Western Wanderlust Chronicles

Day 2: A Sunset Hike and Stargazing at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort

Arrival at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort

We arrived at our camp outside of Zion National Park, nestled in the serene surroundings of Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort. As we rolled in, we were greeted by an unexpected but utterly charming welcoming committee—baby goats! Oreo, Cream, Hazelnut, and Mocha were just a few of the adorable names we came to know. These curious little goats roamed the resort grounds freely, mingling with guests and adding a whimsical touch to our arrival. Their playful bleats and innocent antics immediately made us feel at home, setting the tone for a delightful stay at this activity-filled mountain oasis.

An Evening Hike Along Checkerboard View Trail

After dinner, Bill and I decided to go on an after-dinner hike along the Checkerboard View Trail. The 3-mile hike started right at the resort and took us through a mix of pine and juniper forest. The trail had open sections that offered panoramic views of the colorful rock formations that make Zion so famous. As we followed the ridge line, we were treated to a breathtaking sunset over the canyon at Black Hawk View Point. The sky blazed in shades of orange and purple, and it felt like we were in the perfect place to take it all in.

Magical Music and Checkerboard Viewpoint

As we continued down the trail, we heard the gentle sounds of live acoustic music coming from one of the houses nearby. The music echoed through the canyon, adding to the ambiance of the evening atmosphere. It was one of those moments that felt almost magical, as if everything had fallen perfectly into place.

Soon, we reached the Checkerboard Mesa View Point, which offered a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape, including the iconic Checkerboard Mesa in Zion National Park. The dusk lighting created a beautiful pink-hued sky that illuminated the sandstone rocks. It was amazing to see the Checkerboard Mesa’s distinctive cross-hatch patterns, carved by centuries of wind and water erosion, and we felt truly rewarded for our efforts. We managed to make it back to camp just as darkness set in.

A Night Beneath a Celestial Canopy

Back at camp, Bill and I settled in beside the fire, the warmth on our faces contrasting with the crisp evening air. Above us, a dazzling blanket of stars began to unveil itself, each one brighter and clearer than I could have imagined. With the campground far removed from any light pollution, the sky was an untouched canvas, painted with the shimmering glow of countless stars. The Milky Way arched across the horizon like a celestial river, its luminescence breathtaking in its detail. It was a perfect night to try my hand at astrophotography, and I felt a thrill of excitement as I captured the beauty of the cosmos—each image a testament to the magic of the night sky.

Reflection

Today reminded me of the power of moments that happen when you least expect them—like stumbling upon a sunset view, hearing live music echoing across a canyon, or standing beneath a sky full of stars. It’s those small, unexpected touches that make an experience feel extraordinary. This day at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort reminded me to appreciate the simple wonders around us, to let ourselves be present, and to enjoy the journey just as much as the destination. As Bill and I sat by the campfire, looking up at a sky filled with stars, I felt a deep sense of peace. It’s these moments that stay with us long after the journey ends.