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Live Music Venues In Greater Zion

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When it comes to live music, you will find artists of all stripes throughout Greater Zion. So, it’s no surprise that there are venues across our collection of communities where visitors can enjoy terrific tunes from new musicians to established pros. At many of the spots, local beers and craft cocktails offer the ideal complement. 

Check before heading out, as live music is limited to weekends or specific nights of the week in some locales. Times and locations here are subject to change.

Live music in Ivins

A monthly celebration

Shop ‘til you drop at the galleries and studios in Kayenta Village, then stick around the Center for the Arts at Kayenta and enjoy music, food, and fun. on the first Friday of the month. 

Live music in St. George

Noodle on this

Ahi’s Asian Noodle & Rice Bar is a super casual spot for Japanese, Chinese, and Thai dishes. With live music Friday and Saturday and karaoke on weeknights, you can pair a variety of Asian dishes with an even wider variety of musical offerings. 

Muy Caliente!

Angelica’s Mexican Grill offers authentic Mexican cuisine prepared according to family recipes passed down for generations. There is live music on the patio on Fridays and Saturdays, adding a touch of flare to your meal.  

Visual music

ART Provides is a spacious art gallery located on the top floor of the historic Main Street Theatre and Ballroom. Jazz music every third Saturday night adds to the relaxing, creative ambiance of the gallery.

Tee up some tunes

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Practice your drive, perfect your putt, compete in virtual golf games at BigShots Golf + Craft Kitchen, then enjoy inspired pub food and cocktails. The fun continues beyond the driving range and the kitchen with karaoke on Fridays and live music on Saturdays.

Blues on Bluff

Blues Katz Rock ‘n’ Roll Grill has burgers, brews ‘n’ blues – a can’t miss combo. With live music, open mic/jam nights, covers, disco, karaoke, this 21+ venue has it all, seven nights weekly. 

Make it on Mondays

Bring your lawn chair, picnic, family, and friends to Concerts in the Park. On the second Monday of each month (spring through fall), the City of St. George presents a slate of concerts. Showcasing everything from country to classic rock, or blues to barbershop, your preferred genre is sure to be on tap.

Gotcha cornered

Downstairs from George’s Corner Restaurant, a cozy nightclub awaits. Local singer/songwriters share their best works while you grab a cold one or a craft cocktail and enjoy.

Keeping score

Throughout the week at Guru’s Sports Bar & Grill, you can follow your favorite teams on multiple screens; on Fridays, you’ll see/hear the region’s most popular performers.

Buzz cuts

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Hive 435 Taphouse is a local favorite, and this venue is always a hive of activity. Live@Hive nights bring in bands and solo acts. On other evenings, proficient DJs spin familiar tunes.

Shop and pop

The Social District Boutique & Bistro resembles a Roaring ‘20’s speakeasy – minus the raids. Up front, a cheery boutique offers carefully-curated women’s clothing and accessories; in the back lies an intimate bistro with a full bar. Toast your week’s end with live music on Friday nights.

Be zen

Spiritual Cocktail Parlor is the place to sip and socialize. Dress to impress or come casual to enjoy cocktails spotlighting Utah-made spirits, brews, and wines, while live music and DJs keep the energy up. Espresso martini fans – rejoice; their version is supreme.

Three-alarm fun

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Decisions, decisions: front patio, main bar, billiards room, taproom, or roomy rear patio upstairs? At this restored 1918 firehouse, your seating (and beverage) options are ample, from handcrafted microbrews to classic cocktails. Live music is usually featured at Station II Bar by Zion Brewery on Saturday evenings.

It’s the one

The One & Only is a quirky, uber-cas neighborhood bar and dance hall, where you can shoot some pool, try your hand (and voice) at karaoke, and boogie to DJs and live music. Grab a cold one, settle in, and watch the show.

Playing chicken

Healthy chicken wings? Yes! At Wing Nutz they’re baked, not fried, and grease-free; a whole lotta hearty comfort food is also available. If you need courage for open mic or karaoke nights, one of their six (and counting) signature beers just might encourage you.

Live music in Hurricane

Stars at sunset

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In addition to a packed schedule of special events, Sand Hollow’s stunning red rocks at Sand Hollow Resort Rock Bowl play host to live concerts. Grab the Sunset Concert Series Season Pass; you can attend any of the performances at this spectacular outdoor venue. 

Live music in Virgin

Vacation destination

Balcony One is a gastropub popular with locals, serving up American favorites. There is music on the patio on select weekends and stunning views of Zion year-round. Call ahead for a music schedule. 

Live music in Springdale

In Zion’s shadow

The Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon is just a stone’s throw from Zion National Park, serving premiere Southwestern and Mexican cuisine. A late-night menu, and a backyard taco shack and cantina await, surrounded by live outdoor music on Mondays and Fridays. 

Take a hike … then…

Featuring New American regional dishes, Anthera is a lovely place to unwind after a day’s hike in Zion National Park. Call ahead for a music schedule. 

