Southern Utah’s National Parks - American Southwest - page 572

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Zion Lodge If you can afford it, this is the place to stay, and although somewhat
pricey during the high tourist season, rates sometimes drop by half the rest of the year.
Not only does Zion Lodge have the best location, but the units are quiet, comfortable,
and well maintained, and you won't find a better staff. The motel units and cabins are a
short walk from the main Zion Lodge, which contains the front desk, restaurants, and
gift shop. Each charming cabin has a private porch, stone (gas-burning) fireplace, two
double beds, pine-board walls, and log beams. The comfortable motel rooms each have
two queen-size beds (a few have one king bed), a private porch or balcony, and most of
the usual amenities except TVs and coffeemakers. Suites have one king bed, a sitting
room, and a wet bar with a small refrigerator. All units are nonsmoking. The Red Rock
Grill (see below) is a great spot to eat and enjoy the views.
Zion National Park, UT. & 435/772-7700. Information and reservations: Xanterra Parks & Resorts, Cen-
tral Reservations, 6312 S, Fiddlers Green Circle, Ste. 600N, Greenwood Village, CO 80111. & 888/297-
2757 or 303/297-2757. Fax [phone]. www.zionlodge.com. 121 units. Mid-Mar to Nov motel $159
double; cabin $173 double; suite $183 double. Winter discounts and packages available. AE, DISC, MC, V.
Amenities: Restaurant. In room: A/C, hair dryer, Wi-Fi.

Camping
Both of Zion's main campgrounds have paved roads, well-spaced sites, and lots of trees.
Facilities include restrooms with flush toilets but no showers, and a dump station. The
fee is $16 per night for basic sites, $18 to $20 per night for sites with electric hookups.
South Campground has 127 sites and no hookups. It's usually open from March
through October. Reservations are not accepted, and it often fills by early afternoon in
summer. Watchman Campground ( & 877/444-6777 or www.recreation.gov for
reservations, for an additional $10 fee) is our favorite campground here, mainly because
of its fantastic views of the Watchman and other rock formations. It has 145 sites, with
electric hookups at 63 sites. It is open year-round (reservations available spring to early
fall only).
Lava Point, which has only six sites, is on the Kolob Terrace. It has fire grates, tables,
and toilets, but no water, and there's no fee. Vehicles are limited to 19 feet. It's usually
open from June through October.
If you can't get a site in the park, or if you prefer hot showers or complete RV hookups,
several campgrounds are in the surrounding area. The closest, Zion Canyon Camp-
ground & RV Park, 479 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale, UT 84767 ( & 435/772-3237;
www.zioncamp.com), is a half-mile south of the park entrance. It's open year-round and
has 220 sites, many of which are shaded. Although it gets crowded in summer, the camp-
ground is clean and well maintained; in addition to the usual showers and RV hookups,
you'll find Wi-Fi, a self-service laundry, dump station, convenience store, heated pool,
playground, barbecue grills, and restaurant. Tenters are welcome; rates range from $30
to $35 for two people.
WHERE TO DINE IN & AROUND ZION
Red Rock Grill AMERICAN A mountain-lodge atmosphere prevails here,
complete with large windows that face the park's magnificent rock formations. The menu
changes periodically, but specialties often include excellent beef tenderloin tips and the
very popular wild Alaskan salmon. There are also steaks, several chicken dishes, vegetar-
ian items, and a very good soup and salad bar. At lunch, you'll usually find grilled salmon
burgers, beef burgers, sandwiches, and salads; breakfasts consist of most of the usual
offerings, including a good buffet, although those staying at the lodge for more than 2

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