View from Observation Point.

Observation Point is one of my favorite hikes in Zion National Park.  Although the park is full of stunning vistas, various levels of hiking trails, and an abundance of water and vegetation, Observation Point remains my favorite.  Why?  Well, accessing it from our property here at Zion Ponderosa makes it easy and the hike is filled with diverse landscaping and spectacular views.

When hiking this trail from the park shuttles, it takes about 4-5 hours roundtrip and it’s best to begin early in the morning to begin your ascent before the sun bakes you.  I chose access from the east boundary of the park, which eliminates hiking up the mountain, but does not compromise the experience in any way.  In fact, about halfway to Observation Point there is a great spot to sit, rest, take photos, and soak in the beauty of the canyon to the right.  I especially like this spot just after dinner because the sun is beginning to set and the colors in the canyon awe me each and every time.  Another benefit to accessing the trail from our property is that it takes about 3-4 hours roundtrip.  When you have limited time on your vacation and want to experience the most you can, saving time on the hike is golden.

View of Zion Canyon and the Virgin River in Utah.

The hike is more like a long walk, which makes it great for all ages and skill levels to enjoy.  On the way back I passed a couple with three young children wearing flip flops, on their way to Observation Point.  The kids were all armed with water bottles, something I highly recommend you take – at least two per person.  Although you walk through a forest and some shady spots, most of the trail is open to the sun.

Don’t forget your camera when you go on this or other hikes because you won’t find this kind of beauty in any photo studio.  If you are interested in portraits with everyone in the group included, our photographer finds these assignments some of her favorites!

Portrait photography at Zion Ponderosa.

Once you arrive here and settle in to one of our vacation homes, cabins, your RV, or tent, visit our Adventure Guides in the Recreation Barn to help plan your activities, whether it be one of our hikes, canyoneering, ATV rides, horseback riding – or whatever you can imagine, our team is here to make your visit to Zion Ponderosa full of unforgettable moments.

In 2004, Tom and his family came to Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort for a family reunion.  This past Tuesday he brought his family back here after spending a few nights in the Grand Canyon.  They’ve rented one of our vacation homes through Saturday morning, when they return to their home in Corpus Christi, Texas.

After watching Tom with his family, especially his sons, I realized that Father’s Day is being spent here at Zion Ponderosa, just a week earlier than what’s on the calendar.   Not only was it wonderful to see them participate in the various adventure activities here, but it’s been a privilege to tag along on a couple of their excursions.  I was never without a photo opportunity that included smiles, laughter, and pride of a father for a son.

Instead of tagging along one of our horseback trail rides yesterday, Kourtney, one of our Adventure Activities Guides suggested I go to the rifle range with a small group.  We piled in one of the shuttle vans and Colton, another guide and avid hunter from Mesa, Arizona, drove us to the shooting range located on one of the mountains here.  I got to meet and get to know Tom and his 13 year old son, Jacob on the ride there.  Tom cracked a joke about Jacob barely being out of diapers the last time they were here.

The session began with a short, detailed lesson with safety instructions before Colton set them up at the range with shotguns.  I’ve been to a few trap shoots in my life, but none with such a beautiful view, silence, and a valley that the “pigeons” are thrown across.  I was in awe.  The interaction between the two men with Jacob kept my camera’s eye on them.  Not once did it wander to the vista behind us without someone in the photo.

Colton led the two in a couple competitions – both shooting at the same pigeon, throwing out two pigeons at once, and an overall best shot.  Before the last round of five shots, Tom and Jacob were tied at eight each.  The end result was Tom winning by one.  Maybe Jacob let him win as a Father’s Day gift.

First thing this morning I signed up to tag along on a guided ATV ride.  To my surprise, it was Tom again.  This time he was with his 17 year old son, Zachary.  After getting permission to ride along with my camera, our guide took us through some instructions and safety guidelines before assigning us each to an ATV.

Kourtney led our private group with Zach directly behind her.  She guided us on the Checkerboard Mesa ATV trail which takes us to the Zion National Park property line with a spectacular view of the east entrance to the park.  She recognized Zach’s ability to handle the ATV, so she kicked it up a notch and pushed us to the next level.  Tom drives a motorcycle and Zach is, well, a 17 year old young man, so no complaints or fear from either of them.

