Cliffrose Lodge, Utah

Where the Virgin River cuts through red sandstone cliffs, you’ll find Cliffrose Lodge: a retreat that’s been welcoming travellers to Zion National Park since 1988. Five acres of botanical gardens sprawl across the property, thick with native plants, fruit trees, and enough hummingbirds to make you forget you’re in the desert. Close enough to the park entrance that you can walk there before breakfast, this is your base camp for Zion’s slot canyons and towering rock faces, but it’s also a place to actually rest between adventures. Families spread out across multi-bedroom villas, couples enjoy suites with canyon-view balconies, and everyone returns from the trails to heated pools and a spa that overlooks the cliffs. Put simply, it’s comfort and wilderness in equal measure.

LOCATION

Just an hour-long drive from St. George Regional Airport, Cliffrose sits on Zion Park Boulevard in Springdale, placing you a few minutes’ walk from the park entrance – and even closer to the Virgin River. The property backs onto five acres of gardens, where hummingbirds work the feeders and deer wander through at dawn. A paved riverside path starts on the Cliffrose grounds, leading straight into Zion – ideal for early morning hikes without the crowds. Springdale’s galleries, restaurants, and shops are all within easy reach – and a free shuttle connects you to the visitor center and trailheads. You’re positioned exactly where you want to be here: close to the action, but surrounded by green space and quiet.

YOUR ROOM

Cliffrose offers king rooms, suites, and multi-bedroom villas that sleep anywhere from two to ten guests, with warm earth tones, natural fabrics, and exposed stone bringing the outside in. Every room opens onto a private terrace or balcony with seating and bistro tables for morning coffee or evening wine as the cliffs turn amber.

Suites add full kitchens and separate living areas, useful for longer stays or families who need space to spread out. The Canyon Villas accommodate up to ten people across three bedrooms, with multiple bathrooms and full amenities that make them feel more like a private home than a hotel room. We especially love the Riverside Grandview Suite, which overlooks both the gardens and the canyon. The views from its balcony (especially at sunset) make the upgrade totally worth it.

WHO IT SUITS

Cliffrose works for couples, families, and multi-generational groups who want comfort without sacrificing proximity to Zion’s trails. Families benefit from spacious rooms and the grounds offer heated pools, riverside access, fire pits, and lawn games. The staff also run guided garden tours and farm visits tailored for kids. Couples will appreciate the private balconies for candlelit dinners with canyon views, plus the spa’s organic treatments are perfect after a day of exploring. If you’re the type who wants to hike Angels Landing in the morning and soak in a tub with a glass of wine come the evening, this is your place.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Cliffrose claims one of the closest positions to Zion’s entrance, and the paved riverside path from the property straight into the park makes dawn hikes incredibly convenient. But the gardens are really what set this place apart. Expert gardeners maintain these five acres year-round, and it shows. Beautiful blooms, mature fruit trees, and native plantings shift with the seasons, but always deliver. Walking the paths at twilight, when the light softens and the hummingbirds settle, feels like stepping into a different world. And the gardens aren’t just decoration – they’re a habitat for deer, butterflies, and dozens of bird species. You’ll see wildlife here that you’d hope to catch sight of deep in the backcountry, let alone steps from your room.

We recommend booking a table at Anthera restaurant on a live music night. The patio seating is excellent, and the corn fritters and carnitas salad are standouts. It’s also a good idea to set your alarm early at least once during your stay to watch deer graze among the fruit trees at sunrise.

SUSTAINABILITY

The lodge serves complimentary coffee from local roasters, supporting regional businesses while cutting transportation emissions. Anthera restaurant also prioritizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients that honor Southwestern flavors and reduce food miles. Cliffrose’s five acres of gardens provide sanctuary for native wildlife – deer, pollinators, and countless bird species – while the mature plantings naturally moderate temperatures through biophilic design. The property encourages use of the free shuttle to reduce vehicle emissions in the park, and their waste reduction programs, heritage garden produce, and spa products (chosen for both luxury and environmental responsibility) complete the picture.