This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Zion National Park is one of the Wasatch Front's most popular getaway destinations. Why not see it in the fall when the temperature is cooler, the crowds have receded, and autumn colors are in full mode?

Book your fall stay at Cliffrose Lodge & Gardens boutique hotel. It is beautifully located on the west bank of the Virgin River within walking distance of the Zion Park Visitor Center.

Cliffrose Lodge was recently voted Best of Utah 2015 and gets great reviews from all the major online travel sights. Sure, you can visit Zion year round, but why not fall at the Cliffrose?

1. Location

Zion is a mere five hour drive from the Wasatch Front via Interstate 15. Cliffrose Lodge is located 200 yards from the Zion Visitor Center and the main Zion shuttle stop. No worries about finding a parking place, you can park your car when you arrive and not drive again, until you wrest yourself away.

2. Less people.

Tourists flock to Zion Park in droves from late spring to early fall. It's much quieter late fall and winter and the Park's temperate climate allows for more comfortable hiking. No more excuses; hike the Narrows, Angel's Landing or other great hikes, when they're not overrun with fellow hikers in the heat.

3. Work from here.

If you must work, Cliffrose offers 24-hour business services and free Wi-Fi! Why not schedule your next conference here? It's close to the Wasatch Front and it's a site sure to please all attendees. Who wouldn't want to work in Zion?

4. Fall colors and temperatures are perfect in late October and early November.

Direct from the National Park Service website:

In fall, the heat of the summer gives way to cooler temperatures and drier weather, making it an ideal time to visit Zion National Park. Along the Virgin River, cottonwoods turn golden yellow and bigtooth maples add splashes of scarlet to the canyons and trails. Favorable conditions prevail for hiking and canyoneering.

5. You don't have to pack a lunch or dinner.

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast. Lunch and dinner (Cliffrose has a full-service liquor license) are also served inside the newly opened restaurant or al fresco on the patio.

6. No backpack required.

Cliffrose offers rooms and suites for families, romantics, and solo travelers. Added amenities include a 24-hour business center, conference center, fire pits and guest BBQs, a sandy beach, and hot tub. The lodge is nestled amidst the Virgin River and five acres of lush garden. Imagine 200 of your besties sharing your garden wedding with the Watchman as your backdrop.

Into adventure? Take advantage of close by bicycle and ATV trails, horseback riding, canyoneering, and of course, golf.

7. Base camp

As with Zion, other close national parks –Bryce and the Grand Canyon are less busy in the fall and are only few hours' drive away. Also, Snow Canyon, Red Cliffs, Kolob, and Cedar Breaks are nearby to broaden your Zion experience.

As the Wasatch Front weather declines, the bad air builds, and ski resorts gear up to opening day, take the opportunity to escape to Zion to relax, get in some physical activity, and enjoy clean, fresh air and sunshine.

The Cliffrose Lodge & Gardens is well appointed and welcomes families, couples, lone travelers, special events, and business conferences. The Cliffrose is family owned, giving your stay a personal touch with historical knowledge, and reverence of the surrounding areas. No chain can provide that!

Your best bet to enjoy all that Zion and the surrounding environs offer is to book your Cliffrose getaway or gathering now for fall 2015. Don't wait, word is getting out!