Las Vegas to Zion National Park Road Trip

Feeling nostalgic for a classic road trip? Take the scenic route from Las Vegas to Zion National Park. Discover all the details in this article.

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Why travel from Las Vegas to Zion National Park?

This scenic route is quite famous and is one of the best road trips in the United States. It gives travelers a chance to engage with the natural beauty of the desert, with its striking rock formations and dramatic canyons. The route is a way to get from one of the most famous and fun cities in the United States to one of the best destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. There are so many activities to do in the park, and so much to explore. Just the park is well worth the trip, but don’t think the drive there will be boring.

While the route can be done quite quickly, there is so much to offer in every kilometer that you should take as much time as you can. There are many attractions and interesting stops to make. So much so that it has the potential to become a multi-day road trip with friends and family. So, if you’re looking for a new adventure, pack your bags and hit the road.

 

Must-See Stops Along the Route

Red Rock Canyon

The first stop you should make in your travel is at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. It’s just outside of Las Vegas, a mere 20 minutes away. It’s a great day trip as well as a great start for a longer ride. There you can admire the beauty of the Mojave Desert and explore around for a long while.

The most popular way of traversing the area is following the Scenic Loop Drive. It’s not actually a trail, but a road of 13 miles that can take you to other trailheads and overlooks without leaving your vehicle. But get outside of the car, to explore the iconic sports and take many photos. Multiple trails are short enough to explore without taking a big detour. You can even bring your stuff and have a picnic in one of the designated areas.

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Valley of Fire State Park

About an hour from Las Vegas, we can find the oldest state park in Nevada. The Valley of Fire is a unique place worth the visit. Here you can leave the car and stretch your legs for a while. Try following one of the many trails of the park. Most of them are quite short but offer a great view of the environment.

One of the first things you might notice is its weird sandstone formations glowing a fiery red under the strong sun. These formations are one of the highlights of the place. They were originally sand dunes a million years ago, changed over the millennia by the weather. Another incredible sighting at this State Park is the petroglyphs, a message left behind by the original inhabitants of the land over 2000 years ago.

Photo by Michael Lancaster

 

The Virgin River Gorge

A hidden gem for geology enthusiasts. The Virgin River Gorge is a canyon carved by said river over millennia and it showcases quite a unique variety of rock formations. If you have a basic idea you might try to identify the limestones, dolostone, sandstone, and mudstone. If you don’t maybe consider hiring a local guide.

A guided excursion is a great way to discover the Gorge and nearby areas of the River. This way, you can learn more about the geology, history, and wildlife of the place. Guided excursions are especially helpful for discovering hidden viewpoints and taking you to the best places to take photos along your way. You can find guides specialized in the area with companies like Red Rock Adventure Guides or Southern Utah Adventure Center.

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Family-Friendly Activities on the Way

Visit the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site

How many of us were obsessed with dinosaurs as kids and dreamed of becoming archeologists? If you are interested or have kids who love learning more about the remote past of our planet, this is a great place to stop on your trip from Las Vegas to Zion National Park. The St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site has a lot of interesting fossils that include fishes and plants, but it’s more famous for its well-preserved dinosaur footprints alongside early crocodilian tracks. How big do you think dinosaur feet were? Go and compare them with your own.

A great idea for kids is to participate in one of the scavenger hunts organized by the museum. There kids can explore the whole museum searching for hidden clues. At the end of the search, they will get a small prize to get home and show everyone how much fun they had at the site.

 

Junior Ranger Program at Zion National Park

A great activity for kids and families once you’ve reached the end of the road. While the Junior Ranger Program is mainly focused on children, participants of all ages are welcome. You can win a special badge that signals you as a connoisseur of the great beauty and diversity of the park, you just have to follow the program.

Pick your booklet full of activities and follow the ranger into the wild to complete them. All around the park, you will find different rangers who will take you to different parts of the park and will teach you about topics like geology, history, and biology of the region. There’s a lot to do, and the activities will vary depending on age, so there’s guaranteed fun for the whole family.

Photo by Maël BALLAND

 

Stop at Red Hills Desert Garden in St. George

Another interesting stop you should make on your trip from Las Vegas to Zion National Park. The Red Hills Desert Garden is a marvel for plant lovers. It has an incredible collection of native plants of the desert, with over 5000 exemplars. While you walk over there you might notice a replica of a canyon and a man-made stream. Take a closer look at the stream, there you will find specimens of some very rare and endangered native fishes of the Virgin River.