Views and brews

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Take a short stroll from Zion National Park’s south entrance, grab a seat on the patio at Zion Canyon Brew Pub, and savor magnificent views. With live music on weekends and Zion Brewery’s signature beers, this spot will cap off your Greater Zion adventure perfectly.

This is not an inclusive list of all live music offerings across Greater Zion. See our Event Calendar for more entertainment options.

As you might gather from the name, glamping is for the glamorous camper. Anyone who considers themselves more “outside-sy” than “outdoors-y” will find the perfect balance between authentically connecting with nature and lounging in luxury from the comfort of everything from covered wagons to yurts near Zion National Park

Glamping under 30 minutes from Zion National Park 

The park serves as the perfect backdrop for a luxurious outdoor endeavor, and glamping under 30 minutes from Zion National Park grants easy access to various mountain biking and hiking trails, adventure outfitters, unique dining experiences, and more. The string of communities located along SR-9 – including Virgin, Rockville, and Springdale – falls within a close radius of the park, making spots near Springdale ideal locations for Zion glamping adventures. 

Springdale is the most convenient access point to Zion National Park since it is directly adjacent to the south entrance. As an added bonus, it grants easy access to parking, shuttle services (inside and directly outside of the park), outfitters to equip your adventures from Angels Landing to The Narrows, and excellent dining options.

Under Canvas Zion

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33 minutes from Zion

With locations near some of the most beautiful national parks in the United States, it’s no wonder Under Canvas made its way to Zion National Park – the best park of them all in our completely unbiased opinion. At Under Canvas Zion, guests enjoy high-end amenities including locally-sourced onsite dining, upscale furnishings, live music, morning yoga, organic bath products, and nightly campfires (s’mores included). 

Under Canvas Zion is unique because it is one of the few DarkSky-certified resorts in the world. This means there is a big emphasis on minimizing light pollution and preserving the night sky through careful planning of light infrastructure. The night sky is such an important element of a stay at Under Canvas Zion that there are Stargazer tents available for rent, nightly star parties, and space-themed culinary offerings. A night spent glamping at Under Canvas Zion is an out-of-this-world experience in the most down-to-Earth way possible. 

Open Sky Zion

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30 minutes from Zion

Glamping at Open Sky Zion entails luxury from the top of its canvas roofs to the bottom of the heated bathroom floors – all while surrounded by the same reverent cliff faces that adorn Zion National Park. Situated remotely – down a dusty road – outside  the city of Virgin, Open Sky is the perfect place for you to master the art of doing nothing while surrounded by some truly Instagram-able roomscapes and landscapes. In fact, go looking for a couple of the few hoodoos in Greater Zion on this property.

In addition to all the top-notch bells and whistles that come with your room (luxury linens, king-sized beds, indoor/outdoor showers, indoor/outdoor fireplaces, private patios, wifi, lounge chairs, hammocks, room service, and daily housekeeping just to name a few), Open Sky has a high-end restaurant, Black Sage, onsite. The restaurant requires reservations and also provides guests with to-go meals for their adventures.

Zion Wildflower Resort

21 minutes from Zion

Located in Virgin, this glamping resort has a wide range of lodging options from which to choose. Zion Wildflower Resort offers grand mesa tents, single pole canvas tents, and luxury covered wagons – perfect for every level of the glamping experience. Or, if you fall further on the ‘glam’ side of the spectrum, they have private, indoor bungalows as well. Guests rave about Zion Wildflower Resort’s attention to detail, especially their habit of providing s’mores kits to visitors. 

No matter which flavor of glamping you dabble in, you will have access to feather-top beds, complimentary wifi, luxury bathhouses, grills, games, fire pits, and a pool and hot tub area – and that is before you even step foot offsite. You will find a plethora of other activities and outdoor attractions just a few minutes from your room, including Zion National Park, Kolob Canyon, Sand Hollow, and Gooseberry Mesa. 

Zion White Bison Resort 

22 minutes from Zion

This glamping resort near Zion National Park offers a variety of dwellings for you to stay in, including luxury teepees, cliff dwellings (or kivas), covered wagons, family cabins, and RV sites. Many of the accommodations feature your own private hot tub – a perfect seat for observing the night sky. Just a stone’s throw away from the Virgin River, Zion White Bison Resort shares an authentic connection with nature – and not just because of the surrounding environment. 

The resort is named for the white bison, a symbol of hope and preservation. Yes, white bison really do occur in nature; it’s not just a cool name. There is a bison sanctuary onsite, where you can observe several bison of all different colors. With any luck, they’ll inspire you to persevere through your own adventures. 

Gooseberry Mesa Yurts

66 minutes from Zion

These yurts are situated near Gooseberry Mesa mountain biking trails, well-known for their varying difficulty, scenic routes, and world-class ratings. In fact, Gooseberry Mesa Yurts proudly proclaim that they are the only lodging option available that is officially located on Gooseberry Mesa.

