Turning in for the night doesn't necessarily mean you'll miss the great outdoors that the southern Utah region is famous for. Whether you choose a classy resort-style ranch or camping under the stars, you'll likely continue to feel the beat of nature. Western-style cottages and log cabins are scattered throughout the region near National Parks, and plenty of hotels and motels are located near all the region's primary attractions. There are literally thousands of campsites to choose from, and it is actually difficult to find a site that doesn't get a stamp for spectacular scenery. Off-season prices are generally much lower than the summer's peak season rates, but they can vary considerably based on establishment. Reservations for resorts and even campsites in the summer months are recommended, especially for lodging close to major attractions.
Hotels in Southern Utah
St. George, Cedar City, and Moab, which serve as the main gateway cities for many of the region's primary attractions, all have well-known national chain hotels located in their downtown areas. These offer comfortable lodging at around $100-$150 a night. Suite-style rooms are also available at some of Cedar City and Moab's hotels for around 50% more, boasting plenty of amenities, from in-room high-speed Internet access to kitchenettes to heated pools. Moab provides a base for visitors exploring Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, and for visitors arriving from Colorado and points east. St. George is convenient for exploring Zion National Park, and for visitors arriving from Las Vegas and southern California. Less than an hour's drive north, Cedar City hotels host many of Bryce Canyon National Park's visitors.
Some national hotel chains also offer properties adjacent to primary attractions in the region, including mid-range hotels in Bryce Canyon as well as outside of Lake Powell and in Springdale, Utah, located just outside Zion National Park.
Kanab, Utah, is centrally located within reasonable driving distance to Zion Canyon National Park, the Grand Canyon's North Rim, Bryce Canyon, and Lake Powell. There are a few mid-range hotel options in the area, which serves as a great base from which to explore many of the region's attractions. Visitors to the Grand Canyon and Lake Powell will also find mid-range hotel options in Page, Arizona. Further north, hotels are also located in Spring City and Richfield, Utah, near I-70.
Cottages, Summer Rentals, and Ranch Resorts in Southern Utah
Summer rentals, vacation homes, and cottages offer warm, cozy accommodations that will bring visitors in touch with nature in true southern Utah style. Within and around Cedar City and St. George, there are several budget guest houses and cottage complexes at which you can stay for around $100 a night. More-secluded options located outside the town boast beautiful scenery, nature trails, and picnic areas. These tend to be a bit more expensive than their more-centrally-located counterparts, but offer tourists the opportunity to embrace the surrounding scenery and still be able to enjoy the amenities and activities in town.
Ranch resorts in the Moab area bring a new level of class to the outdoors. These establishments are full of historic, cozy charm, providing log cabins that are as exclusive as they are authentic. They embrace Western-style décor with modern amenities and are situated in the heart of the wild outdoors, offering access to activities like horseback riding and hiking. Cottage porches and courtyards allow visitors to experience nature directly from the comfort of their vacation home. Family-size, three-bedroom condos or cottage rentals start at around $200 and can cost up to $500 a night or more in peak season at the region's best such establishments.
Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa is one of the most luxurious options. Located outside of Moab on the Colorado River, it is the only four-diamond-rated resort in the area. From luxury family suites with lofts to deluxe river view rooms with hydrotherapy bathtubs, Sorrel River Ranch Resort will likely introduce you to some exciting outdoor luxury.
Cozy cabin-style lodging is also available near attractions and National Parks throughout the region. They are all typically nestled in canyons or forests and are surrounded by spectacular scenery. There are also several fishing resorts encircling Lake Panguitch, with rustic cabins and lakeside views for about $70 a night. Brian Head, the region's only ski destination and the highest area in southern Utah, offers resorts and lodge-like accommodations, including condos and hotels.
As for in-park accommodations other than campsites, options are generally limited, but Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park both offer cabins in the moderate price range. Rooms fill up quickly though, and reservations should be made well in advance to guarantee your party a spot. Lodging is not available inside other national parks in the region. Instead, visitors to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks often choose Moab-area lodging. Capital Reef National Park visitors can find lodging outside the park's entrance or in nearby Torrey. The Grand Canyon North Rim is a convenient drive from Price, Arizona, Kanab, or St. George.
