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Utah’s national parks: ultimate 5-day road trip from vegas.

Planning a road trip through Utah’s National Parks? I’m here to help! This is one of my favourite road trips I’ve ever done. The diversity of Utah’s scenery and landscapes is breathtaking. It almost feels like being transported to another planet.

Utah is like nowhere else on Earth. With its magnificent red landscape and unusual rock formations, Utah is home to some of the most unique national parks in the United States. It’s the perfect place for a road trip.

In this post, I’ve shared a 5-day itinerary through Utah’s National Parks which starts and ends in Las Vegas. The itinerary takes you through Utah’s epic ‘Mighty 5’ – the five National Parks of Utah. It’s a jam-packed itinerary to say the least but an epic one at that.

I’ve also suggested additional spots for those who have more time on their road trip, including destinations a little further afield. The itinerary can also be adjusted to start in Las Vegas and end in Salt Lake City .

There are a couple of long drives in this itinerary, but I promise it’s worth it!

Make sure you’re prepared for your trip and know what to pack for your journey through Utah . 

Here’s my 5-day Utah National Parks itinerary from Las Vegas.

Table of Contents

When is the best time of year to visit Utah’s National Parks?

Utah’s National Parks are mostly accessible all year round. Having said that, different seasons have their advantages.

Spring and fall are the best times of year to visit Utah. There are fewer crowds and the temperatures aren’t too extreme. You’ll also likely find it’s cheaper to travel in Utah during the spring and fall. I’d recommend the months of April & May and September & October .

It’s worth noting there might be some snowfall during the spring or fall. This could affect hiking trails and roads. I visited Utah in October and there was snow in Bryce Canyon. We could still do all the hikes, but it was slippery to say the least. Oh, and the camping was freezing!

The summer is a popular time to visit and is the peak season in Utah. School is out and families are looking to vacation in the national parks. If you can, I’d avoid the months of July and August . Utah’s National Parks will be crowded and the temperatures have the potential to be too hot to hike.

It’s also possible to visit Utah in the winter. The national parks will be at their quietest between November and March . This may not be the best time to visit if you plan to hike. Utah can see a lot of snowfall and ice meaning the hiking trails are prone to closure in these months. That’s not to say a winter road trip through Utah isn’t possible.

Next up, here’s what to pack for a road trip through Utah . 

Utah’s National Parks – The Mighty 5

The five national parks of Utah are known as The Mighty 5. If you’re planning a road trip through Utah, visiting each of the Mighty 5 is the best way to see the true diversity of the Utah landscape.

I’ve shared a brief overview of each of Utah’s Mighty 5 below.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is one of the most famous national parks in all of the United States. It’s a stunning spectacle of towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons and lush forested valleys.

Zion is known for several iconic hikes. This includes the notorious Angels Landing, one of the most dangerous hikes in the USA . Another popular hike in Zion is ‘the Narrows’. This renowned track leads hikers between sheer slot canyon walls through the Virgin River. It’s an absolute must-do hike while in Utah.

Canyonlands National Park

I had never heard of Canyonlands before my Utah road trip, but wow was I impressed. Canyonlands National Park is the largest national park in Utah. It feels like a never-ending expanse of canyons, rock formations and desert.

Arriving in Canyonlands felt like landing on another planet. The park is split into four distinct areas all open to be explored. The Island in the Sky district is one of the most popular areas of the park offering incredible panoramic views. Another famous district is The Needles, with unusual striking rock spires and colourful canyons. I spent two days exploring these two districts and was constantly blown away by the scenery.

With just five days in Utah, it would be impossible to see all of Canyonlands, but a trip there is still a must.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is the smallest of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks. Despite its size, Bryce Canyon is still a force when it comes to beauty and adventure.

This geological place of wonder is known for its incredible hoodoos – tall rock spires which have been formed by erosion. The park’s main attraction, the Bryce Amphitheatre, is a surreal landscape filled with hoodoos. I’d highly suggest visiting Bryce for sunrise or sunset where the orange and red rock formations create a stunning display.

Bryce Canyon is also filled with incredible hiking trails. It’s an absolute must on any Utah road trip itinerary.

