Utah Vacation Planning – 2025

Our Utah Vacation Experience 

We stood together on a scenic overlook with the sun setting over receding layers of canyon outcroppings, and a light breeze ruffling our hair and clothes. The scent of desert sage permeated the air, mule deer we're visible grazing on an adjacent plateau, and a large raptor floated on a thermal in the distance.

In this setting our guide turned to us and quietly suggested, “For a minute, let's leave our cameras and cellphones in our pockets, and consider who you are with as you experience this moment. Contemplate how you feel, and what is most meaningful to you right now, what seems most important in your life. We don't have many times like this where most distractions are gone, thoughts of work and worries have floated away, and a feeling of contentment rests within our soul. Take it in, relish it, and let it imprint on your heart. Weeks, months, and years from now your memories of this moment will bring back these life-enhancing impressions. It will, once again, refresh your soul.”

We'd never had someone, quite like this, who was able to help us understand how we were feeling and what we were internalizing. Our guide led us away from that point, happily answering our questions about the ancient people who had once inhabited this western land, and how more recently pioneers, outlaws, and ranchers had contributed to this region's history. We learned about unique trees, plants, animals, and the geology and area geography. We found a friend in our guide, who seemed delighted with our wonder, and cared about how what we were learning together. We laughed, sang songs together, and strengthened bonds.

On return to our lodging, we cleaned-up just a little, and wandered off to dine and to regale each other with our thoughts and stories of these precious experiences together. 

Life changing you ask? Absolutely!

This is just one insight to the experience we had on our well-planned Utah Vacation.

How do I get to Utah? 

The two main reasons visitors plan vacations in Utah are for snow-sports or for scenic travel. The number one entry point into Utah is via Interstate 15 from Las Vegas to St. George on the southwest corner of the state. This corridor bring travelers who are either initiating their trip in southern California, or are flying into the Las Vegas airport. We should note that Phoenix, Denver, or Salt Lake City are also fairly common starting, or entry points for those contemplating their Utah vacation planning for 2025.

How long should I Stay in Utah? 

We suggest a minimum of 4 nights, but strongly recommend at least 6 nights, and more if possible.

Our 2025 Utah Vacation Plan Recommendation 

Where should I stay in Utah? 
Some visitors consider hopping from place to place, staying in a new place every night, and seeing as much of the state as possible. Alternately, if you're plan is to find a home-base from which to relax and enjoy your Utah vacation experience, then here's one great option to consider.

Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort: Located on the plateau of Zion National Park, Zion Ponderosa literally borders the park for several miles with its 4,000 acres of private forested land. This ranch resort is just three hours drive from Las Vegas. It's easy to drive from southern California, or Salt Lake City, as well. From their location you can experience at least two national parks, Zion and Bryce, with options for outdoor adventures, and exploration of other great attractions.

How do I get to Zion Ponderosa? Follow these google map links to see various options. > Las Vegas To Zion. > Salt Lake City to Zion. 

Why do we recommend these two companies? 

These businesses have been operating and expanding their services for over 25 years, and together they offer a very complete Utah vacation package. With Zion Ponderosa's eight different lodging options from vacation homes to glamping, and with dining services, meeting spaces, and plenty of recreation, and world-class scenery, there may not be a better vacation option in the west. So, that succinctly sums up some of the reasons we recommend these two companies.

Why this Location?

With elevations from 4,000' to 9,000', and with a 30 mile length, Zion has canyons, cliffs, pinnacles, and plateaus that draw visitors from every corner of the world. These photos will paint the picture even better than words. 

Bryce Canyon National Park 

Higher in elevation than Zion, 8,000' to 9,000', this park looks completely different and is just 75 minutes from Zion Ponderosa's east-Zion location. Ponderosa guests love to make this a ½ day or fullday side-trip from their cabin, glamping, or vacation lodging abode. 

Other Nearby Attractions: Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Cedar Breaks, Grand Canyon North Rim, Lake Powell. 

A Utah Vacation Itinerary 

Day One: 

- Travel from your destination to Zion Ponderosa 
- (Just 3 hours from Las Vegas, 4.5 from SLC) 
- Check-In, Dinner 
- Relax, or Sunset Horseback Ride or Jeep Tour

Day Two: 

- Relax in morning / breakfast 
- Late morning, lunch, and afternoon in Zion National Park 
- Dinner, Stargazing Tour

Day Three: 

- Leisurely morning 
- Slot Canyon Adventure Tour 
- Horseback Ride 
- Dinner/Relax

Day Four: 

- Half-day or full-day trip to Bryce Canyon 
- Lunch at the Canyon 
- Dinner/Relax

Day Six: 

- Morning Guided Hiking Experience 
- Afternoon activities (Skeet, Climbing Wall, Paintball, Mini Golf, Bungee Tramp, VR...more.) 
- Dinner / Relax

Day Seven: 

- Relax and prep for your return trip to your home

Zion Ponderosa is a ranch-style destination resort with all of the services you'd look for in your Utah Vacation Planning. Swimming pool, jacuzzis, wildlife viewing, on-property hiking trails, are just some of the additional reasons to consider this as your prime Utah vacation destination choice. Learn more at ZionPonderosa.com, and EastZionAdventures.com.