Awesome Las Vegas to Zion National Park Road Trip Stops

From its location in southern Nevada, Las Vegas is one of the most convenient fly and drive cities for road tripping to public lands and national parks. One of the easiest, and prettiest drives, is Las Vegas to Zion National Park. Most of the drive is interstate if you want to get there asap but there are so many fun things along the way why would you want to?

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Las Vegas to Zion National Park

Las Vegas, and southern Nevada, are two of my favorite U.S. destinations. I’ve road tripped to, at least, seven national parks from Las Vegas and visited the vast majority of the most popular public lands in the area. Plus, my daughter lives in Nevada so I’m a frequent visitor and cross-country road tripper.

For this Las Vegas to Zion National Park road trip, I’m going to assume you flew into Vegas and maybe plan on spending a few days around the city first. If so, make sure to take advantage of all the fun things to do, many of them free, and do a bit of local exploring. Valley of Fire State Park, Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area, Lake Mead National Recreation Area and the Hoover Dam, as well Boulder City, are all worth visiting.

Also, many people fly to Vegas and start a Utah Mighty 5 national park road trip in Zion. Along the way, there are plenty of other places in southern Utah to visit. That being said, this article covers the fastest route to Zion National Park from Las Vegas with minimal stops but I’m also including an alternate, slower route that takes you through Lake Mead National Recreation area as well.

Need a rental? Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is one of the most affordable and best places to rent a car – another perk of using Las Vegas as a fly and drive base. Discover Cars offers 24/7 customer service and no hidden fees. And RentalCars.com allows you to check dozens of rental agencies so you can compare prices and pick your favorite.

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

The traditional quick way from Las Vegas to Zion National Park is approximately 160 miles if you drive it straight through with no stops and should take around two and a half hours. The alternate route that I am suggesting is approximately 180 miles and is 3 hours and 15 minutes with no stops.

This trip can easily be done, even the alternate route, in a day but two days is optimal and you can even extend it to three or four days, or more, if you add in some of the other places around Vegas or destinations in Nevada and Utah. To better visualize the area, I’ve included a map of below.

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 Zion National Park Road Trip Stops

Las Vegas to Mesquite, Nevada

82 miles via Interstate 15

When you plug in directions to Zion National Park from Las Vegas in Google Maps, no doubt the route it will choose for you is Interstate 15. And that’s fine 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, in your road trip. It’s also a chance to see a bit of Lake Mead National Recreation Area and maybe even spot some wildlife.

Depending on where you are in Las Vegas, there are a couple of options for entering 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)

The park is a fee based park so you will need an America the Beautiful Park Pass to enter or buy a one time Lake Mead park pass fee. If you don’t yet have an America the Beautiful card, here’s your chance to go ahead and get one. Especially since Zion National Park is a fee based park as well.

After you enter the park, make a left on Northshore Road, a 62 mile scenic route offering stunning views of rugged mountains, unusual, otherworldy landscapes and unparalleled views of Lake Mead. Connecting the what’s now the recreation area with historic Moapa Valley, this is hands down one of the best driving routes in Nevada.

Southerner Says: if you’re in north Las Vegas or the strip and don’t want go to Henderson and Lake Las Vegas, then drive Las Vegas Boulevard into the park. This route does not 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 features like Redstone, with rocks so red they look like an artist painted them on a canvas, Echo Bay, or E Bay, hmmm, 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. As you continue through the park, be on the lookout for wild horses, burros or big horn sheep.

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

If you have time, one more stop that I suggest is the Lost City Museum in Overton, Nevada. 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 and reconstructed pueblos outside.

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Southerner Says: to drive the Northshore and visit Valley of Fire and the Lost City Museum, you will need to backtrack a few miles to Overton and the Lost City Museum after visiting Valley of Fire before getting on the interstate and continuing on to Zion.

Even if you choose not to drive Northshore Road through Lake Mead National Recreation Area, you can still add Valley of Fire State Park, and/or the Lost City Museum, to your Las Vegas to Zion National Park road trip itinerary.

To do that, my recommendation is: coming from Vegas, take exit 75 on I-15, enter Valley of Fire at the west entrance and drive the Valley of Fire Highway, exiting through the east entrance. Go left on Highway 169 toward Overton and Moapa Valley and visit the Lost City Museum before returning to I-15 via Highway 169. (see Google Map layer 1)

Once back on the interstate, the drive to Mesquite, Nevada is approximately 30 miles. If you’ve spent all day on these activities and and want to stay the night before heading on to Zion, then Mesquite is a good place to stop. There are nice casino hotels, like the Eureka Casino Resort, or others without casinos, plus plenty of restaurants, gas stations, a Walmart and the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum.

Mesquite, Nevada to the Virgin River Gorge, Arizona

21 miles

The drive from Las Vegas to Zion on I-15 is generally pretty tame but it does have one of my favorite sections of interstate – the Virgin River Gorge. It’s also noteworthy that you’ll cross into the upper northwest corner of Arizona before entering Utah.

This area is referred to as the Arizona Strip. Home to the Kaibab Indians, and other Natives Americans, this slice of Arizona was settled by Mormon pioneers in the 19th century. Sparsely populated and virtually cut off from the rest of state because of the Grand Canyon, the Arizona Strip is a wealth of natural wonders, cultural significance and history.

