For the ultimate glamping experience, Zion National Park in southern Utah is like a scene straight out of a movie set. Bed down in a luxury safari-style tent or yurt to immerse yourself in the out-of-this-world desert-scape backdrop where the sight of epic colorful rock formations, sandstone canyons, stunning waterfalls, and utopia-worthy botanical gardens will make your head spin. Hike the trails of ancient native people, delight in the splendor of this natural wonder, and lap up the scene in luxury at these gorgeous glamping grounds.
Discover Zion National Park
Utah’s first national park, Zion National Park is a sight to behold. Inside are massive sandstone formations of pink, red, and white and abundant plant life, (over 800 species in fact), canyons, flowing rivers, and high-altitude forests. The park also has plenty of stunning trails from the Watchman Trail where you can see wildflowers, Angel’s Landing with winding walkways and stunning views (also one of the most challenging hikes to traverse), and The Narrows where you should be prepared for thigh-high waters. Zion Canyon itself is 15 miles long and up to 3,000 feet deep in some parts. Along the main road, you’ll find lodging, restaurants, cute shops, and art galleries showcasing watercolors and photography from artists in residency programs within the park.
Glamping: Under Canvas
Set on 196-acres of remote desert terrain, 20 miles from the park entrance, Under Canvas is a safari-inspired glamping destination surrounded by majestic sandstone, with an on-site restaurant and firepits. You glamp in luxury tents, some of which are suites that sleep four and come with a lounge, private deck, a wood-burning stove. Couples will love the two-person Stargazer with a viewing window above the king bed for starry views of the night sky.
Curated Experience: Try one of the adventure packages to experience canyoneering, mountain biking, rock climbing, and guided hikes.
Glamping: Base Camp 37o
Off-the-grid and offering complete privacy, Base Camp 37o is located in the Chocolate Cliffs of the Grand Staircase, eight miles east of Kanab. The camp, a 45-minute drive into the park, has five safari-style tents, each with a different theme and set in different secluded spots throughout the grounds for ultimate intimacy. All come outfitted with a king-size bed, deck, luxe bathrooms, and the glamping ground has a communal kitchen and on-site grills if you want to cook your own feast under the desert sky.
Curated Experience: At night, head over to the camp’s fire pit to roast marshmallows and listen to the silence of the surrounding canyon while gazing up into the night sky.
Glamping: Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort
A15-minute drive from the east entrance of the park, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort sits on 4,000 acres of land and has glamping and deluxe glamping. All glamping sites come equipped with a picnic table and grill, heaters, electricity, and wifi. For a little more luxury, the deluxe glamping options have a two-tiered swimming pool, hot tubs, tennis and basketball courts, and a recreational pond and field. You’ll also wake up each morning to a country breakfast prepared at the on-site restaurant.
Curated Experience: The resort offers many adventures including Jeep tours where you can explore southern Utah’s backcountry, on horseback if you wish, or try canyoneering on canyons carved by the Virgin River and wind.
Glamping: Zion Glamping Experiences
Set in a private canyon, within walking distance of the Water Canyon trail where you’ll find stunning waterfalls, a natural rock bridge, and flowing spring water, is Zion Glamping Experiences. Boasting views of the Canaan Mountain Wilderness Area, each tent comes equipped with a queen bed, fire pit, grill, and picnic table. If you’re feeling a little more communal, hang out at the expansive picnic to immerse yourself in the scenic beauty;
Curated Experience: The adventures are endless here, try the sunset buggy ride tour that will take you to a peak in the park, go for a guided hike along the Natural Bridge trail to overlook Utah’s beauty from above. This hike takes place outside the park and is strenuous, but it’s epic, so do challenge yourself.
Glamping: Zion Wildflower
A new glamping destination located only 15 minutes from the park’s entrance, Zion Wildflower is indeed insanely gorgeous. Their chic safari-style tents toffer the ultimate luxury and romance with feathertop beds, chic modern bathrooms, lanterns, and string lights draped across the wooden beams that create the coziest ambiance. The tents are also strategically positioned on handcrafted decks, for killer views of the sunset, and the iconic mesas of Zion (a towering Navajo sandstone summit).
Curated Experience: Zion Wildflower provides guests with a complete guide to the park that will inform you of the different hikes, scenic drives, and leisurely walks you can take along the Virgin River.
Glamping: Escalante Yurts
Glamping glamour meets bed and breakfast at Escalante Yurts, which is actually 2 hours from Zion and well worth a mention on this list. The vibe here is home-away-from-home sophistication, all yurts have a kitchen, bathroom, porch with outdoor seating, hardwood floors, fur rugs, bookcases and some have large comfy couches for lounging around watching a movie. That is, if you can peel your eyes from nature’s stargazing show. There is also a shuttle service that will take you to and from Zion to explore as you please.
Curated Experience: For a wild adventure, rent an all-terrain e-bike to explore the various trails and even cycle into town.
