Open Sky Zion
Luxury Glamping - Become One With Nature
I have always been an avid camper and outdoor enthusiast, and not the RV type. I actually enjoy roughing it in a tent on a paper thin mat, showering every few days, leaving the luxuries of home behind. Even 4-degree weather at night won’t stop me as long as there are views that last for days and nobody around for miles. Something about the tranquil solitude of nature always manages to heal my soul.
It never even bothered me that by week’s end, I’d come home with a rat’s nest for hair hidden under a ball cap, dirty broken nails, in desperate need of a shower and a huge smile on my face.
Perhaps spending childhood summers at my grandparent’s cabin in Southern Utah perched high atop strawberry cliffs inspired my love of camping.
The place was completely off grid, down dusty dirt roads - no electricity, no internet, no phone. Water came from a small tank out back that had to be conserved. However, what it didn’t lack was the most incredible views and priceless time with family.
Recently however, as often happens in life, I’ve had a complete shift in my way of thinking and to be honest, I may never go back to roughing it again.
You see, I have now discovered the joys of indulging in luxury glamping thanks to one of the most incredible places I’ve ever had the privilege to stay at… Open Sky Zion.
Open Sky Zion is located near the south entrance into Zion National Park. However, instead of being near the hustle and bustle of Springdale where most tourists spend time, it is located off-grid about 3-1/2 miles down a secluded dirt road, immersed in nature off the beaten track.
It’s nestled between mountains in a small valley of red rock, where at night the Milky Way lights the sky and by day, the only sound you will hear is the chirping of birds.
To describe this place as “glamping” doesn’t do it justice.
The hand-crafted African safari tent accommodations are artfully decorated with every detail accounted for. During your entire stay, you will be immersed in the solitude of nature while indulging in luxuries typically only found at 5-star resorts.
Start your morning off with a fresh brewed cup of coffee relaxing in a porch swing in your bath robe as the sun begins to peak up over the mountain tops. After spending hot and dusty afternoons hiking Zion, you can come home and rest your aching bones soaking in a tub in a bathroom with heated floors or in the private cedar hot tub out back (Superior Camps only). At night, have dinner delivered right to your doorstep, enjoy a glass of wine on the patio in the fresh night air or roast marshmallows over a fire pit while watching the moon rise. Best of all, when you lay your head down on your pillow at night, you will be looking up at the stars through skylights as they make their way across the sky above.
They call it “glamping” but this is luxury living that will rekindle your soul.
Open Sky Zion at a Glance
📍 Location: Virgin, Utah (about 25 minutes from Zion National Park's south entrance)
⭐ Known For: Luxury safari-style glamping, incredible stargazing, and a peaceful off-grid setting just minutes from Zion National Park.
🛏️ Accommodations: Private luxury safari tents with hotel-style amenities, outdoor patios, private gas firepits, and select units featuring cedar hot tubs.
🕒 Recommended Stay: 2–4 nights
✨ Highlights: Stargazing, peaceful off-grid setting, Black Sage Restaurant, luxury soaking tubs, private patios, and easy access to Zion National Park.
🥾 Perfect For: Couples, outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, honeymooners, and anyone looking to experience nature without sacrificing comfort.
🍽️ On-Site Dining: Black Sage Restaurant serving seasonal dishes with indoor and outdoor seating.
👉 Planning your visit? Be sure to get my complete Guide to Zion National Park.
Table of Contents
Getting to Open Sky Zion (Nearby Airports)
❤️ Why You'll Love Staying at Open Sky Zion
If you've ever wished you could experience the beauty and solitude of camping without giving up the comforts of a luxury hotel, Open Sky Zion offers the best of both worlds. It offers the best of both worlds. Here, you can wake up to mountain views, spend the day exploring Zion National Park, then return to a beautifully appointed safari tent complete with a plush bed, soaking tub, heated bathroom floors, and your own private patio beneath a sky full of stars.
Unlike many accommodations near Zion, Open Sky feels intentionally secluded. Located down a quiet dirt road surrounded by BLM land, it's the kind of place where you can truly disconnect from the crowds without being far from the park.
My favorite part of staying here was ending each day sipping a glass of wine around the fire pit looking up at the Milky Way stretching across the night sky. It always reminds me that sometimes where you stay can be just as memorable as the destination itself.
⭐ Is Open Sky Zion Worth It?
If you're simply looking for a place to sleep after hiking Zion, there are less expensive options nearby. However, if you want your accommodations to become part of the experience rather than just where you lay your head at night, Open Sky Zion is unlike anywhere I've stayed and absolutley worth it. I expected to love Zion. I didn't expect the place I stayed to become one of my favorite memories from the trip.
