WILD INITIATIVES: Open Sky Zion

On the edge of Zion National Park, Open Sky Zion is a sanctuary where luxury camps meet the untamed desert. Here, the sandstone cliffs glow with sunrise, the air is perfumed with juniper and sage, and nights unfurl into some of the darkest skies in the world. What makes Open Sky remarkable is not only its setting, but its complete off-grid operation: solar-powered, self-sustained, and deeply committed to stewarding the land. Every stay is an immersion in nature’s raw beauty, made possible through thoughtful design and regenerative systems.

By choosing to stay at Open Sky, guests become part of this cycle of sustainability. Each night under the stars directly supports solar power expansion, water stewardship, and regenerative practices that protect the fragile desert ecosystem. Your presence helps sustain not only the land itself but also a model of hospitality that proves luxury and responsibility can thrive together, ensuring Zion’s beauty endures for generations to come.

Operating Off the Grid

Open Sky runs entirely independent of public utilities. The property relies on solar-generated power and is home to one of the largest private micro-grids in southern Utah. As its own water company, Open Sky maintains a state-approved water system and provides guests with clean, reverse osmosis (RO) filtered water at their camps. Every system onsite—from energy to water to waste—is designed with sustainability, self-sufficiency, and stewardship in mind.

Power

At the heart of Open Sky’s energy system is a 110-kilowatt solar array, supported by battery packs, an inverter, and a backup generator. This network powers 13 luxury camps, a restaurant, laundry, staff housing, and operational facilities. The current battery system stores up to half a megawatt of power, ensuring seamless, reliable energy with minimal reliance on generators. The solar farm is continually expanding, aligning the property ever closer with its vision for a fully sustainable future.

Water

Open Sky draws its water from a 130-foot well on the property. This groundwater passes through a reverse osmosis filtration system before being pumped into a mesa-top holding tank, visible from the west, and gravity-fed back down to the camps. The same system feeds a tranquil pond on the grounds, which doubles as an emergency water source for the local fire department. To guarantee quality, the water undergoes rigorous testing (monthly, quarterly, and annually) in compliance with the Utah Department of Environmental Quality. Guests are assured a constant supply of fresh, safe drinking water.

Septic

Wastewater at Open Sky is treated through a series of underground septic tanks that use biological processes before moving into a central holding tank. From there, the water is distributed to a high-pressure field for further natural filtration, eventually rejoining the water table downstream from the source. This closed-loop system is designed to protect the land and waterways.

Access and Roads

The approach to the property follows Dalton Wash Road, a 3.5-mile gravel road maintained by the county. While Open Sky does not oversee its upkeep, the road is graded twice a year and leads guests to the serenity of Bureau of Land Management land atop the mesa, including the Holy Guacamole Trail, prized for hiking and mountain biking.

Propane

For fire safety and clean energy, Open Sky provides plumbed-in propane to all fireplaces (indoor and outdoor) across its luxury camps. The property does not burn wood, reducing fire hazards and minimizing air pollution while maintaining the warmth and atmosphere of a flame.

Stewardship and Sustainability

Every utility and structure at the property is designed for minimal environmental impact. Solar energy, RO water systems, and carefully engineered septic solutions ensure the land remains protected for generations. This balance of comfort and low-impact living reflects a core philosophy: to preserve the landscape while offering guests an immersive and restorative experience.

Dark Skies Initiatives

Neighboring Zion National Park, a certified International Dark Sky Park, Open Sky offers guests some of the clearest stargazing on Earth. With minimal light pollution (Class 2 on the Bortle Scale) the night sky here is nearly pristine. The resort is actively pursuing DarkSky Approved Lodging Certification, which involves dark-sky-friendly lighting, wildlife protection, guest education, and ongoing evaluations. Already, measures are in place: camps use low-spill lighting, car high beams are discouraged, and portable low-light globes are provided for nighttime walks. Star Seeker luxury camps feature glass-ceiling bedrooms and telescopes for uninterrupted views of the cosmos, while other camp types also offer telescope access on request.

Farm to Table: Black Sage

Dining at Open Sky takes place at Black Sage, the property’s restaurant led by Executive Chef Charles Parcell. Open to guests and the public by reservation, Black Sage champions local produce and a full-animal program, ensuring every ingredient is thoughtfully used. The restaurant partners with nearby farmers and growers, creating a menu that reflects the bounty of southern Utah while supporting the community. Food scraps are returned to farms for compost or animal feed, closing the loop. Whether dining indoors or under the desert sky, guests experience comfort food elevated by craft, set within a landscape that inspires slowness and savoring.