5 Unique Non-Traditional Places to Stay in Southern Utah
As a tour guide and photographer, I travel extensively throughout the West and particularly in Utah. In the recent years I have watch a proliferation of new non-traditional lodging popping up all over especially near our national parks. The concept of glamping was first introduced about 20 years ago, first with cabin tents and Yurts but over the years Conestoga Wagons, tiny homes, domes and more have been added.
All locations offer dark night sky that’s perfect for star gazing!
In this article I will mention five locations that offer glamping in all in varieties at some of my favorite locations of southern Utah. This wasn’t an easy task since there are dozens of others throughout the region.
Just a short distance, from Arizona’s border south of St. George lies Bar 10 Ranch which provides an authentic western experience and front row seat to the rugged beauty of the Grand Canyon.
I was first introduced to the Bar 10 Ranch in 2014 at the end of a seven-day Grand Canyon Colorado River rafting trip. At the end of the trip in a section of the canyon known as Whitmore Canyon we were lifted out of the canyon by helicopter to an airstrip at the top where we were able to shower have lunch then fly back to Page Arizona where our trip began.
Situated on the northwest rim of the Grand Canyon but feeling like a part of Utah’s wilderness this remote cattle ranch offers visitors rustic accommodations that are a step back to the old west.
Conestoga Wagons
Guests can stay in covered Conestoga wagons that come with queen beds and comfortable bedding to ensure a cozy night’s sleep under electric lantern light and warmth during cold desert evenings. For families looking for a stay in the wild west environment – some wagons offer extra sleeping space with additional bunks accommodating up to six guests – blending old fashioned charm with unexpected comfort.
Bunkhouse
Alternatively some guests prefer the lodge rooms styled like bunkhouses, from the Old West era where rustic decorations and communal bathroom facilities create an experience of days gone by.
Spending the night on an outdoor deck, beneath a sky filled with twinkling stars while snuggled in a cozy sleeping bag with only the vast night sky, above you. Many visitors are drawn to Bar 10 not for its ambiance and picturesque scenery but also, for the traditional ranch style meals offered to guests in a cozy lodge setting where they can engage in leisurely activities such as horseback riding or evening campfire gatherings. www.bar10.com
Nestled, on the eastern border of Zion National Park is Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort that provides a range of lodging options to suit your preference, for adventure and comfort. Whether you prefer homes. Under the stars camping experiences – this 4 000 acre high altitude ranch offers a variety of accommodation styles to choose from.
Vacation Home - Great, for families and groups!
Large vacation homes can accommodate from 6 to 40 guests each with full kitchens and multiple bedrooms and bathrooms plus fireplaces and spacious decks. Some offering breathtaking views of Zions mesas! It’s akin to booking a mountain lodge that grants access, to all the ranch facilities.
Cabin Suites
These charming lodgings provide a retreat with a bedroom featuring queen sized bunk beds or a king bed, in the living space along with a pullout sofa bed option; complete with a bathroom and compact kitchenette setup ideal, for couples or small families looking for cozy comfort and rustic charm.
Cowboy Cabins
These cozy one room log cabins have a quaint charm. Can accommodate six guests comfortably with queen bunk beds and either a futon or pullout sofa, for extra sleeping space. Although there are no bathrooms, in the cabins themselves the nearby shower facilities are well maintained and easily accessible. These cabins provide a getaway in a Western style setting.
Glamping Tents
For individuals seeking a camping experience that doesn’t compromise on comfort levels the glamping tents offer a retreat, under canvas with actual beds, electricity connection, Wi Fi access, heating and cooling facilities and convenient access, to communal bathhouses. It’s the essence of camping blended seamlessly with the indulgence of linens, illumination and luxury amenities.
Conestoga Wagons
Experience the charm of the Wild West with these custom wagons designed to accommodate, up to six individuals, for a unique stay blending modern comfort with an immersive historical setting showcasing a king sized bed and bunk beds within a temperature controlled canvas shelter.
