This charming tiny house retreat near Zion National Park is the ideal spot for a socially distanced vacation.

Utah boasts breathtaking landscapes, exciting outdoor adventures, and the renowned "Big 5" national parks: Bryce Canyon, Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef.

Eco-friendly nature enthusiasts have adored Utah for years, and the growing tiny house trend has made visiting the state even easier for travelers. Just a short 20-minute drive from the entrance of Zion National Park, you'll discover The Dwellings at River Rock, a quaint tiny house village in La Verkin, Utah.

We opted for a safe, socially distanced escape to the Zion area before the holiday season. It was a straightforward trip from our home in Las Vegas and provided just the rejuvenation we needed to embrace the holiday spirit.

Discover why this tiny house retreat near Zion National Park is the ultimate choice for a socially distanced getaway, whether during the holidays or throughout the year.

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Renting a tiny home in Southern Utah

The Dwellings at River Rock features approximately a dozen luxury vacation rental homes, both small and tiny, ranging from 300 to 800 square feet. These homes are designed for a smaller ecological footprint while offering top-notch home-like amenities. Each unit boasts a modern design and includes all the necessities such as a kitchenette, a full bathroom with toiletries, spacious sleeping areas, Wi-Fi, and stunning views of the Virgin River and the Pine Valley Mountains.

We enjoyed our stay in the Shocking View Stacker, an 800-square-foot tiny home that was the ideal vacation spot for families ranging from three to eight members.

The Shocking View Stacker features a queen-sized master bed, a loft with two sets of twin bunk beds, and a living area that can transform into an additional sleeping space with a full-size sleeper sofa.

One of the highlights of these luxurious tiny homes is the focus on indoor/outdoor living. Each unit has sliding doors that open to an outdoor seating area complete with lawn chairs, a grill, and an outdoor cocktail bar. There’s ample space for a family meal or to pick up something nearby. The Red River Roasting Company, a charming local café, offers coffee, treats, and sandwiches just a short walk from The Dwelling.

One of the primary reasons we chose this spot, besides the breathtaking views and its closeness to Zion National Park, was the assurance of safety and social distancing while enjoying outdoor family time. The properties are standalone, ensuring a safe distance from neighbors while still allowing us to relish the unique features of this property.

How to reach your destination

The nearest airports to The Dwellings are McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), which has recently opened the second phase of its new facility. It's a two-hour drive from LAS and 4.5 hours from SLC.

St. George, Utah is just a 30-minute drive away, while Flagstaff, Arizona is four hours distant. If you're looking to visit several of Utah's Big 5 national parks in one go, Bryce Canyon is only a two-hour drive from here.

How to make a reservation

The pricing for The Dwellings at River Rock varies significantly based on the size of the home you select and the season of your visit. Typically, expect luxury tiny houses to cost between $150 and $300 per night. A great advantage of traveling with extended family and friends is the ability to share expenses.

While you can make reservations directly with The Dwellings, there are also alternatives like Airbnb and other third-party booking platforms to save money. If you choose to book through Airbnb, use a credit card that rewards your purchases. Both the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card categorize Airbnb purchases as travel, allowing you to earn 3x Ultimate Rewards points with the CSR and 2x with the CSP.

Additionally, keep an eye out for seasonal promotions. Currently, there’s a winter discount of up to 40% off bookings available for the rest of the season, excluding holiday dates. This is an excellent opportunity for remote learning or before heading back to school after the holidays—especially if you live nearby and can avoid the airport or flying.

Contactless check-in and check-out

The property provides contactless and keyless entry. On the day of your booking, you’ll receive a text message with the passcode for the room's keypad. This four-digit number can be used for entry and exit. Checkout is also contactless; you simply leave the property, and housekeeping will come as scheduled to clean and sanitize, making us feel safe and secure.

Discovering Zion National Park at this moment

As previously noted, Zion National Park and the Springdale Metropolitan area are just a quick, picturesque 20-minute drive from The Dwellings. This property served as an excellent basecamp for our weekend explorations of the area and park.

COVID-19 reservation and access guidelines

From the property, we took a 25-minute drive to the Springdale Visitor Center to catch the shuttle that goes into the park. Currently, Zion National Park requires that all guests wishing to use the shuttle reserve tickets in advance for each family member, with a nonrefundable fee of $1 per ticket.

The in-park shuttles allowed only a limited number of passengers per bus and enhanced air circulation by opening all windows and skylights.

We found it easy to navigate the trails while maintaining a safe distance from others. The park closed all narrow trails that didn't permit social distancing.

Zion National Park effectively managed social distancing protocols, and we felt secure throughout our trip.

Final thoughts

Traveling looks different for many of us during COVID-19, but our tiny house oasis provided a perfect opportunity for my family to enjoy a socially distant vacation with minimal interaction with others. A visit to Zion National Park can be a fantastic holiday escape for families seeking a change of scenery or for year-round remote learning. With properties varying from 300 to 800 square feet, there’s a wide range suitable for couples, families, or solo travelers. If you’ve been hesitant to try the tiny house trend, this is an ideal place to begin.