Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park Basecamp – Zion Ponderosa
February 26, 2021
Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park
Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is uniquely position on the east side of Utah’s Zion National Park and is just 75 miles away from Bryce Canyon National Park. From various viewpoints immediately above Zion Ponderosa ranch it is possible to view far into the canyons of Zion National Park while also viewing a plateau to the northeast which is the home of Bryce Canyon National Park.
Finding it hard to choose between Zion and Bryce? Why not do both! Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is an ideal basecamp between Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park. Zion Ponderosa Ranch is close enough for day trips to Bryce Canyon, and a large percentage of our guests take advantage of this opportunity. There’s no need to compromise on your southern Utah national parks vacation—unpack once at Zion Ponderosa and stay awhile!
Zion Ponderosa literally borders Zion National Park for five linear miles and this map shows the route from Zion Ponderosa to Bryce Canyon National Park.
The beginning of this video (below) shows a distant view of the plateau where Bryce Canyon National Park is located, and then pans across the vast plateau of the upper east side of Zion National Park where Zion Ponderosa is located. You’ll find this video portrays a beautiful perspective of what you’ll see and experience.
> Choose Your Lodging
With seven lodging types including; camping, rv, glamping tents, Conestoga wagons, cowboy cabins, cabin suites, and vacation homes, there is certainly an accommodation that will fit your desired lodging experience.
> Select Your Adventure
Use the above link to earn more about all the exciting guided and unguided experiences that are available to you while visiting the Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park area.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
National Park Information
With five national parks, Utah is renowned for its natural beauty and majestic landscapes. At Zion Ponderosa, we’re fortunate to be located between multiple Utah national parks, two of which are Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. As part of Utah’s “Mighty Five,” each of these iconic parks showcases the Colorado Plateau’s iconic—and breathtaking—landscape.
Fun fact: Utah has more national parks than any other state besides California and Alaska, and Utah’s National Parks are in much closer proximity to each other. With Grand Canyon National Park also in close proximity, along with Glen Canyon NRA (Lake Powell), and a host of national monuments and state parks, this region offers what many consider to be the greatest concentration of natural scenic wonders found anywhere on planet earth. It’s no wonder that this area of Utah is such a desirable vacation destination.
Zion National Park
About Zion National Park: Zion earned its status as a national park in 1919. Known for its majestic towering formations, which rise to awe-inspiring heights, and sheer cliffs carved by the Virgin River, Zion is arguably one of the most beautifully scenic places in the western United States. In fact, Zion Canyon’s natural beauty so impressed early pioneers in the 1860s that they named it to signify a reverence for the Kingdom of Heaven, sanctuary or a happy, peaceful place. If you’ve ever been to Zion National Park, you can understand why. (And if you haven’t, you should come see for yourself!)
Bryce Canyon National Park
About Bryce Canyon: Established in 1928 and covering 35,835 acres, Bryce Canyon National Park is most famous for its eroded sandstone towers known as hoodoos. The park’s scenic drive leads to Bryce Amphitheater (the park’s main attraction), with majestic overlooks at Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Natural Arch and Inspiration Point, to name just a few. Although these iconic spires can be seen around the world, you’ll find the best of these otherworldly formations right here in Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park.
Double the National Parks—Double the Fun!
Being close to two Utah national parks certainly has its perks. You’ll find hiking trails for all abilities, horseback riding opportunities, and canyoning and rock climbing for the more adventurous. Here are a few highlights:
Zion Highlights
Looking for a comprehensive, postcard-perfect view of the valley floor? Do not miss the Canyon Overlook Trail, which leads to a viewpoint that has enchanted photographers and hikers alike for decades. Two Instagram-worthy hikes drawing thousands of visitors each year are the challenging Angels Landing and the Zion Narrows. But Zion’s beauty is easily accessible to the less adventurous, too, with family-friendly strolls along Riverside Walk and the paved Pa’rus Trail.
Bryce Canyon Highlights
The powers of natural erosion are maybe nowhere more visible than at Bryce Canyon. Its otherworldly wilderness of hoodoos draws millions of visitors a year. That’s why stopping at Sunset Point and Inspiration Point to admire the stunning landscape is a must. Many descend on trails such as Navajo Point and Queen’s Garden Trail that provide a close look at the fluted walls and sculpted pinnacles. Traversing portions of the 11-mile Rim Trail between Fairyland Point and Bryce Point is another popular pursuit.
More Things to do Around Zion
If you’re looking to kick back, why not enjoy the stunning landscapes of Zion from the 4×4 comfort of an East Zion Adventures Jeep tour? Craving adventure? Hit us up for a guided canyoneering tour: a once-in-a-lifetime experience that visitors from around the world seek right here in Zion. Crazy about constellations? You’ll love our Zion stargazing tours. Available in the spring, summer and fall, you can sip hot chocolate while learning about all things astral with one of our knowledgeable guides. Whether you’re looking to hit the trails on horseback, go for a dip in a two-tiered swimming pool or hike for miles, you’ll find it all here at our adventure resort.
The U.S. has its fair share of famous national parks, from Yellowstone to Yosemite, but we think Utah is home to the best. Although travel can look very different right now depending on where you are from and where you are going, exploring Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks remains a safe and awe-inspiring experience for the whole family.