Is Open Sky Zion Right For You
Open Sky Zion is a wonderful choice if you...
❤️ Want to experience nature without giving up luxury.
🌌 Love stargazing and peaceful evenings around a fire pit.
🥾 Plan to spend several days exploring Zion National Park.
💑 Are celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or special occasion.
📸 Enjoy unique accommodations that are just as memorable as the destination.
Open Sky Zion may not be the best fit if you want to be within walking distance of restaurants and shops, you ou prefer traditional hotels over glamping although it’s extremely luxurious, or you're looking for the least expensive place to stay near Zion.
Getting to Open Sky Zion (Nearby Airports)
Open Sky Zion is conveniently located just 16 miles west of the south entrance to Zion National Park off UT-9 near Springdale. It is near Virgin about 45 minutes from the City of St. George.
From Zion National Park, take UT-9 heading northwest. Turn right onto Dalton Wash Road (left if coming from Vegas or St. George).
Open Sky Zion is about 3-1/2 miles down this dirt road which takes you past orchards and a farm. The road is well maintained and easy to navigate. There is no need for a 4-wheel drive to access it.
In the Spring, the yellow, red and purple wildflowers along the roadside are intoxicating especially if you are lucky enough to visit on a clear blue-sky day with billowing white clouds.
While driving to Open Sky, I stopped several times to take photos of the landscape and for nature sightings.
At one point, I witnessed a crow attacking a rather large snake slithering across the roadway. I’m pretty sure the snake owes me its life since I scared the bird away allowing it to make haste into the grasslands.
Another common sighting was hawks soaring above and little blue birds hopping along the ground and into the trees. One morning, I was forced to slow down for a meandering black and white patch work cow who didn’t seem to want to get out of the roadway - his buddies watching him unamused in the distance probably wondering what the heck he was doing.
Closest Airports:
Las Vegas Airport
The closest airport to Open Sky Zion is Las Vegas.
Although I am not a fan of this airport by any stretch of the imagination, it is only a 2-1/2 hour drive. If you fly into Vegas, I highly recommend a quick detour through the windy roads of Valley of Fire State Park along the way. The fiery red rock is a sight worth seeing and it doesn’t add a whole lot of time to your trip.
Salt Lake City Airport
Another option is to fly into Salt Lake City. I find this airport much more palatable but it will add about 2 more hours to your drive.
St. George Airport
St. George Airport is a very small airport that primarily caters to small, private planes.
However, it is also served by SkyWest Airlines with code sharing flights operated on behalf of American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. The airport is definitely the most convenient given it’s only about a 45-minute drive to Open Sky, but it will cost more than commercial flights into Vegas and SLC.
Open Sky Zion Amenities
Open Sky Zion is located on private property that backs onto BLM land meaning the surrounding area will never be built on. This in turn means you will be surrounded by nature and silence during your stay.
Open Sky Zion's Luxury Safari Tents
The property includes 13 special-order safari tents built onto solid platforms where guests stay, an outdoor community area, and the main office tent which includes a gift shop and restaurant.
The guest tents at Open Sky Zion are not your typical glamping tents.
The tents are high grade special-order safari tents from South Africa which block out the heat from the day and keep out the cool mountain air at night.
Each tent has a heating and air conditioning unit which quickly acclimates your tent to the perfect temperature.
One of my favorite things about the tents is how they are nestled into little pockets of privacy against the natural rock setting giving you the feeling that you are the only one there.
Whoever designed Open Sky must have been an avid outdoorsman as they are perfectly laid out for maximum privacy using the natural rock terrain to give you incredible views out of every window.
✨ Pro Tip: If your budget allows, consider booking one of the Star Seeker Superior camps. Having your own private cedar hot tub after a long day of hiking Zion was one of my favorite parts of the entire stay.
There are plenty of windows and skylights to allow the surrounding natural light and beauty to flood in. The floors are made of hardwood and the décor is quite elegant.
You will forget you are even inside a tent as the accommodations are nicer than most hotel I’ve stayed at.
