Awesome Las Vegas to Zion National Park Road Trip

Las Vegas is one of the most convenient fly and drive cities for road tripping national parks and public lands in the United States. It’s ideal for exploring other areas in Nevada and for visiting Arizona, California and Utah. One of the most scenic and easy road trip routes is driving from Las Vegas to Zion National Park. This drive is full of unique, desert landscapes and all kinds of interesting things to do along the way. Plus, it’s ideal for first-time road trippers, families and solo travelers.

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Las Vegas to Zion National Park

Las Vegas, and southern Nevada, are two of my personal favorite areas to visit and road trip from in the United States. I’ve road tripped to, at least, seven national parks from Las Vegas and driven this route from Las Vegas to Zion National Park multiple times, solo, and with my daughter who lives in Nevada.

If you have limited time, you can drive the route quickly, since the majority is via Interstate-15 but if you really want to get the most of this itinerary taking an alternate, slower route through Lake Mead National Recreation area is what I recommend.

How Long Does it Take to Drive From Las Vegas to Zion?

The quickest route to Zion National Park from Las Vegas on Interstate-15 is approximately 160 miles on and takes around two and a half hours with no stops. The alternate Lake Mead itinerary is approximately 180 miles and should take around 3 hours and 15 minutes, without stopping. But I promise you’ll want to stop often so plan on some extra time.

Both of the routes could easily be done in a day. Two days would be best and three days should give you plenty of time to add in a few other stops and places in southern Nevada and Utah. You can use the map down below to get a better visual of the route and activities.

There’s a wide variety of places and activities that could be included in this Las Vegas to Zion National Park itinerary, but the stops listed below are some of my top recommendations. As you’ll notice, this route is highly customizable based on your preferences and interests

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Las Vegas to Zion Road Trip Stops

Las Vegas

For this Las Vegas to Zion road trip, I’m assuming you’re flying into Vegas and maybe plan on spending a few days around the city first. If so, take advantage of all the fun, free things to do in Las Vegas, and add in a bit of local exploring or day trips.

Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area, the Hoover Dam and Boulder City, are all other great destinations right outside the city. Closer to The Strip, Tule Springs National Monument and Springs Preserve should be on your list.

If you are only using Las Vegas as a starting point for your road trip, then you don’t have to go near The Strip when you arrive. The convenient location of Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), south of downtown, makes it easy to get off your flight and right onto the interstate.

Or spend the night before getting an early start. This Fairfield Inn, right by the airport, or this Home2 Suites just slightly north are convenient places to stay before hitting the road. If you are in need a couple of days of relaxation before, or after, your road trip, then the Aliante Casino & Hotel with its gorgeous pool is the ideal spot.

To use this map, click on the icon on the left hand side of the title to see the map layers. Check or uncheck whichever layer you want or don’t want to see. You can also add the map to you own Google account by highlighting the faint star to the right of the title. For more info on the points of interest in layer 4, click the icon on the map or click on the name in the list. You can also get directions.

Las Vegas to Overton, Nevada

63 miles via Interstate 15 or 69 miles via Lake Mead NRA

When you plug in directions to Zion National Park from Las Vegas in Google Maps, no doubt the route it chooses is Interstate 15. If your objective is to get to Zion as quickly as possible, then that’s really the only route.

However, if you prefer to make a day of it and slow down the pace, consider including one of, what I believe to be one the most scenic drives in Nevada. Not only can you take it slow but it’s also a chance to see a bit of Lake Mead National Recreation Area and maybe spot some wildlife.

Depending on where you are staying in Las Vegas, there are a couple of options for driving into Lake Mead National Recreation area. From the airport, or south Las Vegas, head towards Henderson and Lake Las Vegas. Just a couple of miles beyond Lake Las Vegas is the entrance station to Lake Mead. (See Google Map layer 3)

Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a fee based park so you will need to pay $25 or have an America the Beautiful Park Pass. If you don’t have an America the Beautiful card, here’s your chance to go ahead and purchase one. Especially since Zion National Park is also a fee based park.

