When you choose to stay at Liberty Vacation Rentals in Southern Utah, you’re not just booking a cozy home-away-from-home, you’re supporting a local business that’s deeply rooted in our vibrant and small community. We’re featured on Airbnb (with a high rating) and we believe that supporting local businesses is the heartbeat of a thriving region, and here’s why it matters.
Local businesses like ours fuel the economy of Southern Utah. When you book one of our carefully curated vacation rentals, your dollars stay in the community, creating jobs and fostering growth. From our dedicated cleaning staff to local maintenance team, every booking directly supports hardworking families in the area. This ripple effect strengthens the region, ensuring that the stunning landscapes of the nearby national parks, Lake Powell, and beyond, remain accessible and well-maintained for future visitors.
Beyond economics, choosing local enhances your travel experience. At Liberty Vacation Rentals, we’re not a faceless corporation—we’re your neighbors, passionate about showcasing Southern Utah’s beauty. Our team offers insider tips on the best hiking trails, hidden gem restaurants, and family-friendly activities, giving you an authentic, personalized adventure. Supporting us means you’re investing in a stay that’s tailored to your needs, with the warmth and care only a local business can provide.
Moreover, local businesses are committed to sustainability. We prioritize eco-friendly practices, like using solar energy, finding local suppliers, and reducing waste, to preserve Southern Utah’s breathtaking environment. By choosing us, you’re contributing to a greener future for this stunning destination, and you get a great rate on our apartment suites (with kitchen, private laundry, and separate bedrooms), when compared to nearby hotels.
So remember to support local, embrace authenticity, and make a lasting impact on Southern Utah’s community—one stay at a time.
The winter season is a great travel time for die-hard nature lovers.
As the chill of winter blankets much of the country Southern Utah transforms into a serene and uniquely beautiful landscape, making it an ideal off-season travel destination.
Here’s why you should consider visiting during the colder months:
1. Fewer Crowds: One of the most compelling reasons to visit Southern Utah in winter is the dramatic decrease in tourist traffic. Iconic parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches see a significant drop in visitors, allowing you to experience these breathtaking vistas in peace. This solitude not only enhances your connection with nature but also means shorter lines, easier parking, and a more personal experience with the natural wonders.
2. Stunning Winter Scenery: Winter in Southern Utah paints a different picture than the usual desert hues. Snow-capped red rock formations, frozen waterfalls, and frost-covered hoodoos create a magical contrast that’s rare to see. The landscape takes on a new life, offering photographers and nature lovers an entirely different palette to explore.
3. Cooler Temperatures: Hiking in the summer can be grueling due to the heat, but winter provides cooler, more comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. While you’ll need to pack layers, the generally mild temperatures make for pleasant daytime exploration without the risk of heat exhaustion.
4. Special Winter Activities: The winter season brings unique activities not available in other seasons. Snowshoeing through Bryce Canyon or cross-country skiing in the quieter corners of Zion are experiences that combine adventure with the tranquility of winter. Moreover, winter festivals and holiday events in nearby towns like St. George provide cultural enrichment.
5. Lower Prices: Traveling in the off-season often means better deals on accommodations, tours, and even flight tickets if you’re flying into a nearby airport like Las Vegas or Salt Lake City. This affordability can make an extended stay or multiple park visits more feasible.
Southern Utah in winter isn’t just about escaping the cold; it’s about embracing a quieter, more reflective side of nature, offering a fresh perspective on some of America’s most famous landscapes. Whether you’re looking to hike, photograph, or simply soak in the serene beauty, winter here promises a unique and enriching experience.
As the days grow longer and warmer, many of us start dreaming of summer vacations filled with adventure and natural beauty. If you’re looking for a destination that offers stunning landscapes, outdoor activities, and a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, look no further than Southern Utah.
Southern Utah is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a unique and unforgettable vacation experience. From towering red rock formations to serene national parks such as Zion and Bryce, this region has something for everyone.
One of the must-visit destinations in Southern Utah is Zion National Park. Known for its breathtaking canyons, emerald pools, and diverse wildlife, Zion offers endless opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and photography. The iconic Angel’s Landing hike is a thrilling adventure that rewards hikers with panoramic views of the park’s stunning landscape.
For those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience, consider exploring Bryce Canyon National Park. Famous for its hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock that create a surreal landscape—Bryce Canyon is a paradise for hikers and photographers. The park’s scenic overlooks, such as Sunrise Point and Sunset Point, offer mesmerizing vistas that are especially beautiful during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
If you’re craving water-based activities, Southern Utah has you covered as well. Lake Powell, a reservoir on the Colorado River, is a popular destination for boating, kayaking, and fishing. With its crystal-clear waters and red rock backdrop, Lake Powell provides a refreshing escape from the summer heat. Liberty Vacation Rentals is just a few minutes from this lake, at Lone Rock Beach.
After a day of adventure, unwind in one of Southern Utah’s charming towns, such as Kanab or Springdale. These quaint communities offer a range of accommodations, from cozy cabins to luxurious resorts, ensuring a comfortable stay for every traveler.
In addition to its natural beauty, Southern Utah also boasts a rich cultural heritage. Explore ancient Native American sites, such as the ruins at Mesa Verde or the petroglyphs at Newspaper Rock, to gain insight into the region’s history and heritage.
Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping activities or peaceful moments in nature, Southern Utah has it all. Plan your summer vacation in this breathtaking region and prepare for an unforgettable adventure amidst some of America’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.
Greetings, travelers. I want you to know this is a real post generated by a real person. That’s me, Adam Wagener, the proprietor of Liberty Vacation Rental. I’ve lived in this area for over 10 years, and I want to clarify a few things. For starters, the lake has plenty of water, and is still doing what it was meant to do:
– it’s a fun place for water sports in the summer time – it’s still fun and peaceful in the winter (although, less busy) – it’s generating hydro-electric power via the dam (green energy) – it’s a habitat for a myriad of unique wildlife
Lake Powell is a stunning reservoir located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, straddling the border between Utah and Arizona in the United States. It’s a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
In 2023, you can expect to find a wide range of activities and attractions at Lake Powell. The lake itself offers ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. You can rent a houseboat and spend your days exploring the crystal-clear waters, or take a guided tour to discover hidden coves and majestic rock formations.
If you’re into hiking, there are several trails in the area that offer breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding canyons. Some popular hikes include the Hanging Garden Trail, the Rainbow Bridge Trail, and the Horseshoe Bend Trail. Make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as the desert heat can be intense.
For those interested in history and culture, a visit to the nearby Navajo Nation is a must. You can learn about the rich Native American heritage of the area and even participate in traditional ceremonies and events. The Navajo Nation also offers unique shopping opportunities, where you can find beautiful handmade crafts and jewelry.
When it comes to accommodations, there are plenty of options to choose from, including Liberty Vacation Rentals! There are many hotels and resorts in the area, or if you’re looking for a more immersive experience, consider camping at one of the campgrounds near the lake. Just make sure to book your accommodations well in advance, as Lake Powell is a popular destination and tends to fill up quickly, especially on holiday weekends. Booking early can help you avoid price gouging, at some hotels.
In terms of dining, you’ll find a variety of restaurants and cafes in the nearby towns of Page, Arizona, and Kanab, Utah. From casual eateries serving up classic American fare to upscale restaurants offering gourmet cuisine, and authentic Western places, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Overall, a trip to Lake Powell in 2024 should be an unforgettable experience. With its stunning natural beauty, outdoor activities, and rich cultural heritage, it’s a destination that has something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime at Lake Powell!
Well… we were getting requests from travelers who were desperate for a last-minute room to rent. Hotels were full. We were full. We didn’t want people to have to sleep in their cars out here in the desert, so we got an idea.
We took our empty garage space, added a wall, new furniture, completely renovated the bathroom, added a kitchenette, and then found a professional Navajo artist (Daniel Josley) to paint a fantastic mural in the room. We now call this the Artist’s Studio and it looks great! It’s perfect for two people, also with a fold-out couch, for a maximum of three persons.
This includes a queen-size memory foam bed, as well as a shower with overhead (waterfall style head), a table and chairs, new nightstands, lots of variable lighting for the room, and a new A/C unit. The kitchenette includes a coffee pot, tea kettle, microwave, mini-fridge, silverware and dishes.
The large mural depicts a scene of Lone Rock beach, with anthropomorphic lizards relaxing on the sand. Josley is famous for putting these horned-head lizards in human settings, such as a campfire, backpacking, or relaxing in a home, performing human actions. We are thrilled to have his work represented here.
This room was completed in early 2022, and is now open on the AIRBNB calendar at http://www.airbnb.com/p/LVR
Hey everyone, as we all recover from the pains and frustrations of the last two years, let’s invite each other to take a deep breath, and be still. Know that your journey here happened for a reason. You are meant to have a great vacation. We are honored that you considered us, and hope that our quality reputation continues.
We have seen water levels drop around our illustrious Lake Powell, but there is a lot of lake remaining, and lots of fun to be had. You can still get boat rentals, jet ski and kayak rentals, as well as go for a swim at Lone Rock Beach or the “Chains” swimming area by the dam. The lower level allows for more fun with ATV rentals (also called “quads” or “razors”). You should try Epic Adventure Rides for an all-day ATV rental, if you don’t have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, or a Jeep.
