A road trip covering four national parks – Canyonlands, Arches, Bryce and Zion – gave us the opportunity to go “glamping” in Utah and we found the perfect location – Under Canvas
A recent road trip saw us journey through four national parks in Utah. We began exploring Canyonlands, and the Arches (which are in the same vicinity). From there, we drove to Bryce and after two days, continued to Zion.
Though there’s tons to write about and share about the trip, what I wanted to do is write about the fantastic place we stayed in. The concept reminded me a bit of the tents in Jungle Lodges back home in India.
If you’re looking for a camping experience, but with comfort, look no further
Under Canvas is a “glamping” alternative to camping, or staying in a hotel (or B&B). The first location we stayed in was located near Moab town in Utah. Though it seemed remote, the site was just off the highway, so you can actually hear the sound of cars whizzing by. The tents are done up comfortably and you come home to a nice big bed after a day of sightseeing or hiking.
Unfortunately though, the week we visited the temperatures soared to over a 100° F. The day we decided to come back early for an afternoon rest, we didn’t survive in the tent for more than an hour. It was like a sauna in there!
Under Canvas in Moab
The main tent usually located in the center of the property has large sprinklers. Might be a better way to beat the heat. This year, it’s been unusually warm, we were told. Global warming and all those things that are still being debated. Meanwhile, the proof is doing a jig in front of us and we’re refusing to see it.
This being my first experience at an Under Canvas property, my only gripe is that the tents are really close together (they have acres around) so it would have been nice if they were further apart. The rest rooms are in a mobile vehicle converted into showers and toilets. And they’re really neat and tidy – but they’re quite small. If you’re used to showering with a bit more room, you might need to skip a few (showers!).
But overall, we had a great stay. They didn’t have food either, but if you ordered the night before, they delivered breakfast and a meal to go for the day from an outside vendor. We found some great dining options (Twisted Sisters for one) and a fantastic coffee shop (Moab Garage) in Moab.
Canyonlands viewpoint near the visitors center
Sunset as we drove through the Arches
Base yourself at Moab and explore Canyonlands and Arches
Moab is ideal to explore Canyonlands and Arches and after a couple of days, we traveled to Bryce where we stayed in a cute AirBnB (more about it later). Our third leg of the road trip was at another Under Canvas property near Zion.
View as we enter the property
Around 30 minutes from the park entrance, but with a self contained restaurant in the property, we had no complaints. But let me get to the property itself – the first thing that strikes you is that it seems to be in the middle of nowhere. When you’re driving down the road, you can’t really see the property till you get over a hill and then all of a sudden you notice the white tents arranged on the slopes in a random pattern. Framed against the rocky red mountains, it sure makes for a picture postcard frame. I love the fact that it’s remote, and there’s nothing you see from the property except some of the grandest views.
The road to Under Canvas, Zion
A perfect place to enjoy the gorgeous Milky Way
The solar system is clearly visible especially on the darker nights. Just look up to get a sense of how microscopic we are in the scheme of things! The property is designed on various levels and the tents have more “breathing space” between them. If you’re on a hill, the only downside is that you’re going to have to make a bit of a trip to the restrooms. But then thing of all the exercise you’re getting in exchange. And with the main area with the restaurant slightly further down the road, you could kill two birds with one stone.
Both the sunrise and the sunset were sights to behold from just outside our tent. We woke up to the soft morning light playing with the clouds and illuminating the whole valley in front of us. While the sunset colors played magic with the clouds turning orange to purple and then darkening as the evening gave way to the night. Frankly, if I was a painter, I’d probably whip out my brush and canvas. Since I’m not, I just sat back and enjoyed the spectacle.
Just chilling out and enjoying the view outside the tent
The central tent where the restaurant and the common area is located
The restaurant, which is under a large domed tent in the center (and if you’re atop the hill, you can look down and see the lighted up structure any time) serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. So if you want to take a rest day and do nothing, order yourself a nice meal and sit back and relax.
Needless, to say they’ve got it right in terms of the location. I would definitely recommended at least 2-3 days here if not more.
What can I say – I’m definitely a fan of glamping now!
Comfortable enough! And just what you need after all your hiking activities
More information:
Under Canvas
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