THE VIBE
It’s hard not to drop your jaw as you first approach Cable Mountain Lodge. This hotel is set at the base of Zion National Park’s majestic red rock cliffs, offering incredible views from pretty much any part of the property. With low building heights and a more sprawled-out footprint, Cable Mountain Lodge feels a bit like a ranch-style property and less like a traditional city hotel.
With both residences and hotel suites on offer, you’ll encounter a combination of vacationing regulars and one-off guests staying at the Cable Mountain Lodge. We visited off-season in the winter so the property was pretty quiet and serene, although mornings tend to be a bit busier with the increased traffic of guests and visitors passing by to reach the park entrance.
THE ROOMS
We stayed in a second-floor suite which would be large enough to sleep a small family between a pillow-top King-sized bed and a pull-out couch. Suites are equipped with a full kitchen with a stovetop, microwave, full fridge and a small dining table for preparing and eating meals. Bathrooms have dual sinks, a separate bathtub and shower along with a privacy wall for the toilet.
Back in the main room, there’s also a small desk, a television and electric fireplace, the latter of which we appreciated after returning from wintertime hikes. But when the weather is warmer, guests can spend time on the furnished balcony to take in more of Zion’s natural beauty.
THE FEATURES
Cable Mountain Lodge is part of the Zion Canyon Village, which travellers pass through before reaching Zion National Park. The Village is equipped with a brewpub, market, sporting outfitter, a small cinema and a gift shop, all just steps away from the lodge. Back on the lodge proper, guests have access to an on-site spa, outdoor swimming pool and hot tub. Communal outdoor decks are a great place to spend an evening gazing up at the nighttime sky blanketed with stars, or simply admiring the view of Zion during the day. Museum-like plaques along the railings help you identify the cliffs and mountains you see.
THE LOCATION
Despite the immaculate property, you’ll probably be spending very little time indoors when you’re staying at Cable Mountain Lodge. There’s a ton to explore in Zion National Park, from canyoneering to river tubing and bike trails. But one experience not to miss is a hike through the Narrows. This hike takes you along a shallow river (water shoes and waders can be rented at the sporting outfitters in advance) for some incredible views of a slot canyon whose gentle curves and passages have slowly been eroded away with time. For more dining options, Cafe Soleil is just a few minutes walk from Cable Mountain Lodge, or drive five minutes into town for steak at the Switchback Grille.
Rooms start at $333 per night
147 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, Utah, 435-772-3366, cablemountainlodge.com