Here, you can glamp in style – with more emphasis on the ‘camp’ than the ‘glam’ in this specific case. The Gooseberry Mesa yurts are stocked with bunk beds, lanterns, stoves, and various other amenities; however, you still need to bring your own water, canisters, and bedding. This allows you to customize everything about your glamping experience from the gear you bring to the activities you choose.

AutoCamp Zion

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20 minutes from Zion

AutoCamp accommodates every level of glamping with three different iterations of luxury, including fully-indoor cabins, canvas tent suites for a hybrid feel, and custom-designed Airstream trailers for those in search of a truly unique glamping endeavor. Yes, Airstreams as in the silver RV trailers – just decked out with modern designs and comforts that would be difficult to tell from your favorite five-star hotel. 

Some of the comforts include spa-inspired bathrooms, luxury bath products and towels, a fully-equipped kitchenette, bluetooth audio systems, a pool, and sunrise yoga classes. All of the amenities feature mid-century modern designs, creating a captivating contrast between the contemporary offerings and the rugged Zion landscapes that surround you. 

If you wish to delve into the landscapes further, AutoCamp has a hefty list of outdoor itineraries and accompanying outfitters. Or, if you prefer to admire the scenery from a comfortable distance, AutoCamp’s open, walkable layout is the perfect space for outdoor lounging. 

Glamor beyond the campsite

No matter where you choose to set up camp for your next adventure, glamping near Zion National Park (not in Zion National Park due to park guidelines) is a sure way to connect with nature while still living lavishly. We aren’t known as “the glamping capital of America” for nothing. 

Aside from your stellar lodging experience, there are plenty of other luxury offerings just beyond your humble (or not-so-humble) glamping abodes like wineries, spas, fine dining, shopping, art galleries, high-production performances, golf, and more. 

Hire a guide

There are several guiding services available in Greater Zion. You can access them through the concierge services at some of the previously listed glamping sites, or you can search based on the specific kind of outdoor adventure you prefer.

No matter which avenue your pursue or option you choose, these local experts will never lead you astray … unless that’s what you’re going for, of course. 

Take a spa day

Nothing screams glamorous more than a bit of pampering. Luckily, Greater Zion has plenty of spa options to pair with your glamping adventure. With a wide array of wellness offerings, you can find everything from deep-tissue massages to lighthearted manicures. When you arrive back at your glamping site, you can continue living luxuriously with the high-end products and amenities offered with most glamping near Zion National Park. 

Enjoy 18 holes like a PGA or LPGA golfer

Golf is definitely a glamorous sport. The state-of-the-art landscaping, the snappy outfits, the gear, the precision and craft required for the perfect swing or putt … the list goes on, and it’s nothing if not high-end. And with 14 courses in a 20-mile radius, golf is kind of a big deal in Greater Zion. 

Many visitors rave about how even the municipal courses in Greater Zion are top-notch. Beyond those, there are several resort-level options with enough pomp and circumstance to compete with even the fanciest glamping in Greater Zion. 

Take a winery tour

You may have heard through the grapevine that Greater Zion is home to a burgeoning wine scene. Well, you heard correctly – but it’s more of a revitalization than a new industry. Believe it or not, Greater Zion has deep historical roots in the winery business. Greater Zion also sits on the same longitude as Italy, a country well-known for its fine wine production. Coincidence? We think not.

Imagine enjoying a glass of local wine, a memento from the fascinating tour you took earlier, on the back porch of your glamping site. The fire is crackling, the stars are shining, and you didn’t realize it was possible to feel so peaceful and classy at the same time. 

Peruse local art offerings

They don’t call Greater Zion the Land of Inspiration for nothing. From the moment you begin your glamping getaway, you will be surrounded by the awe-inspiring landscapes that are nothing short of a masterpiece. 

Just as the beauty of Zion National Park extends far beyond its official borders, the inspiration our landscapes spark make their way to various canvases, sculptures, and other artworks as an expression of just how impactful our scenery is. You can observe these pieces at several different galleries in Springdale or a bit further out in Greater Zion. They serve as a reminder that art inspires life (including your glamping site) and life inspires art. 

See a Broadway show outside

Greater Zion’s art scene doesn’t stop at the galleries – it extends to the stage too. Tuacahn Center for the Arts is a full-fledged performance venue with an outdoor amphitheater and indoor theater that hosts various Broadway-caliber productions throughout the year. Several Disney shows have made the journey straight from Broadway to Tuacahn, which is a testament to just how much the red-rock setting … well, rocks.

Going out to an excellent show after an adventurous day and returning to your truly exceptional glamping site near Zion National Park is the stuff that vacation dreams are made of. 

Explore, indulge, and enjoy the glamorous side of life in Greater Zion.

People often say that golfing in Greater Zion is like playing in a postcard, and we have a healthy library of photos to confirm. Pictures do say a thousand words, but numbers also talk. And Greater Zion’s golf stats are pretty impressive. Here’s the breakdown:

There are 14 courses in a 20-mile radius

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Yes, you read that correctly. Community members and visitors have a wide selection of golf offerings from which to choose in Greater Zion, including everything from all-inclusive resorts to stay-and-play experiences to classic municipal layouts. (Don’t let the word ‘municipal’ fool you – many golfers report that the city-owned golf courses in Greater Zion keep pace with their favorite non-municipal courses around the country.) 

