Summer is finally here, and for many families, that means a break from school and the chance to enjoy a family vacation. Zion National Park has long been a popular destination for families from across the country and around the world. But while this can be a great place for your whole family to enjoy together, planning a family-friendly day in Zion takes a little more planning than you might put into your average vacation.
Whether you’re planning to spend a week exploring all that Zion National Park has to offer or want to spend some time relaxing and enjoying the amenities right here at Cliffrose Lodge, keep reading. We’re breaking down what you need to know to plan a family-friendly day in Zion National Park.
Choose the Right Resort
Planning a fun family-friendly day in Zion National Park starts with choosing the right lodging. Choosing the right Springdale resort can have an impact on every part of your trip. The right resort will give your family room to relax at the end of a long day, a chance to rest before powering through some challenging hikes, and a spot to unwind if you choose to spend a day at the resort and take a break from exploring.
Cliffrose Lodge might be the perfect spot for a romantic getaway, but it’s also one of the best family-friendly resorts in all of Springdale. From our wide variety of room options to our multiple pools to our convenient location just a short drive, walk, or shuttle ride from the entrance to Zion, our resort is the perfect basecamp for your family’s Southern Utah vacation.
Our brand-new Riverside Pool and hot tub are open all year long, so your family can cool off on a hot day or take a break from hiking to relax and spend some quality time together. Cliffrose Lodge’s Double Queen rooms are a popular option for families. But if you want some extra space, our Grand View Villa is a great choice. This large villa offers all of the comforts of home, like an oversized soaking tub, full kitchen, plush pillowtop beds, and a dining table that seats six, with luxurious upgrades like vaulted ceilings and a private patio with views of Zion’s peaks.
Utilize the Springdale and Zion Canyon Shuttle
Nothing can ruin a day faster than spending an hour or more looking for a place to park first thing in the morning. On busy days in Zion National Park, it’s not unusual for parking to fill up in the park a short time after it opens. When this happens, visitors will need to find parking elsewhere in Springdale. While there are lots and spaces throughout town, these are spread out and can be difficult to find. They may also fill quickly on busy days.
Spending an hour in the car first thing in the morning circling the town looking for parking is almost certain to lead to some frayed nerves. To make sure your family-friendly day in Zion starts off on the right foot, take advantage of the Zion Canyon Shuttle system to get to the park.
When you stay at Cliffrose Lodge, you’ll be just steps away from Shuttle Stop #2 on the Springdale Shuttle line. This means that you can hop on the shuttle and ride directly to the entrance to the park to start your day. From there, hop on the Zion Canyon Shuttle, and ride directly to your choice of trailheads. If you don’t mind a short walk, our Springdale resort is less than a half-mile from the entrance to the park. This means that you can walk right to the entrance without even having to ride a shuttle or move your car.
Choose Trails and Activities in Advance
Zion National Park is home to some of the most challenging hiking trails in the country. But while Angels Landing and The Narrows might be a couple of the park’s most famous trails, they are far from your only option, and not a great choice for a family-friendly day in Zion.
There are plenty of other kid-friendly trails to enjoy in the park. Weeping Rock is one great option. This short trail is just a half-mile long and follows the Virgin River to a rock overhang. Kids will love splashing around in the water, while adults will love the shade and taking a break from the bright sun on a hot day. Older kids will also enjoy Emerald Pools. There are three sections of this trail, so you can customize your experience.
Planning a Family-Friendly Day in Zion National Park
Whether you’re planning to spend a week exploring all that Zion and Cliffrose Lodge have to offer or are enjoying a quick weekend getaway, these tips can help you plan the perfect family-friendly day in Zion.
Ready to start planning your family’s next visit? Start by booking your stay at Cliffrose Lodge today!