Zion Forever: Preserving the Legacy of Zion National Park

At Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, we are more than a gateway to Zion National Park. We’re stewards of this incredible land. From our humble beginnings when Grandpa Ray Lewis purchased the property with a dream and a vision, to becoming a top adventure resort, our commitment to preserving the beauty and heritage of Zion has always been at our core. 

It’s this innate love for Zion that has inspired us to support the Zion Forever Project, a nonprofit organization that embodies the principles of stewardship, education and conservation. With 2% of our proceeds donated to the Zion Forever Project, we’re proud to contribute to the vital work they do to ensure that Zion National Park, and the surrounding lands, remain protected and cherished for generations to come.

Zion Forever Project: Keepers of the Sanctuary

The mission of the Zion National Park Forever Project is threefold: improving today, informing tomorrow, and protecting forever. 

Improving Today

National parks and monuments face challenges every day. From maintaining trails and infrastructure to funding research and supporting park personnel, the Zion Forever Project contributes toward the resources needed to keep public lands thriving. Combined with your support, these efforts directly impact Zion National Park’s ability to preserve the landscape and offer unforgettable experiences to visitors from around the world.

Informing Tomorrow

The Zion Forever Project believes that the rising generation holds the key to the future of conservation. Through education programs, they inspire today’s youth to become stewards of tomorrow through initiatives that foster a love for the outdoors, build a connection to the land, and empower young people to take action.

Protecting Forever

Conservation is at the heart of the Zion Forever Project’s mission. Their work ensures the unique landscapes and ecosystems of southern Utah are protected through sustainable solutions. Current projects include Pa’rus to Sinawava trail extensions and utilities upgrades, tailoring dark sky programming that resonates with Zion’s International Dark Sky Park statues, and building digital archives to preserve Zion’s fossil records.

Beyond Zion

The Zion Forever Project’s dedication to conservation extends beyond Zion National Park to the East Zion region, where Zion Ponderosa calls home, and nearby public lands. Through partnerships and sustainable practices, the Zion Forever Project supports regional conservation efforts, such as partnerships to protect Dixie National Forest, restoration projects like the roof at Brian Head Peak’s historic fire tower, and transplanting the historic Heritage Garden at Pipe Spring National Monument. 

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary 

Our commitment to stewardship doesn’t end with the land. Zion Ponderosa’s on-property guide company, East Zion Adventures, is a proud supporter of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, located just a short drive away in Kanab. As the largest sanctuary of its kind in the United States, Best Friends cares for nearly 1,600 animals on any given day, including dogs, cats, horses, and even pigs. Their mission to lead a no-kill movement and create a better future for animal welfare aligns with our shared values of compassion and care.

Join Us in Supporting Zion Forever

When you stay at Zion Ponderosa, you’re not just booking an unforgettable vacation—you’re joining us in making a difference. Every night you spend at our resort under the East Zion stars helps support the Zion Forever Project’s mission. Together, we can ensure Zion National Park, East Zion, and southern Utah’s public lands remain protected for future generations. Thank you for being part of our story.