After entering the park, take a left on Northshore Road, a 62 mile scenic route offering stunning views of rugged mountains, unusual landscapes and unparalleled views of Lake Mead. This road connects the modern day recreation area, with the historic Moapa Valley. Hands down, this is one of the best driving routes in Nevada.

Southerner Says: if you’re in north Las Vegas or the strip and don’t want to travel all the way to Henderson and Lake Las Vegas, you can drive Las Vegas Boulevard into the park. This route doesn’t have an entrance station. Las Vegas Boulevard ends on Northshore Road. Take a left to continue into the park. (See Google Map layer 2)

As you drive through the park, you’ll come across areas like Redstone, with rocks so red they look like someone painted them, Echo Bay, or E Bay, that sounds familiar and Rogers Springs, a hot springs oasis with palm trees. All these are must-see along with any of the other interesting places you find. Also, as you drive through the park, be on the lookout for wild horses, burros and big horn sheep.

When you finally exit Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Northshore Road practically ends where Valley of Fire State Park begins so you can easily drive Northshore through Lake Mead in the early morning, spend some time in Valley of Fire and then be on your way to Zion.

Even if you only drive through the park on your way to Zion, at least make a quick stop at the visitor center to learn about how the park was formed and if you have time for one other activity, then I suggest the 4,000 year old petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock.

The entrance fee for Valley of Fire is $10 for Nevada residents and $15 for non-residents.

From Valley of Fire State Park, continue on to Overton, Nevada to tour the Lost City Museum. Not only is the building itself a historic treasure, built in 1935 by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps), something that park lovers will appreciate, but the museum contains an actual archaeological site excavated in the 30’s, reconstructed pueblos and petroglyph panels.

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Southerner Says: to drive the Northshore of Lake Mead, visit Valley of Fire and the Lost City Museum, you will need to backtrack a few miles, via Highway 169, to Overton and the Lost City Museum after visiting Valley of Fire State Park before continuing to Zion on Interstate 15.

If you decide not to drive Northshore Road through Lake Mead National Recreation Area, you can still add Valley of Fire State Park and the Lost City Museum, on the way to Zion National Park from Las Vegas.

To do that, take exit 75 on I-15, enter Valley of Fire State Park at the west entrance and drive the Valley of Fire Highway, then exit through the east entrance. Go left on Highway 169 toward Overton and Moapa Valley, visiting the Lost City Museum before returning to I-15 via Highway 169. (see Google Map layer 1)

Overton, Nevada to Mesquite, Nevada

45 miles

As you leave Overton, the route takes you through the Nevada’s ancient Moapa Valley and once you reach the interstate, it’s just a short 30 miles to Mesquite, Nevada. This smallish interstate town is a good place to overnight between Las Vegas and Zion National Park. The Eureka Casino Resort or the Rising Star Sports Ranch Resort, are both convenient places to break up your trip.

Staying overnight in Mesquite also gives you the opportunity to check out some local art and attractions. The Mesquite Fine Arts Center, the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum, featuring information about the early pioneer settlers in the area and a visit the Donkey History Museum, managed by a local donkey rescue, are good places to learn more about the area.

Mesquite, Nevada to the Virgin River Gorge, Arizona

21 miles

From Mesquite before you get to Utah, you’ll drive through the upper northwest corner of Arizona, known as the Arizona Strip. The former home to Kaibab Indians, and other Natives Americans, this small slice of Arizona was settled by Mormon pioneers in the 19th century. It’s unique and has historically been sparsely populated due to the fact that it’s virtually cut off from the rest of state because of the Grand Canyon.

The Arizona Strip is place of cultural significance, history and natural wonders. One of those wonders being the Virgin River, the same river that flows through Zion National Park. Along with the Muddy River, the Virgin River is one of the most significant rivers in Arizona, Utah and Nevada, emptying into the Colorado River just north of Lake Mead.

