Don't Hit the Road Without Reading This Perfect Las Vegas To Zion Itinerary
ASPHALT ROADS ARE usually just a means to an end for an ordinary traveler – but if you’re going from the glitz and glam of Las Vegas to the dramatic sandstone walls of Zion National Park, the journey demands some extra time. The 160-mile drive can be done in just a little over two and a half hours. But any good road trip is all about the journey, and there’s plenty to explore between Las Vegas to Zion, especially deeper into the desert. From local food stops to miles of scenic hiking and even a deserted ghost town, make your road trip from Las Vegas to Zion National Park memorable with the ultimate two-day itinerary below.
Here are four useful tips to keep in mind on the drive:
Remember: there’s a time change. Be sure to set your clocks ahead an hour after crossing the border from Nevada to Utah.
Know Utah’s DUI law. Even just one drink might put you over the limit. Utah has the strictest DUI laws of any state with a blood alcohol content limit of 0.05 percent compared to the rest of the country at .08 percent. Of course, you should never drink and drive, but you need to be especially aware of it in Utah.
Make reservations ahead of time if you plan to stay in Springdale and especially if you want to camp in the park. Road trips can be full of spontaneous decisions but finding lodging near Zion National Park should not be one of them, especially if you visit during the peak summer season.
Buy an America the Beautiful Pass. Most people combine a visit to Zion National Park with other national park sites in Utah. Good for an entire year, this $80 pass covers entry fees to all national parks and many other public lands, including the first stop on this itinerary (but note it does not cover state parks).
Day One: Las Vegas to St. George
- Driving distance: 183 miles
- Total drive time: 3 hours, 30 mins
Leave the traffic and noise behind as you head out of Las Vegas and continue north into the heart of red rock country.
Stop one: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Start the trip off with a short detour east of Las Vegas to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and see what the red rock hype is all about. Move along the park’s 13-mile Scenic Drive at a leisurely pace and don’t forget to make use of the pull-offs. There are 26 officially listed hikes and trails if you want to stretch your legs along the way. The Calico Tanks trail, in particular, offers a good introduction to the area; it’s a moderate 2.5-mile trail that winds its way through a wash to a natural tank. After a slight climb at the end, hikers are rewarded with a distant view of downtown Las Vegas.
Looking for something easier? Take the Moenkopi two-mile trail from the visitor center for excellent panoramic views. Summit-baggers can opt for the more strenuous five-mile hike to Turtlehead Peak, a prominent sandstone formation. Don’t be fooled by the short distance — its difficult.
Note: Timed reservations are required for vehicle entry to the Scenic Drive between 8 AM and 5 PM from October 1 to May 31. Entrance is free if you have the America the Beautiful Pass.
Stop two: Valley of Fire State Park
It’s no secret how this park got its name: the rocks exude a warm glow when the sun reflects off their bright red Aztec sandstone, creating what appears to be a Valley of Fire. This state park contains stunning rock formations, numerous petroglyphs, and petrified trees. Be on the lookout for some of the park’s elusive wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep. While there are many hikes to choose from, the Fire Wave, White Domes Loop, and Atlatl Rock are the best hikes for getting a sense for the park’s beauty.
- Fire Wave: This 1.5-mile trail leads to a unique swirling red, white, and pink sandstone formation that resembles an ocean wave.
- White Domes Loop: A 1.1-mile loop winds through some of the park’s most scenic and varied landscapes, including towering sandstone formations, dry washes, and a small slot canyon.
- Atlatl Rock: More of a walk than a hike, this picnic area is not far off the main Valley of Fire Road. A set of stairs leads visitors to the huge rock covered in petroglyphs thousands of years old.
Stop three: Nielsen’s Frozen Custard
End the day at Nielsen’s Frozen Custard in St. George, Utah. What started as an addition to Steve and Debbie Nielsen’s family farm in Bountiful, Utah quickly became a custard sensation. Today, there are five locations in Utah and one in Las Vegas. It’s still a true family business as three generations of Nielsens work at the various locations.
The diners have a vintage feel with neon signs and cozy red booths. Their food is good, sure, but you’re coming here mostly for dessert. Nielsen’s specializes in “concretes” – thick shakes made with custard and whatever add-ins you fancy. The options are as limitless as your imagination. Caramel-pineapple-cashew, if you want – why not?
Day One: Where to stay
St. George is filled with lodging options, ranging from campgrounds to motels and every chain hotel that comes to mind. There are plenty of places to stay. Consider the Best Western Plus Abbey Inn, with a year-round heated pool for those chilly, desert evenings. For something more hip, The Avenire offers midcentury-meets-western rooms with a fabulous restaurant and bar, and Inn on the Cliff is a contemporary boutique hotel with private balconies and a restaurant overlooking the St. George valley and red rocks in the distance.
If you’d prefer to camp, the best spot is Snow Canyon State Park. If you love red rocks, go here. It’s arguably as beautiful as the state’s national parks and will give you a taste of what to expect at the end of your Las Vegas to Zion road trip. If you camp here, wake up early to catch the sunrise in one of Utah’s most popular state parks. Read More...
