So Much To Do, So Little Time

October 28, 2013

At my recent family reunion at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, I knew I would spend time at Zion’s National Park. What I didn’t expect was to spend so much time away from it.

Big E on the Extreme Trampoline

Big E on the Extreme Trampoline

I love the natural beauty of the National Parks, but my feet and my young children can only handle so much hiking.

That’s what was great about Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort; it had a huge variety of activities right on site. Horseback riding, rock climbing, paint ball, miniature golf, UTVs, ATVs, skeet shooting, riding the zipline and extreme trampoline jumping for the kids were all available.

Mini Golf

Mini Golf

The forty two members of our family reunion group were occupied from morning until night for a full day.

My husband’s favorite activity was riding the trails on Zion Ponderosa’s UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle) which has seating for six. We strapped our tots in the back and set off dodging scrub oak and pine boughs to find the most beautiful overlook areas.

UTV with the whole family

UTV with the whole family

It was so fun, we decided to take a guided tour from the recreation barn later the same day. Our guide led the way on his four wheeler to what felt like a secret access point to Zion National Park. There he told us the tragic story of how Jolley Gulch got its name from a settler man who jumped to his death after pushing his wife and kids over the edge. Although the story is quite sad, the views of Jolley Gulch were amazing.

Little g in the Swing

Little g in the Swing

At the end of the day, we relaxed in the pool, happy with the myriad of activities we had tried that day. We were so close to Zion and Bryce National Parks, but I was perfectly content staying where I was.

 

Susan Strayer is an outdoors woman with two kids, a garage full of gear and a house in the mountains. Read more at www.mountainmomandtots.com.

 


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