baby Back Ribs, Seared Ahi Tuna (flown in fresh from Hawaii) and other filling entrees. Located in La Verkin, River Rock Roasting Company has incredible views of the Virgin River from its outdoor patio. Don’t miss these views. We devoured a delicious Tuna Melt and an iced latte made with artisan roasted coffee here.
