Cabin

FreeSpirit Cabin| Your Zion National Park Retreat

Photo gallery for FreeSpirit Cabin| Your Zion National Park Retreat

Exterior
Outdoor dining
Room
Living area
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 446.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Orderville, UT
  • Zion National Park
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Zion National Park East Entrance
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Angels Landing
    ‪45 min drive‬
  • Kanab, UT (KNB)
    ‪59 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

FreeSpirit Cabin| Your Zion National Park Retreat

Experience the magic of Zion National Park at FreeSpirit cabin, perched on the East Rim amidst a forest of Ponderosa, Juniper, and Pinion Pine. This historic 1930s cabin offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, ideal for those seeking to unplug and reconnect with nature. With world-class hiking trails at your doorstep and breathtaking views all around, FreeSpirit cabin provides the ultimate "roughing it easy" getaway in the heart of Utah's spectacular wilderness.

Step into FreeSpirit cabin and feel the weight of the world slip away. This cozy retreat, once nicknamed the "John Wayne cabin," has a rich history that adds to its unique charm. Built in 1931 at the Parry Lodge in Kanab, Utah, it has witnessed the golden age of Western movies and even served as a dressing room during the filming of Clint Eastwood's "The Outlaw Josey Wales."

As you enter, you'll be greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere that seamlessly blends rustic elements with modern amenities. The living area beckons you to curl up with a good book or enjoy a movie on the Smart TV. The fully equipped kitchen, complete with an electric range, oven, microwave, and coffee maker, allows you to prepare delicious meals after a day of adventures.

The cabin's true magic reveals itself as you step outside. Breathe in the crisp mountain air as you relax in the hammock or unwind on the rustic deck. Watch as the sun paints the sky in brilliant hues, casting long shadows across the rugged landscape. You might spot mule deer grazing nearby or hear the call of wild turkeys echoing through the trees.

As night falls, the lack of light pollution transforms the sky into a glittering canvas of stars. It's the perfect setting for sharing stories around a campfire or simply marveling at the beauty of the universe.

From the cabin, you have direct access to the Zion National Park East Rim trail network. The East Mesa trailhead for Observation Point is just a couple of miles away. We encourage you to explore these trails and immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Zion.

Remember, water is precious in this high-desert environment. The cabin operates on a limited water supply, so we ask guests to conserve where possible. While the tap water is safe for cooking and showering, we recommend bringing bottled water for drinking.

At FreeSpirit cabin, we invite you to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with nature, history, and yourself. Whether you're seeking adventure on Zion's trails or a peaceful retreat in the wilderness, our cabin offers the perfect base for your unforgettable Utah experience.

Places to visit while in the area:
Walking distance to hikes in Zion National Park
Zion National Park (20 minutes to the East entrance)
Bryce Canyon National Park (90 minutes)
Grand Canyon National Park (140 minutes)
Cedar Breaks National Monument (55 minutes)
Grand Staircase National Monument (60 minutes)
Kanarraville Falls (100 minutes)
Lake Powell (120 minutes)

At our secluded mountain retreat, we invite you to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature, your loved ones, and yourself. Whether you're seeking adventure in Zion National Park or a peaceful escape in the wilderness, our cabin offers the perfect base for your unforgettable Utah experience.

It's important to note that if you're planning a visit during the winter months (November-April), a 4WD vehicle is recommended. The dirt roads leading to the cabin can become very muddy, slippery, or snowy, and may be impassable for 2WD vehicles.

Property manager

Alex and Vanessa Pavlides
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Laundry
Outdoor space
Mountain view

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
A security deposit hold of up to $500 is required prior to arrival, and will be released 7 days after checkout unless damages are found.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Mount Carmel

Located in Mount Carmel, this cabin is in a rural area and in the mountains. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Zion National Park and Zion National Park East Entrance. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Orderville, UT

What's nearby

  • Zion National Park - 20 min drive - 14.6 km
  • Zion National Park East Entrance - 21 min drive - 15.6 km
  • Zion National Park South Entrance - 39 min drive - 34.4 km
  • Angels Landing - 45 min drive - 38.2 km
  • Temple of the Sinawava - 49 min drive - 41.5 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Chez Bison - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Castle Dome Cafe - ‬42 min drive
  • ‪Castle Dome Cafe - ‬42 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is FreeSpirit Cabin| Your Zion National Park Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at FreeSpirit Cabin| Your Zion National Park Retreat?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at FreeSpirit Cabin| Your Zion National Park Retreat?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is FreeSpirit Cabin| Your Zion National Park Retreat located?

Situated in the mountains, this cabin is 1.7 mi (2.7 km) from Clear Creek Overlook and within 12 miles (20 km) of Zion National Park and Zion National Park East Entrance. Checkerboard Mesa and Orderville Canyon Trailhead are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 35 out of 36 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 36 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 36 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jill M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Secluded cabin

The Free Spirit cabin was like home away from home. A wonderful, tranquil spot to relax in between visiting the local National and State parks. You can sit on the porch and see the stars and be in one of quietest places you can imagine.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect stay !!

