Active Recovery in the Land of Endurance

Move the body, still the mind – that’s how the saying goes. But does it work vice versa? In our humble opinion, it should. After an intense competition, your mind needs to recover just as much as your body, and there is no better way to recharge than completing your active recovery in the footsteps of past competitors among some of nature’s most majestic wonders.

Greater Zion is a hub for those with persistent spirits and enduring athleticism. IRONMAN World Championships and annual North American Championships, the world-renowned and long-standing St. George Marathon, Huntsman World Senior Games and more attract champions from near and far to conquer our rolling red rock courses. 

You know that feeling you get when you cross the finish line? You’re exhausted, but at the same time, you’ve never felt more awake. There are a few aches and pains that always accompany a race well-run, but you don’t mind. The adrenaline has you feeling like you’re on top of the world. 

As you stand at the peak of the mountain, you let gratitude sweep over you. You reflect on all the work you put in that brought you to this moment – your moment. You did it. You’ve done something you should be proud of. 

We encourage you to stay in that champion mindset a bit longer. Bask in the glory of your accomplishment. Honor the mental and physical fortitude you have built with the perfect combination of active recovery celebration. You’ve earned it. 

Round out your race with a square meal

We bet you worked up an appetite. Luckily, you can have your cake and eat it too with a large selection of eateries ranging from casual dives to fine dining. Refueling has never tasted this good. Check out a place that is uniquely Greater Zion.

Raise a glass to “Finished at Last!”

Greater Zion offers several locations to enjoy everything from a locally crafted microbrew to a full bar with cocktail selections. Raise a glass to celebrate an amazing feat at one of several great spots within walking distance of the finish line or beyond. Cheers to your accomplishments!

Satisfy and gratify with a sweet treat

If you don’t want to toast with a cocktail or glass of champagne, Greater Zion also provides several other options for catching a buzz or even a simple sugar rush with dirty sodas, great coffee and a wide variety of delectable desserts. 

Go with the flow

Let water soothe your weary muscles and calm your entire body. Float in one of the area’s reservoirs such as Gunlock or Quail Creek State Park. Just off the St. George Marathon course and the IRONMAN bike route is Veyo Pool – another great water option, offering an ideal spot for the whole family to chill by the pool and catch crawdads in the creek. 

If you want to do more than just recharge in the water, Sand Hollow State Park has plenty of more active offerings, including scuba diving – yes, scuba in the desert! – and wakeboarding or boating. Or, opt for a gas-powered 4×4 vehicle and take on Sand Mountain, one of the most popular UTV locations in the desert southwest, offering more than 16,000 acres of perfectly sculpted dunes. 

Work out some tension

If a little pampering is necessary, Greater Zion is home to several day spas that specialize in massages, facials, wraps and general rejuvenation. After a peak performance like that, you deserve it, and your body will thank you too. 

Recap your race route

Revisit iconic elements of our world-famous races that you might have missed just passing through. It’ll be much less intense this way, so you can really soak in the scenery and bring along your friends and family. 

Have a full-cycle moment

Pedal on red rock instead of pavement to experience one of the most popular adventures in Greater Zion – mountain biking. Greater Zion offers more than 40 mountain biking trails across desert, urban, mesa and alpine landscapes, as well as the only year-round bike park in Utah. Epic vistas keep riders inspired while slickrock, canyons and sandstone formations offer technical challenges that provide an unforgettable biking experience. 

If you want to give your legs a break, take to an ebike (or remount your road bike, if you’re ready) and bike your way to Snow Canyon State Park, the iconic portion of the IRONMAN 70.3 and IRONMAN bike routes or any of the other trails provide you other-worldly scenery. Or, you can shift gears to more low-key pursuits, like exploring on foot or horseback.

After finally conquering the Land of Endurance, you can revel in your achievement and rest easy. No matter where you go in Greater Zion or how active your rest is, you’ll be sure to find something revitalizing, relaxing or a combination of both in the Land of Renewal.