Things to do / Travel Guide
Southern Utah and the Arizona Strip is a wonderful region to visit if you're looking to experience a rough-and-tumble region in the lap of luxury. To many southern Californians, this is a welcome vacation destination as an alternative to the glitz of Las Vegas. What with five national parks – Zion, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Arches, and of course the northern rim of the Grand Canyon – you have a multitude of vantage points from which to witness some of the greatest panoramas in the U.S.
Imagine a half-hour flight, or a three-hour loop, over Zion or Bryce Canyon National Parks, the Grand Canyon, or Lake Powell, in all its secluded majesty. Helicopter rides are all the rage in this region and perfectly suited for sightseeing. If you want a quieter, and some would say more romantic, ride, it's easy to find a hot air balloon company to tailor a trip for you. Some of the highlights you may see are the unbelievable cliffs and multiplicity of colors of Zion Canyon, “Thor's Hammer” against an amazing ocean of rock formations, or mile-deep views from the Northern Rim. All these can be yours to enjoy, without even having to break a sweat!
On the ground, there are trails studded with perfect panoramas, and services to guide you to and along these trails. In and around these parks, there are many diamonds in the rough to be found beyond the well known tourist draws.
Fortunately, you don't have to rough it when it comes to your post-hike accommodations. Whether your preference is a luxurious ranch, an inn, or a resort, southern Utah and the Arizona Strip has plenty of options to offer. The two major areas for luxurious accommodations are Moab, close to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, and St. George, near Zion National Park.
In Moab, the greatest lodging is hands down the Sorrel River Ranch and Resort Spa, located northeast of the city. This riverfront complex has it all, as the name suggests. Looking for horseback riding, fishing, or hiking? They have them all. Want a private cabin with all the classic amenities, such as a fireplace, deck, and hydrotherapy bathtub? No problem. You can easily spend a full day in the spa, not even touch the facial or the full-body massage, and still come out feeling it was a day well spent. Come see for yourself! Feeling hungry? When it comes to food, the River Grill is a real treat. The specialty here is French-fused Americana, and you can take your pick of seafood, wild game, or vegetarian.
Over on the other side of the region, the best accommodations in the St. George area are the Red Mountain Spa and Resort, and the Inn at Entrada. Both these establishments border Snow Canyon, which is cool in its own right, with lots of impressive lava formations.
Would you like a vacation in a villa all your own, with a magnificent view of crimson mountains and valleys? Red Mountain offers these, as well as multi-sized rooms in the guest building. An oversized soaking tub is at your disposal in every room, which is also stocked with a hypoallergenic comforter, a luxurious bathrobe, a coffee maker, and more.
The spa at Red Mountain is acclaimed for its quality and diversity – and for good reason. The many treatments available here, involving mineral-rich body butters and salts, clays, and muds, are taken from all over the world, and from diverse cultures, from South American rain forests to the resort's own backyard; from all over the state of Utah. Education stands at the center of the resort's philosophy of cuisine, and in addition to the expert-given classes on nutrition, the food itself is the embodiment of health and good taste. Dine on Mediterranean, Native American, or American-inspired dishes, including such delicacies as duck, buffalo, mahi, and more.
On the other side of Snow Canyon you'll find another fine lodging, the Inn at Entrada. This elegant cluster of suites and casitas gives the impression of a cross between a Native American pueblo and Frank Lloyd Wright. Aside from the luxury, which is everywhere (Jacuzzi, bathrobes, king-sized bed, etc.), what is perhaps most striking here is the style. You can tell a great deal of thought was put into the design, by someone with impeccable tastes. The fireplace is surrounded by rich brown tiles, while the coffee table is comprised of blocks of marbled lumber. Kokopelli Restaurant, located on the premises, is highly recommended.
In the immediate vicinity of both Red Mountain and the Inn at Entrada, are several highly-acclaimed golf courses. Sunbrook Golf Course, halfway between St. George and Santa Clara, Utah, has been rated the best golf course in the state. The scenery, with its red rocks and cliffs, provides not just the backdrop but often the challenge. Be careful not to hit your ball over the cliff! Farther west, Coral Canyon Golf Course offers views of Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park.
If you're looking for a cool winter holiday, then Brian Head Ski Resort, southern Utah's only ski resort, is a great choice. Brian Head has runs tailored to all skill levels, and all offer awesome views of the surrounding, snow-covered red rocks. Accommodations in the area of the resort are excellent, with Cedar Breaks Lodge being the most popular. The local restaurants are noted for their fine dining as well.
Southern Utah and the Arizona Strip is just the place to go to find the ultimate resort right in the middle of pristine and awe-inspiring nature. No matter the season, the resorts and inns of this area provide activities, accommodations, dining, and service that are nothing short of first-rate.