I Spent a Long Weekend at Red Cliffs Lodge Zion in Utah, and It Was a Magical Experience

In 2024, Zion National Park was the second most-visited national park in the U.S. There were 4.94 million visitors last year, a staggering number for the nearly 149,000-acre park. Only the Great Smoky Mountains National Park beat out Zion when considering visitor numbers. As someone who's been to Zion twice, I completely understand its appeal. There's something so incredibly magical about this national park, and while it's a day trip destination for many, spending a few nights close to Zion will maximize your time here.

The first time I visited Zion National Park was several years ago when my children were young. We spent two nights at a hotel that happened to be an hour away in Kanab, Utah. The second time I came to Zion, I was invited to stay on the other side of the park at Red Cliffs Lodge Zion in Springdale, Utah, an incredibly charming town only a mile from the park entrance. Staying so close to the park at such a quiet, beautiful, and comfortable boutique hotel that blends into the natural surroundings was a magical experience I will never forget.

Per journalistic integrity, we disclose that the creator of this content was invited to this location by GV Public Relations, and some expenses were covered. However, all opinions and thoughts expressed in this content are their own.

First Impressions of Red Cliffs Lodge Zion

As we pulled into the Red Cliffs Lodge Zion parking lot, I couldn't help but notice the views of the cliffs. Getting out of the vehicle, there were views everywhere—we couldn't escape them! I suppose that's what you get when staying at a hotel so close to one of the country's most revered national parks.

I also loved the classy simplicity of the entryway, with wood doors flanked by large windows and surrounded by stone. The wood overhang in the front is also quite inviting. Upon entering the lobby, I was wowed by what was inside.

Red Cliffs Lodge Zion Design

The outdoor theme of Red Cliffs Lodge Zion is fitting as it is so close to Zion National Park, a place people from all over the world visit for its beguiling nature, cliffs, hiking, and outdoor adventures. Starting with the lobby, its impeccable design elements were something I had never before seen in a hotel. While utterly chic, its warm green, yellow, and brown tones, the tree stump-style tables, and fireplaces make the space feel as cozy as sitting in front of a campfire.

There are animal elements throughout the hotel property as well. In my suite were rabbit hooks on the bedroom wall, fox hooks in the bathroom to hang towels, and a bronze rabbit statue holding a bowl to hold jewelry or other items. I became obsessed with the rabbit sculpture (pictured above) and would love to buy one for my home.

There were so many details in the design, whether in the lobby, in the room, or out walking the hotel's property, that the more I looked, the more I found. The designer of this hotel, Stina Funch, the Founder and Creative Director at Atwater Inc. Studio, certainly has a creative eye and a knack for little details that can enhance your hotel experience.

The Rooms at Red Cliffs Lodge Zion

Red Cliffs Lodge Zion has 132 rooms, each continuing the outdoorsy theme with muted colors, framed nature-inspired art, and animal details. There are three room types: a standard room with two queen beds, a standard room with a king bed, and a one-bedroom suite with a king bed, a sofa bed, and a patio. I was put up in a one-bedroom suite and loved having the living room space separate from the bedroom.

The living space includes an L-shaped couch, a coffee table set, a TV with closet space on each side, and a desk area with barstool seating and a coffee maker. Heading into the bedroom, there's another TV on top of a dresser, a super comfy king-sized bed with plenty of pillows, night tables, and a narrow table against the wall that provides more shelf space. The spacious bathroom with toiletries, a hair dryer, and a shower/tub combo was off the bedroom.

Red Cliffs Lodge Zion Amenities

While there is no spa on the property, Red Cliffs Lodge Zion does have some added amenities to enjoy during your stay. The outdoor pool, surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas, has several water features children love, and a hot tub is next to the pool, perfect for soaking in after hiking and adventuring at Zion.

Located just off the lobby, the roomy gym has an impressive equipment selection. It includes free weights, weight benches, a stationary bike, ellipticals, treadmills, kettlebells, weighted medicine balls, yoga balls, and a BOSU. I wish I had time for a workout here, but I was too busy playing in the national park!

The hotel also has a small marketplace that sells a variety of snacks and drinks. A complimentary coffee bar is set up here every morning, so you can come in and help yourself before heading out into the park or town.

Scout Bar & Grill at Red Cliffs Lodge Zion

One thing I loved about Scout Bar & Grill is that it doesn't feel like a typical hotel restaurant. While it still follows the property's hiking, camping, woodland design theme, it feels like its own entity, completely separate from the hotel. You can enter through the lobby or a side door and don't have to be a guest to dine here.

Upon arrival at the hotel, my group met for appetizers and mocktails on the Scout patio. We tried three mocktails: a raspberry fizz, a pomegranate lime, and a cucumber mojito-style mocktail that I found incredibly refreshing. The bartender, Katie, has a talent for mocktails, but she will even make you a cocktail if you head to the bar. Remember: this is Utah, and the liquor laws differ slightly from those in other states.

As for food, we were served loaded nachos, truffle and cheese fries, crispy pork belly, and mac 'n' cheese. I was impressed with the items I tried, and the others in my group were also happy with the food. That evening, we had dinner in Scout's Picnic Room, a room with a large table made for a private group. This time, we tried the super fresh Chop Chop Salad, the smoked fried chicken plate, and the BBQ brisket platter. Not only was everything delicious (and that briskey melted in my mouth), but I loved how the entrees were served on a metal tray like we were camping.

Breakfast at Scout is just as good as lunch and dinner. I tried the avocado toast with gluten-free bread, which is some of the best I've had to date. Topped with avocado, poached eggs, kale, radish, pickled red onions, parmesan cheese, and a balsamic glaze, I was in heaven. I also recommend the seasonal berries and the acai berry bowl (without granola if you can't eat gluten).

If you're planning to visit Zion soon, there's no better place in town to stay than the Red Cliffs Lodge Zion. Set in the heart of town and within walking distance (one mile) of the Zion National Park entrance, you really can't beat the location.

Red Cliffs Lodge Zion is part of Marriott Bonvoy® and is a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. Visit the Marriott website to book your stay, and remember to bring your National Parks Pass for entry into one of the most visited U.S. national parks.

If you happen to be planning a visit to Moab to see the Arches or Canyonlands National Parks, you can stay at the newly renovated Red Cliffs Lodge Moab.