Sightseeing in Southern Utah: National Parks and Lodging

by Jamie Moesser on December 22nd, 2013 | No Comments »

Traveling to to the southwest and interested in going sightseeing in Southern Utah? Looking for what to do and where to stay on your travels? Well, we've got some great must-see spot suggestions along with a fabulous ranch resort recommendation that will give you a taste of the breathtaking beauty of Utah's southern half.

Sightseeing in Southern Utah

Southern Utah is a mecca for those who want to enjoy the geological attractions of Utah's five national parks—Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef—not to mention the beautiful Lake Powell and the Grand Canyon.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park, for starters, is the Manhattan of the Mesozoic area. It features the monolithic skyscrapers of Angel's Landing and Court of the Patriarchs inducing vertigo from above and below. People of all ages and abilities find enjoyment, as we mentioned here, ranging from:

Driving the Mt. Carmel tunnel
Sight-seeing from the park shuttles
Strolling easy trails like Weeping Rock, with its 4,000-year-old water
Pushing through harder trails, like The Narrows, a hike through the Virgin River slot canyon
Taking on the hardest trails or actually scaling Angel's Landing

Bryce Canyon National Park

If Zion's trademark is skyscrapers, then Bryce Canyon's is spikes, castles, towers, and fins. In addition to hiking, this park also offers opportunities for horseback riding and camping.

Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef National Parks

Perhaps the most well-known Utah park, Arches, is famous for its...you guessed it, huge rock arches. It contains the world's largest concentration of natural arches. They provide many opportunities for sheer amazement, as well as occasional rope swinging.

Lake Powell

This 186 mile (299 km) long, 25 mile (40 km) wide lake is the second largest man-made reservoir in the United States, and is a major vacation spot for more than 2 million people every year.

Lodging Recommendations When Sightseeing in Southern Utah

Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort

When looking for lodging in Southern Utah, finding a location in the heart of the action is a huge benefit.

Zion Ponderosa Ranch and Resort is just such a place. Close to all of these sites and as a bonus, it offers great lodging, activity, and dining options. Only 7 miles outside of Zion National Park, 75 minutes outside of Bryce National Canyon, 45 minutes from Lake Powell, and 2 hours from the Grand Canyon, the proximity alone makes this resort appealing. In terms of how to get there, it is only an hour from the St. George airport or 3 hours from the Las Vegas airport. If you're driving, it is 5 hours from Salt Lake City, 6 hours from Denver, and 7 hours from Phoenix. Directions for road travel, by either the scenic or speediest routes, are available here.

So, as you make your sightseeing in Southern Utah plans, consider these must-see sights to visit and Zion Ponderosa for your lodging. Let your adventure begin!

Check out our other travel posts about Zion Ponderosa:

Zion Vacation Dining: Fine Food at Zion Ponderosa
Sightseeing in Southern Utah: National Parks and Lodging
Family Vacation in Southern Utah: Zion Ponderosa
Lodging Options for a Vacation in Southern Utah: Zion Ponderosa
Zion National Park: Making Memories With Kids

What is your favorite place to visit in Southern Utah?

A frequent contributor to Mom It Forward, Jamie Moesser holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in public administration. Before becoming a full-time mom, she spent 10 years writing grants and fundraising for non-profit organizations. She now enjoys blogging at HobbyMamas.com, volunteering at her sons’ school, reading, writing fiction, scrapbooking, waterskiing, r/c car racing, and dirt biking.
Top picture courtesy of Flickr.