Awesome Las Vegas to Zion National Park Road Trip

Las Vegas is one of the best fly-in, drive-out cities for road-tripping national parks and public lands in the western United States. Thanks to its convenient location, you can easily explore Nevada as well as Arizona, Utah and California. One of the best – and easiest – routes is a Las Vegas to Zion National Park road trip. This drive is packed with beautiful scenery, historic places and interesting stops. Here’s how to do it.

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Las Vegas to Zion National Park

Nevada and Utah were made for road trips and adventure. Between the two states, the amount of public land is impressive, with national parks, wilderness areas and state parks scattered in every direction. My daughter lives in Nevada, so I’ve had plenty of opportunities to explore the region and have road-tripped from Las Vegas to at least seven national parks.

One of the biggest reasons this particular route is so appealing is how close Zion National Park is to Las Vegas. Even with limited time, it’s easy to hit some of the highlights and still feel like you’ve had a full experience.

While Death Valley National Park is technically closer to Las Vegas, it requires more advance planning with its extreme temperatures and long distances between services. Zion is a more accessible and stress-free option for many travelers.

This is also a road trip that just about anyone can do. It’s short enough to work for families, with plenty of places to stop along the way. Solo travelers will find the drive easy and straightforward and first-time road trippers don’t have to worry about long stretches without gas or services. It’s a low-stress route that still delivers a fun national park experience.

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

The popular Las Vegas to Zion National Park route is 160 miles and takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes with no stops. However, if you want a more scenic and relaxed road trip, an alternate, slower-paced route through Lake Mead National Recreation area is what I recommend. It takes a bit longer – roughly 180 miles or about 3 hours and 15 minutes, without stopping.

Either of these road trip routes could be done in a day but two days would be best and three days would give you ample time to add a few other stops and destinations in southern Nevada and Utah. As you’ll see, this route is easy to customize based on your interests, travel style and timeframe. The places in this article just happen to be some of my personal favorites.

It might also be helpful to use this Google Map I created – showing the routes I recommend and a variety of activities along the way. You can explore the different layers (different routes) by clicking the icon on the left of the map title, save the map to your own Google account using the star and click on points of interest for more details or directions.

Las Vegas to Zion Road Trip Stops

Las Vegas

A Las Vegas to Zion road trip gives you the chance to experience some of the city – if that’s your thing – while also seeing some of the best natural scenery in the U.S. It’s perfect for travelers who aren’t full-on outdoorsy but still want to visit a national park and explore a bit of Utah.

You can spend a few days in the city before hitting the road – of course, there’s plenty of thing to do on the Strip and you can enjoy places like Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area, the Hoover Dam and Boulder City, all just outside Vegas. Closer to the Strip, Tule Springs National Monument and Springs Preserve are must-sees things to do around Las Vegas.

For travelers who want to skip the Vegas lights entirely and head straight out of town, it’s super easy to do. Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is conveniently located south of the Strip, so you can hop off your flight and right onto the interstate.

Where to Stay

For a casino experience off the Strip, the Aliante Casino & Hotel, north of Las Vegas with its epic pool, is a great choice. If you’re only looking for a place to spend the night before your road trip, both the Fairfield Inn and Home2 Suites are convenient to the airport and the interstate.

Need a vehicle for your Las Vegas to Zion National Park road trip? Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is one of the most affordable airports for renting a car. With DiscoverCars.com you to check dozens of rental agencies and compare prices to find the perfect fit.

Las Vegas to Lake Mead

35 miles

Most travelers heading to Zion from Vegas stick to Interstate-15 for the fastest, most direct route. If your goal is simply to get there quickly, that’s the way to go. But if you have a day or two and want to slow down the pace, consider adding Northshore Road in Lake Mead National Recreation Area (Highway 167) to your itinerary.

This 62 mile scenic route winds along the lake connecting the park with Overton and the historic Moapa Valley. Along the way, you’ll see some of the most stunning landscapes and enjoy incredible views of Lake Mead and the Muddy Mountains. In my opinion, it’s one of the most scenic drives in all of Nevada.

You’ll pass sites like Redstone, with rocks so red they don’t even look real, Echo Bay, or E Bay – that sounds familiar – and Rogers Springs, a hot springs oasis with palm trees. All of these places are must-sees in the park. Lake Mead is also home to wild horses, burros and big horn sheep so be on the lookout for those as you drive through.

How to Get There

Depending on where you start your road trip in Las Vegas – there are a couple of way to get to Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Keep in mind that like most national parks, Lake Mead is a fee based park. The entrance fee is $25 or free with an America the Beautiful Park Pass.

If you don’t have an America the Beautiful Park pass, here’s your chance to go ahead and get one especially since Zion National Park is also a fee based park. The pass is $80 dollars for U.S. residents ($250 non- residents), good for a year and worth every penny if you plan on visiting more national parks in a year’s time.