Driving from Las Vegas to Zion National Park, the interstate crosses the Virgin River. The interstate winds and weaves its way though the 500 million year-old Virgin River Gorge along the river through the canyon, creating one of the most exciting and awesome, and one of my favorite drives in the United States

And one of the most expensive. In fact, one of the last bridge repairs, in the mid 2000’s, alone cost more than the entire project in the 70’s.

Because of the nature of the road, there aren’t many waysides and places to stop but the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) maintains the Virgin River Canyon Campground (exit 18) that’s worthy of a stop to stretch your legs and take a walk or short walk.

Virgin River Gorge to St. George, Utah

20 miles

Besides the “Welcome to Utah” sign, the remaining stretch driving into Utah is pretty insignificant. St. George, Utah, the first larger city you’ll come to in Utah, offers plenty of activities that could be added to a Las Vegas to Zion National Park road trip. White Domes Nature Preserve, Tonaquint Nature Center and St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site are just a few to mention.

This area of Utah also boasts several nearby state parks to enjoy. Sand Hollow State Park, Quail Creek State Park and Snow Canyon State Park are close to St. George and could easily be added to a Las Vegas to Zion itinerary. I spent a day at Snow Canyon and loved the .

Red Cliffs National Conservation Area is another unique area just north of St. George on I-15. It has amazing hiking and a cute, small first-come first-served campground. For those that like to count on a campsite, there’s also a nearby KOA.

St. George, Utah to Hurricane, Utah

19 miles

Just a few miles north of St. George, you’ll trade the interstate for Highway 9. Exit 16 has all the signage for Zion National Park but I like to use exit 13. I started stopping at this exit a few years ago because it had relatively no traffic compared to the other exit. It was convenient for food and there’s a Maverik Convenience Store, a Wyoming-based brand store that’s popped up across the western states.

I’ve become quite the fan. You can count on super clean restrooms, deli sandwiches and hot food and each location features murals of the . As St. George spreads out, this exit has grown like crazy in the last few years but if I don’t need a full-on grocery store run, I still stop here every time I heading to Zion.

Then, once you reach Highway 9, it’s just 19 miles to Hurricane. For groceries, or other supplies, the Walmart Super Center is the last chance for a big haul. Personally, I try not to stop here because it’s usually pretty crowded but if you need something very food items or anything specific, then this is the place.

There are also several chain hotels in this area. Comfort Inn & Suites and Sleep Inn & Suites are both highly rated. I personally have not ever stayed at either, but if I wanted to explore more of the area, then either would be good choices since they are newer than some of the other hotels in downtown Hurricane.

Hurricane, Utah to Zion National Park

24 miles

You’re almost to Zion now. All that’s left is the drive through a few small communities before arriving to the park. In the small town of La Verkin, you’ll find of my favorite coffee shops and restaurants in the United States. River Rock Roasting Company, not only has an awesome breakfast and delicious burgers but also offers a killer view from their back patio. (They also have a drive-thru in Hurricane but its not the same vibe.)

Also, La Verkin is the last place to buy groceries at a decent grocery store. Davis Food & Drugs is the only one in town, along with a Family Dollar that offers a few basic food items. There are a few smaller markets and deli’s in Springdale, next to Zion, but nothing the size of these two stores.

Just north of La Verkin, on Highway 9, you’ll notice more campgrounds and places to stay. Zion River Resort is a huge RV and tent campground with good, clean facilites and Zion Wildflower Resort, is a collection of small cottages and covered wagons you can stay in. Also nearby is an ever popular Under Canvas Zion property as well.

Springdale and Zion National Park

Once you get to Springdale, you’re practically in the park. Remember Zion is a fee-based park so you will be required to pay a $35 fee ($30 for a motocycle) or use an America the Beautiful Park Pass to drive into, or through, the park. Even if you don’t have plans to ride the shuttle into the canyon, you still need to pay.

A few years ago, Zion tried out a reservation system for the shuttle into Zion Canyon but that’s no longer required. Now the only activities that require a reservation, or a permit, in Zion National Park are hiking Angels Landing and Virgin River Narrows.

In the park, don’t miss the informative visitor center, hiking and walking along the Virgin River and just enjoying amazing beauty and colors. Being in the canyon and surrounded by the towering walls is a very unique park experience.