You will need a National Park pass (also called the “America The Beautiful” pass) for $80 annually, or a $30 weekly pass, to enter Lone Rock or the Wahweap Marinas. If you got the $30 pass, you have seven days to upgrade it for the yearly pass, which is a good value in my opinion!
We have a new gazebo in the backyard of our property, and retaining wall, with views of the Grand Escalante mountain. Meet some other guests, and have an evening drink or your breakfast out back. The gazebo will light up at night, until about midnight. Our fruit trees will be blooming during summer, so pick an apple while you visit, if you feel so inclined (limit one per guest).
I’m currently managing the property with occasional help from family. I have added exterior cameras for some extra security, however, we do have a very safe neighborhood. If I’m not available at the manager’s door, please text or call me. I might be out exploring canyons to add new footage to my YouTube channel.
Thanks for visiting and supporting local business. I hope you love this area, and can stay at least for few nights.
This is a really fun and quick landmark to visit, on your journey through southern Utah. Just north of Kanab, on the way to Zion, are the Sand Caves. These are naturally cut caves, in the side of the sandstone mountains. You will be able to see these to the upper rightof the highway 89, just miles north of Kanab.
You’re able to park on the side of the road, and take a short hike up the mountain, and then into the caves. You’ll notice that many people have carved names into the rocks, or had an occasional campfire inside. The natural light coming in thru the holes in the rocks make for some great photos. The deepest part of the cave is about 200 feet from the entrance and is very dark.
opening to the sand caves
travelers in the sand cave
lots of natural light
Be careful not to fall from the openings of the mouths of these caverns. The side of the mountain can be climbed with regular shoes or hiking boots, but is steep and 45 degree angle in parts. Total time to visit the Sand Caves is about 20-30 minutes. This is a fun place to stop on the way to Zion or the Best Friends Animal Shelter.
The Skylight Arch is a lesser known, horizontal arch. This rocky phenomenon is visible from Highway 89 in Southern Utah, at the Arizona/Utah border.
The hiking trail is free to the public, if you can find it. If you have cell-phone reception, you can use Google Maps to drive from Highway 89 to the backroads of Southern Utah, nearby Lone Rock Beach.
You’ll be driving off road, therefore an SUV, truck, or jeep is recommended. We took my Prius on a dry and sunlit day, however, the last mile of road is very rocky and isn’t good for low-riding vehicles. So we parked, and hiked one extra mile to the location (a total of 2 miles hiking each way).
The backroads have a lot of intersections, and rocky terrain at the end of the road. The good news is that you can get (Verizon) cell phone reception on this hike! So you can map it on your phone and it will guide you to the small parking area behind the mountain. On the way, you will find roadsigns for Vermillion Cliffs, at which you should go to the left, then veer slight right to go around the back of the mountain. You will be driving under several power lines, for about a mile.
If you get to the end of the road, you’ll have just a 1 mile hike, each way. The arch is almost difficult to notice from above ground, until you approach it, so be careful not to fall in. It’s a long way down.
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There are spectacular views of Lake Powell, Lone Rock, Navajo Mountain, as well as other buttes and mountains in the distance. Spoiler alert! We put a few photos on this blog post!
You should bring water, good shoes/boots, a hiking buddy, and maybe a snack and a backpack. Use the restroom before coming, or bring a roll of TP to be safe. Dogs are allowed.
If you’re looking for some splendid panoramic views, and a moderately easy trail to hike for a few hours, the Page Rim View Trail is for you. This hike meanders around the city of Page AZ, as a 13 mile trail you can walk, run, or bike. Rent a bicycle from the Rim Trail Bike shop on North Navajo Drive, or simply enjoy a nice trek on foot.
You’ll see great views of Lake Powell, the Glen Canyon Dam, the beginning of the Grand Canyon, Navajo Mountain, Tower Butte, and more. This trail crosses over many streets within the city of Page, so if you need to take a break or quit early to get food or a restroom, that’s not a problem.
We hiked this on New Year’s Day, and although it was cold, it was very beautiful. We saw a few joggers fulfilling their resolution to start the year with some exercise. The trail is mostly very safe, with a few spots that require your attention. There is a small risk of falling 10 to 15 feet if you’re not watching out.
Recommended to have sneakers, hiking boots, and water. Dress appropriately for the season. A walking stick is optional. Hiking late in the day? Take a flashlight.
The trail will loop around the city of Page, including residential areas.
The Rim View trail is moderately easy, with a few steep drop offs.
Take a friend and explore the Rim View trail, around Page!
Lake Powell and Antelope Island
a view of Tower Butte (on left), with Navajo Mountain (behind)
Get rewired at Zion National Park. Bounce, spin, tumble, slide, trek, swing, flow, lounge, stretch, hike, walk, cruise… Zion will definitely rewire the mental stasis of “it’s just a big rock formation.” My mother often tells me when my anxiety starts to increase, “Hang up the phone and go for a run.” Although she will never say, go jump off a rock or climb, especially one at an incline of some 70 degrees and 1500 feet above the already 5,000 feet above sea level. But… She will always tell me to have fun. So far our visits to Zion have been super fun! Many have consisted of hiking The Narrows. Once I made it to the infamous Wall Street… Three attempts up Angel’s Landing, lastly reaching the summit… Exploring the park in the snow (when hardly no one is there)… A slow and steady hike to Observation Point… A misty day under the Weeping Rocks … The day after a rock fell onto the Upper Emerald Pool path blocking the trail… Back-flips off the rocks into the secret waterfalls on a hidden trail… Ultimately one of our favorites… Tubing down the Virgin River.
Outfitting Zion Visitors in Springdale
We moved here to the southern Utah area in 2016. I found an outfitter group, called Zion Outfitters, that rented inner tubes from their location in Springdale UT. You start the 2 mile float-trip at their location, and their truck picks up the used inner tubes at a park, below. A shuttle stop is close by the exit location on the river. The Zion Outfitter pickup for the inner tubes stops around 18:00 while the ZNP and Springdale shuttles stop around 21:00 (times vary with seasons). Each year I called to see if they were allowing tubing from their location. Each year, I was turned down due to low water flow. After a long wait and massive snowfall in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, THIS WAS OUR YEAR!!!
Water Flow and Water Fall
Two visits in one week, it has to be good. With so much grand landscape and epic views of Zion, flowing with the snow-melt in the tributary of the Colorado River just seemed to be something we had to explore. After all… Utah is the state where “life [is] elevated.” We had to get a piece of the action fast. Unfortunately we only had one week to go with the flow. So we did… twice. Once it drops to 60 cubic feet per second, Zion Outfitters stops renting the inner-tubes.
You will spend most of your time getting stuck on the rocks in the river when the flow is slow. Our second visit the flow was 65. It was nice but I got off the tube and walked around the rocks so I could follow the flow better. I’m not sure how much the water was flowing in the river our first visit was incredible fun. I had a blast getting bounced around the banks like a pinball spinning right and left. Stay alert! Some areas have fallen trees and branches placed just enough in the channel they will definitely carve some grooves in your skin.
Another super fun aspect is the small “waterfalls.” On an inner-tube the small “waterfalls” can turn you over onto a rock. Not cool for lack of helmet head. The helmet is not necessary because you can actually stand up on the riverbed for the most part of the tubing area (guessing one foot to six feet). While having super amounts of fun on the river, it’s sometimes harder to really pay attention to everything going on around you.
The view of Zion is so spectacular. I get caught in its elegance of natural wonder so many times I forget to watch for the next set of rapids. Falling into the river is not that bad unless of course, you fall into the rapids and hit your head on one of the rocks or an elbow! On one trip, our friend had her elbows placed on the outside trim of the inner-tube so she hit her elbow hard enough we ended up with a hospital visit.
Jeni
The first time I wore an UPF50 long sleeve shirt but the second time I did not. I am writing this two weeks after our last adventure and I still have pretty bad rash on my forearms from using my hands in the water to navigate. The first time I kept the lining of the tube inside and it left a bad rash on the back of my legs. The water was very cool, even in June, July, August, and September. I advise wearing a rash guard, if you have one.
Never Enough
Visitors miss out when they are limited to one long day at ZNP. Since we live in the area, we are going at least once twice a month during peak season and a few times during the off peak season. Seriously… The best trip thus far to Zion (even though we still love The Narrows) has been tubing in the Virgin River. Don’t forget to swing on the rope swing and maybe hang out on the beach. You are required to wear closed-toe shoes when you rent the tubes. I wore water shoes, my partner and my friend wore regular tennis shoes.
Bathing suits are fine and welcomed. Here’s the biggest downfall: the water flow is limited to a certain time of year. This year toobing the Virgin River at Zion Outfitters was active only a few weeks from the end of June until the first of July. Snow on the Rocky Mountains was pretty amazing this year. So it took a while to start melting. Sometimes the water flow is not great enough to rent the tubes. Although, you are welcome to bring your own float or inner-tube and go with the flow. It may just be a leisurely float down a few feet of river run but it’s super refreshing to be in the water and it boasts some miraculous views of Zion National Park that will definitely leave a lasting neurological change to connect you with the way it used to be. Have fun! Get some sun! Stay connected! Stay refreshed!
