Itineraries for Zion National Park

A two-night stay is simply the beginning of a great experience.
Use this sample itinerary as a guide to plan your multi-night destination getaway.

Day 1

ARRIVAL

From your home to ours. Many travelers in the western U.S. can drive straight to us. Others from all over the U.S., and around the world, fly to a regional airport and rent a vehicle. The video below explains how to get here.

Itinerary

Check-in - 4:00 p.m. -

Dinner - At Zion Ponderosa - Don't miss our famous skillet chocolate chip cookies

Sunset Adventure: Horseback, Jeep, Guided Hike

Star Gazing Tour

Free Activities

Kayaks / Paddleboards

Pool / Jacuzzi

Volleyball

Basketball

Tennis / Pickleball

Option:
Check out our new on-property self-guided hike to Checkerboard Overlook.

Please note that we highly recommend that you book your recreation as far in advance as is possible to ensure availability. Demand is high.

Lodging Reservations

East Zion National Park destination vacation Zion Ponderosa

How To Get Here

Day 2

ADVENTURE BEGINS

Today you'll enjoy the east side of Zion. One of our most unique experiences is canyoneering, the art of exploring slot canyons by walking in or rappelling down. We offer both experiences. Afternoon is a choice of an exciting guided tour via Jeep or Horseback.

Itinerary

Breakfast - Ray's Restaurant

Canyoneering Adventure

Lunch - Ray's Restaurant

Jeep Tour or Horseback

Optional Activities

Dinner - Ray's Restaurant

Relax / Campfire-Smores

Options

Hike to Observation Point. The best view of Zion Park.

Relax poolside

Zip Line / Climbing Wall

Mini Golf (18 holes)

You'll love the adventures, or a chance to relax on the porch and take in the sounds of nature, views of plentiful wildife (deer, wild turkeys, more).

Be sure to book our outdoor adventures in advance.

View Adventures

Day 3

ZION NATIONAL PARK

Access to the main canyon of Zion National Park is via shuttle. Drive your vehicle to Springdale (19 miles) and park in town, or at the ZNP visitor center. The Shuttle will transport you up the main canyon with five key stopping points. At the top of Zion Canyon Scenic drive is the Narrows (plan on about an hour drive time). You may choose to spend time hiking up the Narrows and, if you do, we recommend water shoes and walking sticks. Grab some food in Springdale (see recommendations).

Itinerary

Breakfast - Ray's Restaurant

Drive to Springdale for Shuttle

Walk to Narrows

Lunch - Box Lunch from Ray's, or lunch at the lodge, or in Springdale

Emerald Pools (Hike)

Dinner - Springdale We suggest Oscars, Cafe Soleil, or Kings Land Bistro.

Return to Zion Ponderosa and relax

Optional Trails

Angels Landing

Canyon Overlook

Kayenta

Watchman

Pa'rus

Watchman

The main canyon is 4,000' in elevation at the valley floor.

Prepare for the day with water, snacks and proper clothing.

Lodging Reservations

Day 4

ADVENTURE CONTINUES

Choose your next highly unique outdoor adventure experience. We offer horseback, jeep tours, guided slot canyon experiences, and more in multiple locations on the east side of Utah's Zion National Park.

Itinerary

Breakfast - Ray's Restaurant

Check-in at departure location for today's adventures

Lunch - Some multi-hour adventures may include lunch or grab a box lunch from our Ray's restaurant.

Relax in the afternoon or try our climbing wall, paddleboards on the pond, paintball, and more.

Dinner
Take a short drive and enjoy dinner at one of many area restaurants.

Return to Zion Ponderosa and relax

Optional Adventures

Slot Canyon Walk-In

Canyoneering (rappelling)

Jeep Tour (5+ Locations)

Horseback (Mountain or Canyon)

Tag-Along (UTV) Coming soon.

We guide thousands of guests from around the world on adventures that they'll never forget.

It's always wise to bring snacks, water, a hat, and clothing layers to ensure your experience is comfortable.

View Adventures

Day 5

BRYCE CANYON N.P.

Just 75 minutes from Zion Ponderosa, Bryce Canyon National Park is a great 1/2 day or full day excursion. This series of amphitheaters on the edge of a large plateau offers some of the more remarkable scenic views in the world.

Itinerary

Breakfast - Ray's Restaurant

Drive to Bryce Canyon

Hike Rim Trails and down into main amphitheater.

Lunch - Box Lunch from Ray's, or lunch at one of the restaurants found in the area.

Dinner along the way home or return to Ray's Restaurant and relax in our jacuzzi's afterward.

Additional Options

Kodachrome Basin State Park

Thunder Mountain Trail

Bryce Canyon is at an elevation of 8,000' so bring layers of clothing, depending on season, and remember that the air is thinner and hiking can be more challenging depending on your level of fitness.

Take water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and some good walking shoes.

Lodging Reservations

Day 6

ADVENTURE CONTINUES

There's so much to see and o in this area that you'll need several weeks just to scratch the surface, but today is a great day for another adventure in the scenic back-country.

Itinerary

Breakfast - Ray's Restaurant

Meet your guide at scheduled departure point.

Venture into a slot canyon, to the mountain tops on horseback, or to scenic overlooks on a jeep tour.

Emerald Pools (Hike)

Dinner in a nearby location as you return from today's adventure, or at Ray's restaurant. In Springdale We suggest Oscars, Cafe Soleil, or Kings Land Bistro.

Return to Zion Ponderosa and relax

Optional Experiences

Hike to Cable Mountain or Observation Point accessible from our property. Two of the best views of Zion National Park.

Enter the east side of Zion National Park and explore a secret side canyon of your choosing.

We have 4,000 acres of land to explore, and several private hiking trails to explore. Don't forget to leave time to just relax on the porch and take in the sounds of nature, views of plentiful wildife (deer, wild turkeys, more).

This is just a six day itinerary and you may be headed home tomorrow, but there will be more waiting for you when you return.

Lodging Reservations

Location

Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is literally on the eastern boundary of Utah's Zion National Park. View our location and details about how to get to Zion Ponderosa.