Kitchenette Features:
Microwave
Refrigerator
Sink with Dish Towels and Dish Soap
Keurig Coffee Maker (premium tea, coffee and decaf pods restocked daily as well as creamer and sugar)
Coffee Cups, Wine Glasses, Paper Plates, Utensils, Wine Bottle Opener
Bottled Water (restocked daily)
Snack Basket Upon Arrival
Small Dining Table with Chairs
Bathroom Features
Indoor Dual Head Shower (outdoor shower as well)
Large Soaking Tub
Quality Toiletries Locally Sourced and Organic
Generous Amount of Luxury Towels
Bath Robes and Slippers
Heated Bathroom Floor
Blow Dryer
Make-Up Mirror
Private Outdoor Patio Space
Large Patio
Table and Chairs
Hot Tub (Superior Camps only)
Banana Chairs
Gas Fire Pit
BBQ Grill
Telescope
Outdoor Tea Lights
Outdoor Ceiling Fan
Blankets For Cool Nights
Interior Living Area & Sleeping Area
Spacious Bright Interior
Heater and Air Conditioning
Inoor Fireplace
Blue Tooth Speaker
Luggage Rack & Area to Hang Clothes on Wood Hangers
Quality Bedding
Numerous Pillows
Extra Blankets
Skylights Above Beds for Night Sky Viewing (not all units)
Ultra Comfortable King Size Beds
Ample Outlets & Chargers
Additional Amenties Including Black Sage Restaurant
S’More Kit Upon Arrival
Welcome Gift Basket with Snacks and Bottled Water
Continental breakfast served daily with coffee, tea, juices, to-go breakfast sandwiches, yogurt, muffins, cereal, etc.
Black Sage Restaurant - An upscale on-site restaurant serving dinner daily. The outdoor seating area has gas heaters for cool nights and if you prefer, they will deliver your dinner to your door! (Gluten free and vegetarian options available.)
Swimming area with fire pits, outdoor heaters and plenty of seating. They also have paddle boards maing this an ideal spot to spend a hot summer day where temperatures rise.
Snacks, drinks and other items for sale in the front office including local artisan works and luxury toiletries.
Tips for Visiting Open Sky Zion
Incredible friendly office staff knowledgeable about the area who can provide advice and information on things to see, what to do and where to eat
If you enjoy a drink at night after Black Sage Restaurant has closed, you can purchase a bottle of wine to go. If you are looking for something different, visit a local ABC store (grocery stores in Utah do not sell alcohol) and bring it with you. Open Sky only provides wine and beer, but other alcohol is not sold on the premises.
Download a star gazing app on your phone before arrival so you can identify the planets and stars at night. While visiting, I was lucky enough to see Saturn and Mars every night in the constellations just above the horizon.
Plan a trip during a new moon. Although I’m usually an avid fan of camping during a full moon for night hiking, visiting Open Sky Zion during a new moon means you will experience a canopy of stars every night like you’ve never seen before.
Bring extra marshmallows and s’more makings. Open Sky provides you with a s’more kit upon arrival and although they were generous enough to supply me with extra marshmallows, you might want to bring extras. I also recommend mixing up your typical s’mores by using an Oreo cookies instead of graham crackers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Open Sky Zion from Zion National Park?
Open Sky Zion is approximatley 16 miles, or a 25-minute drive, from the main South entrance of Zion National Park.
Does Open Sky Zion have air conditioned tents?
Yes, Open Sky Zion’s luxury glamping tents are climate controlled with heating and air conditioning .
Does Open Sky offer on-site dining? Does Open Sky have a restaurant?
Yes, Black Sage at Open SKy Zion that offers upscale dining on the property that serves dinner daily.
Does Open Sky sell alcohol?
Open Sky’s onsite restaurant Black Sage serves wine and beer. There is no alcohol for sale in the lobby.
What type of beds are in the tents?
Open Sky’s tent feature queen and king beds with high-quality mattresses and plush linens tht are extremely comfortable and something you would expect from a 5-star hotel.
Are the tents private and spaced apart?
Yes. Open Sky does an incredible job of intentionally spacing out tents to ensure maximum privacy. You will feel like you are the only ones there.
Is there electricity and lighting inside the tent?
Yes, all tents are fully equipped with electricty and lighting.
Are bathrooms private or shared?
Bathrooms are completely private located inside the comfort of your own tent, complete with heated floors, plush bathrobes, dual headed showers and quality products.
Is Wi-Fi available? Is cell service reliable?
Wi-Fi is available and cell service was very reliable inside the tents and on the private patio areas. However, cell service at other locations around the property was a little less reliable.
Day Trips & Things to Do Near Open Sky Zion
Hiking Near Open Sky Zion
Hike up the hillside behind Open Sky to Guacamole Trail for a great workout with rewarding views once you reach the top.
From Open Sky, I would estimate it is about 2 miles round trip to get up there and back. It is a gradual incline all the way up to the top but even a novice hiker can easily make it.
Go Mountain Bike Riding on Guacamole Trail
Bring your mountain bike with you during your stay or rent a bike so you can explore the 9.8 moderately challenging Guacamole Mountain Bike Trail that is located just a few minutes away from Open Sky.
Visit Zion National Park
📍 Go
👉 Planning a trip to Zion? Get my Complete Guide to Zion National Park for the best hikes, scenic drives, tips for visiting, and more as well as my Guide to the Zion National Park Shuttle System.