From north Las Vegas, or the Strip: Las Vegas Boulevard into the park is probably the best route. Las Vegas Boulevard will end at Northshore Road. Take a left to continue into the park. (Google Map layer 2)

From the airport, or south Las Vegas: Head towards Henderson to West Lake Mead Parkway. This route takes you through the suburb to Lake Las Vegas. Just a couple of miles beyond Lake Las Vegas you’ll see the Lake Mead entrance station. Enter the park and take a left on Northshore Road. (Google Map layer 3)

Lake Mead to Valley of Fire State Park

1 mile

Just outside Lake Mead’s boundary, you’ll find one of Las Vegas’ best known secrets. Valley of Fire State Park is Nevada’s first state park and is home to unique geological features amid stunning red Aztec sandstone and textured pink limestone.

Don’t miss 2,000 year old petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock, the arches at Arch Rock and Elephant Rock and even a bit of petrified wood. For hikers, the moderate White Domes Loop Trail (1.1 miles out and back) or easy Fire Wave (1.5-mile out-and-back) are both good options. At the very least, drive Mouse Tank Road and stop by the visitor center.

How to Get There

After exiting Lake Mead National Recreation Area on Northshore Road, make a left on on Valley of Fire Highway. This will take you into Valley of Fire’s east entrance. To enter it’s $10 per car for Nevada residents and $15 for non-residents.

On Interstate -15, take exit 75. You’ll enter Valley of Fire State Park via the park’s west entrance on the Valley of Fire Highway. This highway passes through the park running east to west between I-15 and Highway 169.

Valley of Fire to Overton, Nevada

9 miles

From Valley of Fire, the drive continues to Overton where a stop at the Lost City Museum is well worth your time. This area of Nevada was once home to the Ancestral Puebloans and is often referred to as Pueblo Grande de Nevada, or simply the Lost City.

Nevada doesn’t have cliff dwellings like those found in Arizona and Colorado but archaeologists have uncovered the remains of pit houses in the region. The Lost City Museum bring that history to life. Built in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the museum sits on an actual archaeological site excavated in the 1930s.

How to Get There

Exit the Valley of Fire through the east entrance, turn left onto Highway 169 – toward Overton and Moapa Valley – to visit the Lost City Museum before returning to I-15 via Highway 169 (see Google Map layer 1). This is the most popular way to visit the museum since most people drive to Valley of Fire via the interstate.

However, if you enter Valley of Fire State Park from Lake Mead National Recreation Area, you will be entering at the east entrance. After visiting the park you will need to backtrack a few miles and exit the east entrance again onto Highway 169 to get to Overton for visiting the Lost City Museum before continuing to Zion on I-15.

Overton to Mesquite, Nevada

41 miles

From Overton, it’s a short drive to Mesquite, Nevada – a small interstate town that makes a convenient break between Las Vegas and Zion National Park. While you’re there, the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum offers a look at the town’s early pioneer history or stop by the Donkey History Museum, run by a local donkey rescue, for a fun visit that supports a good cause.

For travelers with extra time and experience, it’s possible to add a visit to Gold Butte National Monument from Mesquite. This is not a casual side trip and is best saved for those who are fully prepared. Roads are mostly unpaved and slow-going, and a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle is recommended. I’ll be covering Gold Butte in more detail in a dedicated guide for travelers who want to explore this remote area safely.

Where to Stay

The Eureka Casino Resort and Holiday Inn Express are both solid choices if you’re looking for a place to spend the night.

How to Get There

On I-15, use either exit 120 or 122 for Mesquite. The rest of the drive remains on I-15 until you exit in Utah closer to Zion National Park.

Mesquite to the Virgin River Gorge

25 miles

As you leave Nevada just northeast of Mesquite, you’ll pass through the remote northwestern corner of Arizona known as the Arizona Strip. This area is largely cut off from the rest of the state by the Grand Canyon, which is how it got its name.

This area was once home to the Kaibab people and other Native American tribes before Mormon pioneers settled here in the 19th century. It’s a region full of history and cultural significance, tied together by the Virgin River, which is the same river that flows through Zion National Park.

The drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park on I-15 takes you alongside the Virgin River and through the Virgin River Gorge. Carved over 500 million years ago, the gorge is one of the most spectacular and exciting stretches of interstate in the United States. And one of the most expensive. The last bridge repair made in the mid 2000’s cost more than the entire project in the 1970’s.

Unfortunately you can’t really see much of the actual river and there aren’t any places to stop due to the interstate’s narrow shoulders in this stretch of the road. Once you exit the gorge, the Bureau of Land Management maintains the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area at Exit 18 – a great spot to take a break and stretch your legs with a short walk.

Virgin River Gorge to St. George, Utah

20 miles

Besides the “Welcome to Utah” sign, the remaining drive into Utah is pretty insignificant. St. George – the first large city you’ll come to north of the state line – offers plenty of activities for a longer 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 worth mentioning.

Really, this entire area of southern Utah is full of enough things to keep you busy for weeks! And state parks like Sand Hollow State Park, Quail Creek State Park and Snow Canyon State Park are close by and could easily be added to a Las Vegas to Zion itinerary. I spent a day at Snow Canyon on my way to Zion one time and loved it.

