Zion Pizza & Noodle offers up some pretty tasty pizza for families to enjoy in a relaxed environment. The menu is basic: gourmet pizzas, boring cheese pizza for the picky kids, a handful of pasta dishes, self serve soda, and pitchers of beer. The restaurant is not full service. Instead, you order at the counter, get a number, pick your seat and wait for your pizza. There is a small outdoor seating area, inside tables, and a "beer garden" section in the back which serves micro brews on tap.

We enjoyed pizza here after a day of playing in Zion National Park. We were a party of 10 and were able to pull tables together so our large group could sit together. The pizzas are all the same size (12 inches) and feed about 3 people. We ordered 4 pizzas for our party of 10 and were able to finish them, feeling pretty full. I would give the pizza 4 stars. The Thai chicken pizza was my favorite and the kids devoured the boring cheese pizza (that's really the name of it). We didn't try any of the pasta dishes.

This restaurant does get pretty busy in the evening during Zion National Park high season. Therefore, I would suggest arriving early in order to avoid the crowds or consider take-out and eat near the park. During our visit, a long line started to form at the ordering counter as it got later in the evening. However, I did notice that the staff worked pretty quickly taking orders and getting pizzas out to tables.

I would recommend this restaurant to families looking for good pizza and a casual environment. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and enjoy!

I believe most visitors to Zion National Park drive or shuttle to the end of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and then decide to get out and explore. Which means that most visitors end up on the riverside walk just because it's at the end of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

The trail is paved the entire 2 mile round trip distance as it winds along the virgin river to where the canyon narrows. I noticed several parents pushing strollers along making this a good option for families with babies. The trail is also a good pathway for toddlers to "hike" all by themselves since it's quite flat and there aren't too many distractions.

A few things to look for: lush plants growing on the rocks, tadpoles and fish in the little ponds near the trail, wild turkey and deer in grass and trees. There is no spectacular payoff at the end of the hike. The canyon just narrows to where there is only room for the river to flow through. This is actually the beginning of "the narrows" hike which requires trekking through the river and is not exactly family friendly.

We took our kids ages 3, 7, and 11 on this stroll early in the morning and found the trail wasn't too crowded. We were even able to spot several turkeys and deer near the path. However, by the time we returned, the parking lot was completely full and several large groups were starting down the trail. Therefore, I would suggest hiking this one early in order to avoid the crowds.

Note that the trail is shaded since you are walking along sheer canyon walls. Wear some layers and be prepared for the cooler temperatures. In the winter the trail gets pretty icy.

In all, I would recommend this trail to families with young kids since it is stroller and toddler friendly. However, be sure to arrive early in order to beat the crowds.

This is the perfect family friendly hike. Unfortunately, everyone knows that this is the perfect family friendly hike. The trail will be crowded and so I deducted a star from my rating. If your family is looking for a five star hike, I would suggest that you hike this trail early in the morning or visit Zion National Park in the off-season.

The 0.6 mile (one-way) trail s paved to the lower pools, making it stroller friendly. But word of warning - once you get to the lower pools, the trail gets pretty muddy due to the falling water above which feed the emerald pools. So be prepared to get shoes and stroller tires muddy, especially if it has recently rained.

I would suggest taking your time along this trail as there is much that can be missed if your goal is just to reach the pools. There are some nice viewpoints of Zion canyon along the way, and plenty of desert landscape, and geology to enjoy. The first part of the trail has a ton of sun exposure so be sure to use sunscreen. My kiddos were all overheated by the time we reached the lower pools. But it felt so good to stand under the falling water and experience mother nature's air conditioning.

Once you reach the lower pools, you have a few options: turn around and go back the same way; hike a short distance up towards the middle pools and veer off towards the grotto area which takes you back to the main road; or continue to the middle and upper pools and loop back around to the original trail head. Note that the middle and upper pool trails are not paved.

In all, this trail epitomizes family friendly hiking: easy trail, plenty to see along the way, and pay-off at the end. The bad news is, it's no secret how great this trail is, as evidenced by the crowds.