Everything is
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dave G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

10 stars

Great hosts. Lovely quiet getaway.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved it

Our cabin was so very clean! My husband commented on it how clean it was. The bed was very comfortable. The outdoor area was very spacious. The kitchen had nice plates and pans to use. Their on line guide is very helpful. We would choose to stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

jill g.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

stay while visiting Zion NP

This was a wonderful home and location for us while visiting Zion. The house as spotless and very comfortable and equipped. It was a 40 min drive to the main entrance of Zion but we were glad to have the space and privacy of a home and the drive was enjoyable. We would be glad to come back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent, secluded cabin

The cabin was beautiful, the property managers were helpful and had provided lots of good info of the area.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Svenja

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Beautiful, quiet and lovely cabin in the woods close to Zion!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Darryl

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The cabin was great! It was nicely decorated, comfortable, and in great condition with a very well equipped kitchen and outdoor grill area.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
We loved this property. The cabin was very well equipped and comfortable with everything you might want during your stay. The location was particularly special set right beside Zion National Park. It was secluded but didn't feel isolated. Would definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to visit Zion NP
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vicki S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great home base for day trips in the area

This cabin is a clean and comfortable place to hang out and rest after exploring the region’s beauty. It had everything we needed for cooking basic meals, and it had lots of space outside the cabin to enjoy.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Todd B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Secluded and awesome!

This place was nice and secluded, but a quick drive to Ponderosa Ranch for creature comforts. Close to Zion and not a bad drive to Bryce. Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

gerry s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Serenity

Loved everything about our stay. The proximity of the trails was awesome. Definitely planning a return👍
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Misty W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing!

Located right outside Zion National Park and in a wooded area! Everything about the stay was Great!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Retreat!

This place was exactly what we were looking for! It had everything we needed and more. Loved that it was so private too. Would highly recommend
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Zion tour

Lovely! Met our needs!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Justine H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Away from the crowds

Our family stayed for 3 nights while seeing Zion. The cabin is in a secluded spot immersed in nature. Very private and restful. Also close to a beautiful hike to the Overlook which we highly recommend. Very clean and homey. The drive to the cabin from the Zion Visitors center is stunning. It takes a bit longer to get to Zion Visitors Center than if you stay in Springdale, but we didn’t mind cause it was breathtaking. Twice we saw bighorn sheep on the drive.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mike W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location to 3 trailheads.

Fully loaded with grill, outdoor fridge, etc…
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

East Zion

Great location. Very peaceful. Does. Need larger hot water heater or tankless.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

John G., ST CHARLES

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Delightful refuge in the woods

This is a marvelous historic cabin that has been updated with all the conveniences you could want. The location is remote and private, yet convenient to Zion and other attractions. Spacious, secluded and quiet. Amazing star gazing right off the front porch. Hosts are responsive and gracious. We would definitely return hereQ
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Samantha G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Private Getaway

I booked this property to have a week hiking in Zion. My husband and I absolutely loved our stay here. The cabin is cute, clean, and has a wonderful outdoor space. We adventured north and south on hwy 89 to hike caves, canyons, and Dino tracks. We spent 2 days in the Zion National Park and 1 day in Bryce Canyon. We also used the amenities at the resort. It was refreshing to jump in the pool after a long hike. Overall, we loved the location, the resort amenities, and the privacy of the small cabin.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Leslie F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The most amazing experience!

We celebrated our 15th anniversary at the cabin. Everything was perfect! We couldn’t have asked for more. Management was amazing, they thought of everything. We went to Zion National park and did the River Walk and the Emerald Pool trails. We rode horses at the Ponderosa Ranch and rode the UTV from Orderville to do the Red Canyon Slot adventure. It was absolutely amazing! We will definitely be back and are looking forward to enjoying the peaceful beauty of this wonderful little cabin! Thank you for everything!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

8/10 Good

Anne H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy and Quaint, Pleasant Time

We enjoyed our stay. The cabin was charming and nicely decorated. Everything was very clean, and the kitchen was well stocked. The one comment that we also mentioned to the owners was that the portable air cond. unit in the bedroom was too loud for my husband and I to sleep with it running. Since the days we stayed were over 100 degrees, it got a bit warm. The owners were very responsive anytime we contacted them. Other than the ac unit, our stay was fun and we also really appreciated the binders with local hikes and history details the owners had put together.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Liz W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The perfect getaway

We booked the Free Spirit Cabin as a quick, friends getaway to have a peaceful spot to relax as we explored Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. Working with Alex and Vanessa was fantastic! They provide an app for their listing that has all of the information you would need to stay, shop, and explore. The best part about the app is that it is accessible without cellphone data, which is necessary while traveling in the mountains. The cabin was supplied with everything we needed; from shampoo, to seasonings, to videos/games to keep you entertained. Alex and Vanessa were responsive to texts I sent while on our stay and were helpful while looking for local recommendations. The cabin was cozy, clean, safe, and the perfect location to relax after a long day's hike!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cassidy K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Honeymoon getaway

