More Bang for Your Bucket List Itinerary — 5 Days at Zion Ponderosa

Want more bang for your bucket list? Unpack once at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort and check off not one, but two iconic national parks in a single trip—Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. Add in adventure tours, family-friendly activities, and East Zion’s best stargazing, and you’ve got an itinerary that balances big adventures with plenty of downtime to really enjoy every moment and every amenity Zion Ponderosa has to offer.

Here’s how to spend five unforgettable days at Zion Ponderosa and get more bang for your bucket list.

Day 1: Arrive at Zion Ponderosa

• Check in 
• Sunset Jeep tour

Welcome to your East Zion escape! After checking in at Zion Ponderosa, take some time to explore the property. Play a round of mini golf, take a spin around the pond, or stretch your legs and soak in the views as you get to know our 4,000-acre property.

As evening nears, your trip kicks off with something special: the Sunset, S’mores, and Stargazing Jeep Tour. This exclusive experience takes you by Jeep to a private viewpoint, where you’ll watch the sky explode in color, then gather around a campfire for gooey s’mores. Once darkness falls, your guide will point out constellations, satellites, and shooting stars from one of Southern Utah’s clearest night skies.

Day 2: Zion National Park Adventures

• Breakfast 
• Zion National Park
• Dinner, relax 
• Stargazing

Fuel up for the day with a hearty breakfast from Ponderosa Eats—think pancake platters, acai bowls, breakfast burritos. Yum. Then it’s off to Zion National Park, just a short shuttle ride away or a short trip by car to the east entrance. (Remember, visitors are required to use the park shuttles from March through November).

How should you explore Zion National Park?

For thrill-seekers: Tackle the legendary Angels Landing. Whether you’ve secured a permit for the chained section or join East Zion Adventures Angels Landing guided hike, this bucket-list trail rewards every switchback with jaw-dropping views.

For sightseers: Hop aboard the park’s shuttle and explore the main canyon stops, including Court of the Patriarchs, the Grotto, Weeping Rock, and Temple of Sinewava.

After a full day in the park, return to Zion Ponderosa to unwind with dinner, a soak in the pool or hot tub, and maybe even another stargazing night tour if you can’t get enough of those night skies.

Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park

• Breakfast 
• Day trip to Bryce Canyon

Today’s the day you get to check a second national park off your bucket list. Start with a quick breakfast from The Trailhead Café (open seasonally, or grab breakfast from Ponderosa Eats again). Then head out on an amazing day trip to Bryce Canyon National Park.

Join East Zion Adventures for a guided hike along the Navajo Loop, winding past hoodoos and through Wall Street’s towering switchbacks. Or, if you’re driving yourself, cruise the scenic road with stops at iconic overlooks like Sunrise Point, Bryce Point, Natural Bridge, and Ponderosa Canyon.

After a day of exploring Bryce’s otherworldly landscape, head back to Zion Ponderosa for a well-earned early night.

Day 4: Crimson Canyon and Sunset Horseback Ride

• Breakfast at The Shop Coffee Co in Orderville
• Crimson Canyon Unlimited guided tour
• Evening sunset adventure

Today is all about off-the-beaten-path adventures. Your tour departs from Orderville, so get there a little early and grab breakfast at The Shop Coffee Co. Locals rave about the ricotta toast, breakfast croissants, protein smoothies, coffee and more. 

Now it’s time for the Crimson Canyon Unlimited Tour. You’ll ride in a custom UTV to a secluded slot canyon, then hike through sandstone canyon walls, scramble over boulders, and learn about the canyon’s geology and history from your guide. It’s a challenging, unforgettable adventure that’s worth every minute. 

After the slot canyon adventure, refuel with a sandwich or salad from The Shop before returning to Zion Ponderosa. Grab yourself a little treat for the road, too. 

End your evening on a more tranquil note with a sunset horseback ride. It’s the perfect way to soak in the last light of the day.

Day 5: Checkout (And Squeeze in One More Adventure)

• Morning hike 
• Checkout

Before checking out, make time for one more adventure—a morning hike to Observation Point. Zion Ponderosa’s shuttle will take you to the East Mesa Trailhead. At 6,521 feet, Observation Point offers one of the best panoramic views of Zion National Park (yes, you can see Angels Landing) and the perfect grand finale for your trip.

Book Your Zion Getaway

From two national parks to unforgettable adventures right outside your cabin door, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is the perfect home base for exploring Southern Utah. Unpack once, stay and play awhile, and get more bang for your bucket list.