Red Cliffs National Conservation Area is another gorgeous area, just north of St. George, offering some interesting hikes and a cute, small first-come first-served campground. For those that like to reserve a campsite, there’s a KOA nearby too.

St. George to Hurricane, Utah

19 miles

North of St. George, you’ll leave the interstate for a smaller highway Hurricane (pronounced hur-uh-kun, not hur-uh-cane), Utah. Exit 16 is the popular exit for Zion National Park, but I usually take exit 13 instead – mostly for the Maverik Convenience Store.

I started stopping here a few years ago because it was a less traffic exit but also for snacks, ice and fuel. Now I actively look for Maverik stores whenever I’m traveling out west. The stores are reliable, with super clean restrooms, hot food like breakfast sandwiches and quesadillas and some really cool murals highlighting the surrounding area.

Hurricane is large enough to be a practical stop for groceries or last-minute supplies and the Walmart Supercenter here is the final chance for a big stock-up before heading toward Zion. Personally, I try to avoid stopping because it’s almost always crowded, but if you need food or supplies, this is the place to do it.

Where to Stay

Hurricane has several chain hotels options. Comfort Inn & Suites and Sleep Inn & Suites are both well-rated on Google and Expedia. I haven’t stayed at either, but if you plan to explore more of the area, both are convenient, reliable choices – and newer than many of the other hotels in town

How to Get There

Exit the interstate at either exit 13 or 16 and continue on Highway 9 to Hurricane. Exit 16 has the signage for Zion National Park but exit 13 is where I prefer to gas up. If you do use exit 13 then East Telegraph Street, Once you’re on Highway 9, it’s only 19 miles to Hurricane.

Hurricane to Zion National Park

24 miles

From Hurricane you’re almost to Zion. All that’s left is the drive through a few small communities before arriving at the park. A couple of notable stops – at least for me – River Rock Roasting Company – in the small town of La Verkin – with tasty breakfast sandwiches and delicious burgers PLUS some killer view from the back patio. (They also have a drive-thru in Hurricane but its not the same vibe.)

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

Zion National Park

Next up is Springdale and then you’re practically in the park. Remember Zion is a fee-based park so you will be required to pay a $35 per-car 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 Zion Canyon, you’re required to pay.

A few years ago, Zion tested a reservation system for the shuttle into Zion Canyon but that’s no longer necessary. Now, the only activities requiring a reservation, or a permit, in Zion National Park are for 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 honestly just take the time to take in the views, the colors and beauty of Zion. Being in the canyon and surrounded by the towering walls is a really unique park experience.

It’s worth mentioning that Zion National Park can get really crowded during the busy season and parking can be difficult. If you are staying in Springdale, take advantage of the free Springdale shuttle into the park that the city offers to cut down on parking issues. (Not to be confused with the shuttle inside the park that takes you into Zion Canyon).

Whatever your situation you’ll definitely want to get to the park as early as you can when visiting in busy months. That, and implementing a few other tips for avoiding the crowds in Zion National Park, will help you get the most out of your Zion visit.

Where to Stay

The closer you get to Zion, the more places to stay. Zion River Resort is a huge RV and tent campground with nice, clean facilites (I have stayed here) and Zion Wildflower Resort, (toured the resort) is a collection of small cottages and covered wagons. Also nearby is the ever popular Under Canvas Zion property (on my wishlist).

Looking for a place to stay in Zion National Park? The park has its own lodge and two campgrounds inside the park. Outside the park, there’s plenty of BLM land around Zion for dispersed camping or boondocking.

More Road Trip Ideas Around 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)

If you are trying to group national parks together and visit as many as you can at the same time, then Bryce Canyon National Park is a good addition to a Las Vegas to Zion road trip since it’s just 85 miles. Plus, the park itself is so easy to visit. After visiting ou can make a big loop, returning to I-15 through the Dixie National Forest. (Map Layer 8)

Another route suggestion after visiting Zion, is to head east to Mount Carmel Junction and then south on Highway 89 to Kanab. There are tons 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 National Park and the Grand Canyon at the same time, drive south from Zion and and make a big loop, visiting the South Rim and Sedona before returning to Las Vegas or even Phoenix. Or do that route in reverse, starting with the Grand Canyon, around the east side of the park and north to Zion through Kanab. (Map Layer 7)

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, you can encounter snowy, icy conditions closer to the park.

In summer, as well, it’s critical to keep an eye on the weather forecast, especially during monsoon (summer). 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.

Zion National Park Tips

Here’s a few Zion tips you might find useful:

• 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 never have good service in Southern Utah but my daughter uses AT&T and she generally has better service than me.
• Remember 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.
• Pick up a National Park Service map and newspaper at the entrance station to help plan your visit. 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.

Las Vegas to Zion National Park Round-Up

Visiting Zion National Park from Las Vegas is an almost perfect road trip itinerary. It’s also easy to make a loop and return to Las Vegas to fly home. 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. Always leave things better than you found them. If you need help planning a Zion National Park trip or any trip, I’m just a click away.

See you on the road!