Zion Mountain Ranch is a true West guest ranch on the quiet east side of Zion National Park. Guests stay in private cabins and lodges spread across more than 20,000 acres, with a free-roaming bison herd, guided horseback rides, farm-to-table dining at Cordwood, and Zion's East Entrance minutes away. It's a basecamp for exploring our National Parks and a real taste of the American West in one trip.

No. The ranch sits just outside Zion's East Entrance on Highway 9 in Mt. Carmel, Utah, 5 to 15 minutes from the entrance depending on your lodge. You get quick access to the park without the crowds of the main canyon corridor. A park pass or entrance fee is required when you enter Zion.

Zion's East Entrance is 5 to 15 minutes from the ranch, depending on your lodge. The Zion Canyon Visitor Center, where the park shuttle starts, is about 45 minutes away through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel.

Yes. This land was homesteaded in 1897, and the McLaws family has run it as a guest ranch since 2001. Today it's home to a bison herd, horses, chickens and ducks, watched over by Great Pyrenees guardian dogs. Cordwood cooks from the ranch's own gardens and greenhouse. Nothing here is staged. It's a true West guest ranch with real land and real animals.

No. Your rate covers lodging. Meals at Cordwood and activities like horseback rides, bison feedings and jeep tours are booked and paid for separately, so you build your stay around what you actually want to do. Our team is happy to help plan your days.

Springdale puts you at the South Entrance, where most of Zion's crowds gather. The east side gives you quieter trails like Observation Point via the East Mesa Trail, Canyon Overlook and Cable Mountain, plus open land, dark skies and room to spread out. The main canyon is still about 45 minutes away when you want it, and Bryce Canyon is about an hour north.

Yes. The ranch is open all year, and each season has its own draw. Spring and fall bring mild weather and fewer crowds. Winter brings quiet trails, snow on red rock and some of the clearest night skies of the year. Summer is prime time for day trips to Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon's North Rim. Some activities change by season.

St. George Regional Airport (SGU) is the closest commercial airport, about 1.5 hours away. Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas (LAS) is about 3 hours away and has the most flight options. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is about 4.5 hours away. You'll want a rental car from any of them.

It depends on your route. Coming from St. George or Las Vegas, the most direct route runs through Zion on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, so you'll pay the park entrance fee or show a pass. Coming from Kanab, Page, Bryce Canyon or Highway 89, you reach the ranch without entering the park. Driving an RV or large vehicle? See the next question.

Not if they're oversized. As of June 7, 2026, vehicles over 11 feet 4 inches tall, 7 feet 10 inches wide, 35 feet 9 inches long or 50,000 pounds can't drive the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway between Canyon Junction and the East Entrance. The tunnel escort option has ended. Oversized vehicles can reach the ranch from the east via Highway 89 and Mt. Carmel Junction. See the NPS large vehicles page for full limits, including trailers.

Yes, the ranch has WiFi and cell phone service, but this is a remote place. Expect slower, less consistent WiFi and cell service than at home, and coverage varies by lodge and carrier. If you need reliable service for work or navigation, plan ahead and download maps before you arrive. Network details are in your arrival information.

Yes, plan on a car. The ranch is spread out, and Zion, Bryce Canyon, Kanab and the area's other parks are a short drive away. EV chargers are available at select lodges, like Lodge 213, which has a 220V outlet in its covered parking. Additionally, we are excited to be building EV charging by the check-in building and Cordwood.

Most guests check in at the Zion Mountain Ranch front desk, 9065 West Highway 9, Mt. Carmel, Utah, where you'll get your key and directions to your cabin or lodge. That includes Gateway Cabins and Canyon Rim Lodges. Some Airbnb and Vrbo bookings come with direct-to-cabin instructions and an access code. Follow your pre-arrival message, and call ahead if you'll arrive after 10 p.m.

Two kinds. Private Cabins are simple stays: studio Meadow Cabins steps from Cordwood, Gateway Cabins about a mile from Zion's East Entrance, and one- and two-bedroom Preserve Cabins along the bison preserve. Premier Lodges are private homes on the canyon rim, the bison meadow or a hilltop, with kitchens, decks and room for 2 to 16 guests.

• Couples: a Meadow Cabin, Gateway Cabin, Preserve Cabin, hilltop Lodge 208 or the Rim Cabin on the canyon edge.
• Families: a two-bedroom Preserve Cabin or a three-bedroom lodge with a bunk room or loft.
• Large groups and reunions: four- and five-bedroom lodges that sleep 12 to 16, many with hot tubs and second living rooms. Not sure? Call us and we'll match you to the right place.

