Spring Floral Arrangement - Zion

Zion Ponderosa is always open with our Vacation Homes but each March we open the rest of the resort which includes our Cowboy Cabins, Cabin Suites, Western Wagons, Campgrounds, dining facilities and activity services.   It’s a big operation to prepare for the main season, but we get pretty excited about it, especially when we have some new things to announce.

NEWS – Announcing a New Chef: Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort announces the hiring of our new Chef Frances Van der Stappen.  Frances comes with an exquisite resume and accolades from those who have experienced her cuisine.   Frances will oversee the dining operations at Zion Ponderosa which include the Blue Belly Grill and Gus & Rosey’s restaurants.   Other dining services include the Narrows Cafe & Espresso Bar, In-Cabin Chef services, and catering.  Learn more about Frances and the dining services at Zion Ponderosa -  Here.

Spring Packages: We like to provide some fun incentive to visit us in the Spring and Fall, so check out our Adventure Packages page for some special offers.

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.

A morning view of the main canyon of Zion National Park

This year, as a national attraction, Zion National Park is 100 years old.   Zion was established as Mukuntuweap National Monument by President William Taft on July 31, 1909.    While various activities are occuring throughout this centennial year, on July 31 of this year there are several small activities slated to occur within the park.  

An additional recent cause for celebration is the announcement of a new commemorative stamp for Zion National Park.  This is just the second time that a stamp has been created for Zion National Park.   

Zion National Park Stamp

Come see why Zion National Park was set aside 100 years ago as a national treasure.   We invite you to spend some time with us at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort.

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Panorama View of one section in Zion National Park

One traveler made these comments about Zion National Park:  “The stunning red monoliths and canyons of the park invite visitors to explore its beauty by camping, biking, touring by car, hiking, and more. Adventurous travelers can embark on the exciting Angel’s Landing hike and the views make the daring climb well worth it. It’s the best view in the entire park, and best hike I have ever done! Do not miss it!”

From our 4,000 acre ranch that borders Zion National Park you can see portions of the canyons that make up this spectacular destination.   The exciting thing for visitors to Zion Ponderosa is that our location on the east-side of Zion brings you closer for day-trips to Bryce Canyon National Park (75 minutes), the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument (25 minutes), the Grand Canyon North Rim (2 hours) and even Lake Powell (110 minutes).  

Views over Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort toward Zion National Park

Read more about the top-ten rankings of national parks in this story - http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/tripadvisor/37961/

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