Most National Parks are not dog-friendly and for good reason. It’s important to remember that when traveling with dogs it will be a different type of trip. We always research and get creative knowing that the trip won’t be as flexible but traveling with our dog is worth it! Learn more about our experience at the stunning dog-friendly, Pa’rus trail, at Zion National Park below.
Zion National Park offers one hiking trail that is dog-friendly (dogs must be kept on a leash). It is an easy, flat, trail that follows the Virgin River in the lower Zion canyon and is surrounded by beautiful views. The Pa’rus Trail is a 3.5 mile out and back trail. It’s very popular so it can get crowded. To try and beat the crowds, go in the morning, and beat the heat for your dog too.
*Make sure to bring plenty of water for you AND your dog. The dry heat can sneak up on you and it’s so important to stay hydrated.
Utah’s first National Park
Zion National Park is Utah’s first National Park. As you walk, the rocks, colors, and sky continuously change. Every step that I took, I wanted to take another picture to capture this grand landscape.
Tips while traveling with your dog in the National Parks
She was so happy that we found some shade!
A few other tips while traveling with dog to recreating responsibly:
Bag your pet’s waste (we always pack extra poop bags in our backpack!)
Always keep your pet on a leash – always
Stay away from the wildlife – keep a good boundary
Know where you can go before you go – it will save you and your pet a lot of stress
We were fortunate on our way out to see the bighorn sheep. How cute is that baby?!
Driving Teton Pass towards Jackson from Idaho at sunrise is breathtaking. For the last few years, we have made it a priority to get up early and catch the sunrise at 8,432 feet. Then it’s off to Nora’s Fish Creek Inn for breakfast! Don’t miss any of the best restaurants in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Our Favorite BreakfastJackson Hole Wyoming
Nora’s has rustic charm with outstanding service. The food always tastes like home. You can tell it’s cooked with love. ❤️
To keep us going throughout the day, we stop for one more cup at Cowboy Coffee Co. They are located right across from Jackson’s quaint town square. Jackson Hole has that magic that makes you want to slow down and soak it all in. The town square is lovely to walk around, shop, and enjoy the scenery.
The first time we went to Snake River Brewery, we were surprised. We knew that we loved their beer but we were not expecting the food to be so amazing! They make the best french onion soup and homemade pretzels. My husband loves their burgers and pizza.
Hand Fire Pizza located in the historic Teton Theater offers a fun location with delicious pizza. We were impressed with the level of service. We sat at the bar and enjoyed conversations with the manager and bartender. It’s always nice to get tips and ideas from the locals!
For dessert, stop by the Jackson Drug for an ice cream cone. The first Jackson Drug opened in 1919 and closed its doors in 2001. In 2016, Nikki and Jessica Gill reopened bringing back a piece of Jackson’s past. You can read all about the history and their story here.
While in Jackson, you have to stop at the famous Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. You can literally saddle up at the bar. Check out amazing live music and hit the dance floor.
Other mentions that I didn’t get pictures because we were too busy enjoying ourselves. 🙂 Cafe Genevieve is our favorite! Every meal has been delicious, it’s cozy and quaint, with excellent service. You can sit outside on the porch with your dog too.
We also always have a great time at the Silver Dollar Bar at the Wort Hotel. If you’re there on a Tuesday, make sure to stop in and enjoy the locals two stepping around the dance floor.
Some express their appreciation through a gift, a picture, a song, or maybe a flower, sometimes it’s the simple things that speak the loudest.
– Johnny Fish
Have you visited one of the Fish Sunflowers sites? They are so beautiful and FREE! All they ask is that you share your photos via social and spread some joy. You can also follow along on their public Facebook page HERE.
Sedona, Arizona was on my bucket list and we finally made it happen!
To say I fell in love is an understatement.
The moment we got home, we booked our return trip. ❤️
We arrived in the evening and we were welcomed by one of the famous Sedona sunsets. We stayed at Alma De Sedona Inn in West Sedona and we were so impressed with their level of service. I tend to shy away from bed & breakfast lodging but this was a wonderful experience. Here are a few highlights…
Mornings at Alma De Sedona Inn start with their famous breakfasts. Again, not being a “bed and breakfast” person and a bit of an introvert, I was skeptical BUT it was amazing! We had our own table and the moment we sat down, they served freshly brewed coffee along with juice and warm homemade muffins and scones. You can smell them baking when you wake up! Next is the main course which is different every day and made from scratch.
If you are seeking spirituality or alone time to connect with yourself and nature, Alma De Sedona Inn offers a Labyrinth and Medicine Wheel. I took full advantage of both…it’s so serene in their gardens and such a nice amenity.
Medicine Wheel Stones
The property is so peaceful and quiet tucked back in a neighborhood but still walking distance to shopping, restaurants, and hiking trails. We loved the convenience of everything!
A lot of people say to stay in Uptown but we really enjoyed West Sedona.
Uptown is much busier and touristy.
