Sammy B.
Yelp
One of the best parts of being a travel guide is not only reading about amazing places but getting to experience it yourself. This summer I had the privilege to guide a few tours in Utah and Red Cliffs Lodge still lingers in my mind as one of my favorite places to have stayed.
First Impressions
Coming to this hotel isn't a simple drive down the road. Instead, it takes you about 20 minutes away from the main roads and you hug the mountains as you drive parallel to the Colorado River. There is no reception here but the drive is worthy of any Instagram story or TikTok video. The lazy brown river churns downwards as you go upstream and you see all kinds of things from kayakers to rafters as you drive one of the best roads if you enjoy an exciting drive. If you don't, you'll want to take some motion sickness meds before the drive. As you approach the entrance of Red Cliffs Lodge you see horses running all around at the horse ranch right next to the hotel and on the right of the entrance a newly installed Ford Bronco Challenge Trail giving anyone with a Bronco a chance to test the limits of their vehicle.
Driving through the entrance and you feel like you're inside a real life Western. Beautiful green lawns are on the right, the Colorado River snakes behind the property on the right, and large mountains create natural walls around the property. The use of wood and rocks are the themes for everything it's no wonder this property has been used (and will continue to be used) for movies all throughout the past century. It is a gorgeous set piece in a land filled with so much beauty.
Service
The staff here are so kind and easy to work with. They know the business they're in and they try their best to help. From the front desk staff to the kitchen staff all know their roles and share a hospitality which makes you feel welcomed.
Food
Though you wouldn't think food is that important it is when you are so far away from any other food options. You would think this means they could get away with low quality food because you have to eat there but you would be so wrong. They have an outdoor cook out area next to the tennis courts looking out to the Colorado River. This place does all you can eat lunch for burgers and hot dogs with chips and sides and it is one of the best burgers I've eaten all year. The flame broiled patties were delicious and I found out they use a beef and sirloin steak mix. This makes for a flavorful and tasty mix. Their breakfast is fulfilling and gives you a great start to the morning. Dinner is reservation based also so make sure you make one when you check in. The food overall is much better than you would expect, as long as you realize the food you would expect from a cowboy/dude ranch is exactly what you'll get.
Rooms
The rooms are huge. Multi leveled with the bottom half having a full couch, dining area, mini fridge, coffee bar, and sink. The air conditioning is also there as well which means that it might take some time to cool down the room completely since it's so far away from the bed. The bed itself is on the higher area with most beds being queen to king size. There is a full vanity section to the left of it with a huge mirror, a coat rack (which is so handy), and a TV right across the bed in the corner banister area. Depending on which side of the resort you are on you'll have a porch facing the open area for horses or the Colorado River. When the weather cools down it is a perfect place to have a beer and watch the sunset.
The bathroom is right at the entrance. A large him-and-her sink with mirror is there with a hair dryer and large closets behind this space. Separately there is a bathroom with the toilet and shower/bathtub. The one gripe I do have is they have very soft water here so if you're trying to get a nice lather off of you when showering it'll probably linger on your body afterwards.
X Factor
We all know how light pollution can ruin a lot of great views of the sky, but since there is so little around this area when there is a full moon out you can see some of the most gorgeous star filled skies in the west. They also go all out for events and holidays such as July 4th where they have special cook outs and pool parties. Also, being so close to Arches National Park makes Red Cliffs Lodge a unique place to stay that is both near and yet far enough from adventure.
Conclusion
Red Cliffs Lodge was always a highlight for me on our trips. It is both brimming with adventure whilst also giving you a slow paced stay when needed. If you plan on going out and exploring this area of Utah and want a place unique and special I highly recommend staying at Red Cliffs Lodge.