At first sight, Quail Park Lodge resembles something straight out of a retro 70s scene where one might expect to see Hunter S. Thompson roll into the joint on some seedy journalistic mission. On closer observation, however, the recently remodeled roadside motel features a more mid-century modern-themed façade. Quail Park is now welcoming families by offering a special National Parks package.

For rates as low as $99/N for deluxe double queen rooms and $129/N for an upgrade to a deluxe suite, guests will receive an Artist Gift Pack from renowned National Park photographer David J. West, a DVD and book of Ken Burns’s “America’s Best Idea” national parks documentary, and a complimentary bottle of the lodge’s own “Red Rock Red” wine upon arrival.

While the lodge’s deluxe double queen rooms include the usual accommodation amenities including wireless internet connection and a MP3 player docking station, the deluxe suites feature two Queen-sized beds in separate bedrooms.

If you tire of exploring the surrounding national parks by foot, Classic Cruiser bikes are available for rent at the motel and rates for each run $5 per hour or $10 for three hours. Bike availability is limited, so grab one while you can. An onsite swimming pool and outdoor lounging area are also available. Other guest amenities include fresh fruit, pastries and coffee each morning in the lobby, where there's a teen magnet --complimentary computer with Internet access and printer.

Quail Park Lodge is ideally situated for hikers, near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park -– all great locations for the more outdoorsy family.

The area of Kanab, Utah surrounding Quail Park Lodge boasts a number of fascinating geological features, including the looming, totem-pole shaped stone hoodoos northeast of the lodge at Bryce Canyon National Park. Zion Canyon National Park has impressive high plateaus and weathered mesas to the West.

Directly East at Lake Powell, the family can explore the area’s many canyons and sandstone features just as the famous Major John Wesley Powell did well over a century ago. Here, the awe-inspiring Rainbow Bridge stands as a phenomenal testament of the earth’s natural beauty.

During the summer months, the lake’s warm temperatures invite any water activity imaginable including fishing, snorkeling, waterskiing and more. Approximate distances from Quail Lodge to each location are included on the Quail Park Lodge website. 

For movie fans, the surrounding Kanab canyon has been a prime shooting location for a number of films all the way back to the 1920s, including the iconic Western, Stagecoach, in 1939 and the original 1968 Sci-Fi, Planet of the Apes, starring Charlton Heston.

Downtown Kanab is dotted with restaurants, art galleries, gift shops and other small businesses and is perfect for a relaxing day with the kids.

For the explorers who don’t wish to venture too far from the lodge, the Southern Utah’s Visitor Center is just down the road as well as the Squaw Trail, where hikers can take in some scenic views of the city of Kanab. Don’t forget to take along a water bottle!

For more information rates and reservations, visit the Quail Park Lodge website or call 435/644-8700. Visitors taking advantage of the National Parks Package should enter the promotional code “PARKS” during online checkout.

If you and your family are interested in exploring more of Utah's beautiful parks, wildlife and seasonal activities, check out FTFs articles on Brian Head Resort and Park City skiing.