Whether you golf in St. George, Hurricane, or Washington, you’ll never be more than a 20-minute drive away from the next courses. And no matter which course you choose, you’ll golf near Zion National Park, whose beauty extends far beyond the official park borders. Such convenience lets you pack even more variety into your golf itinerary, and such captivating scenery will inspire you to swing for the red-rock-lined skies.

There are 262 holes and 100,683 yards in total

If you played one hole of golf per day in Greater Zion, it would take nearly nine months to play all of them. Hole-y moley! Thank goodness they let you play numerous holes a day! 

In addition to the sheer number of holes, each course has carefully designed signature holes. They create unique and challenging rounds that are perfectly balanced by the scenic surrounding landscapes. There’s no accounting for the number of balls you could lose in your round with these challenges, but you’ll be comforted by your surroundings.

The total number of golf yards in Greater Zion – 100,683 – is also staggering. That is equivalent to over 57 miles. With that distance, you could hike Angels Landing almost 11 times, ride around the entire Sand Hollow Reservoir 28.5 times, and run a little more than two marathons. 

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There are several prestigious golf events 

These kinds of golf stats don’t go unnoticed. In fact, they have drawn the attention of The PGA Tour and LPGA Tour. The LPGA tour has hosted tournaments – the Epson Tour and the Senior Championship – multiple times in Greater Zion, with even more slated to take place in 2025. In late 2024, The PGA tour will host a tour event in Ivins. 

All that to say: Greater Zion golf courses are definitely professional-grade. 

2,400 square miles of adventure await beyond the fairways

Golf is just the beginning of your adventure in Greater Zion. There are already 14 course options; now, just imagine pairing them with the hundreds of activities and adventures waiting outside the course. The combinations are endless. 

Jeremy Diguer is an accomplished French triathlete. He has taken advantage of several opportunities to compete in IRONMAN races around the globe, immersing himself in many of the great wonders of the world. But by his account, nowhere else on Earth compares to the majesty that is Greater Zion.

“St. George is a dream for me,” Diguer said. 

Background

Before his IRONMAN days began, Diguer grew up in France, catching glimpses of the United States through the media. Displays of the landscapes, nature, and unique geology in Utah always drew his eye. 

When he was presented the opportunity to race in Greater Zion, Diguer was eager to participate and share his experiences competing and exploring with his dear friend, Thomas Maillard.

Maillard and Diguer share a fascination with Greater Zion and a passion for IRONMAN competition, but Maillard’s abilities are limited since he is wheelchair-bound. That is where Diguer steps in. 

“I want people to know they can pursue their dreams no matter their circumstances,” Diguer said.

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You might recognize the duo from previous IRONMAN competitions. For the entirety of his race, Diguer competes in tandem with Thomas. This is no small feat since the race includes swimming, biking, and running portions. That doesn’t stop Diguer from sharing the competitive experience with his friend, though.

During the swim portion of the race, Diguer pulls Maillard along on a raft. During the bike, Diguer pulls a trailer in which Maillard sits. And for the final run portion of the race, Diguer pushes Maillard in his wheelchair. At the finish line, Diguer switches places with Maillard, who completes the final steps of the race, demonstrating that those with disabilities are capable of achieving great feats. 

Witnessing these two work together is even more inspiring than the reverent landscapes surrounding them, and it is a true testament to the endurance of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The uplifting feelings are only amplified by the crowd, volunteers, and community members. 

“Greater Zion is one of the only places I have raced where there are people along the entire course,” Diguer recalls. “There is cheering and celebration no matter where you are in the race.”

Looking ahead

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This year, Maillard will remain in France as Diguer competes in the Intermountain Health IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship St. George, but he will still be actively engaging with the race. Maillard will be monitoring Diguer’s social media on race day, May 4, and viewers can also tune in to watch the race via live stream. If you’re trying to spot Diguer, he won’t be hard to miss thanks to his towering height and French uniform prominently displaying his last name. 

While Diguer will miss Maillard’s companionship and encouragement as he competes, he looks forward to racing in Greater Zion again, one of his favorite locations. In addition to its beauty, this IRONMAN 70.3 race is renowned for being one of the most difficult courses. 

“The elevation can be challenging,” Diguer said. “The dryness too – but the bike portion is very fast,” he said. “And of course, I love the sunshine.”

Diguer is hoping the typically dry weather will create ideal racing conditions and increase his odds of checking an iconic hike off of his bucket list: The Narrows in Zion National Park, which often closes seasonally due to high river levels. Beyond the park, he plans to explore the bike trails in Snow Canyon, the water sports at Sand Hollow, the restaurant scene in Springdale, and various other activities throughout Greater Zion. Even after an intense competition, Diguer prioritizes taking the time to experience the magical active offerings in our area as he recovers

As Diguer races through the twists and turns of the course, the inspiration he and his fellow competitors create will echo off the canyon walls. That inspiration will be felt across the world as spectators witness such amazing achievements and athletes carry the experience of Greater Zion in their hearts for years to come.

