MissyT

After rafting the Colorado river we are doing an 8 day road trip. Las Vegas to Zion National Park to Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument to Great Basin National Park then back to Las Vegas. We've got accommodations and the parks covered with caves, hikes etc, but looking for any points of interest along the way. Interesting towns, local interest spots, good food, crafts/artwork,Native American etc.. Love the quirky offbeat stuff. Open to all ideas. Checked Atlas Obscura with little to add for this locale. I was hoping those that actually know the area could recommend some interesting points of interest.

Thanks! I so appreciate the ideas of those on the Forum!

Patty

What towns are you staying in for Grand Staircase and Great Basin?

MissyT

Baker & Kanab

look forward to ideas!

Patty

If you end up driving through Beaver UT, The Creamery is a good place to stop for a break.

In Kanab itself is the Little Hollywood Museum which is kind of quirky.

Between Baker and Vegas you could stop at the Ward Charcoal Ovens if you don't mind detouring.

PrairieHikerI

If you have time you could drop down into Northern Arizona and see some of these sights:

Monument Valley Tribal Park. Stunning scenery in this iconic Western landscape. “This great valley boasts sandstone masterpieces that tower at heights of 400 to 1,000 feet, framed by scenic clouds casting shadows that graciously roam the desert floor. The angle of the sun accents these graceful formations, providing scenery that is simply spellbinding.” Stay or eat at the fabulous View Hotel with its wonderful views. Two hours west is famous Antelope Canyon.

Antelope Canyon. “A magnificent slot canyon just east of Page in Northern Arizona. With tall winding walls, it’s a monumental sandstone sculpture.” Guided tours required and cost $48 per person. Some say that the tour guides act like they are herding cattle.

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. “Known for its colorful swirls of slickrock, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is a sherbet-colored dream world filled with fantastical rock formations like The Wave, White Pockets, and Buckskin Gulch located in an area called Coyote Buttes.” Access is limited due to its popularity.

Hopi Indian Reservation. The Hopi were largely peace-loving people who built agarian settlements of stone and adobe houses. Current day Hopi have retained much of the traditional culture and customs because of the isolation of the villages. The Hopi Cultural Center on the Second Mesa will teach you about Hopi culture and history and you can eat authentic Hopi cuisine. The Hopi are known for their pottery, Kachina dolls, wicker baskets and silver overlay jewelry.

oldemalloy

Either on the way from Vegas or on the way back, stop at Valley of Fire state park. There is lots of rock art there esp. soon the trail to Mouse’s tank and near atl atl rock. We also saw a herd of big horn sheep there on our last visit.

Michael

On the way back from Great Basin NP, make a detour to Austin, NV and the berlin-ichthyosaur state park:

https://flic.kr/p/uh94En

mlgb

Kanab... Best Friends Sanctuary at Angel Canyon. Their Vegan Cafe is open again for $5 lunch, and has a lovely patio overlooking the canyon.
https://bestfriends.org/sanctuary/pl...t-best-friends

Also worth driving up to the Angel's Rest pet memorial garden.

On the way through town you can grab something for later at Kanab Creek Bakery.

Patty

Check on the status of Valley of Fire before you go. Most of the park is currently closed from flash flooding Valley of Fire State Park | State Parks

It's a good idea to check on all road/trail conditions and do not go into canyons if there's rain in the forecast even if the rain isn't right there. I don't know what your plans are for Grand Staircase but the BLM visitor center in Kanab can advise on conditions.

Austin would be a substantial detour between Baker and Las Vegas.

mlgb

Parowan Gap if you are nearby.

https://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/parowan-gap/

oldemalloy

If you are interested in rock art, Parawan Gap is a great site. If you go to my flickr site. Www.flickr.com/photos/emalloy2009 Click albums then petroglyphs and pictographs you can find shots of some of the ones there.

StantonHyde

Parowan Gap for sure. You could also hike Kanarra falls. Click on my user name for a trip report to Kanab. You have to eat at the Rocking V there. Pipe Springs National Monument outside of Kanab is cool.