In general, you will learn a lot about the delicate balance of the desert ecosystem and the importance of water-efficient landscaping practices. On top of that, the garden is completely free to enter, so you don’t have an excuse not to.

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Where to Eat and Stay on Your Road Trip

Right in the I-15 you have two great towns to eat and stay the night if you want to make the trip a little longer and dedicate more time to each attraction.

Mesquite, Nevada

Conveniently just one hour from Las Vegas, it has great prices in comparison and offers many options in both food and accommodations. Some options for a budget-friendly trip are Virgin River Hotel and Casino, with prices starting at around 39$ the night, and Best Western Mesquite Inn near downtown with many amenities and breakfast for around 109$ per night.

For dinner options in Mesquite, you can go to Peggy Sue’s 50s Diner where you’ll relive the nostalgia of the classic American dinner that we know mainly from old movies. Another great option is Town Square Buffet, located in the Eureka Casino Resort and known for its great selection of food.

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St. George, Utah

Closer to Zion you can stop at St. George to rest for the night and get the energy you’ll need to explore the park. Some great budget-friendly options there are the Motel 6 St. George, with clean rooms and a pet-friendly policy starting at 50$ per night, and Quality Inn Saint George South Bluff, closer to many attractions and with free breakfast for around 90$.

In St. George, you can find a great variety of cuisines, with many cafes and restaurants. Some recommended places are Angelica’s Mexican Grill, where you can enjoy authentic Mexican street food and, if you feel more for some comfort food, go to Black Bear Diner.

 

Tips for Driving from Las Vegas to Zion

Road Conditions and Safety Tips

• As with any travel you should put your and your family’s safety first. Stay aware of the road conditions, especially in harsh conditions like snow and rain. The I-15 is the main route and is well-maintained so it’s generally safe, but it has some narrow sections that require a bit more caution.

• Use the pauses during the trip to regain your focus if you’re the one driving the vehicle. It’s important to keep an eye out for wildlife crossing in rural areas, and do not drive if you feel tired or under the weather.

 

Packing Essentials for the Journey

• Layered Clothing: This is especially important during the winter, but even if you travel during the warmer months of the year, the desert is known for its changing temperatures, and nights can be chilly.

• Bring your daypack: You’re going to be out of your car for a considerable amount of time, and almost always on your feet walking from one place to the other, so keep a small pack with your essentials. Don’t forget sunscreen and water.

• Roadside emergency kit: Even if it’s a short trip on a main route, be sure you have the essential tools for basic repairs for your car. A physical map is also a great idea, in case you have an emergency in an area with poor cell reception.

 

FAQs About the Las Vegas to Zion Road Trip

How Long is the Drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park?

If you start driving without stopping in the many, many attractions, the drive will take you from Las Vegas to Zion National Park in about 2.5 and 3 hours.

 

Is There Cell Service Along the Route?

For the most part, cell service is reliable and available, but as with any road that goes into remote or rural areas, there are several stretches where it can be almost non-existent. To prevent any incidents or surprises, you might want to use a reliable eSIM for the United States like Yoho Mobile.

 

How far is Zion National Park from Las Vegas?

If you take the I-15, the most usual route, the distance from Las Vegas to Zion National Park is approximately 160 miles (260 km).

 

What is the Best Time to Take a Road Trip to Zion National Park?

While every person has an opinion, most people agree that the best times to visit the park are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these two seasons, the temperatures are milder so they’re ideal for outdoor activities without risking the terrible heat in summer, or the bad conditions in winter.

The main difference between these months is actually the landscape’s colors. Springtime is a complete blast of wildflowers everywhere there’s grass, while the fall season has deep hues of red and yellow from the falling foliage.

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Do I Need a Pass or Permit to Enter Zion National Park?

No, you do not need a permit to enter Zion National Park; however, you do need one for certain activities like hiking, canyoneering, and camping. You can learn more about these permits and their requirements at here. Research any activity in specific that you want to do before you travel, so you don’t have inconveniences once you arrive.

 

Can I Do the Trip in One Day?

Yes, you totally can. As stated above, the trip from Las Vegas to Zion National Park was only about 3 hours with no stops. Even if you make some stops along the way, you can leave Las Vegas early in the morning and arrive at Zion National Park in the afternoon. However, it would be a shame to pass by so many great places and not allow enough time to explore and learn.