Under Canvas: Zion’s Most Extraordinary Lodging Option

Glamping. I’ve always been incredibly curious about the concept, particularly in the last few years as it has experienced a surge in popularity. Like you, I’ve been primitive camping countless times throughout my life but never “in style”, as outfits like Under Canvas allow. Sleeping in a canvas tent equipped with high-end hotel-grade furniture and amenities certainly sounded unique and appealing, but I wondered if such an experience would simply leave me yearning for the real thing – a traditional hotel, that is – even with all the unique trappings that accompany this uncommon approach to lodging. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Under Canvas’ 196-acre Zion location is situated right off Kolob Terrace Rd. 8 miles in from Hwy 9, extremely close to the Park. To no surprise, the road leading to the property was an incredibly scenic drive, typical of Southern Utah. As we approached, the careful planning that clearly went into the property’s design was apparent. Dirt-road culdesacs lined spaciously with neighboring canvas tents all connected to a main road that led to the lobby tent at the top of a hill where we checked in. The lobby tent is impressive, to say the least. It functions as a customary hotel lobby would while also serving many other purposes such as a lounge, game room, dining area, and restaurant (more on that later). The representative who greeted and checked us in was outgoing and helpful and offered to give my kids a ride on the golf cart as I followed her in my vehicle to our tent.

We stayed in a Deluxe Tent, 1 of 8 total tent options (see this link for explanations and photos of each option). which included a private ensuite bathroom with a shower, sink, and flushing toilet, a wood stove, and a private deck. It was a bonafide, cabin-themed hotel room…I mean tent. The king bed had a Casper mattress topped with extremely comfortable linens and they even provided individual sleeping cots for my two kids placed on either side of the bed. The representative gave us a run-down on the features of our tent, the rules and regulations of the property, and an explanation of on-site and nearby activities. We decided to head back up to the lobby tent and play some of the complimentary board games after which we explored the surrounding landscape on foot. (Somehow I failed to take pictures of the inside of the tent, so see the link above to view the photos on the Under Canvas website. Truthfully, our tent looked exactly as they do in the photos).

After only being there for under an hour, I clearly understood the glamping appeal. It combines all the best aspects of both primitive camping and traditional hotels and creates an exceptionally memorable hybrid experience. You certainly have the sensation of being “away from it all” – because you are – while still enjoying the luxurious comforts of your favorite hotel.

In the back of the photo above, you can see Embers, Under Canvas Zion’s onsite restaurant. They serve all three meals including box lunches to take on-the-go (here’s a link to the menu). The food is amazing and you have the option to dine there at the restaurant, on outside seating with incredible views, around the communal campfire at night, or back in your tent. After dinner, my kids and I sat around the fire, ate s’mores, and conversed with some of the other guests. Most of them had spent the day in Zion and had been sleeping at Under Canvas for multiple nights. One guest told us that it had rained hard a few days earlier and not a drop of rain was felt inside their tent. That same guest said they always glamp during their family vacations if the option is available and that’s it’s become a tradition for them. I mentioned it was my first time and she responded with surprise. Apparently, I’ve been behind the curve when it comes to travel trends.

Once it was time to settle in, we realized that it was a bit cool, understandably. By request, Under Canvas sent Kira, an employee, to help us start our wood burning stove. She let the kids help and was very enjoyable to talk to. The next morning went as any morning would in a hotel room. We showered and got ready for the day, packed up our things, headed to the lobby tent for one more helping of complimentary hot chocolate, and checked out.

I honestly couldn’t even tell you the last hotel I stayed in because, as you know, most of them are too similar to each other to stand out. But I can easily promise that there is no way I’m going to forget this lodging experience. It’s simply too different, too uncommon, too extraordinary to forget. One of my kids declared as we drove away, “This is the best hotel we’ve ever been to”! I’d be hard-pressed not to agree. Thanks, Under Canvas, for providing a special experience and creating memories.

Zion’s Most Extraordinary Lodging Option

Under Canvas

Article by Clear Content Marketing