On the final part of the ride, Tom and Kourtney discussed a photo opportunity.  He and Zach switched places before our “final descent” where Tom was able to get some take-home shots of Zach riding down and up through the trail.  What a great memory to have and to keep – for all of us.  I thank Tom and his sons for making memories with us and for letting me witness it.  It makes me wish that my dad were here at Zion Ponderosa to spend Father’s Day with me!

The canyons in the Zion National Park area are screaming to for some rappelling action, and Isaac is ready to take you on an adventure you’ll never forget!  This is his third season with us as our guide.  Not only is he a T.A. for the canyoneering class at Brigham Young University, but he recently returned from New Zealand where he spent time canyoning there.

Saturday the weather was hot, the sky clear, and our group was ready by 8 a.m. for a canyoneering trip in a slot canyon  on the east rim of Zion National Park.  A contributary to the Orderville Canyon, it feeds into the Narrows in Zion, another spot famous for canyoneering.  The far left photo is an impressive shot of  the black choke stone.

Over 85% of our clients started here as beginners in the sport, with an age range of 11 – 65 years.  Whether beginner or intermediate, you’ll want to book an adventure at Zion Ponderosa Resort and let Isaac and his team guide, teach, and impress you!

Last weekend the weather cooperated with us as we were able to complete the golf course, which opened for guests on Saturday.  By the afternoon we had quite a few groups of children, families, and adults playing 18 holes.  Our course has it all – a creek, bridges, inclines, a waterfall, and lots of twists and turns.  You’ll also see both smiles and serious faces.

The girls are cousins and here on a kick-off to summer vacation.  Part of a larger group playing, they kept their own pace, enjoying the game, yet were still competitive with the rest of the group.  The young man crouched on the green was serious about his game.  Concentrating on the integrity of his score, he was double checking his numbers by adding with his fingers, all to make sure that he was the winner in his group of three.

Come and tee off with us this summer – membership not required!  It’s a great way to end a day after hiking in Zion National Park, an ATV ride, or canyoneering.

Getting harnessed for the bungee trampoline

Preparing for the rock climbing wall

It’s Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial kickoff to summer vacation, and things are in full-swing at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort.  Early arrivals for this sold-out weekend include a KIPP – AMP (Knowledge is Power – Always Mentally Prepared) school group from Brooklyn, New York and some families from California and Florida.

Although Ziplining and Paintball games were the favorite activities yesterday, everything was going on this afternoon, from the Bungee Trampoline to the ATV rides to the Zip Line.  Giovanna, a mighty 5 year old was the star of the Zip Line as she pushed her way through the line to ride the line without fear.  Her mother, camera in hand and smile on her face, watched and laughed as her daughter zoomed down the line, dismounted with help, and announced that she was ready to go again.

Enjoying the ATV track

With over 500 guests staying at the Zion Ponderosa each night, the fact that the weather is forecasted to be sunny, clear, and in the 70’s, will make it for a memorable Memorial Day weekend!

Zooming on the Zip Line

Bryce Canyon Hoodoos colored by oxidizing minerals in rock

Bryce Canyon is quite different from Zion in that most of Bryce sits between 8,000 and 9,000 feet in elevation, while the most accessible parts of Zion are within the 4,000 to 6,500 feet elevation range.   Anciently this entire region was part of the bottom of a great lake.   Zion represents layers of sediment that were deposited in the lake much earlier than Bryce Canyon.     The layers of sediment that comprise Bryce Canyon National Park are predominantly limestone while Zion is mostly sandstone.

The harder limestone in  Bryce Canyon is eroded by water entering the cracks of the stone and then freezing and breaking.   This creates hard chunks or small boulders that break and fall away.   Zion is eroded in a much smoother fashion by flowing water or by wind.    In both cases it is rare to ever see the erosion effects actually occurring.    Flash floods in Zion National Park offer one time when you can see erosion in full-swing.  This usually occurs when rain comes heavily in one area for several hours and the water gathers on Zion’s upper reaches and flows into narrow slot canyons.   Within a matter of minutes the quickly accumulating water can rise to levels of over 40 feet, insde a slot canyon.  This rare occurring event represents a time when you will not want to be nearby.    At Bryce Canyon you’ll find that melting snow and heavy rains have less of an immediate impact.