Our favorite activity was going for hikes every day. We mostly did easy hikes because we were both fighting awful colds. They say Sedona has healing powers so we tried to get as much fresh air as possible. 😉 Here are a few of our favorite spots…
Cathedral Rock
Our first hike was to the Cathedral Rock Vortex. I could have laid on the red rocks all day. Such an incredible view and when the sun hits the red rocks, it feels like heaven.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
Chapel of the Holy Cross was breathtaking. We were told that it gets very busy so we arrived right when they opened which worked out great. I would definitely recommend getting there early!
Lighting a candle for prayer intentions.
We also really liked the variety and different trails in the Bell Rock area.
Last but not least, the Aiport Loop Trail! The views at sunset are crazy gorgeous, there is a scenic lookout and a fantastic restaurant called Mesa Grill.
Other restaurant recommendations:
Creekside Coffee and Bakery (perfect spot to catch up on work and enjoy a yummy cup of coffee), The Secret Garden and Cafe (best rueben and coleslaw EVER), The Hudson (wonderful views, service, and the pork chop was out of this world – definitely need a reservation).
We also did a day trip to Jerome, Arizona and ate at The Mine for breakfast. Jerome is an artsy, old town with so much character and the drive up is something to see!
We also loved going for a walk by the river at L’Auberge Restaurant. We had an incredible hamburger and bloody mary’s for lunch. It’s a treat to sit outside and enjoy the gorgeous views and comfy couches!
My last recommendation is the Myofascial Release Treatment Center. This therapy was my saving grace after being diagnosed with Dystonia. Whether you are battling health issues or just tired after a hike…this is the perfect place to heal.
I can’t wait to go back and explore because I know we barely scratched the surface!
Please let me know if you have any questions or if you have recommendations.
Happy traveling!
This post was originally created in 2018. We’ve been back to Sedona each year since this original trip. See blog for more posts about Sedona.
Today is Giving Tuesday Now. The current pandemic is affecting everyone including homeless pets and pet shelters. I’m so thankful for the hard work that Best Friends Animal Society is doing even during this uncertain time to save them all.
Giving Tuesday Now is an opportunity to support the organizations that you love most. If you give to Best Friends Animal Society today – your donation will be triple-matched by an anonymous donor.
In times of uncertainty and hardship, our pets are here for us, helping to ease our anxiety and lift our spirits. Their unconditional love provides priceless healing. Indeed, they make our families whole. That’s why during this crisis, Best Friends is:
🐶 Accelerating emergency foster programs, remote adoptions, pet food distribution, virtual vet care and whole family support to save lives and keep pets and people together
🐱 Helping nearly 3,000 shelters and rescue groups with essential resources and innovative lifesaving solutions tailored to meet community needs to save the most lives, even with social distancing in place
🐶 Organizing people in communities across the country to join together, take action and be a beacon of hope for animals at risk and neighbors in need
Our resolve to save lives doesn’t stop even in times of global crisis, and now more than ever, homeless pets need your kindness to continue receiving love, care and lifesaving second chances.
Let’s do what we can to save all these beautiful souls. Click here to give: BEST FRIENDS.
Navajo Nation’s Monument Valley Park is located on the Arizona/Utah border. These grand, mysterious, sandstone monuments formed over millions of years and show us what happens when Mother Nature is left alone to do her thing. It’s always an honor to explore Southwest Utah and Monument Valley.
Our first stop as we headed towards Monument Valley from Durango, Colorado was Goosenecks State Park in Mexican Hat, Utah. It was mesmerizing looking at 300 million years of history in the layers and watching the San Juan River flow through the gooseneck on its way to Lake Powell. We highly recommend stopping here! It’s just as incredible as Horseshoe Bend with WAY fewer people. You can read more about Horseshoe Bend, HERE.
We didn’t stop due to time restrictions but traveling this way, you will pass the Four Corners Monument. Stop in and stand in four states at once…Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona. Plus you can learn more about the Native Americans way of life at the Visitor Center.
Don’t Miss Mexican Hat, Utah
Mexican Hat, Utah is a very small village named after this 60 ft rock that resembles an overturned sombrero. This area is remote so make sure you’re prepared before traveling with water, food, gas, etc.
Explore Southwest Utah andMonument Valley Backcountry
Side note: If you want to hike and explore some of the scenic backcountry without having to get a permit, check out Valley of the Gods in Bluff, Utah right by Mexican Hat before arriving in Monument Valley. This area is on BLM land and the entrance is free. It might not be quite as grand as Monument Valley but it’s still gorgeous and wild. There is a 17-mile unpaved loop that you can drive to enjoy the scenery.
Forrest Gump Pointat Monument Valley
As you near Monument Valley, you will pass Forrest Gump Point. (Remember when Forrest stopped running in the movie) Tons of people stop here to take the same photo from the movie. You’ll know when you arrive by all the cars that are pulled over.
The monuments stand 400-1000 feet. Mother Nature’s art.
Other restaurant recommendations:
