When we think of Zion, the iconic national park automatically comes to mind. But tucked on the east side of Zion National Park, a collection of lesser-known attractions are equally captivating and family-friendly. If you’re planning a trip to Zion, include these unique destinations in your itinerary to truly make the most of your visit.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Located about 30 minutes from Zion National Park, Coral Pink Sand Dunes is a playground for all ages. The park is known for its unique pink sand dunes, created by the erosion of pink Navajo sandstone, that create a breathtaking, almost surreal landscape. The unique hue comes from the iron oxide present in the sand. At 6,000 feet elevation, Coral Pink Sand Dunes is popular as a sand-sledding and off-roading playground but hiking around the dunes can also be a unique experience. The Nature Trail, a short, half-mile hike, is the only official trail in the park. Whether you’re chasing the perfect sunset shot or engaging in some exhilarating sandboarding, Coral Pink Sand Dunes promises an unforgettable experience.
Belly of the Dragon: Roadside Attraction
Belly of the Dragon offers a fun, family-friendly adventure, perfect for those looking to add a unique twist to their Zion National Park vacation. This man-made tunnel, aptly named for its resemblance to a dragon’s belly, is nestled between Orderville and Kanab, about a mile south of Mount Carmel Junction. Originally carved out as a drainage tunnel beneath Highway 89, the passage has been transformed by years of erosion into rippled sandstone walls perfect for exploring.
The family-friendly tunnel is accessible to most, with a small challenge of a five-foot rise at the entrance, making it slightly strenuous for some visitors. The tunnel itself is only a half-mile and can be explored in as little as 10 minutes. For those seeking a longer adventure, there’s an additional 1.8-mile out-and-back trail with an elevation gain of 183 feet, perfect for extending your exploration. Convenient parking is available near the tunnel’s entrance to ease your access to this unique experience.
Moqui Cave Museum and the Sand Caves
Photo by Zion Adventure Photog
If you like unique stops like Belly of the Dragon, you’ll also want to make the Sand Caves part of your East Zion adventures. The Sand Caves are another roadside attraction off Highway 89 accessible with a short hike. Once used to harvest sand for glass production in the 1970s, the Sand Caves feature several large openings that allow sunlight to filter through for stunning photos. The hike is family-friendly with only some scrambling required but there are drop-offs near the openings so keep an eye on little ones.
Combine your visit with the Moqui Cave Museum, a nearby natural history museum featuring Native American artifacts, caverns and a collection of dinosaur tracks. There is a fee to visit the museum but the hike to the caves is free. The Sand Caves are located 0.4 miles south of the Moqui Cave Museum on the east side of Highway 89, between Kanab and Mt. Carmel Junction. You can see the caves from the road. Park in the pullout on the west side of the road. From the parking area, it’s just a short 0.25-mile hike to the caves.
Kanab
This hidden gem of a town is located just 20 minutes from Mt. Carmel Junction and about 30 minutes from Orderville. Nicknamed “Little Hollywood” for its role in Old West films, Kanab is also known for being a southern Utah playground. Be sure to check out adventures like:
- Coral Sands Canyon off-road Jeep excursion to some of Kanab’s most stunning slot canyons.
- Powell’s Way, a six-mile, full-day canyoneering adventure into the heart of Zion’s backcountry featuring six total rappels.
- Pink Sands Jeep Tour, a 4WD adventure with views of Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Red Knoll, and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.
- Horseback rides to explore East Zion at a more leisurely pace while you channel your inner cowboy/cowgirl and experience the wild beauty of Kanab’s backcountry.
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a nature lover, or a family seeking a memorable adventure, East Zion has something exceptional in store for you. Don’t miss the chance to explore these hidden gems and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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