Lodge 207 is the largest, sleeping 16 across three king suites, a queen room and a bunk room with four full beds, plus a hot tub and two living areas. Lodge 224 and each Canyon Rim Lodge sleep 15, and Lodges 212 and 213 sleep 14. For bigger groups, book neighboring lodges.

Every Premier Lodge has a kitchen. Most are full kitchens with a stove, oven, full-size fridge, cookware and dishes; a few smaller lodges have studio kitchens. Private Cabins have a mini fridge, microwave and coffee maker, but no stove. Cordwood and The Get Outpost are on the ranch for everything else.

Many of our lodges and cabins have smart TVs, so you can log in to Netflix, Hulu, or any streaming app you use at home. Just bring your passwords. Some units have a DVD or Blu-ray player instead. We don’t offer cable, and the Gateway Cabins don’t have TVs. If a TV matters for your stay, give us a call before you book and we’ll match you with the right unit. Though most nights, the best show is the night sky on your porch.

Hot tubs: Lodges 128, 130, 132, 207, 211, 212, 222, 223 and 224. 
Saunas: Lodges 128, 146 and 213.

Most lodges have a fireplace or wood stove. Private Cabins don't have hot tubs or saunas but some have a fireplace. Amenities vary, so check the details of each listing before you book.

Yes, with some variety. Our cabins and lodges differ in age, layout, terrain and stairs. Some Meadow Cabins are accessible units, and Lodges 140, 202, 205, 222 and 224 are single-level. Lodge 148 is step-free from the drive to the door. If you need step-free access, specific bathroom features or another accommodation, contact us before booking and we'll find the right fit.

Yes, in select pet-friendly cabins and lodges. Book an accommodation marked pet-friendly and tell us about your pet when you book. Up to two pets are allowed, and a pet fee is charged at check-in. Keep pets supervised and away from the bison, horses and our Great Pyrenees, who guard the herd and may react to other dogs. Trained service animals are always welcome.

Every cabin and lodge has a coffee maker, and lodges with kitchens come stocked with dishes, cookware and utensils. Additionally, they all have toiletries, hair dryers, and linens. Fresh towels, coffee and other supplies are available from the front desk any time during your stay. Pack-and-plays and highchairs are available on request.

We are happy to provide stay-over housekeeping during your stay by request. Contact the front desk any time for service, fresh towels, trash removal, coffee or other supplies.

Check-in is at 4:00 p.m. and check-out is at 11:00 a.m. Most guests check in at the Zion Mountain Ranch front desk. Arriving after 10 p.m.? Contact us ahead of time for instructions.

Early check-in and late check-out depend on availability, so ask ahead. After check-out, we're happy to hold your bags at the front desk so you can grab lunch at Cordwood or take one last walk around the ranch before you hit the road.

Not for Private Cabins. Some Premier Lodges may have a 2-night minimum depending on the lodge and dates. The easiest way to check is to search your dates on our website, or give us a call at (888) 328-6077.

Cancel at least 7 days before arrival for a full refund of your deposit. Inside 7 days, the deposit is forfeited. The deposit equals the first night's rate plus taxes and fees. No-shows forfeit the deposit, and we don't refund for weather. Package, group, activity and third-party bookings like Airbnb may have different terms, so check your confirmation.

Either works. Booking direct means you work with the ranch staff from start to finish and our policies apply. Bookings through Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com or Expedia follow that platform's terms, and some come with direct-to-cabin check-in.

Feed the bison from a tractor-pulled wagon, ride canyon trails on a guided 1, 2 or 4 hour horseback ride, and explore the east side of Zion on guided or self-guided hikes. There's also canyoneering in nearby slot canyons, backcountry jeep tours, 35 miles of mountain biking on the Applecross trail system, and stargazing under some of the darkest skies left in the West.

No. Everyone is welcome, whether you're staying with us, in Springdale or just passing through. Book horseback rides, bison feedings, jeep tours, canyoneering and more online or by calling the front desk. And while you're here, stay for dinner at Cordwood.

Book online or at the front desk. Rides and tours run in small groups, so we recommend reserving ahead. Bison feedings take walk-ups when space allows. Jeep tours and canyoneering have their own cancellation terms and can be reviewed on the website at the time of booking.

All skill levels are welcome, from first-timers to experienced riders. Every ride is guided by a wrangler, and you can choose a 1, 2 or 4 hour ride. Riders must be 7 years old or older, those younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and each rider must weigh 230 pounds or less. Additionally, we offer 15 minute “Little Wrangler Rides” for those 3 years old or older. All riders must wear closed-toe shoes and pants are recommended.

Feedings run throughout the day, and the last tour of the day ends after sunset, with a sunset tour offered year-round. Tours last 30 to 45 minutes and cost $10 to $45 depending on tour and season. Arrive 20 minutes early to sign waivers at the front desk. All ages are welcome; guests under 18 must be with an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes.

