After checking in at the Bryce View Lodge (more on that below), we still had plenty of daylight left, so we took the scenic drive & stopped at various points to "ooooh" and "ahhhh" the otherworldly landscape. Do not try this during high season or a weekend or holiday - or if you do, have a fallback - but for us it worked out just fine. What Is the Fastest Way to Get From Las Vegas to Zion National Park? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-117395788', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kanab and beyond - Wednesday). Your name: On day two driving from Las Vegas to Zion National Park, towns become increasingly smaller. I was nervous about parking, seeing as how it was after 9am by the time we got to the Visitors Center lot, but I neednt have been. The most recognizable site in the park, thanks to Utahs license plates, the Delicate Arch is hidden in a sandstone bowl, standing majestically alone on the expansive vista. Operated by Greyhound USA, the Las Vegas to St. George bus service departs from Las Vegas and arrives in St George. We peered up at their cliffside roost, where 1 or 2 were supposedly tucked in, but saw only streaks of guano. Users or automated systems that fail to respect these choices will be considered to have breached our Terms of Service. If you are absolutely anti-tour bus, this is one option for you. Zion National Park is the perfect spot for kids with many family friendly hiking and biking trails. And that was it for us. On the way from Vegas to Zion, with a stop in St. George. It wasnt the greatest view, but it was a condor! For some of the best (and most accessible) views, take the one-mile walk up the Canyon Overlook Trail, which works for most abilities, and ends with beautiful vistas over Zion Canyon. U.S. Route 6. Thanks for your report and insights. Another great choice in Springdale is MeMes with the best Cubano sandwich Ive ever eaten! Rather than racing from Las Vegas to Zion as quickly as possible, slow down and enjoy the drive. The 1,400-mile road trip from Las Vegas around Utah takes 24 hours to drive all-in, passing Valley of Fire State Park, Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, Salt Lake City, Moab and Dixie National Forest, plus Utah's 'Mighty Five' National Parks. Directions from St. George, UT to Grand Canyon South Rim Take Highway 9 to Hurricane. And it wasnt just a one-time fluke: on our return a week later, we also noted that Dollar was the only brand with a line. On to St George, where we collapsed at the Inn & Suites. There are two scenic routes to take through the park, each offering distinctive sites and scenery. After a day exploring the great outdoors, you can soak in the view of the national park while you relax in the outdoor hot tub or end the day with a few laps of the outdoor swimming pool. It seemed to be a problem of both staffing and inventory. Carry on along UT-9 past Hurricane then turn onto UT-7 - if you're feeling adventurous, head out down the smaller roads which lead off it to enjoy fabulous desert views and dinosaur tracks. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. How can I see all the parks in Southern Utah? Theres also a scenic drive along the Virgin River and many opportunities to spot local wildlife. This video shows today's drive from Utah to Nevada. The most famous arch in this immediate area is the Landscape Arch, accessible via an easy hike from the Trailhead. At highway 89 you will turn South and head through Panguitch, Utah continuing until you reach highway 12. Balanced Rock can be seen from the parks road, but is an easy, .3 mile walk from the parking area for a closer view. The Zion Mount Carmel Highway is the second major route through the park. We found that the sooner you reconcile yourself to getting your boots soaked, the easier it goes. Very beautiful drive. Back in town, we did a grocery run for picnic provisions for the next day and then had mediocre takeout back at our lodging (the charming Red Canyon Cabins). Road Trip From San Francisco To Las Vegas, Road Trip From Los Angeles To Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, Start your trip in comfort and style with a stay at the Advenire, Autograph Collection, The Grand America Hotel adds vintage 5-star luxury to your road trip, Bumbleberry Inn is the perfect hotel choice while you're in Zion National Park. Artist : RiverwornMusic : Cafe BossaReleased : 2011Artist : LopeMusic : Cruising With YouReleased : 2013Artist : LopeMusic : In the SummerReleased : 2013Inte. Along the canyon are a multitude of opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, canyoneering, and rock climbing. The city is the religious center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the Mormons, and also hosted the Olympic Winter Games in 2002. There are several good places to stay in St. George. Opportunities for heart pounding adventure and quiet reflection in nature will present themselves at every turn during this Utah national parks itinerary from Las Vegas. We've added some extra driving time to visit these landmarks towards the end of your trip around Utah, but if you're not planning on driving the whole loop, we'd definitely recommend heading to see these first so you don't miss out. With so many things to see and do, your itinerary can be customized to include a smattering of highlights, or an in-depth exploration of one or more of the treasures to be found in the almost 92,000 square miles of national parks in Utah. If you have never been through Zion but your final destination is Bryce Canyon that is a great route to go. The reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout, bullhead catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass so bring a pole and head out fishing any time of year. Las Vegas car rental rates are notoriously low (although the ancillary fees on car rentals are often quite high). Directions from Las Vegas, NV to Grand Canyon South Rim Take Highway 93 south to I-40. The 1,150-mile drive takes you to the state capital Salt Lake City and famous national parks such as Zion and Bryce Canyon. Many points of interest are within the Amphitheater, including Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, and Bryce Point. Get a feel for the changing topography of St,. First, typing your starting point and final destination into Google Maps will help anyone get to your destination with the fastest route or alternatives, but having driven all of these routes before during all the seasons, I can see my insight giving you much more than just a map. Some are more of a short cut, but you will need to take into consideration the time of year and weather. Highway 9 will take you through Hurricane, Utah and right to Springdale (just outside of Zion National Park). The snow starts to fall in Utah in October, and as it builds around the mountain, the ski resorts start to open for business. You can find our Privacy Policyhere. The 130-mile journey across Nevada and Arizona into Utah is a relatively short drive which will take around 2 hours, mostly on Interstate 15. Dont miss: Things to Do in Cedar City Utah with Kids and Capitol Reef National Park with kids. In Hurricane you will turn towards the UT-59, which becomes AZ 389-A. Sign up to receive our monthly email offers. The permanent collection of items at the museum includes American Indian artifacts and exhibits illustrating the path from pioneer settlement to creation of the park. Hoodoos are columns or pinnacles of weathered rock, generally formed within sedimentary and volcanic rock formations. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. You'll leave Nevada, skirt through the northwest corner of Arizona, and then quickly enter Utah. Please be advised that several of the shuttle services go to central location requiring additional transportation fees to Red Mountain Resort. Since the city is located in the Mojave Desert, it doesnt have the cold weather found in other parts of the state. With the creek so high, some of the crossings were rather challenging. From here, take a left onto UT-24 which takes you through the amazing landscapes of Capitol Reef National Park. There's plenty to see in St George even if you're not a keen hiker. Red Rock Canyon State Park | Scenic Drives Near Las Vegas (30 Minutes) Just 16 miles west of Las Vegas, you will find the Red Rock Canyon National Conservational Area and Scenic loop drive. The nearby town of Springfield is the best place for gathering supplies and booking guided tours. Too bad you didn't drive past Escalante on highway 12. I started in St. George going southwest toward Littlefield, Arizona. Scenic drives to consider in Pennsylvania are listed below. If youre looking for fun things to do in St George with kids, look no further. Or rent a UTV with Southern Utah Adventure Center in nearby Hurricane and head off to the dunes of Sand Hollow. The interstate here runs through the spectacular Virgin River Gorge, before taking you from Arizona into Utah a few miles later. You could do a detour to Valley of Fire state park outside Vegas near Moapa.. It's a quick 45 minute drive from St. George and as one of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S., it's one of the best things to do near St George. Back in the car, St George-bound, we started talking about how great it would be to relax over a couple of beers with a takeout dinner. In general, expect to pay from $99 per person for the day, which usually includes a box lunch, admission fee, and drop-off at the gates. in 4 reviews George to Vegas, on that small corner patch in Arizona, may have, earlier that day, been inundated with the grandeur of Zion. One more option for your travels would be to Head north on i-15 until you get to highway 9 going to Hurricane. Day 3: Zion National Park - Las Vegas. Zion National Park is on Mountain Time, one hour ahead of Las Vegas, which is in the Pacific Time Zone. Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. At one point, we looked up and saw, not birds, but shadows of birds, silhouetted against the cliffs. Made of many layers of colored rocks beginning with the pink cliffs under your feet, with striations of grey, white, vermillion, and chocolate winding into the distance. Still, try to pull over and get a photo when there's a patch of pavement or gravel. I-15 is the most scenic section of interstate you'll encounter. Families will love exploring the 38 miles of hiking trails within the park. The experience is unlike anything youve done before and its one of the best things to do in St George Utah! Bryce Canyons most famous section of hoodoos, Silent City, has its home in Sunset Point. ), Weather in Early October - Southern Utah's National Parks, Confused about tubing in Zion (Virgin River), Super 8 by Wyndham Salina / Scenic Hills Area, Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel. Explore the state parks near St George, Where to eat in St George and Greater Zion, Advenire Autograph Collection boutique hotel, Things to Do in Cedar City Utah with Kids, Top 7 Things Not to Miss in Tokyo with Kids, 18 Best Lake Vacations in the US for Families, 12 Must See Places on a California Road Trip with Kids, 15 Amazing Adventures to Have in Yucatn with Kids, 15 Best Things to Do in Belfast Northern Ireland. Which are best national parks to see in Utah? Be careful driving. Other options are a solid choice and safer but will