Arches National Park

This destination is my personal favourite national park in Utah. Arches National Park is in the Red Rock Country of south-eastern Utah. It’s right next door to Moab, the ‘Adventure Capital of The West’.

Arches National Parks boasts an other-worldly landscape. It’s known for its iconic sandstone arches and has the highest concentration in the entire world. In fact, Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 natural stone arches. These geological wonders create a surreal landscape, especially during sunrise and sunset.

There are ample hiking opportunities in Arches National Park . One of my personal favourites is the Devils Garden area. The landscape here is breath-taking.

Arches National Park is a haven for hiking lovers, nature lovers and photography lovers alike.

Capitol Reef National Park

Last, and by no means least, is Capitol Reef National Park. The park is known for the ‘Waterpocket Fold’. A 100-mile-long geological fold in the Earth’s crust. The Waterpocket Fold exposes rock layers, showcasing the geological history of the region over millions of years.

Capitol Reef is also home to petroglyphs – ancient rock carvings. If you’re keen to see the petroglyphs, this will be the easiest spot to see them in this itinerary. The park is also home to Cassidy Arch, an impressive natural bridge which you can visit.

Black Arch Lookout

5-Day Utah National Parks Itinerary from Las Vegas

The below itinerary is a suggested 5-day road trip through Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks from Las Vegas. This itinerary starts and ends in Las Vegas.

I’m going to be honest, 5 days is not enough time to see absolutely everything, but it’s enough time to try. If you have an extra day or two for your Utah National Parks road trip, I’d suggest adding a day at Canyonlands National Park.

I hope the below helps you to build your perfect Utah road trip itinerary.

Day one: Drive to Moab and visit Canyonlands National Park

Start your day in Las Vegas where you will begin your 5-day road trip through Utah’s National Parks.

Today is an early start and a long drive. The idea is to get a big chunk of the driving done today so you can focus the rest of your 5 days on exploring Utah’s National Parks.

Start as early in the day as possible and head straight to Canyonlands National Park . It’s going to be at least a 7-hour drive, so try and get on the road early enough to give you the afternoon in the park.

Canyonlands National Park is a HUGE and vast area, and it’s going to be impossible to explore it all in this time frame. I’d personally focus on one area of the park. If you don’t have much time in Canyonlands National Park, focus on the Island in the Sky area or the Needles district.

A good option for a few hours in Canyonlands is the Island in the Sky Scenic Drive . This incredible drive gives you a feel for the true vastness and beauty of this area. At the end of the road, there is a short hiking trail to Grand View Point. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views at every moment on this hike.

Another epic spot on the Island in the Sky Scenic Drive is the White Rim Overlook Trail . This is another fun short hike with some of the best views in the area. This hike is particularly amazing at sunset.

Here are some other things to do in Canyonlands National Park: 

• Hike to Mesa Arch : this short hike leads you to the incredible Mesa Arch. It’s known for its epic sunrise views.
• Green River Overlook : this viewpoint boasts some of the best views in all of Canyonlands. It’s a convenient short walk from the parking lot and boasts stunning views of the Green Review. I’d highly recommend this spot for sunset.
• Newspaper Rock Historic Monument : if you’re venturing into the Needles district, stop at this monument to admire the incredible petroglyphs. There are some great hiking trails in this area.
• Chesler Loop Trail : this was one of my favourite hikes in Utah. At 10 miles (16km) it’s no short hike, but the diversity of scenery makes it all worthwhile.

Want to explore more hiking opportunities? Here are some of the best hikes in Canyonlands National Park . 

Note : As mentioned above, if you have an extra day for your road trip, I’d consider spending more time at Canyonlands National Park. This is such a huge and diverse national park and there is so much to see here.

Where to stay in Canyonlands National Park

For night one and night two of your 5-day road trip, I’d suggest basing yourself in the nearby town of Moab . This town is close to both Arches and Canyonlands National Park making it the perfect spot to stay.

The town is also known as the ‘adventure capital of the West’. It’s full of exciting and adrenaline filled activities. There are ample restaurant choices and plenty of accommodation options.