Washington County has supported film ventures since their earliest appearances in Greater Zion, and local leadership continues to advocate for the future of the industry. 

The opening credits

In 1927, the silent western movie “Ramona” (1928) was shot in Zion National Park. Soon after, other western filmmakers flocked to Zion, eager to showcase our stunning landscapes that many regard as iconic symbols of the western United States. The films that followed – including “The Vanishing Pioneer” (1928), “The Arizona Kid” (1939), “The Dude Ranger” (1934), and many others – paved the way for even more productions, and the film industry began to flourish. 

More than 40 years after the first film was shot in Greater Zion, Twentieth Century Fox landed in St. George to film “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969), starring Paul Newman, Robert Redford, and Katharine Ross. It was a hit at the box office, becoming the top-grossing film of 1969. The box office was not the only thing this film impacted, though; it showcased the wonder of Zion National Park to audiences and crew members alike. Here in Greater Zion, leading actor and future filmmaker Robert Redford discovered a deep love for Utah

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Redford’s profound appreciation for Utah inspired him to film several other motion pictures in Greater Zion, including “Jeremiah Johnson” (1972) and “The Electric Horsemen” (1979). These movies created more filmmaking synergy, inspiring crews to make the journey to Washington County and use it as the backdrop for their stories, including “The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing” (1973) and “The Eiger Sanction” (1975). 

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In 1977, “The Car” (1977) was one of the last movies to be filmed in Zion National Park; regardless, the film industry continued on in Greater Zion. “High School Musical 2” (2007), “The Flyboys” (2008), and countless other short films, documentaries, music videos, and Hallmark movies selected Greater Zion as their film location.

The rising action

Over 96 years after the first silent western movie was filmed in Greater Zion, Washington County is the location for yet another western movie, creating a true full-circle moment. Kevin Costner’s full-length feature series “Horizon: An American Saga” is filmed in Greater Zion. Chapter 1 features shots of Greater Zion, and Chapter 2 began more extensive filming in various locations throughout Washington County in April 2023. Chapters 3 and 4 will be filmed in 2024. Many locals were hired as crew members, and students from Utah Tech University were hired as interns, creating a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to add “Horizon” to their resumes. Local community members were giddy with excitement when the call for hiring extras was announced, eagerly volunteering to participate in a project that tells a compelling story and proudly showcases their home. 

In 1979, Robert Redford expressed to a group of college students that he would love to see the construction of a sound stage in St. George. Like Redford, Costner also recognized the beauty of Greater Zion and the benefit of having a sound stage in Washington County. As both western storytellers once dreamed, their visions of a studio are coming to fruition. Preparations are currently underway for the groundbreaking of Territory Film Studios, a joint venture into film production with Kevin Costner and developer Brett Burgess. This studio is another step forward for the local film industry and the local economy. 

The encore

Currently, Utah has over 4,000 higher education students pursuing film-related classes and degree paths. All of Utah’s universities, applied technology schools, and even high schools offer film classes. However, due to extreme difficulty finding in-state, film-related careers, students with film aspirations leave Utah after graduation. The evolving film industry creates an opportunity for Utah to retain those who are raised and educated locally, and Washington County is encouraging that growth through the interest our youth is pursuing: film.  

As Greater Zion continues to grow rapidly, our county leaders have recognized the need for additional industry. The film industry provides jobs, utilizes local services, and provides a family-sustaining wage.  Combined with the amount of interest Utah’s youth demonstrates in the film industry, our beautiful landscape, and substantial economic impact, film offers obvious, sustainable solutions to ever more pressing economic development challenges. 

Washington County has a rich history with film, and an even brighter future in the industry lies right at our fingertips. If we can capitalize on this beckoning opportunity, Washington County could become a hub for filmmaking in the southwest.

The IRONMAN sculpture, an artistic piece paying homage to the incredible IRONMAN events that have taken place in Greater Zion over the past decade, has moved to a new home. 

Originally displayed in the center of the traffic circle on Main Street and Tabernacle, the sculpture has relocated to the plaza in front of Zions Bank – same street, just a bit further north on Main and just south of St. George Boulevard. 

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A little back story 

In 2019, St. George officially won the bid to host the 2021 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, prompting local race organizers to seek a way to memorialize the World Championship, the IRONMAN mantra (“Anything is Possible”), and the enduring positive legacy that IRONMAN events have created in Greater Zion. 

It was agreed that the only way to truly capture the spirit and essence of all things IRONMAN was through art. Thus, the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office and the City of St. George cooperatively commissioned a sculpture. 

Artists Richard and Josh Prazen presented the concept of a metal sculpture depicting the swim, bike, and run disciplines over the rugged landscapes of Greater Zion. 

