Social Distancing in the Great Outdoors

March 25, 2020
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How To Responsibly Enjoy A Healthy Outdoor Experience

At Zion Ponderosa, we take coronavirus/COVID-19 very seriously and encourage you to refer to federal, state, and local government agencies in addition to using common sense and good judgment. For updates on Zion area national and state parks and more, please see VisitSouthernUtah.com/Coronavirus. When you feel like you are ready to travel safely, Zion Ponderosa and East Zion Adventures are here to welcome you. 

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These days, we’re all spending a lot of time at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The strain from being cooped up inside can leave us all on edge, or this time can be a reminder to slow down and appreciate the natural beauty around us.

Experts agree that spending time outdoors has many healthy benefits that can reduce stress, improve our mental state, and boost our immune system. The key to social distancing in the great outdoors is finding the balance to enjoy nature responsibly while keeping our bodies, minds and spirits strong and healthy.

a woman practices social distancing in zion national parkWhat does this mean for those of us used to vacationing and exercising outdoors in nature, and craving fresh air and wide-open spaces? The short answer: you can engage in outdoor activity, as long as you comply with social distancing requirements. That currently means staying six feet away from other people on walking, hiking and running trails and avoiding crowds of 10 or more people. Wash hands frequently and sanitize after touching anything, especially if you are on the road. If you travel, wear gloves when pumping gas and go directly to your destination.  

The trail less traveled

ObservationPoint 1920x1080 CPublic lands are meant to be there for us when we need moments of peace and well-being. That doesn’t mean crowding popular trails like Angels Landing in Zion National Park just because we have time off from work and school. For those who choose to head outdoors for some fresh air, sunshine and exercise, the best option for social distancing in the great outdoors is to look for the least crowded trails. East Zion holds the secret to some of Zion National Park’s true hidden gems, including some of the most remote trails on the east side of the park.

Some of our favorite hikes here at Zion Ponderosa are Jolley Gulch, Cable Mountain and Observation Point. Deer Trap Mountain is a great 12-miler for experienced hikers. You’ll hardly see a soul.  

A healthy vacation experience

ZionPonderosa HighView 1000Understandably, we know guests will be taking precautions for the foreseeable future. Rest assured that Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is taking every safety measure according to current CDC guidelines. (Learn more here.) When you choose Zion Ponderosa, you’ll have 4,000 private acres on the eastern edge of Zion National Park to spread out and social distance. Private accommodations ranging from luxury vacation homes to cabin suites and glamping tents means no hotel lobbies or crowded hallways to deal with. Cook in your own private kitchen or barbeque outside on your dedicated grill. We have even implemented a texting option to call in orders to Ray’s Restaurant for pickup. 

Around here, the air is fresh, the sky is blue, and the lifestyle is healthy. For guests choosing to social distance from home, we look forward to seeing you when you feel the time is right. 

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine into trees.” —John Muir 


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