Detour to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park: Kanab, Utah

Instead of taking the most direct route from Zion to the next national park on our list (Bryce Canyon), we decided to detour towards Kanab, Utah, another popular homebase for outdoor recreation. Kanab has plenty of budget-friendly hotels, a nice selection of restaurants, and a few local attractions in town. The outskirts of town are a paradise for off-road vehicle enthusiasts. There is no shortage of outdoor adventure companies that offer guided tours and rentals that allow you access to the natural landmarks, slot canyons, and other unique points of interest that are beyond the pavement.

We made a quick stop for breakfast in downtown Kanab before heading to nearby Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. During the off-season, the dunes aren’t crowded, so we spent a few hours exploring the massive “sandbox” and only saw a handful of other guests. Once the weather gets a little warmer, visitors will arrive with dune buggies in tow, looking for an adrenaline-filled excursion across one of the largest dune systems in the United States. You truly have to visit the park to comprehend the size and beauty of the dunes— bring your binoculars to get a closer look at the dune buggies and sand boarders.

Travel Tip: Before leaving Zion National Park, it’s worth driving along Zion Park Boulevard (Highway 9) through the 1.1-mile Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. The scenic vistas continue for miles along the highway with dozens of places to pull off and explore the amazing landscapes on short hikes within the park but above the canyon. Check the national park map and guide— a few of the hikes are listed with additional information for reaching the trailheads.