Zion National Park Lodge Hotel Review

After spending four days in Las Vegas and a 2.5-hour drive in our rental car, I finally arrived at Zion National Park Lodge with my family. Located just a few hours (and a world away) from Sin City, it is the only hotel inside Zion National Park.

Feeling cooped up from the drive, I stepped out of the car to stretch my legs and went with my dad to check us in. Surrounded by towering peaks on all sides, the red rocks streaked with orange and white were a spectacle I wasn’t quite prepared for. The lodge looked like a miniature in the shadow of the jagged mountains. My dad and I were giggling like children as we took it all in and walked across the great expanse of the property’s front lawn en route to the lobby when he excitedly asked, “Are you getting this? Did you take a video?”

While Native Americans have inhabited these lands for thousands of years, the area was settled by Mormon pioneers in the late 1800s. Stirred by the awe-inspiring landscape, they thought it comparable to biblical Zion, whose name means “sanctuary” or “refuge” in Hebrew. It officially became a U.S. national park in 1919. Shortly after, Zion National Park Lodge was built, opening to the public in 1925 and earning a spot among the Historic Hotels of America. Conceived by architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood, who later went on to design several of America’s iconic national park lodges, the building was intended to fold seamlessly into its environment—working to complement the natural beauty of its surroundings rather than overpowering it.

As we walked into the lobby, it looked like a ski lodge or a charming mountain cabin. The friendly concierge greeted us. I wandered through the lodge while my dad checked us in and noticed a sign explaining that while the property does have Wi-Fi inside the main building and some rooms, guests should not expect cell service to be reliable, and should instead enjoy the rare opportunity to unplug and lean into the analog setting. I looked down at my phone, and lo and behold, they were right—zero bars. Rather than being put off, I let out a sigh of relief. It was just me, my family, and the unspoiled landscape all around us.

Here, you’ll find my take on what it’s really like to stay at the only hotel inside Zion National Park.

The Rooms

The 52 rooms and six suites at Zion National Park Lodge are simple but pleasant. They all have modern amenities, such as satellite TVs, Wi-Fi, comfortable beds, full bathrooms, and kitchenettes. Alternatively, guests can choose from 40 historic standalone cabins with full bathrooms and gas-log fireplaces. However, keep in mind that the cabins don’t have TVs, WiFi service, or kitchens (though they are equipped with microwave ovens and mini-fridges).

All room categories, including cabins, feature private balconies or porches furnished with a table and rocking chairs that invite guests to relax with a bottle of wine and a deck of cards after a long day of hiking and exploring. I found this to be the perfect place to end each day, spending quality time with my loved ones and reimmersing myself in the peace and beauty of Zion National Park.

While the accommodations are clean and comfortable, don’t expect too many bells and whistles. At its essence, Zion Lodge strives to provide travelers with a space to relax. Room decor purposefully skews minimal, as the intended focus is on the park rather than overly opulent interiors.

Food and Drink

The lodge features two restaurants and a beer garden. The Red Rock Grill, which includes indoor and seasonal outdoor dining areas, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; Castle Dome Cafe, a seasonal outdoor cafe, offers fast-casual dining options; and the beer garden, also opened seasonally, serves up cold beers and light snacks.

When we visited during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, all but the Red Rock Grill were closed for the season. While initially we thought we’d mostly be dining in town, we were often too tired from a full day of exploring and ended up eating at the Red Rock Grill for nearly every meal.

The food was flavorful, and the atmosphere—cozy and welcoming. We got to know the staff, who were charming and friendly, which made for a jovial environment that my entire family looked forward to at meal times. By the end, we had sampled basically the entire menu, and while everything was good, the homemade cobbler was life-changing.

Activities and Experiences

As one of the best places for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and stargazing, it is not surprising that the majority of activities and experiences available at Zion National Park Lodge center around hiking and spending time in nature. Fortunately, the property is within an easy walk (or a free, eco-friendly shuttle drive) to the trailheads of the park’s most iconic hikes. While I was partial to the scenic Sand Bench trail that offers sublime views of the majestic Court of the Patriarchs, the more adventurous members of our group tested their limits on the Angel’s Landing trail (which requires hikers to secure a permit in advance) for a spectacularly rewarding challenge.

While the hikes were certainly a highlight, the true climax of my trip was the afternoon we spent riding e-bikes through the otherworldly landscapes of the park. I found myself awestruck as we soared past towering cliffs against the backdrop of an impossibly blue sky. While I enjoyed the ease of e-bikes, both traditional bicycles and e-bikes are available to rent just outside the park in the nearby town of Springdale.

Additionally, those looking for guided experiences are in luck: Zion Lodge works within the framework of the park to offer a suite of tours and ranger-led activities for guests of all ages. From narrated open-air tram tours to Ride with a Ranger tours and interactive exhibits at the Zion Nature Center, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

Family-friendly Offerings

Zion National Park Lodge offers connecting rooms and suites for families. Cribs are available free of charge. Families can also request rollaway beds for an additional $25 per night. The property’s gift shop has everything from local crafts and handmade jewelry to books, games, clothing, and more.

The team at the lodge can direct you toward the family-friendly activities available in the park, including a number of ranger-led programs for kids, like the Junior Ranger Program, and less-strenuous trails for all ages, like the lower, middle, and upper Emerald Pool trails and the paved Riverside Walk to the Temple of Sinawava. 

Accessibility and Sustainability

Zion National Park Lodge features five fully ADA-compliant rooms and one ADA-compliant cabin. Keep in mind that all of the property’s suites are located on the second floor. The park also provides convenient shuttle buses to transport guests throughout the park, which stop just outside the lodge. The shuttles are electric with zero emissions and are all wheelchair accessible.

Zion National Park Lodge has partnered with the National Park Service on the Play Forever program, focusing on reducing waste, conserving water, and scaling down overall environmental impact. 

Location

Zion National Park Lodge is the only hotel accommodation located inside Zion National Park, which makes it the optimal place to stay for anyone hoping to make the most of their park experience.

While there is a free, eco-friendly shuttle that runs throughout the park available to visitors on seasonal timetables, guests who would prefer having their own transportation should consider renting a car. You will also likely need your own car to get to the park, as it’s a 2.5-hour drive from Las Vegas, the closest major airport.

This will also allow you the flexibility to leave the park and go into neighboring Springdale, Utah, for more shopping and dining options. Note that Zion National Park strives to minimize light pollution in order to protect nocturnal wildlife, and while that results in excellent stargazing conditions, it makes driving at night a bit more challenging. For us, the best option was renting a car for transportation to and from the airport but hunkering down at the lodge after dark for the most rewarding and stress-free experience. 

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay 

While Zion National Park Lodge is not affiliated with any hotel loyalty programs, it works with the National Park Service to ensure that rates remain relatively affordable to allow more travelers the opportunity to stay. Nightly rates start at $257.