We recently took a Thursday-to-Sunday getaway to Southern Utah—and wow, what a trip it was! Between breathtaking hikes, a Chabad Shabbos experience, and unforgettable views, it was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
We flew into St. George Regional Airport (SGU)—though not without a few flight delays
—and then made our way to our hotel, about 45-50 minutes away, just outside the entrance to Zion National Park.
THURSDAY
We stayed at the Red Cliffs Lodge Zion hotel which was really nice, with a beautiful lobby and comfy accommodations, but really, it served as our home base while we soaked in everything Zion had to offer.
There are many hotels to choose from – including a glamping hotel which looked pretty neat:
After arriving Thursday morning, we headed straight to Zion National Park. To enter with a vehicle, there’s a $25 fee, but once inside, you can park and hop on the free shuttle that loops through the main part of the park. It makes around 8 stops, and you can get on and off wherever you’d like.
We chose to get off at the 5th stop and took a scenic hike that lasted about an hour. The views were absolutely stunning—towering red rock cliffs, lush greenery, and that unique peacefulness that only nature can offer. It was the perfect way to kick off our Utah adventure.
Pro Tip: The shuttle says how long the trails are. We spoke with dozens of hikers and the times listed are MUCH shorter than reality.
FRIDAY
On Friday, I had an M Collection photo shoot while my husband and boys relaxed and soaked in the views from the pool.
Later, we toured a ghost town and some incredible lookout points in an open roof Jeep.
Halfway through, it started pouring with the roof wide open—and the driver just kept going like it was nothing. We got completely drenched, but it turned into one of the most epic memories of the trip.
The tour was awesome & fun, check them out HERE.
Note: There is a small market near the Zion hotels, but snacks and drinks are extremely overpriced. It’s much better to drive about 10 minutes back toward the route you came from and stop at the ExtraMile gas station. They have a big Wawa-style selection with great prices—perfect place to stock up before heading in.
SHABBOS
We then drove back to St. George (about 45-50 minutes) and checked into our second hotel, The Advenire—a really beautiful, classy spot where we had a large suite so we can relax over Shabbos. It was also just a 12-minute walk to Chabad, where we davened & enjoyed all our meals.
We absolutely loved St. George—the people were some of the friendliest we’ve ever met, and the city itself was beautiful and perfect for walking – on Shabbos.
SUNDAY
On Sunday morning, we drove about 2 hours to Bryce Canyon, passing through Zion along the scenic route. We stopped along the way for a few short hikes and photos before continuing on to Bryce Canyon.
Some of the major viewpoints you don’t want to miss are:
- Inspiration Point – layered cliffs, deep orange hoodoos, and one of the most iconic overlooks in the park.
- Sunset Point & Sunrise Point – two of the best areas to see the famous hoodoos up close.
- Bryce Point – a sweeping panoramic view that feels like you’re looking out over a giant natural amphitheater.
- Rainbow Point & Yovimpa Point – the highest viewpoints in the park, with endless views stretching for miles.
TAKEAWAY: The main differences between Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park:
Bryce Canyon is a visual wonder—it’s about jaw-dropping overlooks and scenery you stand and take in. Zion, on the other hand, is an experience—you feel the canyon around you as you hike, drive, and walk through it. Bryce is all about the views from above; Zion is about being inside the landscape.
Both are incredible, but totally different styles of beauty.
This trip was absolutely stunning—every stop, every view, every moment felt magical. After exploring Bryce Canyon, we headed back, packed up, and got a good night’s sleep so we’d be ready for our next adventure: a flight to Denver, Colorado for Part 2 of our trip!
We just wrapped up an exciting trip to Southern Utah, and we’d love to hear your thoughts on our recap! Comment below! What city should we explore next? Whether it’s a favorite destination or a hidden gem, your suggestions are invaluable to us! Please comment below! To reach our travel team, click HERE
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