What Makes Zion Ponderosa Such a Fun Getaway

July 14, 2020
Featured image for “What Makes Zion Ponderosa Such a Fun Getaway”

What makes Zion Ponderosa such a fun getaway? It’s more than just a place to sleep during your Zion National Park vacation. With more on-property activities, adventures and amenities than any other resort in southern Utah, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is a complete vacation experience.

“Zion Ponderosa is Like Summer Camp for Families”

— DiNino Family of Raising the Free

Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort activities include Jeep tours, guided hiking, canyoneering adventures and horseback riding provided by East Zion Adventures, plus zip lining, climbing wall, bungee trampoline, paintball and mini golfing — and that’s just the beginning!

horseback riding at Zion Ponderosa

Photo: Kailee Wright

A two-tiered swimming pool, hot tubs, and pond for paddleboarding are perfect for enjoying water play and relaxation, plus a break from Zion’s summer heat.

Zion Ponderosa pond SUP

Photo: Jess @part.time.tourists

Throw in golf cart rentals, tennis and basketball courts, pickleball and even virtual reality, and there is truly something for everyone. Summer evenings bring weekly events such as family game nights, bonfire and S’mores, night ziplining, stargazing, wagon rides and Dutch oven dinners.

zion adventure photog mini golf zion ponderosa

Photo: Arika Bauer

See the full list of activities here.

“What sets the Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort apart from most other properties in the area is that it’s way more than just a place to sleep, it’s a complete experience in itself! If you’ve got a blended group of people and don’t feel like hiking all day long in Zion National Park, this resort has got you covered with non-stop fun on-site.”
– Jess @
part.time.tourists

Easy Access to the East Side of Zion National Park

Zion Ponderosa is located just outside the east entrance of Utah’s Zion National Park. Entering from the east side of the park is typically less trafficked than coming up through Springdale, which can mean more time spent in the park. Bonus is the exciting drive through the historic Zion-Mt. Carmel tunnel with amazing peek-a-boo views of Zion’s majesty. Photos can’t capture the breathtaking beauty and sheer height of the canyon walls. It’s worth entering from the east entrance to see for yourself.

Zion National Park east entrance

Photo: Mark Wade

Guided Jeep tours and canyoneering adventures are another way to glimpse East Zion’s majesty.

East Zion Adventures Jeep Tour

Photo: Brittany Elizabeth Williams

I love the location, it’s close to Zion National Park (15 minutes) but far enough away that we get to experience a relaxing getaway surrounded by nature (my favorite). There is wildlife everywhere, hiking trails, and the amenities are next level!!
– Brittany @brittanyelizabethwilliams

East Zion’s Hidden Gems

Whether you’re visiting Zion for the first time or the 50th, there’s always something new to discover. The best way to do that is by skipping out on the crowded main canyon to explore East Zion’s hidden gems. When you stay at Zion Ponderosa, you’re already halfway there.

Observation Point has been called one of the best views in Utah, and can be reached right from Zion Ponderosa via East Mesa Trail, without the 2,000-foot incline you’d have to climb if you started the hike down in Zion Canyon.

Canyon Overlook Trail is often overlooked (see what we did there) by Zion visitors, due to how short and easy it is, but it’s definitely worth the views and solitude, especially during this time of physical distancing.

Shhhh…If you ask nicely, Zion Ponderosa staff may even share some of our favorite “secret” hikes with guests (if you love waterfalls, check this one out!), or hook you up with a guided hike through East Zion Adventures. As always, we encourage you to Leave No Trace when exploring in and around Zion.

Bonus: Learn how to ditch the crowds in Zion National Park with guide by Part-Time Tourists of least-crowded hikes and trails on the east side of the park.

ZP Social Posts 25th Anniversary Celebration

Photo: Taylor Deer

Canyoneering is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will take you into the most breathtaking slot canyons of Zion National Park, an area that is untouched by tourists.

-Taylor Deer @brown.eyed.flower.child

Be sure to check out Taylor Deer’s 3-day Zion National Park itinerary.

Fuel Your Adventures

Hungry? We’ve got you covered, with on-property dining options to perk you up in the morning, fuel your adventures and satisfy your sweet tooth. Choose a deluxe breakfast buffet, hearty lunches and sit-down dinners at Ray’s Restaurant, or grab a quick pick-me-up at the Narrows Coffee Bar. Our Poolside Snack Bar and Dutch Oven dinners are a special treat for our summer guests.

Narrows DrinksLine835

“The food is honestly SO GOOD.” – Angeliquea @raisingthefree

Sweet Dreams

Zion Ponderosa is the place for fun, adventure and relaxation during your Zion getaway – but you still need a place to hang your hat each night. From cabin suites to vacation homes, glamping and deluxe glamping, cowboy cabins, Conestoga wagons and even tent and RV sites, Zion Ponderosa has lodging for every size group and budget.

Glamping High Wide ShadeTable2

Our cabin suite was homey and had an incredibly comfortable bed! Steve and I always rate the beds wherever we travel and this cabin easily scored a 10/10.”

Jess @part.time.tourists

Travel Safe and Smart

The feeling of confidence in how we prioritize health and safety is what keeps guests coming back. Once domestic travel opened up, after being cooped up in the house, Zion Ponderosa is the first place several recent guests considered visiting, thanks to the ease of being outside in nature and naturally social distancing.

Two children overlooking Pine Knoll at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort

Photo: Kelly E. Jensen

“This was our second time at the ranch and we loved it so much — we could keep our distance to our heart’s content while we let down our hair a little. It was just perfect.”

–Kelly @kellyejensen


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