And the Virgin River. If you didn’t already know, the Virgin River is the main river that flows through Zion National Park. It empties into Lake Mead, or before the lake was created, the Colorado River. Along with the Muddy River, the Virgin River is one of the most significant rivers in Arizona, Utah and Nevada.

To cross the 500 million year-old gorge, formed by the Virgin River, Interstate 15 winds and weaves its way along the river through the canyon, creating one of the most exciting and awesome interstate drives in the U.S. 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) worthy of a stop to stretch your legs and take a walk or short hike.

Virgin River Gorge to St. George, Utah

20 miles

Besides the “Welcome to Utah” sign, the remaining drive on Interstate 15 until you get to the state line is pretty insignificant but from the state line to St. George there are an plenty of sites that could be added to a Las Vegas to Zion itinerary. White Domes Nature Preserve, Tonaquint Nature Center and St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site are just a few places to include.

Additionally, Utah has 46 state parks to enjoy. Some of the notable ones near St. George are Sand Hollow State Park, Quail Creek State Park and Snow Canyon State Park. It would be really easy to overnight in St. George and include one or more of these places on your road trip from Las Vegas to Zion.

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

St. George, Utah to Hurricane, Utah

19 miles

The last bit of interstate driving from St. George is to exit 16, where you’ll trade the freeway for smaller Highway 9. Alternatively, you could exit at number 13. I started utilizing this exit, because at one time, it had relatively no traffic compared to other exits. Plus, there’s a Maverick for fueling up before hitting the small towns on the way to Zion.

Maverick is a Wyoming-based convenience store brand that’s popped up across the western states. You can count on clean restrooms, deli and hot food and just an overall good experience. As St. George spreads out, this exit has grown like crazy in the last few years but I still like to stop at the Maverick for anything small, like the always important ice for the cooler, before heading to Zion.

Once you get on Highway 9, it’s just 19 miles to Hurricane. If you’re planning on camping near Zion and need supplies, the last real chance you have for a big haul is the Walmart Super Center in Hurricane. Personally, I try not to stop here because it’s typically really crowded but if you need something very specific or a lot of items then this is the place.

Near Walmart are several chain hotels. Comfort Inn & Suites and Sleep Inn & Suites are both rated high. I personally have not ever stayed at either, but if I wanted to explore more of the area, then these are good options and better choices since they are newer than some of the properties closer to downtown Hurricane.

Hurricane, Utah to Zion National Park

24 miles

You’re almost to Zion now. All that’s left is the drive through the remaining small towns before you arrive at Zion National Park. In La Verkin, one of my favorite stops is River Rock Roasting Company, a local coffee shop with a killer view from their back patio. The breakfast is good, the burgers are good and the coffee hits the spot. If you’re in a big hurry, 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.

Then, once you make the turn on Highway 9, just north of La Verkin, you’ll see more campgrounds and accommodations. Zion River Resort is a huge RV and tent campground with good amenities and clean facilites and Zion Wildflower Resort, features a collection of small cottages and covered wagons. Additionally, the ever popular Under Canvas Zion is nearby as well.

Springdale and Zion National Park

When you get to Springdale, you’re practically in the park. As I mentioned earlier, Zion is a fee-based park so you’ll either need an America the Beautiful Park Pass or pay $35 a vehicle, $30 for a motocycle, to drive into or through the park. Even if you don’t intend on taking the shuttle into the canyon, you’re still required to pay.

You do not need a reservation to enter the park or to ride the shuttle. The only activities that require reservations are hiking Angels Landing and the Virgin River Narrows. You can find out more info at nps.gov.

Inside Zion, don’t miss the park visitor center, the hiking trails, suitable for all ages and skill levels, and just pretty much staring at the amazing beauty and colors of Zion National Park. Being in the canyon and surrounded by the towering walls is a unique national park experience and the different textures are spectacular.

Zion National Park Tips

• Zion National Park can get crowded during the busy season and it can be hard to find parking. If you’re staying 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.
• Make sure to 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.
• When visiting Zion in busy months, plan on arriving to the park as early as possible. By doing this, and using a few other tips for avoiding the crowds in Zion National Park, you’ll get the most out of your visit.
• 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.

Other Road Trip Ideas Around Las Vegas to Zion National Park

If you plan on spending a few day around Zion, there are plenty of other places you can add to your itinerary. Kolob Canyons is another section of Zion National Park that could be included. 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 also a good addition to a Zion road trip because the parks are so close. Bryce Canyon is about 84 miles from Zion 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 easy Las Vegas to Zion 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 are 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)

When is the Best Time to Drive From Las Vegas to Zion National Park?

Zion National Park is open year round, weather permitting. During the summer monsoon, the canyons are prone to landslides and flooding and some of the trails might close due to rock slides. Always check the weather before you go and be very careful hiking The Narrows, as water tends to rise quickly in the canyon.

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 Mighty 5 or southern Utah road trip. You could also finish up in Salt Lake City and fly home from there. Honestly, between Nevada and Utah, the possibilities are virtually endless.

If you treasure our public lands, remember to use Leave No Trace principles when visiting them and leave it better than you found it.

See you on the road!