add some time on to your travels. From there to Bryce, through drop-dead gorgeous scenery. Wait, make that two condors! Otherworldly is a word often used to describe Bryce Canyon National Park. I have lived in Utah and specifically Southern Utah my entire life so I have explored just about every road, highway, interstate of dirt road. This day was all about scenic drives (and a bit of birding) - no hiking. That was fun. The Utah mountains are prone to heavy snowfall, and as such, the area is a top skiing destination. How to Travel From Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by Car, Plane, and Helicopter, How to Travel from Las Vegas to Arches National Park, How to Travel From Las Vegas to Mesa Verde National Park by Car and Bus, How to Travel From Denver to Las Vegas by Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel from Denver to 5 National Parks by Car and Plane, The 12 Best US Hiking Trails with Waterfalls, How to Travel From San Francisco to Las Vegas by Bus, Car, and Plane, Valley of Fire State Park: The Complete Guide, How to Travel from Los Angeles to Denver by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel From Las Vegas to Death Valley by Bus, Car, and Helicoper. This 130 complete journey. St. George and the Greater Zion area just might be the answer. Definitely worth touring with kids. We've done it twice, once from Las Vegas to Zion NP, and once from Zion to the Virgin River Casino - a scenic oddity and treat in itself, being part of a large manmade golf oasis in the middle of the desert. After an OK lunch we continued on Scenic Byway 12. 1130 Brickyard Road . Route 6. We hadnt packed provisions beyond water (preparation fail, a picnic would have been nice), so lunch was fast food in Cedar City. However, for outdoor exploration, keep in mind the humidity will make it difficult. All Rights Reserved. All trails will offer fantastic views of brightly colored mesas and buttes, dotted with clumps of green trees. Guided tours are available and are recommended for beginners or those unfamiliar with the surrounding area. We chatted with the rangers - super-interesting & knowledgeable - and intermittently scanned the cliffs. Another benefit of staying in Henderson: proximity to the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, a wildlife habitat created from the citys water treatment facility. Quail Creek State Park is a fishermans paradise. There's also a scenic drive along the Virgin River and many opportunities to spot local wildlife. This is a fun way to learn about the man and why he chose St. George as his winter home. Given that Utah is a great place to explore outdoors, the winter months may restrict your opportunities to explore nature spots. Experience one of Utahs longest zip lines at the Green Valley Gap, where you climb up a couple hundred feet, strap in, and soar across the sky. Take Highway 89 south to . Important travel note:The St. George Airport (SGU) will be temporarily closed for renovations starting on May 29 through September 26, 2019. Day 6 ((ta && ta.queueForLoad ? During this time, car traffic is disallowed on this stretch of road. Wildlife is abundant in this area, allowing photographers the chance to catch a grazing elk or deer, or a soaring falcon in their camera lens against the backdrop of the setting sun. Zion is all about the hikesand the variety is endless. Want to report conditions for this trail? The Human History Museum will be one of the first stops, telling the cultural history of Zion through interactive displays and a large model of the park. Rosenbruch Wildlife Museum has over 300 animals on display, showcasing species from every continent. The best part is that it'll only add a few minutes to your drive time since this area is right on the edge of St. George. She's been writing for the site since 2020. This route will take you thorugh Colorado City, Ferdonia AZ. Sighnot enough time to drive farther on Hway 12, but theres always the next trip. During the summer, Zion (and Las Vegas, for that matter), reaches punishing heats of well over 100 degrees. This higher elevation offers even better panoramic views of the hoodoos, enabling visitors to view the full Bryce Canyon Amphitheater from this outlook. Your email will not be provided to third parties. You can fly into St. George Airport (SGU), which is 30 minutes from Red Mountain Resort, or Las Vegas McCarran International Airport and enjoy a scenic two-hour drive. This stunning natural area is just waiting to be explored, so take plenty of time to enjoy the views and trails here before making your way west onto Route 89 and following it south a few miles. It was a short(ish) hike, since connecting to other trails to do a bigger loop was still precluded by closures. After spending some time exploring Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, rejoin I-15 and continue heading north. For another way to explore this beautiful landscape, you can arrange to trek through the canyon on horseback. Still, with car rental rates hovering around $35 per day, you can pile a few people into the car and easily beat the prices of any bus tour or shuttle service serving Las Vegas. Running across the park in a southeastern direction above the valley, cooler air can be enjoyed in the higher elevations as the road winds along the side of the cliffs and through a very narrow tunnel through the stone. To create the best Utah national parks 5-day itinerary from Las Vegas, choose one or two must-do items in each of the five national parks and a few items in between like Goblin State Park for a well-rounded experience. Consider a detour along the Valley of Fire Scenic Byway through the Valley of Fire State Park to see the iconic Elephant Rock, a natural sandstone arch resembling one of the massive mammals, with a unique appearance of multiple chunks of rock stacked together. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is home to the most well-known sites of interest in the park. The most popular hike, and a must-do for avid hikers, is Angels Landing, a 5.4-mile hike that involves chain-assisted rock scrambles, crazy heights, and scaling a narrow ridge. Tour buses, while convenient, may make stops along the Strip. Bonus scenic drive: out and back along the paved portion of Johnson Canyon Rd for more scenery (and meadowlarks). While every other airport rental company was processing customers with ease, the line at Dollar snaked around and around. We recommend using the entry point of Red Cliffs National Conservation Area because it's the nearest landmark on the Utah border if you're travelling from Las Vegas. Then, to add a little variety to your epic adventure, take the Charles Hall Ferry across Bullfrog Bay, to Lake Powell. I think this is BLM land. No tickets for tomorrow, will I get it at the entrance?? It's one of the most scenic drives in PA. From there, we made a spur-of-the-moment decision to head for Vermillion Cliffs in AZ to see if we could spot condors. The view was spectacular (of course), but low clouds meant we didnt get the full effect of the sun lighting up the hoodoos. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. Wed brought traction devices with us but didnt need themtrail conditions were fine. One of the rangers informed us that the condors had been very active a few hours earlier, but hadnt been seen in a while. (Less expensive than the strip, and putting us closer to our next-day destinations.) Any way you get to Bryce Canyon National Park your travel will be well worth the efforts and time you invest. Also nearby, Hamblin Home is a historic stone house with 1860s-style furnishings, and you can learn about Jacob Hamblin and his dedication to native American Indians in the region. Our plan was to hike the Taylor Creek Trail, which was fortunate, since road closures for ongoing sinkhole repair meant it was our only option. Rangers are on hand to answer questions and offer advice for your time in the park. We skipped the museum/tour, which Id been to before and know to be excellent. Zion National Parks steep red cliffs make for great hiking and canyoneering; its Zion Narrows wading hike travels through stunning chasms; and the incredible Emerald Pools, with their waterfalls and hanging gardens, are some of the most transporting of all the scenic features in this area. Close to Zion in Springdale, we would recommend Zion Pizza & Noodle Co. with delicious pizza, calzones, and salads. The safest bet would be to take I-15 north past St. George, Cedar and Parown and continue until you reach highway 20. George. After a lunch stop in Boulder City, we set a course for Valley of Fire via the Lake Mead national recreation area. St. George Shuttle800.933.8320www.stgshuttle.com. The top stops along the way from St. George to Las Vegas (with short detours) are Bellagio Fountain, Fremont Street Experience, and Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. This was honestly my favorite hike of the day: it wasnt a name trail, and so we had it pretty much to ourselves. Generally considered an easy route. Users or automated systems that fail to respect these choices will be considered to have breached ourTerms of Service. The trail took us to the next shuttle stop, which we hopped on and took to the Grotto area, where we picnicked before walking to the Lodge & Emerald Pools trails (we did the Lower Pool only). Virgin River North Trail via Confluence Park, Green Valley, Bearclaw Poppy, and Stucki Springs Loop. What is a central location from which to tour Zion and Bryce? (Look for Grafton ghost town, a site from "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid."). From Kamas, you'll make the 250-mile drive south to Moab. Flights from Los Angeles to St. George: United Express through Skywest. Taste some Americana at Route 66, AZ (2 hours) A couple of hours' drive from Las Vegas will get . Temple Square is home to the Salt Lake Temple, an impressive building which dominates the city. We were, of course, thrilled. This is a popular trail for scenic driving, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Not for the faint of heart, but a seriously glorious climb. The St. George area offers many opportunities for adventurous families. Destination Poconos. Take your time to enjoy the incredible views you'll get from this fabulous highway. Utah has hot, dry summers while the winters are cold. The Fiery Furnace section of the park is full of twisting caverns, slot canyons, and gorges full of interesting rock formations like stone passageways and slender sandstone arches. We had enjoyed our time in St George and the drive back to Vegas was easy with little traffic en-route.Our Yesnomads channel offers regular video updates from our travels and life. Here's how to get there: From Las Vegas, you have to get to St. George on the usual I-15. The iconic formation aptly named Balanced Rock is a must-see and one of the most photographed sites within the park. The Natural History Museum of Utah is a go-to attraction, where you can find out about the dinosaurs that roamed the state millions of years ago. After around 300 miles on the interstate, you'll arrive in Salt Lake City. *Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. Or jump forward in time and head to The Leonardo, an immersive art gallery. Tours generally depart from Las Vegas, Cedar City and St. George, Utah.

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