The Most Romantic Spot In Zion National Park Is This Beautiful Lodge On The Virgin River

The Zion Lodge has an absolutely perfect setting along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The Virgin River, a tributary of the Colorado River, is on one side, while the area's famous orange and white sandstone cliffs are on the other. Huge cottonwood trees tower above a well-manicured lawn that's ideal for picnicking. This might just be the most romantic spot in Zion National Park.

This gorgeous property opened in 1925, just a few years after the Utah Parks Company extended its rail lines to nearby Cedar City, a mountainous haven with a vibrant arts & culture scene. Gilbert Stanley Underwood, the architect behind some of the country's most famous national park hotels, built a wooden lodge to blend in with the environment. The building stood until 1966, when a fire destroyed it. However, the lodge was quickly rebuilt and later renovated to look like the original structure. The Zion Lodge is now on the National Register of Historic Places and is still the only place to stay in Zion National Park, other than a few campgrounds.

To reach the Zion Lodge, you can fly to St. George Regional Airport (SGU), which receives nonstop flights from a handful of cities, including Chicago, LA, and Dallas. From there, it's just a 50-mile drive to the lodge. For more flight options, you should consider flying to Las Vegas, about three hours away by car. Though Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is more than triple the distance, this Southwestern airport is considered one of the cheapest to fly out of in America.

From March through November, shuttle buses are the only vehicles allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. However, there's one major exception to this rule: Overnight reservations at the Zion Lodge come with a red permit, granting you access beyond the gate in Canyon Junction. Once you cross the Canyon Junction Bridge, which has a spectacular view of the Virgin River, it's just 4 miles to your romantic getaway destination.

The main lodge, where you check in, is home to the gift shop, the Red Rock Grill, the seasonal Castle Dome Café, and the Beer Garden. Paved paths wind throughout the rest of the property, leading to the Sentinel and Watchman buildings, with cozy rooms and suites. The freestanding cabins survived the devastating fire and have been kept up over the years, maintaining their 1920s charm. From these historic buildings, you can see the sandstone rocks change colors with the setting sun and watch the stars brighten the dark sky from your private porch. Head inside to cozy up near the gas fireplace for a romantic evening.

The Zion Lodge is open all year and has 40 historic cabins, six suites, and 76 hotel rooms that start at $257 per night. Advance reservations are strongly recommended since the lodge is frequently booked solid — especially through the peak summer season. Keep in mind you'll also need to pay to enter the park unless you have an Annual or America the Beautiful Pass. A Standard Pass is $35 per vehicle.

Though you could comfortably stay cuddled up on your porch to enjoy this peaceful spot, you must get out and explore. Zion National Park became Utah's first national park in 1919. It's now the Beehive State's most popular national park and one of the five best national parks in the United States. Lucky for you, some of its can't-miss spots are nearby.

The Emerald Pools, the Grotto, and Angels Landing are within walking distance of the lodge. The Emerald Pools are three jewel-toned pools connected by easy trails. From the lodge, you will cross the road and a footbridge to join the Emerald Pools Trail. It winds into a sandstone amphitheater, where you'll find the Lower, Middle, and Upper Pools. It's a 3-mile loop, and you'll likely spot some cute tree frogs along the way.

From the lodge, you can also head north on the Grotto Trail. The 1-mile, out-and-back trail is nice and flat, with stunning views of the Cathedral and Lady mountains and the Virgin River. Consider a sunset or sunrise hike for a romantic atmosphere and fewer crowds. The Grotto has a shaded picnic area and provides access to Angels Landing, but you need to secure a permit to hike this highly sought-after trail. But it's not for the faint of heart. The 5-mile, round-trip hike leads to one of the national park's most famous rock formations, but it's also one of the most dangerous trails in the world.