Richard and Josh are third and fourth generation blacksmiths who have widely

influenced the metal artistic community for the last several decades. After securing the commission, the father-son duo worked together to bring their vision of the majestic IRONMAN art piece to life. It is one of the original works of art showcased by the local Art Around the Corner Foundation, and one of the few pieces that calls Greater Zion its permanent home.

The cubic sculpture has four sides, featuring a part of the triathlon – swim, bike, and run – on three sides, and the IRONMAN event logo on the fourth. The three sides featuring race imagery represent more than the literal events, though; they also signify the sacrifice, hard work, and accomplishments of the athletes who participate. The fourth side celebrates the land we live in, the accomplishments of the community, and the dedication of the people who make events like IRONMAN possible.

“We are very honored to have this sculpture showcased to the world,” said sculpture artist Josh Prazen. “It has been an incredible experience, especially working with the city and the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office to bring this vision to life.”

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The story lives on

Since the original installation, the IRONMAN sculpture has been an onlooker of several historic moments in Greater Zion, including the first showing of the 2021 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in the area. 

The global pandemic allowed Greater Zion to once again host the 2022 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, and created an unprecedented opportunity to host the 2021 IRONMAN World Championship. Such events had us pretty flattered as this iconic brand and the World were recognizing our both resilient and a world-class destination. 

As the name implies, World Championships attract the best athletes from all corners of the world, as well as their family and friends. The IRONMAN sculpture welcomed those historic events and the thousands of visitors who took part. It saluted the athletes along their competition route. It stood proudly in the background as finish line celebrations unfolded. It signaled the unity between the competitive spirit of Greater Zion and the competitors themselves. This year, it will greet yet another group of IRONMAN visitors as they compete in Greater Zion. 

Whether you are in Greater Zion for leisure purposes or to recover from your most recent IRONMAN escapades, check out the inspirational IRONMAN sculpture (which is much easier to access for photo opportunities in its new location), the Land of Endurance mural across the street, along with the other extensive art offerings in the area. 

According to Utah native and professional cyclist T.J. Eisenhart, “when it comes to art, you can say so much.” And his mural, “Land of Endurance”, speaks volumes about Greater Zion and the signature events that take place here.

Eisenhart’s mural commemorates the competitive spirit of Greater Zion, its athletes, and the beauty of the Land of Endurance®. Located in downtown St. George, you can admire the installation on the south side of the building at 61 North Main Street. As an added bonus, the mural can be seen from the official IRONMAN race route, allowing athletes to absorb the inspiration during the race … and/or recovery

“I’ve raced as a world champion; I know the pressure and the energy that athletes put into their sport,” said Eisenhart, who is both a world-class artist and professional cyclist. “I wanted to capture that spirit along with the beauty of the area, which inspires me during every ride.” 

The mural features geometric shapes, bright colors, and scenes that represent the swimming, biking, and running events found in triathlons. The mural also captures the stunning views found throughout Greater Zion, paired with sunset visuals similar to what participants encounter during the run portion of the competition. 

“Events like IRONMAN bring passion and energy into our communities, and T.J.’s mural does an excellent job of capturing both of those elements,” said Brittany McMichael, director of the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office. 

The mural was originally finished just ahead of the 2021 IRONMAN World Championship, which was contested in May 2022. The event marked the first time the championship was contested outside of Hawaii. And the mural welcomed the world, serving as the backdrop for the Parade of Athletes and visible from the race course.

“When our office originally commissioned this artwork, we did so with the intention of preserving that uplifting feeling that accompanies IRONMAN races. The fusion of art and athletics T.J. created is powerful, and we are so glad to see ‘Land of Endurance’ continuing to serve as inspiration to create and compete fearlessly.”

City of St. George deputy director of arts and events Michelle Graves first discovered T.J.’s work when she saw his painting of Justin Williams, a successful Belizean-American cyclist. The painting depicts the victorious 32-year-old Williams as he crosses the finish line, filled with excitement and enthusiasm after his championship performance.

“One day, I saw a bright and dynamic painting he created of a cyclist and thought ‘wouldn’t it be amazing to have a triathlon mural on the wall on Main Street that the world-class IRONMAN athletes could enjoy as they came into the finish line,’” said Graves. 

With the details worked out and the masterpiece complete, Graves is proud to see her vision realized. 

“Having this IRONMAN mural painted by a professional, local athlete ties this piece to the event and encapsulates all that we love in St. George – arts, events, and outdoors,” added Graves. 

T.J. draws from the outdoors to create many of his pieces, and he finds much of the inspiration for his work while on his bike. 

“When I’m riding my bike, my mind is constantly thinking about art,” added T.J. “It’s like preparing for a race or a game. You have to have your mind ready and have your mind in the zone.” 

T.J. referenced one memorable ride up Kolob Terrace Road where he found his saving grace. The sun was setting and he was physically and mentally drained. However, he found his purpose while coasting down the road after his grueling workout. 

