When most people think about visiting the Southwest, they think of the region’s biggest and best-known national parks. Few if any guests of the best hotels Springdale has to offer don’t make their way into Zion National Park at some point during their stay. But while Zion and other national parks are sure to be highlights of your stay in Flanigan’s Resort, they’re far from the only destinations worthy of a visit.
One often overlooked National Park Service site that’s just a short drive from the luxury hotels of Zion National Park is Pipe Springs National Monument. While it may not have the towering cliffs or challenging hikes of Zion, this national monument is steeped in history.
If you’re looking for a fun and educational day trip to enjoy during your stay in our Zion National Park accommodations, keep reading. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about Pipe Springs National Monument.
Pipe Springs National Monument
The town of Springdale, Utah is located just a short drive from the northern border of Arizona. Here, you’ll find popular destinations like the city of Page, Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. You’ll also find Pipe Springs National Monument.
This national monument might not have Zion’s towering peaks, but it does feature some beautiful desert landscapes. The site also has a long and rich history.
History of Pipe Springs National Monument
The site that is now the national monument was first inhabited by the Kaibab Paiute people. They lived in the area for thousands of years before European settlers arrived, using the waters of the natural spring that is located there to grow crops.
The earliest European settlers were Mormon pioneers, who arrived in northern Arizona in search of refuge from the harsh desert conditions in the late 1850s. They used the natural spring for drinking, keeping livestock, and growing crop. By the 1860s, a large ranching operation was established. However, a war between white settlers and the US army, and Native American tribes, the Black Hawk War, was raging in the area.
Following a raid on the ranch at Pipe Spring, a fort was constructed in 1872, directly over the main spring. A year later, the fort and ranch was purchased by Brigham Young for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The fort was soon renamed Winsor Castle. It became an outpost for travelers moving across the remote area.
In 1887, the church lost ownership of the property in 1887, and in 1923, the then-privately-owned land was set aside as a national monument.
Pipe Springs National Monument Today
Today, visitors to Pipe Springs National Monument can explore the well-preserved fort as well as exhibits and living history displays related to early pioneers and Native American life. The national monument does charge a small entrance fee. If you already have a national park annual pass, you can use it for entry here. If you don’t already have one, you can purchase a national park annual pass right here at our Zion park lodge.
When you arrive on site, you’ll want to visit the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians Visitor Center and Museum first. Here, you can stroll through displays about the Native American tribes that once lived here, the history of the fort, and the story of the pioneers and the struggles between the native tribes and settlers. Ranger-led tours of the fort are available daily.
Pipe Spring, the natural spring that has attracted people to the site for thousands of years, has turned the area into a lush oasis. Green cottonwood trees are beautiful but perhaps a little out of place in the orange-hued desert that surrounds Pipe Springs. There are several hiking trails in the national monument where you can take in the natural beauty.
Visiting Pipe Springs NM During Your Stay in the Best Hotels Springdale Has to Offer
Pipe Springs National Monument is a great day trip to enjoy during your stay in the best hotels Springdale has to offer. The national monument is rich in history and natural beauty, and is perfect for taking a break from hiking the steep trails of Zion National Park.
Another great day trip from the best luxury hotels Zion National Park has to offer when you need a break from hiking is Sand Hollow State Park. Here, you can book an off-road adventure, go boating, and more.
Ready to start planning your next visit to Flanigan’s Resort? Besides picking out some amazing day trips to enjoy during yours stay, you’ll also need to choose just the right room, house rental, or other Zion National Park accommodations. Check out the amazing lodging options at our Zion park lodge to choose the right one for your visit!