Writer Shannon Severson // Photo by Hannah Rheaume

Randy and Tammy Paul built Cane Beds Corral in the far northern canyonlands of Arizona, just south of the Utah border.

Randy spent many years as an architect, creating themed environments for many of the biggest hotel names on the Las Vegas Strip. Now, he and Tammy offer an intimate vacation destination under the bright lights of our state’s starry nighttime skies.

“We were inspired by the endless creative possibilities that came with the emergence of glamping as an industry,” Randy says. “It really excited my imagination and reminded me of some crazy places where I had spent nights earlier in my life. I felt that with my skillset and imagination, I also could create unique and desirable experiences for others.”

The Pauls began hosting guests in early 2020 with just two lodging options: The Little Rock Cabin and the Explorer’s Escape tent. Both were a labor of love, hand-built by Randy — including the furniture. Other furnishings were antiqued or refurbished by Tammy. The cabin sleeps up to four and has all the comforts of home. The Explorer’s Tent, which sleeps two, has an elevated front porch and an attached bathroom with a completely private outdoor shower and tub.

Two more tents were added this past spring: the Honeymoon Hideout — which is 100% solar-powered — and Pancho’s Villa, decorated in a style they characterize as “Mexi-Boho” that’s colorful and classy. These tents have use of the custom-built bathhouse. Each is assigned its own private bathroom facilities, including showers built to feel as though you’re showering inside a red rock slot canyon.

With a full-service grocery store located just a seven-minute drive away, the resort boasts a covered outdoor grilling and dining area. After dinner, guests can step down into a protected gas-powered firepit area surrounded by red-rock seating that’s a perfect perch for roasting s’mores.

The Pauls’ commitment to land stewardship and sustainability means they don’t have plans to expand much more. However, they are in the process of converting everything to run on solar power and creating areas for groups to gather.

At its fullest, Cane Beds Corral hosts ten people at a time and the accommodations are well-spaced on the seven-acre property. They also aim to keep the price point low so that it’s an affordable vacation spot for families. WiFi is available and some guests have found it a welcome haven for working remotely.

Cane Beds Corral is adjacent to Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon national parks and Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park as well as the Grand Staircase and Vermillion Cliffs national monuments. The Pauls even offer maps and recommendations for the many nearby outdoor adventures and restaurants in the town of Colorado City, which is just a short drive down the road.

canebedscorral.com