Where to Stay in Southern Utah - The Zion Lodge

Zion Lodge is surrounded by soaring canyon walls, wildlife, and world-class hiking. With cabins dating back to 1928, this unique lodge is full of history and rustic charm. It is also the only hotel in Zion National Park.

In this blog post, I will help you decide if a stay at Zion Lodge is the right choice for your next visit to the area.

PLANNING YOUR STAY

The lodge is open year-round and can be booked up to a year in advance. During the high season, May-October, I highly recommend booking 6 to 8 months in advance.

Lodging options include small cabins, hotel rooms, and larger suites. There is not a swimming pool or jacuzzi on the property, and the Wifi isn't great.

The rooms are comfortable and clean, but don't expect 5-star lodging. The reason for staying at Zion Lodge is 100% about location. Staying inside the park is magical and very convenient.

Room rates average $220-$450

WHAT TO DO

THE LAWN

One of my favorite things to do at the lodge during the summer is getting an ice cream cone at the Castle Dome Cafe and then sitting on the expansive lawn while the kids run and play under the giant cottonwood tree. The people-watching from the lawn is also top-notch. :-)

HIKING

From the lodge, you can walk across the street and be hiking the Emerald Pools trail in a matter of minutes. You can also jump on the shuttle (March-November) and ride it to several stops for epic hiking like Angels Landing, The Narrows, Riverside Walk, and Observation Point (currently closed).

BIKING

Rent a bike from the lodge and explore the Zion canyon on two wheels. This is a spectacular way to take in the scenery of the park with the whole family. Rentals from the giftshop include bicycle, helmet, safety visibility vest, and bike lock. Bikes are equipped with front cargo basket, safety lights (front and back), and a pedestrian notifier bell.

WHERE TO EAT

The Red Rock Grill, with its large windows overlooking the floor of the canyon and the soaring stone walls, is located in the main lodge building. It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner year-round. Reservations are required for dinner, and the dress code is casual.

Entrees include steaks, Alaskan Salmon, pasta, burgers, and vegetarian dishes along with kid menu options like chicken fingers and mac and cheese.

I have eaten at Red Rock Grill with my kiddos for breakfast and dinner. Sitting on the patio and taking in all the beauty while having dinner was by far, my favorite. The food was decent but a little pricy.

Castle Dome Cafe is a seasonal snack bar adjacent to the lodge, serving a variety of snack bar-type items such as coffee, espresso, and cinnamon buns in the morning and burgers, hot dogs, and french fries throughout the day. Local microbrews are served on the Beer Garden Cart on the patio as well. The cafe is typically only open in the busy summer months.

I'm not going to lie, the food at Castle Dome isn't my favorite but if you need something quick and easy it is a great option. I do love getting an ice cream cone and sitting on the lawn. That I highly recommend!

If you would like a better selection of food options, a short 10-minute drive will take you into Springdale. Springdale has a ton of great food. Some of our favorite spots include Oscar's Cafe, Mimi's Cafe, and Spotted Dog Cafe. There are also a few small markets in Springdale to pick up snacks for the trail.

WITH OR WITHOUT KIDS?

Zion Lodge is an excellent option for a couple's getaway or a family adventure. My kids, ages 4, 7, & 10, loved staying at the lodge. I loved that the Wifi wasn't great on the property because that meant getting off the screens running around and exploring the grounds.

So much beauty to explore and enjoy. My kiddos made friends with some other kids staying at the lodge and spent the evening playing tag on the lawn. Watching them chase each other around the massive cottonwood tree was pure heaven for me.

Even if you don't stay at Zion Lodge on your next visit to the park make sure to stop by and enjoy the beauty on the lawn or get a quick bite to eat. Click here to book your next stay or for more information about Zion Lodge.

Happy Adventuring,

Arika