Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort
In a place where the only distraction is surrounding vista of Zion National Park
When you are here, you are a part of our story.
The Resort
On a warm summer day in 1962, Ray and Ruth Lewis, Gary and Rose Neeleman, the Lewis children and the Neeleman grandchildren gazed for the first time in to Zion National Park. Their lives were about to change dramatically.
Ray & Ruth Lewis
Ray Lewis was born in a small town in northeastern Utah. Always an entrepreneur, he moved his large family of nine children to southern California to pursue new business opportunities. He and his wife Ruth prospered in California with their family catering business, but Ray never stopped dreaming of the day when he would return home to Utah. He dreamed of owning a ranch similar to the one in the Uintah Mountains where he was born.
In 1957, Ray’s oldest daughter, Rose, married Gary Neeleman. The couple soon moved to Brazil so Gary could work as a foreign correspondent with the world news agency United Press International. They resided in Sao Paulo for seven years. In August of 1962, the Neelemans brought their three children back to the U.S. to spend two weeks with their Lewis grandparents in Los Angeles. Ray once again expressed his passionate desire to return to Utah. That evening, as Gary thumbed through the LA Times, he noticed a classified ad offering 4,000 acres of deeded land and 4,500 acres of BLM Land in Utah. The ad described the ranch as “...high desert property, covered with Ponderosa Pine, Utah Juniper, Pinion Pine and Manzenita.”
Although not exactly what he had been dreaming of, Ray’s curiosity got the best of him and within hours the entire family was on their way to Zion National Park to see the property that would soon become “Zion Ponderosa Ranch.” The dusty, 11-mile road from Highway 9 to the ranch property would have discouraged a less visionary man, but not Ray Lewis. He was so impressed with what he saw that he put down $1,000 in earnest money that very afternoon.
More than just a big piece of land
Discover Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort: A Visionary Legacy on Zion's Border
Perched on the eastern edge of the magnificent Zion National Park, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort isn't just a destination – it's a living legacy. Our story began decades ago when a visionary man named Ray Lewis acquired what was then a rustic patchwork of pioneer homesteads. From Pine Knoll, the highest point on the ranch, Ray gazed southwest into the heart of Zion and saw more than just land; he envisioned a natural sanctuary.
Ray Lewis's Dream: A Sanctuary on the Edge of Zion
Ray's dream was grand: a pristine mountain escape just hours from bustling cities like Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. He imagined a place where families and adventurers could step away from the everyday, connect with nature, and create lasting memories. Imagine staying in a cozy mountain cabin, embarking on exhilarating hikes, spotting diverse wildlife, and breathing in the invigorating scent of juniper and ponderosa pine – all quite literally on the doorstep of one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders, Zion National Park.
For Ray and Ruth Lewis, this vast expanse of land was a sacred trust. Ray firmly believed it was his calling to care for and preserve this unique landscape for generations to come. His pioneering spirit truly came alive as he convinced Kane County to allow one of Utah's last dry subdivisions. With immense care, he sculpted roads through the property, ensuring the majestic, 500-year-old trees and unusual rock formations remained untouched, a testament to his dedication to conservation.
A Legacy Lives On: Your Zion Ponderosa Experience
Ray Lewis passed away on December 31, 1995, but his profound dream lives on vibrantly through the legacy he entrusted to his children and grandchildren. Today, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort stands as an integral chapter in the rich history of this amazing land.
The Neeleman and Lewis families continue to feel incredibly blessed to be the stewards of this great heritage. We are honored to inspire a deep love for Zion and its surrounding beauty in every valued guest who walks through our gates. The experiences crafted here are designed to be impactful, meaningful, and truly long-lasting. We strive to connect with each and every guest in an Entertaining, Educational, and Emotional way, sharing not just our story, but the spirit of adventure and connection that defines Zion Ponderosa.
We warmly invite you to become a part of our story, to experience the magic for yourself, and to create your own unforgettable memories at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort – your ultimate basecamp for Zion adventure!
