Sculpted by Time: Utah's National Parks

Dog-approved landscapes and endless sniff-worthy trails.

Visiting Moab, Arches and Zion with my husband, our kids and even our dog was one of those rare trips where every moment seemed to click into place. We started in Moab, where the spirit of adventure is in the air — from red rock cliffs to small-town charm. The kids were wide-eyed from the moment we arrived, especially when we stumbled upon real dinosaur footprints near the edge of town. There’s something surreal about standing where dinosaurs once walked, with our own footprints beside theirs. It sparked their curiosity in a way no museum ever could.

Stepping back in time!

Arches National Park was like stepping into a dreamscape. We hiked among towering arches and delicate rock formations that felt straight out of a sci-fi movie. The trails were family-friendly but still gave us all a sense of accomplishment, especially the kids, who loved pointing out arches they’d seen in books. Our dog was just as thrilled — ears perked, tail wagging, sniffing every inch of the red dirt trails. Mornings were cool and peaceful, and evenings were perfect for catching the golden hour over the rocks while we shared snacks and stories.

Our final stop was Zion National Park, and it felt like a grand finale. Towering canyon walls, the gentle rush of the Virgin River and trails that invited us to explore at our own pace made it a dream for all ages. But what made it unforgettable was our stay at Zion White Bison, where we spent the night in a covered wagon. It was cozy, fun and a total hit with the kids — like stepping into a Wild West story. We stargazed from just outside the wagon, wrapped in blankets, surrounded by stillness and sky. That quiet, that closeness — it’s what we’ll remember the most.

Glamping, and sunsets, at its finest!

This trip reminded us why we travel: to step away from routines, bond over shared experiences and let nature reshape our perspective. Utah gave us all of that — and left us planning our return before we even pulled out of the parking lot.

Dinosaurs aren't the only ones who left their history....

1. Plan your driving days wisely: Utah’s national parks are spread out, so we broke up the driving with scenic stops and let the kids get out and stretch often. Small town parks, scenic viewpoints and even gas stations with big open spaces were lifesavers for letting off energy.

2. Pack a “car kit” for sanity: We kept a bin within reach filled with snacks, reusable water bottles, wet wipes, sunscreen, bug spray and a few simple games. For longer stretches, we downloaded audiobooks the whole family could enjoy — Percy Jackson was a big hit on this trip.

3. Start early, rest often: Mornings are cooler and less crowded, especially in the desert heat. We tried to hit the trails early, then relaxed during the hottest part of the day. Midday was great for drives, naps or slow meals at a shaded picnic table.

4. Pet prep is key: Traveling with our dog meant planning around leash-friendly trails, finding pet-safe places to stay and always keeping water handy. We also packed a cooling vest and booties for him — those desert rocks can get scorching!

5. Book lodging early and try something unique: Places like Zion White Bison get booked fast, so we reserved months ahead. Staying in the covered wagon turned into a trip highlight — it added fun and comfort after long days of exploring.

6. Be flexible and keep expectations light: Not every day went exactly as planned, but we embraced the spontaneity. Some of our favorite moments came from detours or last-minute stops — like the dinosaur tracks we hadn’t even known about until a local pointed us that way.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Utah page.