Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [467]
In a quiet, picturesque area just outside the park, this lodge is a great choice for those spending more than a few days in the area who want everything a full-service resort has to offer. Lodging is in comfortable but basic cabins or at campsites. The large cabins have TVs; smaller cabins do not. Only the largest unit has a phone. Some cabins have air-conditioning. The main reason to be here is the activities—mountain biking, horseback riding, skeet and trap shooting, fishing, rappelling, climbing, and more. Facilities include an outdoor heated pool, tennis courts, an outdoor whirlpool, and sports equipment. A summer day camp keeps kids busy for up to 8 hours while adults tackle other activities. Rates include all activities and meals, and vary based on the type of cabin and recreation package you choose; there are discounts for children. In the off season, you can book a cabin or camp without buying a complete package.
Where to Dine
INSIDE THE PARK
Red Rock Grill
Zion Lodge, Zion National Park. ☎ 435/772-7760. www.zionlodge.com. Dinner reservations required in summer. Breakfast $3.50–$8.50, lunch $5.95–$7.95, dinner main courses $13–$19. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Daily 6:30–10am, 11:30am–3pm, and 5:30–9pm. AMERICAN.
A mountain-lodge atmosphere prevails here, and large windows provide views of the park's magnificent rock formations. Although the menu changes periodically, usual house specialties at dinner include excellent Santa Fe flat-iron steak, blackened chicken with mango salsa, chipotle pork cutlets with mashed sweet potatoes, and Ruby Mountain trout amandine. There are also vegetarian items such as roasted-vegetable tortellini. At lunch, you'll find grilled salmon burgers, beef burgers, sandwiches, and salads; breakfast offers all the usual options, including a good buffet. We heartily recommend the specialty ice creams and other desserts, such as peanut-butter pie. The restaurant will pack lunches to go and offers full liquor service.
Zion Lodge's Castle Dome Cafe
Zion National Park. ☎ 435/772-3213. Menu items $3–$8. No credit cards. Summer daily 7am–9pm, shorter hours rest of year. SNACK BAR.
Located at the north end of Zion Lodge, this simple fast-food restaurant offers an outdoor dining patio serving hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, pizza, ice cream, frozen yogurt, and similar fare. No alcoholic beverages are sold.
NEAR THE PARK
All of the following restaurants, except the Zion Mount Carmel Restaurant, are in Springdale, just outside the park's south entrance.
Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon
1212 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale. ☎ 435/ 772-3498. www.bitandspur.com. Reservations recommended. Main courses $10–$25. AE, DISC, MC, V. Feb–Nov daily 5–10pm (bar until midnight); Dec–Jan Thurs–Mon 5–10pm. Closed Dec 24–25. MEXICAN/SOUTHWESTERN.
Rough wood-and-stone walls and an exposed beam ceiling give this restaurant the look of an Old West saloon, but it's an unusually clean saloon that also has a family dining room, patio dining, and original art on the walls. The food here is a notch or two above what might be expected—the fare is closer to what you'd find in a good Santa Fe restaurant. The menu includes Mexican standards such as burritos, flautas, chiles rellenos, and a traditional chile stew with pork and rice. You'll also find more exotic creations, such as pollo relleno—grilled breast of chicken stuffed with cilantro pesto and goat cheese, served with pineapple salsa. Also good are the deep-dish chicken enchilada, with scallions, green chilies, and cheese; and Moroccan spiced lamb—a braised shank with sweet tamarind glaze, black-eyed pea ragout, and rice. Several vegetarian items are available. The Bit & Spur has full liquor service and an extensive wine list.
Spotted Dog Café
Flanigan's Inn, 428 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale.