Overview of Open Sky Glamping Experience
- Luxurious Accommodations: Explore Open Sky’s unique glamping options.
- Outdoor Adventures: Engage in hiking and mountain biking in scenic surroundings.
- Unique Dining Experience: Enjoy gourmet meals delivered to your tent.
If we blinked, my husband and I might have missed the turn onto Dalton Wash, a dirt and gravel road that leads to an oasis of solitude and beauty at Open Sky, a luxury glamping site offering plush king-size beds, heated bathroom tiles, and outdoor showers. Not only was this the ultimate couple’s escape, but also an ideal adventure for reconnecting with nature. Located just a 25-minute drive to Zion National Park, each safari-style canvas tent is built atop a solid foundation, raised from the ground. The property opened for its inaugural season in 2021 and will reopen for its second season on May 24, 2022.
Open Sky offers three lodging types: Star Seeker, Desert Rose, and Cedar Springs. The Star Seeker is their deluxe option, complete with an impressive stargazing lounge for relaxing and viewing nighttime stars, an oversized copper soaking tub, a large private patio for grilling and s’mores-making sessions, and an outdoor shower. Desert Rose is slightly smaller, though no less luxurious, featuring wood French doors that open to a patio with grilling essentials, a hammock, and comfortable outdoor seating. Cedar Springs provides an extraordinary glamping experience at a value price with a comfortable king-size bed, a small kitchenette, and a cozy fireplace. All three tents offer a full indoor bathroom along with heating and air conditioning.
We decided to spend two days exploring the surrounding property, which features ample trails for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. A quick five-minute drive or a 20-minute uphill walk from the tent takes you to Guacamole Trail, which sits atop a mesa overlooking the Virgin River. Shaped like a lollipop, with very little elevation gain after the initial hike upwards, the trail showcases a blend of dirt paths and open-rock wonders. My husband and I both agreed that the expansive views overlooking the valley and the vibrant, orange-colored mesas are worth the visit. With a picnic basket prepared by Open Sky, packed with provisions such as crackers, cheese, beef jerky, and Champagne, we laid out a blanket and enjoyed a delicious lunch surrounded by rugged beauty.
On our third day, we drove to Zion National Park. Fall is an ideal time to visit due to more comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, as summer tourists have left. With no shortage of spectacular hikes in Zion, we aimed to experience them all. To start, we chose the Watchman Trail, rated as moderate, which winds roughly three miles round trip with a steady incline and expansive views of the canyon at the top. If you’re seeking a more relaxed hike, the Riverside Walk provides an easy two-mile stroll on pavement that follows the Virgin River, running down the center of the canyon. Remember to keep an eye out for cyclists along the path.
Unique Outdoor Experiences in Utah
On day four, we teamed up with Wild Utah Tours to customize an off-the-beaten-path hiking adventure. This husband-and-wife team, Shanti and Mark Hodges, infuses your preferences with their local knowledge and passion for the outdoors, creating a truly unforgettable experience. We left it entirely in their capable hands and were not disappointed. Hopping into their all-terrain vehicle, they guided us along winding mountain roads to unmarked trailheads we would have struggled to find on our own. One path led up an ancient riverbed, revealing dinosaur tracks embedded in the rocks, while another took us to a breathtaking mesa covered in petrified wood. Throughout the journey, our guides shared historical, geological, and cultural insights that enhanced our appreciation of the landscape.
After a day of adventurous hiking, we indulged in a relaxing couples massage with LMT Ashley Spendlove, who brings the massage table right to your Open Sky patio. As our muscles were revitalized, we were treated to the most magical sunset.
The staff at Open Sky goes above and beyond to provide an exceptional experience. We were able to have dinner delivered to our tent by Balcony One, an upscale restaurant in Virgin, Utah. The brick-and-mortar establishment offers hearty meals such as smoked beef rib with corn cakes and prime filet alongside mushroom polenta. Always on the lookout for healthier options, I chose the grilled salmon with cauliflower purée and asparagus, which was simply delicious.
Open Sky is expanding for the 2022 season with a reopening set for May 24. Owner Bygnal Dutson shares the vision of Open Sky, which debuted in 2021: “We wanted to create a beautiful place where folks could integrate into nature without sacrificing the luxuries we’ve come to enjoy and expect at home. Furthermore, we aimed to immerse guests in their surroundings while maintaining a clean and simplistic approach, infused with a midcentury modern twist to foster a warm and inviting space.”
Mission accomplished.