“Riding my bike had a purpose that day. I reconnected with the freedom that riding gives you – it’s not about winning; it’s about riding my bike for the freedom and love of my surroundings.”

Athletics have always been a part of T.J.’s life. He specifically recalls an encounter during a family trip to Europe that inspired a life-long love for cycling. 

“I was 8 years old when we saw a stage of the Tour de France go through the Pyrenees. I got hooked! And, realized that I wanted to do something with bikes.” 

While T.J. started winning races and excelling in his sport, his family bought a house in St. George. At age 16, he would attend high school in Lehi, Utah, and then drive to St. George and stay in his family’s home to train over the weekends. He graduated from high school early and moved to St. George full-time to train. Between winters in Greater Zion and summers in Europe, T.J. was on a year-round training plan, determined to succeed. 

However, there was still one thing that was missing in T.J.’s life: his love for art. 

“Art was there before athletics,” added T.J. “When I was getting burned out and realized my life wasn’t balanced (when I was training so much), my mom suggested I take some art classes. I took some basic classes and got back in touch with my passion.” 

As a result of  T.J.’s athletic and creative prowess, he has been dubbed “Utah’s most colorful pro cyclist.” When asked what this means to him, he laughs, “you are probably right! It’s taken me a while to get to that place. Through art, I’ve found my confidence to be my original self.”

When asked what he wants people to take from the mural, T.J. smiles and said, “a flutter of emotion once you first look at it. I want it to take you by surprise with the excitement of the colors and the massive subject matters (athletes swimming, biking and running). I want it to inspire you, ignite some creativity and passion. It’s like a pebble in water that ripples and makes you smile later.” 

T.J.’s other artwork is occasionally displayed in local art galleries, so stop by and check them out if you get the chance. Expect the same bold color on a smaller scale.

Learn more about the 2024 Intermountain Health IRONMAN® North American Championship and read other inspirational stories on our Greater Zion IRONMAN blog.

The newest extension of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve

Delicate species like the dwarf bear-poppy and the desert tortoise aren’t the only things the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve protects – access to recreation hotspots are maintained and protected by this organization as well. Beloved by locals and visitors alike, you can find several popular recreation spaces within the reserve – in Zone 6, specifically – as well. Here are a few of our favorites:

1. Bear Claw Poppy Biking/Hiking Trail System

mountain biking rolling hills bear claw jaydash

Bear Claw Poppy is a versatile, multi-entry network of trails with varying options for all skill sets. You can enjoy the trail on bike, on foot, as a loop, or as an out-and-back. Entering at the Gap Trailhead is the best way to have an enjoyable, downhill cruise. If you’re up for something more challenging, opt for more technical routes featuring steep hills such as Acid Drops, Clavicle Hill, or the 3 Fingers of Death.

2. Green Valley Gap

rock climbing man green valley 105

Green Valley Gap has several hiking and biking options, but most notably, it has an excellent climbing area. You can take on several moderately challenging routes that traverse sandstone formations reaching up to 2,870 feet in elevation. This area is ideal for leisurely climbing. But, if you prefer machinery over manual navigation, you can close the gap via 800 feet of zipline

3. Moe’s Valley Bouldering

bouldering man moes valley 094

This world-class bouldering spot is well-known and well-loved, as its placement in Climbing Magazine’s top 25 bouldering locations list reflects. With its easy accessibility and routes graded from V0 to V14, climbers of all skill sets are welcome. Here, you can clutch killer crimps on classic Utah red rock. Trust us – it’s even cooler than the license plate. 

4. Stucki Springs Biking/Hiking Trail

mountain biking man stucki springs 001

This trail is a lesser-known part of the Bear Claw Poppy trail network. Great for biking and hiking, Stucki Springs is 14 miles long with cliffside views and frequent encounters with the threatened desert tortoise – keep stewardship best practices in mind if you see one. The tortoises might be the only other creatures you encounter on this trail though, as traffic is so minimal that it’s almost spooky. (If ‘spooky’ didn’t rhyme with ‘Stucki’, you’re saying it wrong!)

5. Zen Biking/Hiking Trail

mountain biking man zen trail 002

Though this is a hikable trail, Zen is best known and most frequently used for biking. About six miles of moderately strenuous trail take riders around and through towering rock formations, like the Hippopotamus Caves, while offering a bird’s eye view of the city of St. George. Find your inner zen and go with the stellar flow this trail offers. 

Getting to know Zone 6

Zone 6 is the newest addition to the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, spanning over 6,000 acres. This acreage was granted in 2021 as part of the Northern Corridor roadway agreement in order to protect delicate species and preserve recreation opportunities. 

The Zone 6 expansion isn’t physically connected to the original, northern section of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. It’s closer to the Arizona border and lies just south of Santa Clara, as illustrated here

The Red Cliffs Desert Reserve is about so much more than borders, though; recreation, stewardship, and environmental preservation are key aspects of Greater Zion’s culture. The Zone 6 expansion is just one example of locals’ and visitors’ dedication to putting the Land of Forever first and preserving it for future generations. 