Yes. Bison feedings welcome all ages, many lodges have bunk rooms or lofts, and Cordwood has a kids menu. Pack-and-plays and highchairs are available on request. Family-friendly hikes and Coral Pink Sand Dunes are close by.

Yes. Self-guided trails wind through pinyon pine and red rock, some with backdoor access to Zion overlooks. Routes range from easy walks to half-day treks. Prefer a guide? We can set up a guided hike. Stop by the front desk for trail recommendations.

Yes. The ranch has some of the darkest skies left in the West, and on clear nights the Milky Way is visible right from your porch or the fire pit. Guidebooks are available at the front desk. On select nights, guided sessions with telescopes, warm drinks and blankets are timed for the darkest skies. Fall and winter usually bring the crispest views.

Yes. Cordwood is the ranch's farm-to-table restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in a warm, wood-walled dining room that looks out over the bison preserve. Dress is ranch casual. For coffee, snacks and grab-and-go, stop by The Get Outpost.

Yes, Cordwood welcomes everyone, ranch guests or not. Reservations aren't required but are recommended; book on OpenTable or call (888) 328-6077. To-go orders are available by phone.

Much of it comes from the ranch itself: our gardens, our aquaponic greenhouse and our bison herd. The menu changes with the harvest, bright and abundant in summer, hearty in winter. We also source from regional producers when possible.

Yes. Cordwood can accommodate most dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, gluten-free and food allergies. Mention it when you make your reservation or let your server know when you order, and the kitchen will take care of you.

For basics, The Get Outpost on the ranch has coffee, cold drinks, snacks and essentials. For a full grocery run, Terry's in Orderville is about 15 minutes away or several options in Kanab are about 25 minutes away. If your lodge has a kitchen, we recommend going to a grocery on your way in.

Three favorites. Canyon Overlook: about 1 mile round trip, 30 to 60 minutes, with a view straight down Zion Canyon; parking can be tight. Observation Point via the East Mesa Trail: about 7 miles round trip, 3 to 4 hours, looking down on Angels Landing with far fewer people. Cable Mountain: a quieter rim hike with sweeping canyon views. Both East Mesa and Cable Mountain trailheads are reached by dirt roads most cars can handle.

Plan on about 45 minutes to drive to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, then a shuttle ride up the canyon. For most of the year, private cars can't drive past Canyon Junction, so you'll ride the free shuttle: Angels Landing starts at The Grotto stop and The Narrows at Temple of Sinawava, the last stop. Leave early, since parking fills fast. Want the Angels Landing view without the permit? Hike Observation Point from the east side.

Yes. Angels Landing requires a permit, awarded by lottery through the National Park Service. Most other Zion day hikes don't need one. For current rules, visit the Zion National Park permits page or ask the front desk.

There isn’t currently a shuttle from the East Entrance. Drive about 45 minutes through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, park, and ride the free shuttle up Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, hopping off at trailheads along the way. The shuttle runs most of the year. In winter, you can usually drive the canyon yourself.

Bryce Canyon National Park is about 1 hour away. The Grand Canyon's North Rim is about 2 hours, open mid-May to mid-October. Page and Lake Powell are about 1.5 hours. Closer to home, Kanab and Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park are about 20 minutes, and Grand Staircase-Escalante's nearest access points are about an hour.

Any time, depending on what you want. Early spring and late fall bring mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is busy and hot in the canyon, but it's the season to reach the Grand Canyon's North Rim. Winter is quiet, with snow on red rock and fewer shuttle restrictions, so you can often drive Zion Canyon yourself.

Southern Utah weather changes fast, so pack layers year-round. Nights are cool even in summer, and winter brings cold and snow. Bring sturdy closed-toe shoes for hikes and bison feedings, sun protection and plenty of water. Summer afternoons can bring sudden storms. Check the forecast and road conditions before you travel.

Yes. We have several options. Hold your ceremony for up to 100 guests at Zion's Gate, a reception for 200 or more on the Bison Preserve Lawn, or an intimate celebration for 10 to 60 on a private lodge deck. There's no set package; our team helps you choose the setting, dinner and pace, with trusted vendors and lodging for your guests on the ranch. Share your details on our wedding inquiry form.

Yes. Lodges sleep up to 16 and are spread across the ranch, so everyone gets their own space while staying close. Our team builds a custom itinerary of activities and meals, and Cordwood's dining room and patio are available for private events. Tell us about your group on our group request form.

Yes. Ask for neighboring lodges when you book; requests depend on availability. Canyon Rim Lodges 1 and 2 sit about 100 yards apart on a private gated drive and can be booked together for up to 30 guests. For larger groups, contact our group sales team.