Zion Mountain Ranch is a three-pearl working ranch right outside Zion National Park, a 30-minute drive from the park's main parking lot. The ranch offers a range of 53 cabins and lodges with microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers, though the TVs lack cable and there are some maintenance issues. The nicest cabins have extras like full kitchens or a massage room. There’s a single farm-to-table restaurant, Cordwood, with ingredients sourced from the ranch and a full breakfast for a fee. Most features here focus on exploring, and include booked guides and tours, horseback riding, and in-cabin massages for any lingering saddle soreness. As an alternative, the Holiday Inn Express Springdale, Zion Natl Pk Area has a free shuttle to downtown Springdale and the national park, plus a pool and a free breakfast. 

This 4000-acre ranch located on the eastern entrance of Zion National Park is all about parks and recreation. With hiking trails that can actually lead guests into Zion as well as a ton of activities to amuse kids and adults alike -- think horseback riding, wall climbing, trampoline bungees, zip lining, miniature golf, all-terrain vehicle tours, and more -- this rustic resort is perfect for people wanting a fun-filled vacation. There’s also a small spa on the property as well as a large pool and hot tub. An on-site restaurant serves a la carte breakfast and dinner, and different snack bar-type options are available for lunch. Rooms run the gamut from full-sized mountain homes to shared camp-style cabins to RV-hookup sites to old-school tents; in other words, your type of stay here will largely be predicated on what you book. No matter what kind of lodging you choose, however, you will definitely not have a shortage of things to do at the Zion Ponderosa.****