Zion Lodge History
Zion Lodge History
Celebrating 100 Years
1923
The Railroad
In the early days of the National Park Service, railroad companies built rail lines to bring visitors to America’s new national parks, as well as constructed some of the first hotels in the the National Park System. At Zion, the Utah Parks Company, a subsidiary of Union Pacific Railroad, ran a spur line as far as Cedar City, Utah and established a hotel in Zion Canyon.
Courtesy Zion National Park, Museum Catalog Number ZION 14982
1925-1929
Grand Opening
Designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood to mirror the landscape and tuck harmoniously into the canyon, Zion National Park Lodge opened in May 1925, followed by a series of stand-alone cabins on the lodge grounds. Underwood went on to design many of America’s most iconic national park lodges, including the famous Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite.
Courtesy Zion National Park, Photographer Allen R. Hagood, Museum Catalog Number ZION 14813
1966-1990's
Disaster Strikes
On January 26, 1966, fire tore through Zion Lodge. The National Park Service quickly rebuilt a simpler version of the hotel in just 108 days. An extensive renovation project in the 1990s restored Zion Lodge to its 1920s appearance. The original cabins remain in service today and are on the National Historic Register.
1990's-Today
Legacy and Place Today
Zion Lodge remains the only place to stay inside Zion Canyon. Since 1935, it has hosted ranger-led programs and welcomed generations of park visitors. Today, Zion stands as one of Zion’s most beloved landmarks, offering a peaceful retreat for all visitors that reflects the park’s rich history and its ongoing commitment to preservation and hospitality.
2025
Celebrating 100 Years
To mark the historic 100-year milestone of Zion Lodge welcoming visitors into the canyon, visitors of the park can enjoy limited edition experiences from commemorative retail items to special anniversary-themed beer and cocktails crafted locally. A historic photo display will be placed in the lobby, along with ranger talks and special events are available to attend that highlight the lodge’s legacy, design, and lasting place in Zion’s story.