Cliffrose Lodge is located in the heart of beautiful Springdale, Utah. While it may have a year-round population of less than 700 people, that number swells to the tens of thousands, thanks to the more than five million people who visit Zion National Park each year.
You can get to Zion National Park without passing through Springdale. But it’s likely that almost every visitor that enters the park either enters by way of Springdale or passes through the town on their way out. Despite this, the town maintains its small town feel.
Whether you’re visiting for a week or a weekend, you’ll no doubt spend a lot of time in Springdale during your visit to our Zion resort. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about this unique town.
A History of Springdale, Utah
Springdale and the area that is now Zion National Park was first occupied hundreds of years ago. It’s believed that the Anazasi people settled in the area around 500 A.D., and occupied it continuously until 1200 A.D. It’s likely that nomadic tribes hunted or gathered food even before that.
Early European explorers passed through the area in the late 1700s, though settlers wouldn’t begin building farms and towns until the mid-1800s. In 1862, a group of Mormon pioneers arrived in what is now Springdale and established a Cotton Mission at the mouth of Zion Canyon. While the town got its first post office in 1897, and a school and church over ten years earlier, it would remain a small agricultural community until around 1917.
By that time, roads in the area had improved, and cars could navigate to the town. In 1917, the first group of tourists arrived to visit the newly established Wylie Way Camp, one of the first tourist facilities in Zion. The park was declared a national monument, named Mukuntuweap National Monument, in 1920. From there, tourist camps, stores, and more began to spring up, and Springdale grew quickly.
Springdale, Utah Today
Today, Springdale, Utah is a popular destination, especially for outdoor lovers and those planning a visit to Zion National Park.
Hotels and vacation rentals in the city are ideal for those visiting the park. Because most of the park is only accessible via the Zion Canyon Shuttle system, you’ll need to park in Springdale and hop on the shuttle in order to get to most of the park’s trailheads, the Lodge, and many overlooks.
Staying at a Zion resort with a shuttle stop on site, like Cliffrose Lodge, makes it easy to get to the park without worrying about navigating traffic or finding parking first thing in the morning. This also allows you to go to and from the park throughout the day. Head to the park early for a hike, then go back to Springdale for lunch or to rest in your resort room—with views of Zion’s peaks—before even more exploring.
Shopping and Dining in Springdale, Utah
Staying in a Zion resort located in Springdale, Utah also makes it easy to explore the many shopping and dining options in the town in between visits to the park or in the evenings when you’re finished hiking for the day.
A variety of coffee shops and cafes serve up food and drinks to energize you before you head into the park for the day. After a long day of hiking and exploring, head to one of the many restaurants in the city. Fuel up on carbs at Zion Pizza & Noodle Co., dig into burgers or Mexican fare at the popular Oscar’s Cafe, or try the tacos at the local’s favorite, Whiptail Grill.
Planning Your Visit to Springdale, Utah
Whether you’re planning to visit Zion National Park or just looking for a fun and relaxing getaway, Springdale, Utah is the perfect destination. Easy access to the park and the shuttle system makes planning your days a breeze. Plus, the city is home to a variety of shopping and dining options, as well as activities to enjoy.
No matter how you plan to spend your time in Springdale, Utah, Cliffrose Lodge is the perfect basecamp for your stay. Our Zion resort is located just a short walk, drive, or ride on the Zion Canyon Shuttle to the park’s entrance. You can walk from your unique and beautiful boutique room to many of the town’s restaurants, stores, and outfitters. Rent an e-bike, book a tour, or pick up some souvenirs from your stay.
Ready to start planning your next visit to Springdale, Utah? Book your stay at Cliffrose Lodge today!