It was a nice location where we felt like it was just me and my husband. We loved how small and comfy it felt. The a/c was very handy and easy to control as well as the heat when it got cold at night. The shower was tricky as hot water was very limited but we made it work. We were happy to see that the smart tv had HBO Max 😅 so we were able to catch up on a show that we weren’t able to at home. There’s trails a walk down a steep hill away but we both found it very buggy and couldn’t even start the trail. But we did go to Zion National park and took a couple trails. To drive to this cabin, I recommend having a good car that can handle shaky and bumpy gravel road. All the restaurants we ate at was at Springdale (the entrance to Zion park). We loved our stay and had a lovely time. The guitar in the room was a bonus as I got to watch my husband play a little. It was a wonderful memorable stay.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

erik m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

epic serenity

this cabin was an amazing experience. Absolut serenity at the cabin with all the amenities one would need for a relaxing holiday in the woods. Deer on property, birds, chipmunks, sunshine, hot water, flushing toilet, huge outdoor lounging area complete with firepit and full outdoor kitchen. Large comfortable bedroom with closing door tot he living room provided privacy for partner who wanted to go to sleep early and I could stay up watching movies in the other room. Comfy oversize chair in bedroom, very comfortable couch in living room. We spent a large portion of our time sitting on the rocking bench on front porch just listening to nature and soaking up the sun. We enjoyed cooking our meals in the full kitchen and found everything we needed to comfortably live for the three nights there. Did day trips to east Zion rim trails as well as day trip to Bryce. Close enough to local towns to accomplish everything we wanted, laundry in Kanab, breakfast in Orderville, med clinic in Panguitch. This cabin is a gem in the woods and such a great price. Will definitely be revisiting this one in the future! Hosts were absolutely great keeping in contact with anything we needed. Surprised to find excellent cell service at the cabin too (ATT) so we could stream movies on iPad and make calls without issue. What a relaxing vacation, and they are correct to say on their website, the only thing that could have been better is if I had booked my stay for more nights!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

About the host

Hosted by Alex and Vanessa Pavlides

Host profile image
Cabin History: The cabin was built in 1931 at the Parry Lodge in Kanab Utah when the Parry brothers were selling Southern Utah to Hollywood for western movies. While at the Parry Lodge the cabin was nicknamed the John Wayne cabin because of his frequent stays there. In the 1970’s cabin # 1 (John Wayne Cabin) along with a few others were moved from the Parry Lodge to make room for their new two-story building at. The cabin was moved to Angle Canyon (aka Kanab Canyon). While located at Angel Canyon, the cabin was used as one of the dressing rooms during the filming of Clint Eastwood’s movie, The Outlaw Josey Wales. The land and cabins in Angel/Kanab canyon were later purchased by Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. After acquiring the additional land in Angel Canyon, Best Friends decided to build new cabins on site to offer lodging for visitors. In 2003, the owner of the Zion Ponderosa Ranch, was offered to purchase the cabins if he would be able to move them to a new location. Intrigued with the history of the cabins, especially cabin #1—the “John Wayne” cabin, a polygamist group from Colorado City, Utah was contracted to move the cabin. If all went well the plan was to purchase the additional cabins and move them to lots located at the Zion Ponderosa Ranch area. The first cabin was moved to lot D30 on the Ponderosa property. This is where the cabin took on its new name of FreeSpirit Cabin. The successful movement of the cabin prompted the owner of Zion Ponderosa Ranch to go back to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and purchase the rest of the cabins. This is when he found out that, immediately after moving the first cabin, the group from Colorado City had purchased the remaining cabins with plans to move them to Colorado City. Cabin #1 was the only cabin that made it to Zion’s east rim.

What makes this property unique

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY – The cabin is in a fairly remote area. Respect for the land, property and rights of others (cabin owners, etc.) must be adhered to. Watch the fires because you are in the forest bordering the National Park. Douse fires with water when not attended. Deer, turkeys, coyotes, rabbits, eagles and variety of birds are present. Respect Nature and all natures creatures that reside on the lands! NO HUNTING! No-See-Ums (midges) can be present from late May through mid to late June and some Mosquitoes from mid to late June through early to mid-July so please prepare accordingly. Although fairly rare to see it is Rattlesnake country so be respectful of snake space if you come in contact with one. Access is via a dirt road and when it rains navigating the ranch can be difficult. No more than 4 guests at a time in FreeSpirit Cabin (without prior approval). As with all things in nature, you are responsible for your own behavior and actions.

Other things to note
FreeSpirit Cabin Information and Tips

• The nearest grocery store to the cabin is in Orderville about 35 minutes away. I recommend picking up groceries prior to coming to the cabin. The Ponderosa Resort 2 miles from the cabin does have a small shop but very limited.
• The deck railing is not as rugged as it appears. Please do not let children hang or play on the railing.
• ****The water heater is only a 5-gallon water heater so hot showers are limited on time. Water is precious in the high-dessert so please be conservative. There is a water saver stop valve on the shower head that will allow you to maintain water temperature while shutting off water flow to soap up.
• WiFi: There is no WiFi at the cabin. Two miles down the road at the Ponderosa Resort there is free WiFi available.
• Cell Phone Service: Cell phone coverage is spotty in Southern Utah. We do get cell phone coverage at the cabin with Verizon and AT&T but not sure about other carriers. Cell data does not work

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests