Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch - A Desert Oasis; Best Lodging in Southern Utah
On a recent team getaway, The Zion Adventure Photog team escaped to a magical private canyon in the Southern Utah desert. Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch has been on my radar for a while, and I figured a team getaway would be the perfect way to experience this unique glamping property and see what it has to offer travelers visiting Southern Utah.
We relaxed, paddled the beautiful pond, hiked and explored the property, ate amazing food, went on a canyon horseback ride, got out of our comfort zone with a magical cold plunge experience, and laughed around the crackling fire just outside our tent. This desert escape for relaxation and adventure was the absolute perfect team getaway.
Nestled between 5 national parks, Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch glamping resort is located up a private canyon just 6 miles north of Kanab, UT. This private canyon sanctuary is 2.5 miles in length, has beautiful luxury glamping tents & cabin suites, waterfront lake views, canyon views, and tons of adventurous outdoor activities.
A FEW DETAILS
1400 Wild Acres
110 Natural Water Springs
3 Spring Fed Ponds
Infinite Hidden wonders
3 Luxury Canvas Cabins
LODGING OPTIONS AT CAVE LAKES
The Luxury Canvas Cabin is where we stayed. This cabin comes equipped with one king bed and 4 twin bunks to sleep 6. It includes fully accommodating bathrooms, comfortable heating / ac, and native design touches to make your stay both relaxing and enjoyable.
This Waterfront Glamping tent sits just above the water for an incredible and immersive waterfront experience. Secluded in nature, fall asleep under a blanket of stars on highly appointed furnishings and wake up to the morning sounds of a wide variety of birds that call Cave Lakes their home. A surreal experience you won't soon forget. Bathroom and shower facilities are just a walk away. Suites are equipped with full power - coffee stations, charging units, and solar lanterns.
This Premium Private Cave Tent sits just above the main pond taking in water front views from the front and tucked away into an entire private cave to call your own. Secluded in nature, this unit is unlike anything in Cave Lakes. Enjoy the warmth and seclusion next to your private cave fire pit - under a blanket of stars. An experience you won't soon forget.
They are currently working on turning one of the historic buildings on the property into a luxury private suite......coming soon!
WHERE IS CAVE LAKES LOCATED?
Cave Lakes is located 6 miles north of Kanab in the Southwest corner of Utah.
To get to Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch, you can fly into Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport, rent a car and drive 3 hours.
You can also fly into the Saint George Regional airport. This airport is much smaller with minimal flight options, but if you can find one that works for you, the time savings and convenience will be a huge bonus. It's only a 1 hour 30-minute drive.
The next closest major airport is Salt Lake City. Salt Lake is a 5.5-hour drive.
DRIVING DISTANCES FROM CAVE LAKES
Bryce Canyon National Park (77 miles)
Cedar Break National Monument (40 miles)
Coral Pink Sand Dunes (12 miles)
Grand Canyon North Rim (82 miles)
Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument (15 miles)
Lake Powell (75 miles)
Pipe Spring National Monument (14 miles)
Zion National Park (44 miles)​
THE FULL WEEKEND ITINERARY
There were so many pinch-me moments over the few days we spent as a team at Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch.
Day 1 - 1/2 day
Check in and explore the property
Dinner at Sego Restrant in Kanab - It may have been the most amazing meal of our lives!
Spend the evening by the fire, watching the sunset under the magnificent Southern Utah sky
Checking in was such a treat. It was raining when we pulled up, so we spent some time hanging out on the deck, enjoying the rain and the views. The tent was so beautiful, with so many cozy touches, and the views overlooking the pond were absolutely stunning.
Once the rain cleared up, we walked around the property and explored a little. We were all in total and complete awe of this lush green private canyon in the desert!
For dinner, we headed over to Sego Restaurant in Kanab. I was so excited for the girls to try one of my favorite places to eat in Southern Utah, and it did not disappoint. We all agreed that it was one of our best meals EVER!
That evening we sat around the fire and enjoyed the sounds of the canyon coming to life. We told stories and laughed a lot.
Day 2 - Full Day
Breakfast at Kanab Creek Bakery
Canyon Horseback Ride with ROAM Out Door Adventure Co.
Hike the Kanab Sand Caves
Lunch @ Cave Cafe
Paddled the pond
Sunset Elopement Shoot on the property
The next morning we woke up and got a quick breakfast in Kanab at the Sunny Creek Coffee drive-through coffee stand. The ham and cheese croissant was excellent.