Here are a few of my favorite places to explore:
Weeping Rock
Just a short hike to a beautiful area with lush hanging gardens. It’s a fascinating spot because the water you see dripping from the rock surfaces like tears has taken more than 1,000 years to percolate down through the porous, permeable Navajo sandstone.
Pa’rus Trail
A 3.5 mile roundtrip trail that runs from the Visitor’s Center to Canyon Junction. The paved trail follows the Virgin River and is great for bicycle riding or a leisurely stroll with minimal incline.
Observation Point
An incredible hike that takes you to an incredible viewpoint overlooking Angel’s Landing and the entire valley below.
Angel’s Landing
Hike through a hanging valley in the heart of the park up steep cliffs with sheer drop-offs to stunning 360-degree views of the canyon below. It is one of the most impressive hikes but also one of the most dangerous. Not for the faint of heart.
The hike is 2.4 miles each way, strenuous and will take approximately 3-6 hours.
The Narrows
One of the most popular hikes in the park. It’s the narrowest portion of Zion Canyon where walls can reach over a thousand feet above the river in spots where the water is only 20-30 feet wide. It’s deepest point is 2,640 feet down.
Drive Mount Carmel Highway (Zion Scenic Byway)
Take a drive through the park from the more popular south entrance to the east side of the park.
Traveling to the east entrance takes you through some of the most beautiful landscape around.
You can park alongside the roadway just about anywhere, get out and hike a little ways and feel like you are the only person there despite how massively crowded Zion gets with millions of visitors each year.
This is also your opportunity to spot the herd of big horn sheep that call the park home.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Located less than 30 miles from the east entrance of Zion, off road enthusiasts can ride over 1,500 acres of dunes. There is also a designated hiking area. The area is a shifting sea of red sand that changes with the winds.
Explore Bryce Canyon National Park
📍 Drive Time from Open Sky Zion: About 1 hour 45 minutes
🕒 Recommended Visit: Full day
⭐ Known For: Thousands of colorful hoodoos, scenic overlooks, and incredible hiking trails.
Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its breathtaking natural amphitheaters filled with towering orange, pink, and cream-colored hoodoos unlike anywhere else in the world. If you have an extra day during your stay, it's one of the most rewarding day trips in southern Utah.
👉 Planning a visit? Read my Complete Guide to Bryce Canyon National Park for the best hikes, scenic viewpoints, and practical planning tips.
Add Arches National Park to Your Road Trip Itinerary
📍 Drive Time from Open Sky Zion: About 4½ hours
🕒 Recommended Visit: Full day (or longer)
⭐ Known For: More than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, towering fins, balanced rocks, and some of Utah's most spectacular desert scenery.
If you're planning a longer southern Utah road trip, Arches National Park is well worth the drive and adding to your itinerary. With the highest concentration of natural sandstone arches in the world, Arches National Park is a geological wonder unlike any other. Beyond its famous arches, you'll discover dramatic rock formations, sweeping desert landscapes, and unforgettable hikes.
👉 Planning a visit? Read my Complete Guide to Arches National Park for the best hikes, scenic stops, travel tips, and everything you need to plan your visit.
Add Canyonlands National Park to Your Road Trip Itinerary
📍 Drive Time from Open Sky Zion: About 5 hours
🕒 Recommended Visit: Full day (or longer)
⭐ Known For: Vast canyon landscapes, dramatic mesas, remote hiking trails, and breathtaking overlooks.
Known for its colorful desert landscapes, towering mesas, and seemingly endless canyons carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers, it's one of the best places in Utah to experience solitude and wide-open spaces.
👉 Planning a visit? Read my Complete Guide to Canyonlands National Park for the best scenic overlooks, hiking trails, travel tips, and everything you need to plan your adventure.
Visit Capitol Reef National Park
📍 Drive Time from Open Sky Zion: About 3½ hours
🕒 Recommended Visit: Full day (or longer)
⭐ Known For: The Waterpocket Fold, colorful cliffs, scenic drives, orchards, and fewer crowds than Utah's more famous national parks.
Often considered Utah's hidden gem, Capitol Reef National Park is centered around the Waterpocket Fold, a nearly 100-mile-long geological wrinkle in the earth that creates one of the state's most fascinating landscapes. If you're extending your southern Utah adventure beyond Zion, it's an incredible destination for scenic drives, hiking, and exploring without the crowds found at some of Utah's other national parks.
👉 Planning a visit? Read my Complete Guide to Capitol Reef National Park for the best hikes, scenic stops, travel tips, and everything you need to plan your visit.
