23 Fun Family Experiences for Your 2023 Zion Vacation
December 31, 2022
A new year means it’s time to plan your next getaway! We’re sharing 23 fun family experiences for your 2023 Zion vacation!
1. Visit Three National Parks in One Trip
When you make Zion Ponderosa your base camp for your 2023 Zion vacation, you’re ideally situated to visit Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon North Rim.
Enjoy world-class hiking to the famous Zion Narrows or apply for a permit to hike the renowned Angels Landing in Zion National Park. Wander through Bryce Canyon’s other-wordly red rock hoodoos, or view them from the rim. From May to October, check out the lesser-visited North Rim of the Grand Canyon for a unique and serene national park experience. All of this within two hours of Zion Ponderosa!
2. White Mountain Horseback Ride
Why limit yourself to one adventure when you can have two? Our White Mountain guided horseback tour combines two of southern Utah’s most popular activities: exploring scenic slot canyons and horseback riding. Catch this tour in Orderville from The Shop Coffee Co—a yummy East Zion experience you don’t want to miss!
3. Climbing Wall
Get in some practice (and an upper body workout!) before your canyoneering adventure! The climbing wall is also a fun challenge for the kids. Ring the bell at the top to signal your victory.
4. Paintball
Enjoy an epic battle on our outdoor field, featuring forts and obstacles. Paintball can be a fun family feud for your next reunion or a great corporate team-building experience.
5. Abandoned Mine Hike
This is one of our most unique and family-friendly guided hikes at Zion Ponderosa! A thrilling UTV ride sets the stage for this slightly spooky adventure. Stop at the trailhead for a short hike to the mouth of an abandoned mine shaft. Our knowledgeable East Zion Adventures guides have lots of fun stories and interesting history to share about this abandoned mine hike!
6. Crimson Canyon Hike & UTV Adventure
This backcountry UTV adventure leads to a non-technical hiking tour of Crimson Canyon. This slot canyon adventure is an awesome family adventure.
7. Pine Grove Horseback Ride
A peaceful horseback ride for beginners across Zion Ponderosa’s beautiful property.
8. Little Wrangler Horseback Ride
Even the littlest cowboys and cowgirls deserve an adventure. Our Little Wrangler horseback ride is a 10-minute horseback experience for kids.
9. Top of the World Guided Jeep Tour
Take in the beauty of our unique landscape from the very top. From this incredible vantage point, you will be to enjoy the beauty and grandeur of not only Zion but all of the surrounding national parks and wilderness area. Snacks and water included.
10. Skeet Shooting
Test your aim with a 20 gauge shotgun!
11. See the best view in Utah
Trek across Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort for the view Backpacker magazine calls the best in Utah. Once you reach Observation Point, gaze across the canyons to see hikers climbing Angel’s Landing in the distance! We can’t promise you’ll see a raven fly overhead but the view is definitely worth seeing!
12. Bungee Trampoline
Kiddos love the thrills of bouncing and flipping on our outdoor bungee trampoline!
13. Rock Drop Canyon
The ideal canyoneering adventure for larger parties or newbies to canyoneering. This short but beautiful canyon features two rappels.
14. S.W.A.T. Shooting Experience
The ultimate, high-adrenaline tactical experience, ideal for all skill levels. We begin with basic firearm safety and range etiquette then move on to metal targets and a progressive shooting range.
15. Virtual Reality
A Zion experience even the most reluctant adventurers will have fun with!
16. Stargazing Tour
Enjoy the beautiful night sky in East Zion with a guided stargazing tour. Expert guides, telescopes, and hot chocolate included.
17. Sunset Guided Hike
Enjoy some of the most breathtaking views of the east Zion area. Enjoy a snack and watch the sun dip below the red rocks. This hike is approximately one mile, round trip.
18. Zion Cliffs Sunset Jeep Tour
Another popular sunset Jeep tour, with incredible sweeping views of Zion National Park’s remote backcountry. It’s the perfect ending to your 2023 Zion vacation.
19. Rappelling Lessons
We’ll show you the ropes in anticipation of your canyoneering adventure. Our rappelling lessons include safety and technique plus two rappels from Zion Ponderosa’s climbing wall. For ages 8 and up.
20. Sand sledding at Coral Pink Sand Dunes
Who says you need snow to go sledding? Visit nearby Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park for a unique sledding experience.
21. Hike or Snowshoe to Cable Mountain
The hike to Cable Mountain is one of Zion’s best-kept secrets. In winter, snowshoe right from the front door of your Zion Ponderosa vacation home.
22. Grafton Ghost Town
Visit this abandoned town during fall to add a spooky element to your Zion family vacation.
23. Ruth’s Country Dinner
Fuel up after a day of summer adventures with live music and a hearty country dinner straight from Grandma Ruth’s cookbook.