After breakfast, we headed down the road for a canyon horseback ride with ROAM Outdoor Adventure Co. ROAM is a partner company with Cave Lakes, and they have a hub on the property which makes things very easy and convenient.
Our tour guide, Raechele was amazing! The whole experience was like out of a dream. I have done several horseback rides in Southern Utah, and this was by far my favorite. It was just so beautiful every step of the way, and we loved exploring the property in such a unique way. There were so many hidden cave lakes and alcoves to explore, and the lush green meadow at the end of the canyon was so stunning.
After the horseback ride, we headed over to hike the Kanab Sand Caves located less than 5 minutes from Cave Lakes. The Sand Caves were the perfect quick & easy afternoon activity.
We were hoping to grab a quick bite at The Cave Cafe right next door, but it was closed for the day, so we headed into Kanab and got sandwiches at The Soda Fountain located in Kanab Drug. The Soda Fountain is casual american dining with old-school ice-cream treats. We loved waking through Kanab Drug while waiting for our food. It is filled with unique gifts and treasures.
That afternoon we paddle-boarded on the pond just across from our tent. It was such a beautiful pond and a fun afternoon activity.
A photoshoot is a must when you get four photographers together at an insanely photogenic property. So that evening, we photographed a magical elopement. Cave Lakes is such a great property for hosting events, intimate weddings, and elopements.
Day 3 - 1/2 day
Morning hike of the property
Coffee at Kanab Creek Bakery
Cold Plunge experience
Checkout and make plans to come back again
Scenic drive home through Zion National Park
The next day we woke up early and hiked the property. I love how at Cave Lakes you can step out your door and be fully in nature.
We had breakfast at my favorite coffee shop in Kanab, Kanab Creek Bakery, and then waited to be picked up for our Cold Plunge Experience with ROAM Outdoor Adventures.
We all pushed wayyyy outside of our comfort zone and did a cold plunge into a magical cave lake right on the property. It was the most intense and exhilarating experience from the magical private pond, to the breathwork with our amazing guide Keith, to the full body sensation of immersing yourself in 40-degree temps.
The are so many benifits of a cold plunge like stress/anxiety reduction, better sleep, increased energy levels, and the list goes on.
Kennedy made it 3 minutes, I made it 5 minutes, and Simone made it 8 minutes.......go Simone! Sadly Matti missed out on the fun. She had to get back home to her baby boy.
After the cold plunge, we packed up and headed out. We all agree that our time at Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch was absolute perfection.
ACTIVITIES AT CAVE LAKES
You can experience Via Ferrata, hiking, mountain biking, canyoneering, rock climbing, ATV or Jeep tours, and so much more. If you are looking for the a more serene experience, then you've still made the right choice. Solitude and scenic splendor is found literally, in every direction. Reach out to ROAM Outdoor Adventures to book an experience.
FOOD OPTIONS IN KANAB
Being a small town, you wouldn't expect Kanab to have much to choose from as far as food options go, but they have a ton. It is seriously one of the reasons I love Kanab so much!
For something quick and easy, we love Big Al's. It's a small-town frost stop with buffalo burgers, sweet potato fries, and yummy milkshakes.
If you are a lover of fine food, then you don't want to miss the world-class Sego Restaurant. Sego serves diners a selection of regional new American cuisine with all the ingredients locally sourced and grown. I will never stop craving the Artichoke and Foraged Mushroom toast!!!
For coffee and amazing french pastries, hit up Kanab Creek Bakery. Wild Thyme is also an excellent option for a nice dinner. We have also tried Rockin V Cafe & Escobars Mexican Restaurant, and both were great.
Asava Juice & Smoothies is a super healthy option, great for organic juice, smoothies, and toast.
Brown Box Bake Shop is a new addition to Kanab, and super yummy with excellent soup and grilled cheese + amazing ice cream!!!!
There is also a yummy smoothie and sandwich stand, Cave Cafe, just next door to the Moqui Caverns tourist attraction.
Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch Resort is everything you could possibly want when experiencing the grandeur of the American Southwest. With majestic sandstone walls rising over 200 vertical feet and 110 springs supplying moisture to small lakes within the canyon and inside caves, this property delivers on adventure and scenic serenity. Click here to book your stay when visiting Southern Utah.
Happy Adventuring,
Arika
