2022 Aug 23 – Moab, UT to Zion, UT – Kelly

State Count – still 11

Sometimes (but less than you’d think) our lack of pre-planning bites us. Take today, for instance. We skipped Bryce Canyon and went to Zion National Park where we discovered that not only are dogs not allowed outside of cars in the park (expected)… but also, cars are not allowed into the park (unexpected!) There was a shuttle that you could hop on that takes you around, but no dogs were allowed on that either (even ones who had been on the Indy 500 tour.) Oh, and did I mention it was 100 degrees, further limiting our activity options? Whoops!

But the good news is that we found a drive in the northwest corner of the park that did allow cars (and dogs in cars), and it ended up being pretty awe inspiring in its own right. Kolob Canyon is a five-mile drive with plenty of scenic viewpoints with ever changing vistas of crimson box canyons that cut into the edge of the Colorado plateau forming majestic peaks and sheer 2,000 foot cliff walls. Not bad for a second choice!

Afterward we headed to the brew pub back in Zion, and – par for the course this day – it was closed for a private event. We ended up in a friendly Mexican joint up the block with a shaded patio, ice cold margaritas, and the perfect view of a post-downpour rainbow. Again, not bad for a second choice!

Ended the day with a one mile walk along the edge of the campground near the Zion entrance. The babbling sound of the nearby river was soothing after the hot day, and the massive rock walls were pretty even in the looming darkness. Sometimes an imperfect day can be kind of perfect.