Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas with your dog! Discover stunning stops along the way, including Cedar Breaks National Monument, Kolob Canyons, and Zion National Park. Perfect for adventurous travelers and their furry companions!
Going on a road trip from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas is an adventure filled with stunning landscapes, unique stops, and plenty of opportunities to explore with your furry friend. Toby and I recently took this journey, visiting some incredible places and discovering several must-see spots along the way. Here’s our detailed itinerary with highlights from our trip and additional recommendations for those who have time or cooler weather.
Cedar Breaks National Monument
One of our main stops was Cedar Breaks National Monument, a lesser-known gem that offers breathtaking views. Located about four hours from Salt Lake City, this natural amphitheater is filled with colorful rock formations and deep canyons. The monument is situated at a high altitude, with its rim elevation ranging from approximately 10,000 to 10,500 feet (3,048 to 3,200 meters) above sea level. So although we went during the middle of summer in August, I had to put on a light sweatshirt because it was about 25 degrees cooler!
Check out this blog post to learn more about our visit at Cedar Breaks National Monument!
Hurricane
After exploring Cedar Breaks, we made our way to Hurricane, Utah, where we stayed for the night. This small town is a convenient place to rest and refuel. There are several pet-friendly restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a meal with your dog. Toby and I enjoyed a relaxing evening in one of the town’s parks.
Zion National Park
No trip through southern Utah is complete without a visit to Zion National Park. While most of Zion’s trails are not dog-friendly, the Pa’rus Trail is an exception. This paved, easy trail runs alongside the Virgin River and offers stunning views of the park’s famous cliffs. Toby and I enjoyed a relaxing walk here, taking in the beauty of Zion without the crowds. The trail is accessible from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, and it’s a great way to experience the park with your dog.
Check out this blog post to learn more about our adventure at Zion National Park!
Additional Recommended Stops
While we didn’t have time to visit these spots and it was a little too hot for some of these spots in August, they come highly recommended for dog-friendly adventures if you have the time or the weather is cooler:
Kolob Canyons: A less crowded part of Zion National Park, offering scenic drives and moderate hikes like the Taylor Creek Trail.
Pioneer Park & Red Hills Desert Garden (St. George): Great for exploring red rock formations and native desert plants, with dog-friendly trails and beautiful views.
Valley of Fire State Park: Famous for its vibrant red sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs, with several dog-friendly trails to enjoy the unique landscape
This road trip from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas is a fantastic journey that offers a diverse range of landscapes and experiences. From the breathtaking views at Cedar Breaks National Monument to the serene beauty of the Pa’rus Trail in Zion National Park, each stop provides a unique opportunity to explore and enjoy nature. Traveling with Toby made the trip even more special, and I highly recommend these stops for anyone looking to embark on a scenic and adventurous road trip.