Bryce Canyon is actually a series of rock amphitheaters on the eastern edge of a large plateau.   You can drive along the rim and stop at many points along the 20 mile road that traverses the Bryce Canyon plateau area.   You may also walk down inside the amphitheaters among the rock formations called Hoodoos.     Willdlife such as deer, porcupines, coyotes, mountain lions (cougars), and many types of birds inhabit this region.   It is not uncommon to see mule deer on your visit to Bryce Canyon.

How to get to Bryce Canyon:     Leave Zion Ponderosa and go five miles southeast on the Northfork Road.   Turn left at Highway 9 and follow this 14 miles to Mt. Carmel Junction.    Turn left on highway 89 and go north approx. 35 miles to Scenic Highway 12.  Turn right and follow this through Red Canyon and onto the plateau (approx. 10 miles).  Turn left at highway 63 (watch for signs).   Go south two miles to the Bryce Canyon National Park entrance.

Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort - New Miniature Golf Course - 2010

Wondering about a little golf while staying at Zion National Park.   Well Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort has just announced the opening of a new and unique miniature golf course for summer 2010.  See more info. here.

This miniature golf course will feature faux rock formations of a Zion National Park style slot canyon and a Bryce Canyon National Park style hoodoo.     Hoodoos are the unique rock formations that fill Bryce Canyon National Park and slot canyons are the deep and narrow canyons carved by flash floods into the soft sandstone of the Zion National Park region.

These two rock formations will highlight the miniature golf course which will also offer two main water features.   Each water feature will have a pond at the north end of the course and connected by a small stream that flows to a pond on the southern end of the course.  Small bridges will cross the stream features at various points in the 18 hole miniature golf course.

The beautifully landscaped miniature golf course will play through the center island of the area just north of the main lodge and between the Cabin Suites on the west and east.      The golf course will be open for much of the day, and even into the evening during summer months.

As with all Zion Ponderosa activities, the course is open to all visitors even if they are not staying at the resort.   Golf enthusiasts will relish the opportunity to practice their putting game and to keep some friendly competition going amongst friends and family.   This is the type of thing that brings young and old together for an activity that really can be enjoyed together by people of all ages (1 to 100).

See more info. here.

Dual Waterfalls in Zion National Park

Zion National Park has been eroded and shaped by the constant effects of water moving over the soft sandstone formations.   Melting snow or rain storms are most prominent in the spring-time and this leads to opportunities to view some magnificent waterfalls within the park.   Zion National Park is actually a large plateau where deep canyons have been carved into the plateau.   The plateau gathers snow and rain and then funnels the resulting water flow down, sometimes into narrow canyons commonly referred to as slot canyons.  As water gathers from multiple points on the plateau, it gathers force and often jettisons itself out over the edge of the plateau before gravity grabs hold and curls the force of water downward.

With so many gathering points along the top of Zion, waterfalls may often be seen at nearly every turn.   This only occurs during days of strong snow-melt or during a heavy rain-storm.   So count yourself lucky if you are in Zion National Park when these events occur.    The water from these falls funnel down to gathering points on the valley floor where they flow eventually into the Virgin River.  The Virgin River is the main water flow through the Narrows of Zion and this river continues through the park, out past the towns of Springdale, Rockville, Virgin and on to Hurricane, St. George and eventually to the Colorado River.

Waterfall from a slot canyon at Zion National Park

Flash Floods: With so many narrow slot canyons in Zion National Park, the fast gathering water has no outlet and walls of water will come raging down a slot canyon at a rapid rate and at heights that can exceed 40 feet.   This is a rare occurrence but one that you do not want to witness from the bottom of a slot canyon.   So on rainy days, be sure to stay out of slot canyons.   Also be wary of strong increases in temperatures on spring days when melting snow can quickly gather water in large amounts.

Guided slot canyon trips: Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort offers guided canyoneering adventures into area slot canyons.   Click here for more details.

Bring your camera: The waterfalls in Zion National Park are a spectacular sight and you’ll want to shoot plenty of photographs.   You’ll find that spring-time is remarkably scenic with the blooming flowers and budding trees.   Combine this with the waterfalls, and occasional views of wildlife and you’ve got some great compositions and colors for beautiful photographs.

View of Zion National Park main canyon

1- Center of Scenic Wonders:   Zion National Park is located in an area that offers the greatest concentration of natural scenic wonders in the United States (perhaps the world).  Try to identify an area that has more national parks, along with numerous national monuments, state parks, forests, lakes and rivers, all within a one-day drive.   In fact, within two hours of Zion National Park you’ll find Grand Canyon, Lake Powell (Glen Canyon, Grand Staircase National Monument, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Bryce Canyon National Park, and there’s more.