For campsites in Moab, a good option is the Sun Outdoors campsite . This is where I stayed during my two nights camping in Moab. It’s a budget friendly option and is located relatively close to the town. 

There are plenty of hotels and motels to choose from in Moab. I’d suggest using booking.com to find the most suitable accommodation. If you’re travelling in the peak season, make sure to book well in advance.

Day two: Arches National Park and Dead Horse State Park

Start the next morning in Arches National Park , just down the road from Moab. This is my favourite of Utah’s ‘Mighty 5’. It’s such a diverse and unusual national park. The scenery is otherworldly and I’ve never seen anything quite like it.

Spending a whole day in Arches is a good amount of time to see the highlights of this park. There are some epic hikes and viewpoints.

Start the day by heading to Delicate Arch for sunrise. Delicate Arch is one of the best places in Arches National Park to catch the sunrise, so you certainly won’t be alone on the trails. The hike is a 5km (3.1 miles) round trip. Unfortunately, it was cloudy on the day I visited for sunrise. It was still worth-it, nonetheless.

After your hike to Delicate Arch, fill your day by exploring other areas of the park.  

Here are some of the top things to do in Arches National Park:

• Hike in Devil’s Garden : if there’s one place to visit in Arches National Park it’s Devil’s Garden. This has to be one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. There’s a range of short hikes as well as longer hikes that allow you to explore this magnificent landscape. While in Devil’s Garden, be sure to hike to Double O Arch. The scenery on route is stunning. The Black Arch Overlook viewpoint is particularly spectacular. 
• Drive the Arches Scenic Drive : this popular route connects all the main areas of the park, and you’ll need to drive along it to get to most places. If you’re not a keen hiker, this drive will allow you to see some stunning scenery with zero effort. There are ample viewpoints along the drive. Be sure to check out “Balanced Rock” during the drive.

Note : the Visitor Center in Arches National Park has more information about the park and its history.

I’ve written a whole guide on how to spend a day in Arches National Park . 

Landscape Arch

Double O Arch

Before heading to your accommodation, consider stopping at Dead Horse Point State Park for sunset. It’s a 30-minute drive (or longer), so a little detour, but wow is it worth it. Dead Horse Point State Park is a huge canyon area overlooking the Colorado River. It gives Grand Canyon vibes and is a great alternative for those who aren’t visiting there.

Head to the Dead Horse Point overlook for the best views at sunset. The park is also an International Dark Sky Reserve. This means it’s an epic spot for stargazing. Stick around after the sun sets to make the most of the night sky.

It would also be possible to visit Dead Horse Point for sunrise on day 3 if this fits better.

Important note : Arches National Park operates on a timed entry system. This means between the months of April and October, all visitors entering the park in a vehicle will need to book their slot in advance. This can be booked on the official website .

Accommodation options for Arches National Park

Arches National Park is only a few miles from Moab. I’d suggest basing yourself in Moab on nights one and two as it will allow you to easily get between Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. It also means you won’t need to move accommodation after day one.  

If you’re keen to camp in Arches National Park , you will need to plan well in advance. There is only one campsite in the park. It’s open between March and October.

Day three: Drive to Capitol Reef National Park

Day three of your 5-day Utah National Parks road trip from Las Vegas is another packed one. Start your day early and make the 2-hour drive to Capitol Reef National Park .

Capitol Reef is famous for its unique geology, famous petroglyphs, and beautiful orchards. With only 5 days for this road trip, you won’t be able to see everything. However, even with just a few hours you’ll be able to see Capitol Reef’s highlights.

Spend the next few hours exploring this unique area. Here are some of the best things to do in Capitol Reef National Park : 

• Hike to Cassidy Arch : if there’s one thing you do in Capitol Reef National Park, make it this. This 3.1 mile (5km) hike takes you through the canyon to the beautiful Cassidy Arch. This is a distinctive feature in the park and you can walk right out onto the arch, making for a stunning photo.
• Visit the Gifford Homestead : don’t leave Capitol Reef without trying a pie from the Gifford Homestead. This famous café is known for its sweet and savoury treats, with the cinnamon rolls and pies a particular favourite. The farmhouse is near the famous orchards so grab a snack and take a stroll through the trees.
• Admire the petroglyphs : Capitol Reef is known for its fascinating red rocks and geology, but it’s also home to some incredible ancient petroglyphs . The rock carvings are thought to have been created between 600 and 1300 AD.
• Capitol Reef Scenic Drive: if you have the time, drive the famous Scenic Road through Capitol Reef. This 7.9mile (12.7km) drive boasts breathtaking scenery. There are several stops along the way including scenic viewpoints and unique rock formations. As of Nov 23, the cost to enter the road in a private vehicle is $20.

