[2] Gilbert Stanley Underwood designed the Zion Lodge as part of a series of similar structures for the Utah Parks Company at the north rim of the Grand Canyon and at Bryce Canyon National Park.

Underwood's design was more modest in scale and detailing than those at the Grand Canyon and Bryce, substituting milled lumber for whole logs in a "studs-out" style.

The structures were designed to be more in keeping with the character of the valley floor, which at the time of construction was still inhabited by settlers.

It was rebuilt within 100 days, but the original rustic look was lost in favor of expedience in reopening the lodge.

Over a period of two hours, the river had carved away 590 feet (180 m) of the only exit road from the canyon, trapping 450 guests and employees in the lodge.