Christine & Chris
Things To Do
Zion National Park
If you haven’t spent time in southern Utah, you are in for a treat. Driving through Zion National Park is an experience you will never forget. It is one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring places in the country. We suggest spending some time hiking or taking pictures in Zion on Friday before sunset or on Saturday or Sunday morning.
Zion Mountain Ranch
Many from the East Coast have never seen a buffalo. Well, a quick stop at Zion Mountain Ranch can check that off your list. You can also do some horseback riding, and there are lots animals roaming around including rabbits, chickens and miniature horses.
Clear Creek Ranch
Spend some time exploring and relaxing at the ranch. Check-in time for those staying with us on Saturday (hopefully everyone) is at 3 p.m. It is a great time to drop off your bags and take a look around before heading to the wedding ceremony, which is 30 minutes away. The ranch is only two miles away from the east entrance to Zion National Park.
Best Friends Animal Society
Best Friends Animal Society is the largest no kill animal sanctuary in the U.S. They give tours, kids (and adults) can interact with animals, and the National Geographic show "Dog Town" is filmed there. The wedding ceremony will also take place on their vast property, which is located in the red rock, just 30 minutes from Clear Creek Ranch.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon has some of the most unique rock formations that you will find in the entire world. It is about an hour and a half from Clear Creek Ranch.
Coyote Gulch Art Village
Located in the beautiful Kayenta community near St. George, this enclave of art galleries, gift shops and eateries among the red rock would make for a great stop on your way in or out of town. The Xetava Gardens Cafe is one of Christine's favorite spots in the St. George area for a bite to eat. It is small but unique. Very southwest. Very cool. https://xetava.com
Frank's Train Depot (aka Frank Maxfield's House)
All aboard! The father of the bride has one of the coolest trains you will ever see located in his house. It travels around rooms near the ceiling, cuts through a wall, and turns on music and animation as the train nears different destinations. People regularly call Frank to see if they can bring their grandkids by to see it. If you'd like to stop by on Sunday afternoon, just let Frank know at the wedding. You can take a scenic drive through Snow Canyon or stop by Pioneer Park, which overlooks St. George and has some rocks that are safe to let the kids scramble around on.
Snow Canyon Drive
This is a nice drive that can easily be combined with a trip to Kayenta, Pioneer Park, or a trip to the father of the bride's house on Sunday.
Pioneer Park
This 52 acre rustic community park is a rock climber's paradise. From Dixie Rock, also known as the Sugarloaf, spectacular views of downtown, White Dome, Zion National Park and Arizona can be seen.
Moqui Cave
Contains a substantial rock collection, including 300 ultraviolet-fluorescent minerals, fossils, Native American artifacts, and dinosaur tracks. This is a museum of natural history. You will be able to walk into the mountain 200 feet from the main entrance of the cave. You will see a rock bar that was made by Garth Chamberlain (currently not serving any drinks). This is a great place to visit in southern Utah and will help you create long-lasting memories. It is a good place to literally "cool off" due to the constant temperature of 60 °F. Located minutes from the Best Friends Animal Society where the wedding ceremony will be held.
Springdale
Springdale is a cute town right at the southern entrance of Zion National Park. It is beautiful and has lots of restaurants and some shopping. The welcome center for Zion National Park is located here.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
The park is a popular destination for ATV riders. About 90% of the dunes are open for riding, but all of the dunes are open for hiking and just playing in the sand.
Peek-a-boo Canyon
Not a good idea for the day of the wedding, but an option for Sunday if you want to rent an ATV or walk a 4.5 mile hike. Adventure tour companies from Kanab sometimes take visitors to the slot.
Grand Canyon - FOR THOSE WITH LONGER STAYS
While the Grand Canyon is a little bit of a drive, we'd be remiss not to mention it as an option - especially if you decide to extend your stay. The northern rim is about an hour and a half from Kanab and two hours from Clear Creek Ranch. If you are staying just for the weekend, Zion and Bryce national parks are probably better options.
Antelope Canyon - FOR THOSE WITH LONGER STAYS
Antelope Canyon is a famous slot canyon near Page, Arizona.
Lake Powell - FOR THOSE WITH LONGER STAYS
Lake Powell is a reservoir on the Colorado River, straddling the border between Utah and Arizona. For water lovers, you can find boats to rent there.