AdventureWomen® recently took on the challenge of Zion Ponderosa's semi-annual Women's Adventure Retreat. They spent the week exploring southern Utah on foot, on horseback, on ATV and even by helicopter. From hiking in Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks, to riding ATVs, hitting the trails on horseback, and canyoneering for the first time, these adventure women soaked up all the adventure and scenic beauty of Zion's iconic landscape.
When we say soaked in, we're not kidding. We had some wet weather to contend with but if there's one thing AdventureWomen know how to do it's find the joy and beauty in every adventure, no matter what the weather! Take a look at what we did during the fall 2018 Zion Ponderosa Women's Adventure Retreat.
Day 1: A first time for everything
For many of our Women's Adventure Retreat participants, it was was a day of firsts. First time on an ATV, first time on horseback, first time visiting southern Utah. So we wasted no time, and hit the trails on foot, on ATV and on horseback. Yep - all on the first day! We started our day with an invigorating hike to Observation Point across Zion Ponderosa property, skipping the 2,000-foot incline that comes with hiking from inside Zion National Park.
Day 2: Bryce Canyon in the mist
On Day 2, we visited Bryce Canyon National Park and we'll be honest, the weather wasn't ideal. But once these adventurers saw just how incredibly beautiful Bryce Canyon is, they were eager to explore Navajo Loop, Queen's Garden, the Rim Trail and more.
Bryce Canyon is only about an hour from Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, making it a great base camp for your multi-day southern Utah vacation!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp-m9r93tek
Day 3: View from above
Today's adventures began with a jaw-dropping helicopter tour of the stunning Zion landscape. We also gave guests the option to relax at the ranch and enjoy the peaceful side of east Zion. A few of the ladies headed off to River Rock Roasting Company for lunch, and then we all reconvened for some afternoon aerial adventures. A rappelling lesson on our climbing wall helped our AdventureWomen prepare for the upcoming canyoneering adventure. We finished up the afternoon zipping across Zion Ponderosa on our super fun zip line.
Day 4: The Narrows
This is the moment we've waited for! Although the rainy weather earlier in the week meant reshuffling our adventures, we were thrilled to head out to hike and explore The Narrows, Angels Landing and other scenic highlights in Zion National Park.
Day 5: The Grand Finale
We ended the week on a high note with a grand canyoneering adventure to one of the best secret slots in east Zion, where our Adventure Women hiked, climbed and rappelled for the adventure of a lifetime. We loved canyoneering with this fearless, brave and bold group of adventurers.
As the sun set on our Womens Adventure Retreat, we headed out for some thrills (and chills! Brrr!) on one final adventure - a Sunset Jeep Tour. This is truly the most spectacular way to end any Zion adventure.
We had a great time with this group of Adventure Women and we're looking forward to our next Women's Adventure Retreat in spring 2019.