The Pa'rus trail is good for a nice evening stroll or a short bike ride. The trail is flat, paved and approximately 3.5 miles round trip from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to/from Canyon Junction.

Access to the trail head is actually outside of the park near the Zion Canyon Theater by the Virgin River. You may not realize that this is a trail, but once you cross the river, you'll see the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Continue north of the visitor center where you will see the actual Pa'rus trail head sign by the South campground. The trail meanders along the Virgin River and ends at Canyon Junction. The river, desert landscape, and canyon walls are beautiful along this trail.

I would recommend this trail to families with strollers or bikes. The trail is wide and paved making it easy to share with others. I would also recommend this trail to families looking for an evening stroll as it's very relaxing walking along the river and watching the sun set along the canyon walls.

I did deduct a star from my review just because there is no payoff at the end of it. The trail just ends, then you turn around. Plus, walking along the South campground is a little uncomfortable as we found many "interesting" campers staring us down in the evening. We did note a few campers inappropriately bathing in the river and had to turn our kiddos eyes away from the action.

In all, this trail is fun with bikes and is a good place for an evening stroll. Therefore, if you have bikes, or a couple evening hours, enjoy!

Lakeside Resort sits on the shores of beautiful Pineview Reservoir and is near two world class ski resorts, Snowbasin and Powder Mountain. This resort is the ideal place for families to stay when visiting the area, an outdoor recreation paradise.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Lakeside Resort offers several vacation condominium units for families large and small. The units vary in size and range from 1 bedroom (approximately 1,000 square foot) units which sleep 4, to 4 bedroom (approximately 2,300 square foot) units which sleep 10 people.

My family of five enjoyed a 2 bedroom (approximately 1,300 square foot) unit for 2 nights at the Lakeside Resort. The condominium far exceeded our expectation and we fell in love with the resort’s panoramic mountain and lake views.

The main level of the 2 bedroom unit had a fully-stocked kitchen with full sized stainless steel appliances. There were more dishes, pots, pans and utensils stocked in our condo than I have at home. The main level also offered a comfortable living room with fireplace, sleeper sofa, television and patio with a propane barbeque and 4-person hot tub. Additional rooms on the main level included a ½ bathroom and ski locker.

Stairs lead to the upper level where 2 comfortable bedrooms were located. The master bedroom offered a comfortable king sized bed, television and its own master bathroom with his and her vanities, a long, deep Jacuzzi tub and shower. The additional bedroom had 2 twin sized beds, television and access to its own full sized bathroom. The upper level also offered a stackable washer/dryer unit and plenty of laundry soap for guest use.

AMENITIES

Besides the comfortable condominiums with awe-inspiring views, the resort also offers complimentary WI-FI, tennis courts, a small exercise facility and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool. The resort provides roll away beds, high chairs, portable cribs and toddler beds at request with no extra charge. During ski season, the resort offers complimentary ski shuttles to and from Snowbasin and Powder Mountain ski resorts. Additional fee-based guest services include grocery and restaurant delivery, airport and dinner shuttles.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
• The resort is located in the small town of Huntsville with no large grocery stores nearby. I would suggest that guests do their grocery shopping in Ogden before driving up Ogden canyon to Huntsville.
• There are no restaurants located within easy walking distance of the resort. If you are visiting without a car you may want to consider utilizing the resort’s dining shuttle or restaurant delivery service.
• Although Lakeside is the closest lodging to Snowbasin ski resort, it is a 10 mile drive to reach the base of the ski resort. I would suggest utilizing the resort’s complimentary ski shuttle.
• Powder Mountain is located 20 miles from Lakeside and it is a steep climb to the base of this ski resort. Again, I would suggest utilizing the resort’s complimentary ski shuttle if you plan on skiing at Powder Mountain.
• Check out some of the hot deals on the resort’s website where you can find discounted lift passes, discounts to area events and lodging/activity packages.

BOTTOM LINE

Lakeside Resort is the ideal place for families to stay when visiting the area. This resort is a home away from home situated on the shores of beautiful Pineview Reservoir and near world class ski resorts.

Disclosure: Although I received complimentary lodging, my reviews are always my own opinions and are not influenced by resort staff or its affiliates.