Do Southern Utah Like A Local
Sightseeing
If you only have a day here:
Zion National Park is an absolute must! You’ll want to leave early in the morning to beat the heat and the crowds on the most popular hikes. If you’ve got the legs and aren’t afraid of heights, Angel’s Landing is my absolute favorite. River Walk is also completely gorgeous. In any case, plan on taking the shuttle all the way up the canyon and back, and keep your camera out! The view from the bottom is stunning. Even better, you can rent ebikes from us and skip the shuttle, and have an amazing view the entire time. Pack a lunch or grab one at the Zion lodge to enjoy in the grassy area close to some of the main trailheads. For the best views of the canyon, rent bikes in Springdale, put them on the shuttle to get to the top of the canyon, and coast all the way down! Once you’re done with the main canyon, do not miss the drive up the Zion-Mt. Carmel highway. It doesn’t take long and boasts face-to-cliff-face views. If you still feel like hiking, there’s an amazing overlook trail at the top. Grab dinner in Springdale at the Whiptail Grill, and on your way back to our place, take the turnoff to Kolob Terrace. If you’re lucky enough to catch this drive at sunset, you’ll never forget it. You’ll see some of Zion’s prettiest scenery without the crowds or even a tollbooth. Take it all the way up if you feel like a dip in Kolob Reservoir. If you missed Whiptail Grill and are hungry when you reach La Verkin, River Rock Roasting Company has amazing pizza and sandwiches, and we’ve heard great things about the Stage Coach Grill, both within a mile of our place. Then soak your tired bones in our hot tub and sleep for ten hours straight to get your strength back!
811 abantu bendawo batusa
Iphathi yase Zion
If you only have a day here:
Zion National Park is an absolute must! You’ll want to leave early in the morning to beat the heat and the crowds on the most popular hikes. If you’ve got the legs and aren’t afraid of heights, Angel’s Landing is my absolute favorite. River Walk is also completely gorgeous. In any case, plan on taking the shuttle all the way up the canyon and back, and keep your camera out! The view from the bottom is stunning. Even better, you can rent ebikes from us and skip the shuttle, and have an amazing view the entire time. Pack a lunch or grab one at the Zion lodge to enjoy in the grassy area close to some of the main trailheads. For the best views of the canyon, rent bikes in Springdale, put them on the shuttle to get to the top of the canyon, and coast all the way down! Once you’re done with the main canyon, do not miss the drive up the Zion-Mt. Carmel highway. It doesn’t take long and boasts face-to-cliff-face views. If you still feel like hiking, there’s an amazing overlook trail at the top. Grab dinner in Springdale at the Whiptail Grill, and on your way back to our place, take the turnoff to Kolob Terrace. If you’re lucky enough to catch this drive at sunset, you’ll never forget it. You’ll see some of Zion’s prettiest scenery without the crowds or even a tollbooth. Take it all the way up if you feel like a dip in Kolob Reservoir. If you missed Whiptail Grill and are hungry when you reach La Verkin, River Rock Roasting Company has amazing pizza and sandwiches, and we’ve heard great things about the Stage Coach Grill, both within a mile of our place. Then soak your tired bones in our hot tub and sleep for ten hours straight to get your strength back!
City/town information
If you’re flying or driving into St. George:
Grab an early breakfast at the Bear Paw on Main Street, and then make the hard decision between sunrise at Anasazi Trail or sunrise at Snow Canyon State Park. For the prettiest pictures, get there a half hour before sunrise! Most people come and go without even knowing Snow Canyon is here, and I think it’s just as pretty as Zion. Again, for best views, rent some bikes! I recommend approaching the park from the bottom, then coming out on the highway and heading up to Veyo for lunch and their famous pie. A little bit further up the road is the turnoff for Pine Valley Mountain, which is a nice break from the Southern Utah heat. Back in St. George, don’t forget to check out the historic St. George Temple and Visitor’s Center, and then head to Main Street. Park in their free garage by Zion’s Bank and then stroll through the art galleries and antique shops on your way up to Ancestor Square for your choice of St. George’s best restaurants. My fav is the Painted Pony! Just up Main Street from all this is the St. George Musical Theater, which features awesome local talent. If you’re lucky enough to be driving out to our place around sunset (or even if you’re not), I highly recommend hanging a left at the Hurricane Walmart and taking 3400 West all the way into La Verkin. It’s actually a touch shorter and has gorgeous views.