Once you’ve finished your day in Capitol Reef National Park, start the 2-hour drive to Bryce Canyon National Park . The reason you’re driving there tonight? To catch the magnificent sunrise in Bryce Canyon the following the morning.

To get from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon, you have the option of driving the slightly longer scenic drive on Route 12 . This is known to be one of the most beautiful drives in America. The drive will take you about 2 hours and 30 minutes without stopping, but there are lots of scenic viewpoints on route. 

Route 12 is also home to Grand Staircase-Escalante, a National Monument in Utah. I’ve spoken more about this below, but it’s an epic place to stop if you have the time. Realistically, you’ll struggle to fit this into this itinerary without sacrificing something else, but I’ll leave that up to you!

Of course, you can opt to spend the night in the Capitol Reef area instead. However, with only 5 days to see Utah, I’d suggest you keep moving and make the drive to Bryce Canyon on day 3. If you do choose to stay in Capitol Reef, it’s home to some epic, and I mean EPIC , stargazing.

Accommodation options in Bryce Canyon

Seeing the sunrise in Bryce Canyon is a bucketlist activity, so I’d highly suggest staying as close to the park as possible.

For camping , there is the option to camp inside the park at either of the two campgrounds .

The only hotel inside Bryce Canyon National Park is Bryce Canyon Lodge . You’ll need to plan well in advance and it’s not exactly budget friendly, but you’ll be in a prime spot for the next day’s adventures.

Bryce Canyon City is the closest town to the national park and is just a few minutes from the park’s entrance and visitor center. The accommodation here is generally more affordable. The Bryce Canyon Shuttle also picks visitors up from here. There is a grocery store and other facilities.

Day four: Bryce Canyon National Park

Next up is the smallest of Utah’s National Parks – Bryce Canyon . Bryce Canyon is a spectacular spot in southern Utah. It’s known for its collection of hoodoos, tall and narrow rock spires which have been formed through erosion. Bryce Canyon is one of those places where you really have to “pinch yourself”. It’s beautiful beyond words can describe.

Some people only pass through Bryce Canyon on their road trip, but I suggest spending a full day in the park. It’s a truly wondrous place and you want to see as much as you can.

Bryce Canyon is particularly beautiful in the winter months. The viewpoints over the amphitheatre with a snow-covered landscape are breathtaking, especially at sunrise.

Begin your day in Bryce Canyon by catching sunrise over the Amphitheatre . The best spots are Sunrise Point and Sunset Point . There is a convenient parking lot meaning you won’t need to walk far, but get there early to ensure you get a space.

The sunrise I saw in Bryce Canyon is genuinely one of the best sunrises I have ever seen. There was something so magical about watching the sun rise above the horizon and the amphitheatre lighting up gold and red.

Bryce Canyon is a hiker’s paradise and after watching the sunrise, hit the trails to see more of this phenomenal destination.

Here are some of the best hikes in Bryce Canyon:

• Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden : this is without a doubt one of the best hikes in Utah. The Navajo Loop trail is a 1.5mile (2.4km) trail that takes you down the famous switchbacks known as Wall Street. To see more of the incredible Bryce Amphitheatre, continue your hike on the Queen’s Garden Trail. This will get you up close and personal with those iconic red hoodoos.
• Bryce Point and the Peekaboo Lookout : this 5.2 mile (8.3km) hike can also be linked with the Navajo Loop trail. It’s a great way to walk amongst the hoodoos.
• Rim Trail : if you’re not a keen hiker but want to see more of Bryce, consider a stroll along the Rim Trail. The trail is 5.5miles (9.8km) long but you can walk as much or as little as you like. I’d suggest parking your car in the Sunrise Point Parking Lot and having a stroll from there. It’s a relatively easy hike that all can enjoy.
• Inspiration Point : before leaving Bryce Canyon, make a quick stop at Inspiration Point for more incredible views. This is one of my favourite viewpoints in the park.

