Zion Ponderosa Area Attractions

August 14, 2016

If you’re staying at Zion Ponderosa, it’s a great opportunity to visit Zion National Park plus many other southern Utah area attractions. Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is located in the midst of the highest concentration of scenic wonders in the U.S. and strategically positioned to make it easy for our guests to visit area attractions such as two of Utah’s five national parks and a variety of natural and historical landmarks. Unpack once, and stay for a while!

Court of Patriarchs Zion National Park
Zion National Park
The east entrance to Utah’s oldest and most popular national park is just minutes from Zion Ponderosa. Carved by water and time, Zion National Park features canyons, cliffs, world-class hiking and rock climbing, and the world-famous slot canyon known as The Narrows.

Bryce Canyon National Park
Located just a 75-minute drive from Zion Ponderosa, Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the great scenic wonders of the world. Carved along the eastern edge of Paunsaugunt plateau, Bryce Canyon’s mystical red rock hoodoos are carved by wind and water to create a sight like no other.

Cedar Breaks National Monument NPS Photo
NPS Photo

Cedar Breaks National Monument
The crown of the Grand Staircase, Cedar Breaks is another natural amphitheater filled with colorful formations and cliffs. Located north of Zion Ponderosa, area attractions include: high alpine Navajo Lake, Duck Creek Village, Scenic Byqay 143, Cascade Falls, Panguitch Lake, and historical Panguitch town.

Bryce Canyon Grafton Ghost Town
Grafton Ghost Town
In the early 1860’s Mormon settlers established themselves along the banks of the Virgin River, but floods and trouble with local Native American tribes soon led to the town’s demise. By 1890, just four families remained, and Grafton was completely abandoned by 1921. Visitors will see the old graveyard markers, an old schoolhouse, and a few other preserved buildings.

Kanab
Known as Little Hollywood, over 100 movies were filmed around Grafton Ghost Town in the 1940s and ‘50s. Look for familiar landscape next time you watch Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid! Frontier Movie Town and Denny’s Wigwam showcase fun Western movie memorabilia. Kanab is located just 35 miles from Zion Ponderosa and is a fun half-day trip or stop on the way to your next destination.

North Rim Grand Canyon Kanab Utah
Little Hollywood Photo by Kane County Office of Tourism

The Grand Canyon
Seated more than 8,000 feet above sea level, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon offers the spectacular scenic views you’d expect with fewer tourists. It’s the perfect way to experience the Grand Canyon in summer. The North Rim is just a two-hour drive from Zion Ponderosa, and is generally open from May 15 to October 15, depending on weather conditions.

The Grand Staircase
The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument encompasses nearly two million acres of rugged landscape with great hiking and incredible scenery. The Grand Staircase boundary begins about 30 minutes from Zion Ponderosa. Highlights within reasonable driving distance of Zion Ponderosa include Johnson Canyon, Kodachrome Basin State Park and Grosvenor Arch. Check weather conditions before venturing into Grand Staircase territory, and be sure to bring a detailed map, sunscreen, and plenty water.

Grand Staircase Lake Powell
Lake Powell
Stretching across the Utah-Colorado border, Lake Powell is a blue jewel in the high desert with over 2,000 miles of coast. The massive man-made lake was created in the 1960’s when a dam was placed on the Colorado River in a narrow canyon. Today, the lake is a mecca for water sports, boating, and swimming. Wahweap Marina on the Utah side of Lake Powell is 105 miles from Zion Ponderosa, for an exceptional day trip.

Southern Utah is home to so much captivating scenery, you’ll be amazed. Make Zion Ponderosa your base camp to experience the majesty of southern Utah.

Click here for more information and directions to area attractions.

 


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