Zion Park Lodge
- November 13, 2006
- Rated 4 of 5 by
Wasatch from heber ctity, Utah
First, I'll explain why we have never stayed here. Then I'll explain why you should. We live close enough to Zion to visit several times a year, so we opt to save money by staying in nearby Springdale or Hurricane rather than maximizing the impact of a short visit to the Park by staying at Zion Lodge, but if you can't get to this wonderful place-- Zion National Park-- every few months, go for it and stay at Zion Lodge for its location, location, location--- a setting few hotels anywhere can rival. On the other hand, the motels in Springdale, set right at the mouth of Zion Canyon, have only moderately less spectacular views although partially obscured by the buildings of the town.
Zion Lodge sits in the heart of Zion Canyon, at the widest part of the canyon, surrounded by shear red and white rock walls soaring 2,000-3,000 ft above the valley floor. It is a magical place.We never see unhappy people here. Everybody is smiling and relaxed-- the elixir of Mother Nature at her very best. The broad lawn in front of the Lodge is a favorite for guests for sitting and rock-watching. This may sound odd to many, but the red rock walls of Zion cast a spell where you are happy just to sit and look at the rock.
The Lodge is located across the road from the best easy-moderate hike in the park, the trip to Middle Emerald Pool and deer and wild turkey are frequent sunset visitors to the woods on both canyon sides of the park.
Zion Lodge, is open all year, has motel style rooms and cabins, a snack bar (seasonal), gift shop, and an overpriced restaurant with okay food and great views. Lodge guests are allowed to drive into Zion Canyon as far as the Lodge parking lot, all others have to take the shuttle bus April-November. The souvenir shop has a decent selection American Indian crafts.
If you can manage it, visit during the full moon. Watching the moon rise over the cliff tops behind the Lodge is a memorable sight, and then the canyon itself takes on an eerie ghostly appearance under the light of the full moon.
From journal Zion National Park - Place of Perfection