Zion National Park can get crowded during the busy season and it can be hard to find parking. If you decide to stay in Springdale, then take advantage of the free Springdale shuttle into the park. (Not to be confused with the shuttle inside the park that takes you into Zion Canyon and the scenic drive).

You’ll probably want to get to the park as early as you can when visiting in busy months. Doing that, and implementing a few other tips for avoiding the crowds in Zion National Park, you’ll get the most out of your visit.

Zion National Park Tips

• Pick up a National Park Service map and newspaper at the entrance station Also, if you plan on spending some time in the area you can never go wrong with a more detailed map. This National Geographic Zion one is really useful.
• I also suggest buying a Zion guidebook. James Kaiser is one of my favorite national park writers and he has written a really informative guidebook about Zion. Moon Guides, another fav, offers a Zion and Bryce Canyon guidebook.
• Be aware that if you plan on hiking Angels Landing while in Zion, permits are required. You can find out more info on the Zion’s website here.
• Cellular service is spotty in the canyons of Zion National Park and surrounding areas but ultimately it really depends on what carrier you use. I have Verizon and have never have good service in Southern Utah but my daughter uses AT&T and she generally has better service than me.

Need a place to stay in Zion National Park? The park has its own lodge and two campgrounds plus there’s plenty of BLM land around Zion for dispersed camping. Not a camper but enjoy uniques stays? Then consider a cabin or covered wagon at Zion Wildflower Resort, located in Virgin, just a few miles from the park.

Best Time to Road Trip From Las Vegas to Zion National Park?

Zion National Park is open year round and can be visited in any month, weather permitting. Mild Las Vegas temperatures and good roads make it easy getting to the park even in winter. But since Zion is at a higher elevation than Las Vegas, it’s common to encounter snowy, icy conditions closer to the park.

In summer, as well, it’s critical to keep an eye on the forecast, especially during monsoon. The canyons are prone to landslides and flooding when it rains. At times, the park service closes trails due to potentially dangerous conditions and rock slides. Be smart. Always check the forecast and the park website before you go.

Other Road Trip Ideas Around Las Vegas to Zion National Park

Kolob Canyons is another section of Zion National Park that could be included in a Zion road trip. Instead of exiting the interstate at Hurricane, continue north for approximately 25 miles to exit 40. This section of Zion has the same red Navajo sandstone canyons as the main park with way less crowds. (Map Layer 5)

Bryce Canyon National Park is another a good addition to a Las Vegas to Zion road trip since it’s so close. Bryce Canyon is just 84 miles from Zion National Park and is a fairly straightforward drive. Plus, it’s easy to visit and make a big loop and return to I-15 through the Dixie National Forest. (Map Layer 8)

Another route suggestion is after visiting Zion, head east to Mount Carmel Junction and then south on Highway 89 to Kanab. There are oodles of things to do in, and around, Kanab. When you’re ready to return to Las Vegas, use Highway 389 through Colorado City and Apple Valley to Hurricane and the interstate. I have more info coming soon on this road trip route. (Map Layer 6)

And if you want to see Zion and the Grand Canyon at the same time, drive south from Zion and and make a big loop, visiting the Grand Canyon and Sedona then return to Las Vegas or even Phoenix. Or you could do that in reverse, starting with the Grand Canyon, around the east side of the park and north to Zion through Kanab. (Map Layer 7)

Final Thoughts About Las Vegas to Zion National Park

Visiting Zion National Park from Las Vegas is a near perfect road trip itinerary. It’s ideal for anyone; families with small children will appreciate it because of its short distance and solo road trippers will enjoy the simplicity, and safety, of driving to Zion.

It’s also simple to return to Las Vegas, or if you have time, continue on a southern Utah national park road trip. You could also end your trip in Salt Lake City and fly from there. Honestly, between Nevada and Utah, the possibilities are virtually endless.

As you adventure and explore, remember to use Leave No Trace principles when visiting national parks, sacred areas and public lands. And always leave it better than you found it.

See you on the road!