Zion National Park’s mighty sandstone cliffs and vermillion spires bring visitors from around the world, but for Parkites, this spectacular natural wonder is just a four-hour cruise south on I-15. And while Zion’s incredible geologic landscapes change little over time, the surrounding area is booming with new restaurants, hotels, and experiences, making it worth revisiting—even if you’ve already conquered Angels Landing and the Narrows. With Greater Zion as your basecamp, use this guide to explore the park and beyond. 

STAY

Sleep with a backdrop of pink and red cliffs amid black lava beds at the sprawling new Black Desert Resort in Ivins. With 447 luxurious rooms and suites, seven restaurants and bars, one championship golf course, 21 pickleball courts, a fancy fitness center, and a 15,000-square-foot spa, it’s now Utah’s largest resort—and they’re not done growing yet. Elevate your golf game with free access to a 36-hole putting facility and driving range, then play the stunning 19-hole Tom Weiskopf-designed championship course. Swim in the infinity-edge pool, or lounge in outdoor hot tubs. Construction is underway on a massive waterpark with a lazy river, wave pool, and raft slides. All the rooms at Black Desert are luxe, but treat yourself with an upgrade to a Plume Wellness Collection spa suite. These eight rooms include wellness extras: daily spa access, in-room yoga mats, massage guns, and aromatherapy. Beyond treatments, spa guests can relax in the Finnish sauna, steam room, warm plunge pool, and outdoor lava rock sauna. Add on the dry cryo float, hyperbaric chamber, or salt inhalation room. 

PLAY

When the sun goes down, unwind at Zion Canyon Hot Springs. Built at the former Pah Tempe Hot Springs site, this new 15-acre wellness destination is just 25 minutes from Zion’s western gate. It features 50 geothermal and mineral pools set along the Virgin River, many mimicking the mineral content of spots like the Dead Sea, Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, and hot springs worldwide. There are also Finnish barrel saunas, cold plunges, and a full food and beverage menu. Our favorite part: separate zones for families and adults age 21 and older. 

No matter how many times you’ve visited Zion National Park, you haven’t truly seen it until you’ve gone by bike. Stop in Springdale, rent an e-bike from EBikes Zion, then cruise along the paved Pa’rus Trail to Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, where you’ll be immersed in 360-degree canyon views. With e-bikes, the climb is easier, thanks to the power boost, and you don’t have to wait for a crowded shuttle. Ride 7 miles up past the Court of the Patriarchs and Angels Landing to end at the Temple of Sinawava. Take a bike break at Weeping Rock, which just reopened after damage from a 2023 rockfall. See hanging gardens, a dripping alcove, and spectacular sandstone cliffs on this 0.4-mile trail. 

EAT

Experience Southern Utah’s newest fine-dining favorite at Basalt, an American steakhouse located in Black Desert Resort. Linger over sommelier-selected wines or craft mocktails paired with Utah-sourced steaks and sustainably sourced seafood. Try the elevated take on funeral potatoes, a Utah favorite, made with pork belly, Fresno chilis, and a fresh herb puree. 

Set overlooking St. George, Cliffside Restaurant is the spot for a romantic outdoor meal. Enjoy fine new American fare, such as seared Idaho red trout, maple rosemary grilled chicken, pastas, and Wasatch Meats steaks. 

After a hot spring soak, pop by La Verkin’s River Rock Roasting Co for a Phuket peanut pizza—best enjoyed outdoors with Virgin River vistas. Or, try the Amerikesh salad topped with veggies, dates, pistachios, and lime dressing. 

Grab lunch at local favorite Xetava in Kayenta Art Village—in Ivins, a short drive from St. George. Relax on the canopied outdoor patio with a steak and avocado salad, cauliflower tacos, a wild mushroom Philly, a Kayenta burger, and more. Wash it all down with a signature Royden lemonade made with coconut, vanilla, and fresh mint.