Open Sky Zion - Where Luxury Meets the Wild

When was the last time you soaked in a copper clawfoot tub while staring at red rock cliffs through floor-to-ceiling windows? Open Sky Zion takes the concept of outdoor hospitality and elevates it to something entirely unexpected - a complete reimagining of what it means to sleep under the stars. Located in the rugged backcountry near Zion National Park, this luxury retreat offers handcrafted African safari tents that somehow manage to feel both wildly remote and ridiculously comfortable.

Picture this: you're sipping morning coffee in a plush bathrobe on your private deck as the sun crests over red rock cliffs, then later soaking in a copper clawfoot tub after a day of hiking, all while gazing through skylights at the Milky Way. It's the kind of place that makes you wonder why anyone bothers with regular hotels.

Getting There: The Journey is Half the Experience

Open Sky Zion sits 16 miles west of Zion National Park's south entrance, accessible via a 3.5-mile dirt road that winds past local orchards and farmland. Don't worry - you won't need four-wheel drive, though the gravel approach to the elevated Star Seeker Superior camps requires all-wheel drive (the staff can shuttle you if needed).

The nearest major airport is Las Vegas, about 2.5 hours away by car. Salt Lake City adds another two hours to your drive but offers a more pleasant airport experience. For those with deeper pockets, tiny St. George Airport is just 45 minutes away and served by major airlines through SkyWest partnerships.

The drive itself becomes part of the adventure. Expect to stop for photos of wildflowers in spring, spot hawks circling overhead, and maybe even encounter wandering cattle who seem unimpressed by your rental car.

Black Sage: Farm-to-Table Under the Stars

Chef Charles Parcell's Black Sage restaurant anchors the property with a farm-to-table philosophy that celebrates southern Utah's agricultural heritage.

The indoor dining room features sleek gray tables and black chairs with deep red accents, all framed by floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing Zion's dramatic landscape.

But the real magic happens on the outdoor patio, where panoramic vistas transform every meal into theater. The menu thoughtfully accommodates various dietary preferences, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.

You can make reservations through OpenTable or directly at the front desk, and room service delivers directly to your tent door for those preferring to dine al fresco on their private deck.

The Accommodations: Canvas Meets Luxury

Each of the 13 safari-style canvas tents sits on elevated platforms strategically positioned for maximum privacy and views. These aren't your typical camping accommodations - they're special-order tents from South Africa with hardwood floors, elegant décor, and amenities that rival five-star hotels.

Desert Rose: Romance in the Desert

Designed for couples seeking intimacy, Desert Rose camps create a romantic atmosphere with plush bedding and soft lighting. The private patio becomes your personal sunset viewing platform, complete with a fire pit for evening s'mores. The outdoor shower offers a refreshing desert experience, while heated bathroom floors ensure comfort year-round.

Juniper Berry: Family Adventure Base

The family-friendly Juniper Berry features a private bedroom with a king-size bed plus built-in twin bunk beds that kids adore (though adults find them comfortable too). An additional twin pull-out sofa accommodates larger groups.

The spacious interior and large outdoor patio provide plenty of room for families to spread out while maintaining the luxury camp experience.

Milky Way: Space for Everyone

With two private king-bedded bedrooms and a shared living space, Milky Way offers premier group accommodations.

The living room's pull-out trundle bed sleeps an additional person, while the large ensuite bathroom features a double vanity and heated floors. The outdoor shower and ample parking for two vehicles make this perfect for families or friends traveling together.

Star Seeker: Sleep Beneath the Cosmos

This is where Open Sky truly shines. Star Seeker camps feature large windows and a glass-ceiling bedroom that transforms bedtime into a celestial experience.

Choose between two king-sized beds separated by a privacy curtain - one under the regular ceiling, another beneath the sky window. A Celestron telescope enhances your stargazing, while the ensuite bathroom includes both a shower and a freestanding copper bathtub. The spacious outdoor patio and private deck create seamless indoor-outdoor living.

Star Seeker Superior I: Elevated Luxury

Everything you love about the Star Seeker, elevated - literally.

Perched higher on the mesa, this camp requires navigating a short, steep gravel road (all-wheel drive recommended) but rewards you with expanded views and a larger patio. The same glass-ceiling bedroom and Celestron telescope offer unparalleled stargazing opportunities.

The private outdoor heated cedar soaking tub and shower become your personal desert spa, while the elevated position ensures ultimate privacy.

Star Seeker Superior II: The Crown Jewel

The property's most exclusive accommodation offers direct views of Zion's West Temple through expansive windows. A suspended deck features a sky hammock perfect for afternoon naps or nighttime stargazing.

Like its Superior I sibling, it includes a private heated cedar soaking tub and outdoor shower, plus the signature glass-ceiling bedroom with telescope.

The elevated mesa location requires careful navigation but delivers views that feel almost otherworldly.

The property backs onto Bureau of Land Management land, ensuring your wild surroundings remain permanently protected. With five miles of on-property hiking trails and easy access to the renowned Guacamole mountain biking trail, you might find yourself too busy exploring to ever want to leave your desert oasis.