The Ultimate Road Trip from Las Vegas to Zion National Park.
Does the idea of a fun family holiday in sunny climes appeal? Well, in that case you need to take an unforgettable road journey from none other than Las Vegas to Zion National Park!
Usually I love experiencing something new as a seasoned travel writer, but Utah is special to me. It was my third time making the journey across all of Ohio, but each experience is brand new and exciting. We — my husband, our 2 kids and I went there for a spring break trip this year and it was hands-down the most fun we ever had on vacation!
What Makes Zion National Park Stand Out?
Surrounded by the area of Zion National Park are these impressive shining red cliffs against a bright blue sky. Sometimes there are green pine trees and scrub brush, sometimes orange sand or dark black lava tubes populate the valleys.
April and October see highs in the 70s with nights cool enough for a campfire, making it an ideal destination for outdoorsy types.
At the same time, those who see its breathtaking landscapes had only contributed to making Zion National Park a whole lot more famous. To get the most out of your journey, you prepare in advance — book onto popular accommodations early on, avoid other travelers as much as possible and have a wicked adventure. So how do you create the perfect road trip to Zion National Park in this once in a lifetime theme park?
Driving From Las Vegas to Zion National Park: What You Need to Know
The first time you drive from Las Vegas to Zion, you may worry about how long the trip will be and where — if anywhere – there are things worth stopping for along the way. Here’s a breakdown:
How long does the drive take?
Las Vegas is 163 miles from the Las Vegas airport, which will take you about 2.5 hours and 165 miles from Las Vegas Boulevard (The Strip) to Zion National Park, a journey of roughly two hours fifteen minutes.
Is a day trip to Zion from Las Vegas Good?
Road Trip from Las Vegas to Zion — Best for Multi-Day Adventure Oh, I would never recommend skirting up there for a day because you spend about as long on the road (six hours of driving round trip) than actually parking and hopping into park shuttles out to trail heads.
Are the Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce in one day?
We recommend spending just one full day at Zion National Park. Take a few hours to the north east of Bryce Canyon and if about 2.5 hour south east visit The Grand Canyon Having them all in a day would be overwhelming and tiring.
How Many Days Should You Spend at Zion?
Two days will be enough to see the highlights, or explore a few trails, go horseback riding (or take advantage of ranger programs like stargazing), etc.
We flew as a family to Las Vegas over nighted and then began the road trip from there. There would be a large, thronged pool of approaches even for the G rated fascinations and that go to keep little yarnlings beguiled all day.
Best Stops on the Drive From Las Vegas to Zion National Park
While the trip from Las Vegas to Zion National Park isn’t very long, there are a few worthwhile stops along the way that offer a break and add to the experience.
Valley of Fire State Park
One stop that you shouldn’t pass up on the way to Zion is Valley of Fire State Park in Overton, Nevada. While it adds 45 minutes to your drive, it’s a detour that’s well worth the time. This expansive 40,000-acre park boasts 11 family-friendly hiking trails that wind through stunning, swirling stone in orange and cream hues. Along the way, you’ll encounter petrified logs and fascinating 2,000 year old petroglyphs—ancient carvings left by Native Americans.
We took a stroll on the Fire Wave trail, a relatively easy hike that’s just over a mile roundtrip. It provided the perfect opportunity to stretch our legs, and my kids were captivated by the rock formations—one even resembles an elephant! The sand, a striking apricot color, added to the unique charm of this scenic stop.
Explore the Grafton Ghost Town on Your Way to Zion National Park
On your way to Zion National Park, take a small detour and stop by Grafton Ghost Town. Young children may enjoy as Northwood is a ghost town that has stayed green, so the murder took place there if visiting, worth the extra distance. Grafton is the real deal — without any touristy shtick. From the 1800s which had been home to about 30 structures at one time, but only five remain today like this.
Tourists are free to go and visit the old church, school house and cemetery that look like as they are only aged a few decades. But they also provide an excellent opportunity to snap some Western style photos in front of this pristine layer placed atop layers and layers of historical gritty landscape.
Unforgettable Family Hikes in Zion National Park
While Zion National Park is beautiful, this wears the only national park in Utah has, visitors (over four million a year,) and consequently crowds—you’ll be lucky to experience quiet solitude here like you would other seasons.