I’ve written all about how to spend a day in Bryce Canyon National Park to help you plan your trip.

Wall Street at the Navajo Loop

Sunrise in Bryce Canyon

After finishing your day in Bryce Canyon, drive to Zion National Park for the final day of your road trip through Utah’s National Parks. This drive should take you around 2 hours depending on traffic.

Note : you could always drive to Zion in the morning on day five. There’s lots to see in Zion however and if you’re keen to hit the trails, I’d suggest getting there this evening so you can spend a full day in the park.

Accommodation options in Zion National Park

Zion National Park is one of the busiest parks in America, so finding accommodation can be a challenge.

If you want to stay inside Zion National Park, your only option is Zion Lodge . This highly rated hotel is a popular option as it’s conveniently located near several hiking trails.

Zion National Park also has three campsites . I stayed at the Watchman Campground which is very well located. You normally need to book at least six months ahead of time to get a space here.

The nearby towns of Springdale and Cedar City also have ample accommodation options. I recommend using Booking.com to find your accommodation.

Day five: Zion National Park

The final stop of your Utah National Parks road trip is the iconic Zion National Park in Southern Utah. Zion is known for its dramatic red rock landscapes, towering cliffs and narrow slot canyons. Start your day as early as you can as there are so many things to do and see in Zion.

One of the best things to do in Zion is the famous Angels Landing hike. This stunning hike is known to be one of the most dangerous hikes in the United States. With its narrow ridges and steep cliff faces, it’s not for the faint of heart. The hike requires you to ascend nearly 1,500 feet above the canyon floor up a series of switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles. Once at the top, start the nerve-wracking walk along the narrow ridge.

At the summit of Angels Landing, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Zion Canyon, the Virgin River and surrounding red rock landscape. This is without a doubt one of the best hikes in America. Due to its popularity, the National Parks Service recently introduced a permit system . You won’t be able to do this hike without a permit.

Another iconic hike in Zion National Park is ‘ The Narrows ’. This hike takes you through the Virgin River’s narrow slot canyons (hence the name). There really is no other hike like it and it’s an absolute must on your Zion itinerary.

The Narrows hike requires wading and, at times, swimming through the river itself. You can hire equipment for the hike right outside the park. 

Here are some other things to do in Zion National Park:

• Emerald Pools hike : the Emerald Pools hike starts at the famous Zion Lodge. There are three different pools: lower, middle and upper. You can walk to just one, or complete the full trail which is a total of 3.1miles (5km). The walk boasts stunning views including waterfalls, panoramic vistas and of course, the pools themselves.
• The Watchman Trail : this is a shorter hike (2.7 miles) but is stunning nonetheless. It’s located near the entrance of the park so is a great option for those with less time. The start of the hike is right by the Visitor Center and the Watchman Campground.
• Ride the shuttle bus : if you’re visiting Zion in the peak season, you’ll need to take the shuttle bus to get around the park. A ride on the shuttle bus is a great way to explore the park with minimal effort. There are incredible views around every corner.
• Stargazing : Zion is known for its epic stargazing. Grab a blanket and admire the night sky, or join a tour to learn more about this wondrous night sky. 

Discover more hikes in Zion National Park . 

Angels Landing Hike

Important note : private vehicles are not allowed into Zion National Park during the peak season (generally March to November). You’ll need to leave your car in a parking lot and catch the Zion shuttle bus to get around. 

After ending your day in Zion, you’ve finished your 5-day road trip through Utah’s National Parks. Head back to Las Vegas or stay an extra night in Zion.

Utah Road Trip: Las Vegas to Salt Lake City Itinerary

Planning a Las Vegas to Salt Lake City road trip? The above itinerary can be adapted to suit that.

Here’s what I would do if I were driving from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City.

