by Lisa Trottier, Sunset travel editor

I’ve been to Zion National Park in the blazing days of summer, and I’ve been when it’s dusted with snow. I’ll take the latter any old day. When the crowds thin and the park eases driving restrictions, it’s so much easier to enjoy its surreal beauty.

I visited this year in late March—and for the first time stayed at the Zion Lodge, the only overnight option inside the entrance gate. Springdale, the gateway to the park, is a nice town, but eating pancakes every morning with the canyon walls glowing outside the window. Well, it’s the only way to go.

The lodge rooms themselves aren’t much to shout about, but they open onto a broad lawn which itself is one of the park’s most scenic sights. When we weren’t feeling ambitious, my kids and I did our sightseeing right there.

Tackled by my kids on the Zion Lodge lawn.

And now, the off-season rates have kicked in. This month, until just before Thanksgiving, rooms start at $100/night. Starting Dec. 1, they start at $89/night.

Book it: 888.29.PARKS

Plan your trip with Sunset’s online guide to the park, including the top wow spots and your best plan whether you have one day or three.