There’s no shortage of ways to spend a day at Cougar Ridge. Hiking and sightseeing in nearby Capitol Reef National Park is one popular choice, but there’s plenty to do on-site as well. Guests can visit with our friendly ranch animals, schedule a learning activity like a course on wine making or woodworking, or maybe start a friendly family sand volleyball tournament.
But after a long day of fun, you might be wondering what you can do as the sun begins to go down. Don’t fret; there’s more to do than just take in one of our incredible sunsets—though you should set aside some time for that, too! If you’re planning a visit to Cougar Ridge in 2022, keep reading to learn 7 unique ways to spend an evening at Cougar Ridge.
1. Relax in the Hot Tub
Plan to spend all or even part of your days enjoying some of Capitol Reef’s hiking trails? Even the park’s easier trails offer a great challenge, with rocky and uneven landscapes to traverse. After a long day of hiking, perhaps the best way to spend your evening is by relaxing in a hot tub.
All guests at Cougar Ridge have access to a hot tub. The Villas at Cougar Ridge offer a community hot tub that visitors can relax in.
For guests staying at The Grand Lodge, two of the master suites feature a private hot tub room with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Other guests of The Grand Lodge have access to a deck with a shared hot tub that’s perfect for relaxing and sharing stories with your family or friends at the end of a long day of fun.
2. Host a Grill Out
There are a number of great local restaurants to enjoy just a short drive away from Cougar Ridge, in Torrey, Utah. But for guests looking to enjoy a meal on-site, you have a few options. You can choose to have a cooked breakfast delivered to your private Villa or to The Grand Lodge, or have the ingredients you need to cook your own breakfast delivered.
You can also schedule a catered meal, including a luxurious nine-course gourmet meal.
But if you want to take advantage of the stunning views that surround you, and whip up a hearty, filling meal after a long day of fun, you can’t beat a BBQ. Either catered or grill-it-yourself, this is a great way to spend time with your family or other travel companions. Everything you need for the grill out, from the food to the gear, will be delivered straight to The Grand Lodge. Guests of the Villas even have their own private Traeger grill located on the patio of their Villa.
3. Book a Private Rodeo
Looking for an evening activity with a uniquely Southwestern flair? Impress your guests and create a memory you won’t soon forget by hosting your own private rodeo. We bring the West straight to you, with local cowboys and horses showing off their skills for you and your guests.
Private rodeos start at $1,000, and need to be scheduled in advance of your trip.
4. Enjoy a Bonfire and Star Party
Capitol Reef National Park became a designated International Dark Sky Park in 2015. This means that the park, as well as much of the surrounding area, experience stunning dark skies with little light pollution. The good news is that you don’t have to go to the park to enjoy some incredible stargazing you likely can’t see at home; you can enjoy your own Bonfire and Star party at Cougar Ridge!
Available most Tuesdays and Saturdays starting in March of 2022, guests can make s’mores and enjoy hot drinks around a bonfire. Then, you’ll settle in for an exploration of the night sky. We provide telescopes to help you get a better look, and will learn about the planets, nebulas, and more that you’ll see.
5. Host a Family Gamenight
Guests staying at The Grand Lodge enjoy access to a variety of fun activities, including a theater room, bowling alley, game room, and more. For a fun evening in, you can host a family bowling tournament, movie night, or enjoy a game of pool in the game room.
While many visitors make their way to Southern Utah during the warm summer months, winter is a great time to beat the crowds and still enjoy plenty of outdoor fun. And when you book The Grand Lodge, you’ll have plenty to do when the sun goes down and temperatures fall. Start a fire in the fireplace, and enjoy some quality time with your friends or family.
6. Squeeze in a Workout
Don’t want to fall behind on your fitness goals during your next Southern Utah vacation? When you stay in The Grand Lodge, guests enjoy access to our fitness facility. Here, you’ll find two treadmills, two ellipticals, a rower, weights, and more.
7. Unwind with a Massage or Sauna Session
After your workout—or on it’s own, no workout required—a massage or a session in our sauna is a great way to unwind and treat yourself during your next vacation! Call ahead of your vacation to schedule a massage. Guests of The Grand Lodge also have access to our steam room and sauna.
Planning Your Next Visit to Cougar Ridge
Ready to start planning your next visit to Cougar Ridge? While you’ll no doubt want to fill your itinerary with day trips to Capitol Reef, scenic drives, sand volleyball, and more, don’t forget to leave a few evenings clear to enjoy some of our on-site amenities.
Book your 2022 stay today to see for yourself everything Cougar Ridge has to offer!