Stage 5: Bryce Canyon NP to Zion NP to Pink Coral Sand Dunes SP

After our final Bryce Canyon hike and breakfast, we packed up and headed to Zion National Park. The drive into Zion from the east is probably one of the most spectacular 1 ½ hour drives I have ever done. The park is huge and very cool, but there are so many visitors that you have to take a shuttle anywhere you want to go; leashed dogs are allowed on one paved trail that is about one mile long; and the campground was completely full. Sad, but it was probably meant to be. We walked the trail, waded in the river, ate a picnic lunch then drove back east through the spectacular route towards Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. It looked amazing on paper, but I had no clue that it was mainly an ATV park and I’m not crazy about loud noises while trying to relax. So I drove a bit farther and found a great little BLM (Bureau of Land Management) site near Pink Cora Sand Dunes State Park, Ponderosa Grove BLM in Mount Carmel UT. I planned to relax for aday before heading to the Grand Canyon – for my first time ever!

Zion is astounding, but not a good place for Travels with Luna. Not all National Parks are created equal and Zion is definitely not a dog-friendly NP.

For more info about Zion National Park click here.

For more info about Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park click here.

For more info about Ponderosa Grove BLM rustic campground, Mount Carmel UT click here.