Zion National Park: Practicalities
The only food and lodging within Zion itself is at Zion Lodge (open all year; tel 435/772-2001, reserve through Amfac Parks & Resorts, 14001 E Iliff Ave, #600, Aurora, CO 80014; tel 303/297-2757, or ; $100-130), set amid rolling and well-shaded lawns near the Great White Throne. Even if you can't get a room here - they're often booked up by tour groups - it's well worth stopping for lunch on the terrace of the fine old wooden dining room. The Lodge is also the base for horseback excursions, with regular one-hour rides costing $15 per person (tel 435/772-3810). Two good campgrounds , both charging $14 per night, are located alongside the visitor center; the Watchman accepts reservations in summer (tel 1-800/365-2267, ), while the South is first-come, first-served.The best alternatives to the in-park lodge are in the appealing small town of SPRINGDALE , set among the riverbank cottonwoods half a mile south of the park entrance. Budget motels along Hwy-9, known here as Zion Park Boulevard, include the friendly El Rio Lodge , no. 995 (tel 435/772-3205 or 1-888/772-3205, ; $35-50), while two pricier modern alternatives, the Best Western Zion Park Inn at no. 1215 (tel 1-800/934-7275 or 435/772-3200, ; $100-130), and the Desert Pearl Inn , no. 707 (tel 435/772-8888 or 1-888/828-0898, ; $75-100), offer good views and pools. The Switchback Grille (tel 435/772-3700), adjoining Zion Park Inn , is the grandest local restaurant , while as well as being the liveliest bar for miles, the Bit and Spur Saloon opposite (no. 1212; tel 435/772-3498), serves very good Mexican food.
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