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St. George
If you’re flying or driving into St. George:
Grab an early breakfast at the Bear Paw on Main Street, and then make the hard decision between sunrise at Anasazi Trail or sunrise at Snow Canyon State Park. For the prettiest pictures, get there a half hour before sunrise! Most people come and go without even knowing Snow Canyon is here, and I think it’s just as pretty as Zion. Again, for best views, rent some bikes! I recommend approaching the park from the bottom, then coming out on the highway and heading up to Veyo for lunch and their famous pie. A little bit further up the road is the turnoff for Pine Valley Mountain, which is a nice break from the Southern Utah heat. Back in St. George, don’t forget to check out the historic St. George Temple and Visitor’s Center, and then head to Main Street. Park in their free garage by Zion’s Bank and then stroll through the art galleries and antique shops on your way up to Ancestor Square for your choice of St. George’s best restaurants. My fav is the Painted Pony! Just up Main Street from all this is the St. George Musical Theater, which features awesome local talent. If you’re lucky enough to be driving out to our place around sunset (or even if you’re not), I highly recommend hanging a left at the Hurricane Walmart and taking 3400 West all the way into La Verkin. It’s actually a touch shorter and has gorgeous views.
Food scene
In St. George:
Oscars for great American cuisine and sometimes local music
Benja’s Thai food
Pasta Factory and Pizza Factory when you just need carbs--get the breadsticks! healthier options include pretty awesome zucchini noodles
Painted Pony is a little pricier but absolutely worth it
Cliff Side also not cheap, get a reservation for great food and a lovely view of the valley
Irmita’s on 700 South classic hole-in-the-wall Mexicano, ask for their mole
Frostop incredible classic burger-and-fries menu and vintage fifties vibe, it’s been there forever
58 abantu bendawo batusa
St. George
In St. George:
Oscars for great American cuisine and sometimes local music
Benja’s Thai food
Pasta Factory and Pizza Factory when you just need carbs--get the breadsticks! healthier options include pretty awesome zucchini noodles
Painted Pony is a little pricier but absolutely worth it
Cliff Side also not cheap, get a reservation for great food and a lovely view of the valley
Irmita’s on 700 South classic hole-in-the-wall Mexicano, ask for their mole
Frostop incredible classic burger-and-fries menu and vintage fifties vibe, it’s been there forever
Pro tip, save our brown bag breakfast for your lunch so you can get breakfast here! Or come back for dinner. They have fantastic pizzas, sandwiches and salads. A local fav.
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River Rock Roasting Company
394 S State StPro tip, save our brown bag breakfast for your lunch so you can get breakfast here! Or come back for dinner. They have fantastic pizzas, sandwiches and salads. A local fav.
Favorite Hikes
If you feel like a hike before your buddy is ready:
The La Verkin overlook is my favorite morning workout. ½ hour from our front door to the top for a gorgeous vista of the valley and a peek at Zion as well. Go south on Main Street, turn right on 300 South, then take your first left onto 100 West. About a hundred yards down, right where it turns into a dirt road, your trailhead is off to the left. There’s a parking lot with gravel. Where the trail branches, turn left to hug the mountain. When it forks again, turn right to go up the mountain. Not for beginers. Take your camera!
La Verkin Overlook
If you feel like a hike before your buddy is ready:
The La Verkin overlook is my favorite morning workout. ½ hour from our front door to the top for a gorgeous vista of the valley and a peek at Zion as well. Go south on Main Street, turn right on 300 South, then take your first left onto 100 West. About a hundred yards down, right where it turns into a dirt road, your trailhead is off to the left. There’s a parking lot with gravel. Where the trail branches, turn left to hug the mountain. When it forks again, turn right to go up the mountain. Not for beginers. Take your camera!
Izeluleko zedolobha
Imikhuba namasiko
Local Theater!
-Check out the Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City. Even if you’re not a Shakespeare fan, there are all kinds of plays up there, as well as their unmissable green show each evening.
-Just outside of St. George in Ivins, you’ll find the Tuacahn Amphitheater, set against a stunning backdrop of red rocks. Their productions are top notch and they always have an offering or two for the kids.
-And don't miss St. George Musical Theater! Their productions are family-friendly, fun, and full of heart. Support our local artists!
Imikhuba namasiko
If you need to cool off
If you want to cool off:
Kolob Reservoir is my personal favorite for paddleboarding and kayaking. There are no motor boats so it has a very chill vibe! Sand Hollow Reservoir is also close and features some awesome spots for cliff jumping, but don’t swim close to the shore or you’ll get “swimmer’s itch.” Quail Creek Reservoir is also very fun. Red Cliffs State Park features a stream with a little natural waterslide that usually runs through May, also some campgrounds and picnic areas surrounded by gorgeous red cliffs, super fun for climbing.
Also check out Pine Valley mountain for cool hikes!
Izindlela zokonga
If You're On A Budget
-I highly recommend a drive on Kolob Terrace, just fifteen minutes from here. You’ll get stunning views of Zion without paying for a pass (and also without the traffic.) The drive alone is worthwhile, especially around sunset, when the gorgeous red rocks light up in the evening sun, and if you’re in the mood for a hike, there are a ton of great ones listed here.
-Window shopping in Springdale is really fun! They have a ton of great rock shops and gift shops, and make sure to stop in at the Bumbleberry Inn and Bakery for their famous bumbleberry pie.