The Best Part of Your Zion Summer Vacation Might Be Where You Stay
June 6, 2026
Summer is one of the best times of year to book a vacation at Zion Ponderosa and make it your Zion National Park basecamp! Here are a few reasons why:
Built-in summer fun
We have a pool, a pond with paddleboards and a water trampoline, mini golf, a climbing wall, pickleball, volleyball, paintball, and more.
Two-tiered pool
One of the biggest mistakes people make when planning a summer trip to Zion is booking a place without a pool! Southern Utah gets toasty this time of year, making our two-tiered pool the perfect place to cool off after a day of adventure.
Paddle around the pond
Grab a paddle and kayak around the pond. After a day on the trails, it’ll be calling your name.
The Trailhead
Our summertime hotspot for cool treats is open for the season. Stop by after your hike for açaí bowls, gourmet milkshakes, ice cream sandwiches, smoothies, and more. The Trailhead is open daily in summer from 4 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Cooler temps than Springdale
Zion Ponderosa is at an elevation of 6,500 feet. That means it offers a break from the heat of Springdale and Zion Canyon.
Adventure headquarters
We offer jeep tours, horseback rides, canyoneering excursions, guided hikes, and more—many departing right from Zion Ponderosa with our guide company East Zion Adventures.
Free nightly events for guests
During summer months we have free nightly activities for Zion Ponderosa guests. From butter-making and marshmallow roasts to live music and field games, summer nights are for family fun.
Trail Ride and Cowboy Cookout
Our cowboy cookout is back for the summer! Enjoy a beautiful trail ride surrounded by ponderosa pines and sagebrush flats. After your horseback ride, you’ll dine in style with an authentic Dutch oven steak dinner cooked to perfection. Limited dates available through July, and advance reservations are required.
Sunset, S’mores, and Stargazing Jeep Ride
Our newest jeep tour near Zion National Park is truly an exclusive, one-of-a-kind way to experience Southern Utah’s dark skies. The Sunset, S’mores, and Stargazing Jeep Ride is available right from Zion Ponderosa and includes a jeep ride, s’mores, telescope viewing, and stargazing guide. An epic way to end the day.
Out of this world stargazing
Dark skies and wide open spaces make for incredible views of the Milky Way during summer months.
Lodging for every style and group size
We offer a variety of lodging options, including Conestoga wagons, glamping tents, small cabins, tiny homes, plus vacation homes for large groups.
Close to Zion National Park
Zion Ponderosa is just 15 minutes from the east entrance of the park, giving you close proximity to Zion without having to fight Springdale crowds.
Between the cooler high-elevation temps, our two-tiered pool and playful pond, summertime treats, and our unbeatable location close to Zion National Park, Zion Ponderosa is the perfect place to cool off after a day of adventure.