Hiking in Zion National Park

2- Trip Advisor #1 Rated:   Trip Advisor recently rated Zion National Park as the #1 National park destination in the United States, even over the Grand Canyon.   There may be several reasons for this, but Zion is much easier to access and to experience than the Grand Canyon, and frankly the views are more beautiful.   Is the Grand Canyon also great?  You bet, that’s why it is rated #2.

3- World Class Hiking:   There are miles and miles of trails to hike in Zion.  Many of these trails have been paved for the comfort and access of everyone, even handicapped individuals.  There are also many unpaved back-country trails to access.   You have your choice of easy walking trails to strenuous ascents that lead to incredible views.   But even the person who seeks a casual walk to get a great view will enjoy the easy trail to Canyon Overlook, just above the Zion tunnel.   The walk into the Zion Narrows is rated one of the best hiking experiences in the world and Angels Landing trail is just as magnificent.  The adventurous person will enjoy Canyoneering in Zion National Park

Moon Over Zion National Park

4- Weather:  The base of the main canyon in Zion National Park sits at 4,000 feet above sea level, and this elevation makes for cool mornings and evenings in the summer and mild winters.   Zion is spectacular in winter months and the views of formations are even more visible without the leaves on the cottonwood trees along the Virgin River.   It rarely rains in Zion and skies are blue and vivid over 300 days per year.   But if it does happen to rain while you are there, count yourself lucky, because you are likely to see 20 or more waterfalls cascading over the canyon walls.   Zion Ponderosa Ranch resort sits on the eastern border of the park at an elevation of 6,500 feet.   Summer nights are beautiful here and you’ve never seen more stars in the sky than above Zion Ponderosa.

5- Size:  Zion is large enough that you can find a quiet spot for yourself, even in the busy summer months.  Just do a little research or ask our guides about the secret places where few people ever go.   Zion National Park is 30 miles in length and over 15 miles across at its widest point.

Canyoneering in Zion National Park

Canyoneering:

Most people have never heard the term canyoneering.    In fact the dictionary doesn’t even recognize the name.   So what does it mean?   Essentially canyoneering is the art or experience of exploring and traveling through canyons.   The similar term of canyoning is used outside the United States to describe this experience.

Wading through pools of water in slot canyon

Canyoneering participants are most often walking, down-climbing (sometimes with ropes) and negotiating technical obstacles in canyons that often contain flowing water or in some cases, remnant pools of rainwater.    With these pools and/or waterfalls, there is often also the need to swim.

There are few places in the world that offer a more magnificent canyoneering opportunity than Zion National Park.  If fact, look-up canyoneering in Wikipedia and the first photo you’ll see (10-16-09) is one of Mystery Canyon in Zion National Park.

Why is canyoneering in Zion National Park so unique? The answer is that the canyons in Zion are comprised of sandstone that has been stained by oxidizing iron.   The many hues of white, ochre and red sandstone provide a colorful experience not found, in such abundance, anywhere else in the world.   Mix in the pine trees, scrub-oak and cottonwood trees that cling to the rock crevices and line the canyons, the blue-sky far overhead, and you have an remarkable color palette.

Some canyoneering experiences require many rappels (with ropes), and therefore also necessitate that at least one or two people in the group have strong skills with rappelling.   The good news is that Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort offers skilled guides to take you on a canyoneering adventure, so that you won’t need to acquire rappelling knowledge.    There are canyons to explore that require just the ability to scramble over or down obstacles or rocks that are 10 to 20 feet high.   In these cases, a simple strong rope and some basic skills and agility will suffice.

Gazing up at the sot canyon walls that rise vertically to great heights

Zion National Park offers some of the world’s best slot canyons for canyoneering exploration.   Places such as The Narrows, The Subway, Orderville Canyon, Mystery Canyon, Englestead Canyon and others offer various levels of adventure and challenge.

In Zion National Park it is often best to start at the top of the canyon and hike down.   Zion Ponderosa offers shuttles to pick you up at the end of your canyoneering adventure.   You may also choose to enter the Narrows from the bottom and walk up-river as far as you choose and then turn around and come back down.   With this method you can leave a car outside the park and return via Zion National Park shuttle (during main season).

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Visit our canyoneering page by clicking here to learn more about the special slot canyon adventures that we offer.