Mesas, Dinos, Arches, Tunnels, & Pets: Things to do near Zion National Park

View of Great Arch driving UT 9 towards the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel

  This is our last post from Utah's Zion National Park! It gives you a few more day-trip ideas to sprinkle throughout your visit. All of the stops in this post could almost be done in one long day...so if you've got the time and a car - go for it!

Driving through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel

  The first part of this trip is a beautiful and steep drive out of Zion on Utah 9. This takes you through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, a mile long rock tunnel (it's super-super dark). As you head up the mountain towards the tunnel you'll have a few opportunities to pull off a get a good look at the Great Arch (pictured below left). Although you're not supposed to stop while driving through the tunnel, you'll still see a few windows cut out of the rock (below right).

Zion Checkerboard Mesa

   As you leave the tunnel and head down the mountain you'll pass by the Checkerboard Mesa (above).

Checkin' rocks at the Rock Stop

  Heading just a little out of the way, towards Bryce Canyon on 89, you'll discover some local rock shops (and lots of metal dinosaurs).

   We also made a visit to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and went on a scheduled free tour. If you have any animal lovers in your party it's a must.

   With an amazing visit to Zion National Park behind us we ventured back to Las Vegas for some good times and fancy Japanese food. Check back here Thursday for a quick taste of the Las Vegas strip!
   ~Paul, Amber, Sis