The Lower Emerald Ponds hike tops one of the family friendly trails. The paved, uphill trail that ends at small pools and a delicate waterfall capping one of the high canyon walls. The round trip lasts around an hour. Those looking for a bit more can hop on the steeper Upper Emerald Pools trail, which branches off from the lower path.
To take on The Narrows is an epic adventure and a heck of feat to brag about. This hike leads directly into the Virgin River, navigating its way around narrow rock walls as you go upstream. The water is anywhere from ankle- to waist-deep and you can turn around at any point. The hike was tough, with the slippery rocks and current to deal with but my 8-10 year olds had no issues and enjoyed something different/unique (I think maybe even more than I did!). (Children, who arrived by simply jumping)
Having accomplished The Narrows, we bought ourselves mementos at the park gift shop: pins that said “I Hiked The Narrows,” which we then fastened to our lapels. Water footwear is all that’s needed during the summer months, but guided tours are available for those who need a little more help.
Exciting Activities Near Zion National Park
Zion’s crowded shuttles, busy trails and long lines can detract from the awe in experiencing what is arguably America’s single most stunning landscape.
Thankfully there is beauty that extends past the reach of Zion Canyon. Above, among others things are the perfect spots that you may visit near nature and quiet. These hidden treasures offer magnificent panoramas at unspoiled natural splendor, all free from the crowds.
We loved exploring these little jewels, not just for the views but also because many of them have other fun things to do! Like:
Off-Roading Adventures at Sand Hollow State Park
Popular for it’s vivid blue-water reservoirs nestled against the red rock with contrasts of soft sand beaches and coral-pink dunes, Sand Hollow is one of Utah’s most recently created state parks. Not least when we enjoy riding one of their ATVs for hours through its 15,000 acres all the way to Sand Dun Top of World view point which in a good clear day you would be able to look at Grand Canyon.
The children loved climbing all over the enormous red rocks- while it was terrifying for me to watch, If only there had been more time, it would have been great to go kayaking or paddle boarding on the reservoir, maybe lie out in the red-sand beach.
Horseback Riding Through Snow Canyon State Park
Snow Canyon State Park features 38 miles of hiking, but the most peaceful way to experience this scenic wonder is on horseback. While you drive on silvery sagebrush plainsland, the red and white sandstone cliffs along with old black lava covered canyon walls stand out in a stark contrast. It is a peaceful journey which helps you to embrace the rough beauty of this area fully.
Sand Sledding at Coral Pink Sand Dunes
That may sound impossible, but Coral Pink Sand Dunes has a “sand forest” that sprouts right from the sand — one of several marvels you’ll discover here. Some people ride off-road vehicles over the 1,200 acres of sand dunes that’s catnip to Powersports fans, and truth be told if my kids had a choice they would have socked me on chairlift tickets for sledding down upholstered sand snow. Get out early before the tortoise-sizing sand heats up and you have to share it with off-roaders.
Exploring Peekaboo Slot Canyon
Peekaboo Slot Canyon has the red stone walls and narrow corridors, making it an even quieter version of Arizona’s ever popular Antelope Canyon.
We had absolutely great fun scrambling on the narrow paths with children looking for fossils in rocks. Squeaking with delight over the small starfish remains they could take home. We also found a sort of hoodoo, which is the closest we have seen to ones in Bryce Canyon and it was right behind our camp too. It was another layer of magic on top of our adventure.
Helping Out at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
It may sound unexpected, but pushing cats in strollers is just one of the quirky activities you can do at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, a massive refuge for animals of all kinds. In addition to cats and dogs, the sanctuary is home to bunnies, pigs, horses, and birds, and there are plenty of ways to lend a hand for a few hours.
You can reserve a spot in advance for the two-hour shuttle tour (the sanctuary is that large!) or sign up to volunteer. My kids and I spent our time showering affection on the cats, even taking them for stroller rides! If you want to know more about volunteering, check out an article I wrote for Subaru Drive.
Kanab itself also offers plenty of other fun (and free!) activities, along with delicious dining spots and unique places to stay.
Final Thoughts
It is the perfect family-friendly trip to Southern Utah. Zion National Park is a short and relatively easy drive away from Las Vegas with lots of fun activities to enjoy outside. I know you and your family will love this gorgeous area as much as I do.