We encourage you to visit every fascinating edge of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve from Zone 6 and beyond. Learn more about other recreation opportunities this area offers here.

The Mojave Desert tortoise is one of many fascinating creatures roaming the Greater Zion landscape. Slow but steady, threatened but resilient, desert tortoises are essential to the desert ecosystem.

This little guy is a big deal

red cliffs nca 235

The desert tortoise, or Gopherus agassizii, is a keystone species. This title is given to species who go above and beyond to help the entire ecosystem by contributing something critical. 

The desert tortoise’s contribution is digging burrows, earning it the nickname “engineer of the desert.” Their claws, shell, and stature (8-15 inches long) are all perfectly adapted to plow through the sand. 

Desert tortoises dig burrows to hibernate through cold winter temperatures and to take a break from intense summer heat. Several other species like the Gila monster, sidewinder rattlesnake, chuckwalla, and peregrine falcon use them too. In fact, they depend on the tortoise burrows to survive – talk about a master architect! Without desert tortoises and their burrows, life in the desert would look much different.

Wait – what the shell?

Watch for wildlife (desert tortoise) sign with a background of r

Unfortunately, the possibility of life without the desert tortoise is very real due to a variety of factors including:

Development – As the popularity of desert communities grows, so does the demand for development. Many desert tortoise habitats have been eliminated due to residential and commercial development. 

Human intervention – Darn those meddling humans, especially the ones who violate stewardship best practices by driving recklessly or taking tortoises out of their habitat to keep as pets. Not cool … and it’s illegal

Upper Respiratory Tract Disease – This illness likely first developed among desert tortoises that were illegally kept as pets. When released back among their peers in the wild, the illness spread among the entire population. If not detected and treated correctly, upper respiratory tract disease can be fatal.

There’s still hope for our favorite slowpokes

Luckily, there are expert biologists in Greater Zion who have mastered the science of desert tortoise preservation. Enter the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve

The folks at conservation organizations like the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve are the only ones who can give tortoises the resources and assistance they need to survive because, in addition to their keystone species classification, desert tortoises are also considered a conservation-reliant species. 

In the wild, the desert tortoise can be found roaming the Mojave Desert anywhere from California to Arizona. In Greater Zion specifically, the tortoises like to hang out in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, where they are carefully monitored by biologists. If the biologists notice any issues with the tortoises, they give the tortoises a little extra TLC before safely returning them to their habitat. 

The biologists aren’t the only ones who make a positive impact on desert tortoises’ lives; your dedication to practicing good stewardship does too. When it comes to desert tortoises, you need to let them be. Leave No Trace and Land of Forever principles recommend 25 feet or more between you and any desert tortoise or wildlife in the wild.  

There is one very important exception, though: if a tortoise is in immediate danger, help! For example, move a tortoise out of the road if there is a car coming – that’s not a very fair race. Make sure you aren’t endangering yourself, then carefully pick up the tortoise and take him to the other side of the road in the direction that he is traveling. We promise, you won’t be in trouble. If possible, set the tortoise down on the other side of nearby fencing or other barriers to keep him from wandering back into the road.
If you notice other, less time-sensitive concerns, you can contact Red Cliffs Desert Reserve for assistance at 435-301-7430. Or, if you’re interested in learning more about desert tortoises, you can stop by the Greater Zion Visitor Center to soak in the exhibits or chat with experts.

Greater Zion is the only place in the world – yes, the entire world – where you can find the rare dwarf bear-poppy. In addition to being one of the most beautiful plants complementing our desert landscape, it is also one of the most precious ones. 

The dwarf bear-poppy, known scientifically as Arctomecon humilis, is endangered – and not because it lacks resilience. Rather, it is picky. The dwarf bear-poppy only survives in very specific, gypsum-rich soil. Long ago, volcanic eruptions deposited volcanic rock throughout the area, filling Greater Zion’s soil with not too much, not too little, but just the right amount of gypsum for the dwarf bear-poppy. 

We are so happy things worked out for our Goldilocks-esque perennial herb, and you should be too. When conditions are right, dwarf bear-poppies are some of the few plants that are tough enough to survive in harsh desert conditions and rival the natural beauty of the scenic desert while doing it.

dwarf bear poppy bloom

The dwarf bear-poppy can be recognized by its short, shrubby stature (hence the “dwarf”), its soft leaves with hair-like tendrils, and bright yellow stamens cradled by four elegant white petals. The “bear” portion of the name comes from the textured edges of the petals that resemble a bear claw.

dwarf bear poppy flower closeup

The highest concentrations of dwarf bear-poppies are found within the boundaries of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve and the White Dome Nature Preserve, among other endangered species such as the desert tortoise. You can observe the poppy in bloom from late April to early May, with Leave No Trace and Land of Forever principles in mind. But no matter when or where you encounter them, keep an eye out for dwarf bear-poppies and treat them as the precious gems they are.