RV Sites
Travelers embarking on a road trip will discover a furnished RV park offering pull through and back in spots, with complete hookups (30/50 amps) accompanied by picnic tables and grills for outdoor enjoyment along with access to coin operated laundry facilities as well as Wi Fi connections and bathhouses, for added comfort and convenience.
Tent Camping
Tent camping enthusiasts can find spots, amidst pinyon and juniper trees at this location for those who value simplicity and natures beauty.The campsite amenities include a picnic table and fire ring while visitors can enjoy conveniences like shower facilities and laundry services.They also have access to resort amenities such as a swimming pool and a climbing wall, for added enjoyment and relaxation.
Tiny Homes
The small houses are compact equipped with a modern and trendy touch; they include complete kitchens and private bathrooms, with sleeping accommodations for six people at most. Their sleek interiors and inviting porches seamlessly combine simplicity, with comfort and practicality.
Clear Sky Resort is conveniently located near Highway 12 in Cannonville and just a short drive away, from both Bryce Canyon National Park and Kodachrome Basin State Park. The resort offers a variety of glamping domes to choose from. Including two person “Lil Dipper” units and luxurious eight guest “Andromeda” suites. Each dome comes equipped with panoramic glass windows for views of the surroundings along, with high end linens and private bathrooms featuring rainfall showers. Additionally, the domes are furnished with mini fridges and microwaves for added convenience and comfort.
Each dome has its balcony or fire pit for enjoying the starlit skies. Meals are served at the designed Sky Nova Café Bar & Grill with its 28-foot glass walls that resemble a setting inspired by constellations.
Clear Sky Resort provides a convenient basecamp, for exploring the southern Utah area with its prime location just, off the highway and modern amenities complemented by the surrounding natural beauty.
Nestled a bit away, from Byway 12 in Escalante lies Ofland Escalante (formerly known as Yonder) a stylish getaway ideally situated between Bryce Canyon and the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument to Capitol Reef National Parks delight. The lodge provides four accommodation choices— Deluxe Cabins featuring private bathrooms and open air showers; trendy Tiny Cabins boasting full length windows; vintage Airstream trailers, for a touch of nostalgia; and spacious RV/tent campsites—all framed by the stunning backdrop of desert cliffs.
Dining, at the venue is relaxed yet fulfilling. There’s a food truck there offering tasty breakfast burritos and upscale burgers; in addition to that you can find meal kits well as snacks and drinks, at the fully equipped general store available for you to grab.
The resort offers a range of amenities such, as a lodge with fire pits and games for guests to enjoy together; spa quality bathhouses with heated outdoor showers providing a luxurious experience; a pool and hot tub for relaxation; laundry facilities, for convenience; and a nightly drive in theater featuring classic films screened from vintage cars.
Situated along Highway 12 in Utah’s area of marvel lies the ideal starting point, for venturing into the beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park and the captivating landscapes of Grand Staircase Escalante and Capitol Reef National Park.
Located just a short 25 miles from Moab lies the ULUM Moab retreat nestled close to the picturesque Looking Glass Arch. Offering a premium glamping experience that’s perfect for venturing out to explore the neighboring Canyonlands and Arches National Parks.
The resort offers deluxe safari themed tents complete with king sized beds and private bathrooms featuring soothing rain showers and cozy wood burning stoves for chilly nights under the stars. Moreover, a private deck space allows guests to indulge in stargazing sessions while basking in natures beauty.
For added relaxation and enjoyment the resort features three inviting temperature-controlled dipping pools, a top-notch restaurant, a quaint café serving up specialty coffees and refreshing smoothies and a variety of wellness activities such, as yoga classes and rejuvenating sound baths offered daily. The experience of dining, at ULUM stands out as exceptional; featuring a menu influenced by Southwest flavors using local ingredients served in an upscale restaurant setting or al fresco, on the terrace overlooking breathtaking scenery.
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