Southern Utah has to be one of my favorite places to visit and explore in the United States. It offers both adventurous options and family friendly experiences for traveling moms and families. As a seasoned travel mama of three adventurous older kids, I know the struggle of finding a vacation that pleases everyone. This summer, we set our sights on Zion National Park, a place I'd dreamt of visiting for years. But with three other adventurers and a husband in tow, could this rugged wonderland hold up to the hype? Buckle up, fellow mama travel warriors, because I'm here to tell you: Zion exceeded expectations in every way, and it can definitely be a win for active families just like yours!
Be Realistic with your Trip Planning
Let's be honest, planning a trip with kids requires military-grade strategy. You have to research and plan everything to the needs of your family. Here's how I prepped for our Zion National Park adventure:
Choosing Flights: We flew into St. George Regional Airport (SGU) from LGA. It's a smaller airport with less hustle and bustle, which was a lifesaver with the kids. Plus, it's only a scenic hour drive to Zion Ponderosa Ranch, our home base for the next few days. Unfortunately, because of the size of this airport there aren’t many accommodations for families. But thankfully, the walk to the car rental place and car lot wasn’t far. It was literally right outside of the security exit.
Where we stayed: The Zion Ponderosa Ranch was a stroke of genius. It offered the perfect blend of adventure (think horseback riding, swimming pools, and a petting zoo!) with relaxation (spacious cabins, hot tubs, and stunning mountain views). We rented a small cabin with bunk beds and it was the perfect size for our family and our budget.
Packing Smart: Layers are key in Zion! Pack for warm days with cool evenings, remember the terrain is elevated, canyons, and desert-like in many places. Sturdy hiking shoes are a must, along with quick-dry clothes and hats. Don't forget sunscreen, reusable water bottles, lots of snacks for the kids and a good first-aid kit for those inevitable scrapes.
Creating Our Travel Itinerary: Action-Packed Days with Breathing Room for the Kids
Day 1: Taking it easy
After a smooth flight, we arrived at Zion Ponderosa, greeted by the most breathtaking mountain scenery. Check-in was a breeze, and the boys were instantly smitten with the prospect of exploring the ranch. Our goal on the first day was to get the kids acclimated to our new location and have a stress free day. We chose to stay on the ranch with a hassle free day, having fun. The afternoon was spent swimming, feeding the baby goats (a major highlight!), and unwinding in the hot tub. In the evening, we enjoyed a delicious barbecue under the stars – a perfect introduction to the relaxed ranch atmosphere.
Day 2: Time to explore and expel some energy
I consider myself quite the explorer and travel mom, so knowing we had energetic kids, I opted to start slow with Zion National Park's hiking trails. Families can enjoy a number of the Easy-rated routes in Zion Canyon. Families like my own hiking together can get a nice perspective of the canyon with short excursions along the paved Pa'rus Trail, Lower Emerald Pools Trail, and Riverside Walk Trail.
Our first hike was the Canyon Overlook Trail, a short and scenic path that led to breathtaking views of the canyon without being too strenuous. As you can see below, I seriously enjoyed mugging it up for the camera, natural parks and outdoorsy stuff like this really give me a mental high. The highlight, however, was the Emerald Pools hike. This moderate trail offered a series of cascading waterfalls and swimming holes, perfect for cooling off and keeping the little adventurers engaged. Tip: Pack water shoes for the slippery rocks and a picnic lunch to enjoy by the last pool. In the afternoon, we explored the ranch some more, taking a hayride through the property and learning about its history.
Day 3: Big Adventure
This was the big day – our adventure into the iconic Narrows! This hike requires renting waterproof shoes and walking poles (available at the park), and for good reason. You'll be wading through the Virgin River, surrounded by towering canyon walls. It's an unforgettable experience, but be aware it can be challenging and requires a bit more stamina. We opted for the Riverside Walk, a shorter and easier section of the Narrows perfect for families with younger kids. In the afternoon, we rewarded ourselves with milkshakes at the Zion Ponderosa Ranch general store, feeling like true explorers.
Day 4: Slowing it down
Knowing the kids might be tired after a day in the Narrows, we opted for a more relaxed day in the charming town of Springdale, just outside the park entrance. We browsed through local art galleries, grabbed some delicious pizza for lunch, and rented bikes to explore the town's quaint streets. In the afternoon, we ventured to Kolob Canyons, a lesser-known but equally stunning part of Zion National Park. We opted for the scenic Kolob Canyons Viewpoint Trail, offering panoramic vistas without a long hike.
Day 5: Now We Say Goodbye to Zion
Sadly, it was time to say goodbye to Zion. On our way back to the airport, we stopped at the fascinating Grafton Ghost Town, a preserved pioneer settlement offering a glimpse into Utah's past. I wasn’t sure if the kids would understand the history of the Ghost Town but the prospect of seeing a ghost was exciting for them. I would recommend you taper expectations if you decide to visit this spot. You know your child best and if they can handle this type of thrill.
Tips for Savvy Traveling Moms:
Beat the yearly Crowds: Zion National Park like Muir Woods national Monument, is not as famous as Yellowstone or Yosemite National parks yet, but is quickly becoming increasingly popular due to more social media exposure and influencers, so plan your trip during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) if you can. We arrived early in the morning for hikes to avoid the worst of the crowds. It’s also cheaper to go during the spring and fall.
Embrace the Ranch Life: Zion Ponderosa Ranch is a fantastic option for families. It allowed us to balance our park adventures with relaxing moments.