Bed and Breakfasts in Southern Utah
Warm home-cooked breakfasts, charming themed rooms, and historic atmosphere are the highlight of bed and breakfast establishments (B&Bs) in the southern Utah region. Prices range significantly, from double digits at more standard B&B establishments in Moab or Cedar City during the off-season, to $200+ a night at the more luxurious options in Moab. There are certainly plenty of options in these cities and in St. George, but units are limited per establishment, and rooms get reserved quickly in the summer months. B&Bs are not as common outside of these primary lodging hubs, as cottages, camping, motels and ranch resorts tend to sweep up visitors outside the cities.
Motels in Southern Utah
For those who want to hop across the region, waking up every morning to a new National Park at their doorstep, motels provide a great lodging option, and they're located throughout the southern Utah region. Motels can be found in abundance near Bryce Canyon, Panguitch, Escalante, Page, along U.S. Highway 89, in Kanab, Torrey, and of course in the region's largest cities of Moab, St. George, and Cedar City. Several motels are also located in Parowan, Utah, where accommodations are a less-expensive alternative to nearby ski town Brian Head. You'll find several motels scattered along Interstates 15 and 70, providing easy, on-and-off the highway access to local attractions. These budget options provide all the basic amenities, starting at around $40 a night, and they include national chains as well as several locally-owned establishments. There are even several pet-friendly options.
Hostels in Southern Utah
Hostels are a great option for travelers who are both on a budget and looking for a communal atmosphere conducive to meeting other outdoor enthusiasts. The Lazy Lizard Hostel in Moab is by far the most well-known and acclaimed hostel in the area, close to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Sporting some of the region's lowest lodging prices, starting around $10 a night for dorm style accommodations, log cabins are also available here for $30-$60 a night, with electricity but without running water. Hurricane, Lake Powell, Monroe, and Torrey also have hostels, some of which also serve as campsites and RV parks. Dixie Hostel in Hurricane, west of Zion National Park, is also a popular pick.
Camping in Southern Utah
There is no shortage of campgrounds in the southern Utah region. In fact, there are more than 1,600 campsites in the Moab area alone, some equipped with full amenities and others that really take you back to nature, embracing a rustic, minimalist style. Camping is available inside all major National and State Parks, as well as on private grounds near major attractions, and in and around major towns. Privately-owned campgrounds throughout the region generally offer more amenities and conveniences, such as showers, running water, bathrooms, and RV hook-ups, and they also generally accept reservations. In the summer months, from about April-October, open spots in campsites can be hard to find, both in National Parks and in nearby areas. Plan to make reservations or arrive by late morning as sites usually fill up by afternoon.
The Bureau of Land Management has campgrounds in public lands surrounding Moab and elsewhere throughout the region, usually located in extremely scenic locations; these are typically well-maintained and reasonably priced (in the $10-$20 range). Campsites are generally available on a first-come, first-serve basis, although exceptions are made in the cases of reservations for large groups. Campgrounds within National and State parks, or National Forests, tend to have fewer amenities than their privately-owned counterparts, but are surrounded by exceptional scenery, and offer immediate access to the National Parks and monuments themselves. Many accept reservations, and are similarly priced.
St. George and Cedar City have several centrally-located RV resorts in town, offering spacious lots and amenities including showers, pools, and hook-ups starting at around $35 a day for RVs and less for tents. There are also several campgrounds and RV parks located in the surrounding area, along U.S. Highway 89, in Panguitch, Parowan, and several in the vicinity of Zion National Park, ranging in price from $5 to $25 a night. Bryce Canyon has several campgrounds in or near the park, in addition to those in Kanab and Escalante.
Houseboats in Southern Utah
The charms of Lake Powell can literally be at your doorstep, and under it, with one of the region's most off-the-beaten-track lodging options – a houseboat! Complete with all the necessities of home - showers, sleeping quarters, kitchens, and bathrooms - in addition to a few additional amenities - hot tubs and fireplaces - renting a houseboat is a luxurious way to experience one of the region's most popular attractions. No boating license is required to rent a houseboat, available via reservation from one of several private companies in the area. Vacationers can drive the boat themselves or hire a captain. There is a wide range of boat types, sizes, and amenities available, with rates varying by the season and the marina it is rented from. Many boats can sleep up to 12 people and are available for 3- to 7-day rentals.
Hotels in Moab, Zion, Bryce, Arches National Parks in Southern Utah and the Arizona Strip
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