Zion National Park
 

My family is travelling to Zion National Park in August . We have two children --10 and 14 year olds. We are thinking of staying at either Zion Ponderosa Ranch or Zion Moutain Ranch. We want a "dude ranch" type of experience rather than staying at a more conventional hotel (ie: Hampton Inn). Is anyone familiar with these ranches and if so, what was your experience/do you have any recommendations? Please feel free to offer other loding suggestions.

We like Desert Pearl: http://www.desertpearl.com

Friends like Zion Mountain Ranch, but we've never stayed there: http://zmr.com

HTTY

Just know that these two locations do not have the views of Zion or the convenience of being in the Zion Canyon like the accommodations in Springdale. You will have to go thought the Zion Tunnel every time you want to get to actual Zion Canyon.

Utahtea

Desert Pearl is at 707 Zion Park Boulelvard in Springdale, Utah--one mile from the Zion National Park Visitor Center.

HTTY

We like the historic lodges. They are rustic, but not a dude ranch. So I would suggest Zion Lodge. I always think staying "in park" is much much better.

erp,

I really wouldn't try to stay at either. The Zion Ponderosa Ranch is at a bit higher altitude, but it will still be hotter than... in August. Stay in Springdale or at the Zion Lodge (you will have to be VERY persistant to get res there at this late date). You will want to return to your lodging probably in the afternoons to rest, cool off, let the kids do the pool if there is one. If there is no pool or you stay in the Lodge in the Park, plan to spend time in the river to cool off.

Save the dude ranch experience for another trip in a place much more suited to the real ranch experience, and where so much of your short time will not be used up traveling back and forth between lodging and Zion canyon floor.

Have fun!

PS - I have never stayed at either of these, but have driven past. Believe me, the pictures on the web site (Zion Mtn Ranch) were taken in the spring......

For kids--either Desert Pearl Inn or Cable Mountain Lodge in Springdale. Plenty of space, pool, etc.

If you stay at the Ponderosa, take advantage of the trails nearby that extend into the National Park. The most notable of these would be the East Mesa Trail, an easy way to get to Observation Point (one of the grandest views in the park--or anywhere else, for that matter) without the long, upward hike required when starting in the main canyon.

neither of the places you mention are your idea of a dude ranch. stay on the springdale side of the park.
best western is the best value for your money. great rooms...most with incredible views, small pool, restraurant for convenience....etc. you won't be there much anyhow.

actually i have a house 500 yards from the park boundary...3 bdrms, 2 baths....will be in a position to allow guests to use the home this time next year. keep me in mind after your trip in august....you'll want to return.
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