Stop one: Zion National Park Start your road trip from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City by visiting Zion National Park.

Stop two: Bryce Canyon National Park Next up, spend a day exploring Bryce Canyon. Be sure to catch one of the iconic sunrises.

Stop three: Capitol Reef National Park Move on to the stunning Capitol Reef. If you have the time, take Route 12 and make a stop as Grand Staircase-Escalante.

Stop four: Moab The next stop is Moab. Spend a couple of days exploring Canyonlands and Arches National Parks.

Stop five: Salt Lake City Finish your epic road trip from Las Vegas in Utah’s capital, Salt Lake City. Consider visiting the Bonneville Salt Flats to see more of Utah’s diverse landscapes.

Other places to visit on a road trip from Las Vegas

If you have an extra day or some extra time for your road trip, consider one of these additional stops.

Bonneville Salt Flats (Utah)

The iconic Bonneville Salt Flats are one of Utah’s most iconic and surreal landscapes. The Salt Flats are about 110 miles from Utah’s capital, Salt Lake City. This unique destination features a vast expanse of salt crust, creating an almost otherworldly environment.

This 30,000 acre spot requires some planning to visit, but it’s well worth it.

Grand Staircase-Escalante (Utah)

The Grand Staircase-Escalante is a National Monument in Utah. Although not officially a national Park, a stop at the Grand Staircase-Escalante is a must if you have the time.

The area is home to some incredible hikes and scenery. With waterfalls, canyons, red rock cliffs and narrow slot canyons, Grand Staircase-Escalante is an epic spot on a Utah road trip.

While here, consider hiking to Lower Calf Creek Falls. The track is 6.2 miles (10km) round trip and takes you to a beautiful waterfall. It was one of my favourites hike in Utah. There is also information about the area on route.

The National Monument can easily be added to any Utah itinerary. The park is located on Route 12 between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon.  

Red Canyon (Utah)

Southern Utah is home to Red Canyon, an incredible display of hoodoos, spires and cliffs. Red Canyon is often overlooked by the nearby Bryce Canyon, but it’s worth visiting if you have the time.

It’s right in the heart of Dixie National Forest with ample hiking trails. Red Canyon can be found between Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks.

Valley of Fire State Park (Nevada)

Less than an hour from Las Vegas is the Valley of Fire State Park. If seeing petroglyphs is high on your list, then you’re in luck. The petroglyphs here are estimated to be around 2000 years old. The park is also home to the iconic Fire Wave, a vibrant sandstone rock formation.

Thinking of visiting Valley of Fire State Park. Here’s everything you need to know .

Hoover Dam (Nevada)

The Hoover Dam is an engineering marvel which spans the border between Arizona and Nevada. It’s a bit of a detour from Utah to reach here, but if you have the time I’d highly recommend it. The scale of the Hoover Dam is mind-boggling. You can walk across the Hoover Dam or opt to join a guided tour . 

The Grand Canyon (Arizona)

The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most recognisable natural landmarks. This huge canyon is a whopping 1.217 million acres. It’s possible to visit the Grand Canyon as part of a Utah road trip. I’d add this in as your first stop out of Las Vegas (or last stop when returning).

Want to see more of Arizona including the famous Monument Valley or Horseshoe Bend? Consider a road trip through Arizona .

Did you find this 5-day itinerary for Utah’s National Parks from Las Vegas helpful? Share on social media below or save for later.

OTHER UTAH POSTS 

Have you checked out my other Utah themed posts to help you plan the ultimate road trip?

One Day in Arches National Park: The Perfect Itinerary

How to Spend One Day in Bryce Canyon National Park

Ultimate Packing List for Visiting Utah’s National Parks

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A Family Road Trip From Las Vegas to Zion National Park

3 Days   •   372 Miles

Three days in the Wild West with your wild ones. Experience life on the frontier, canyon scrambles, dinosaur tracks and ghost towns.

A three-day weekend is a perfect start in exploring the Wild West of Zion National Park and Southern Utah. This family-friendly road trip pairs a big helping of adventure with new discoveries in Southern Utah’s frontier for a weekend you and the kids won’t soon forget. (Read: Why Your Kids Need a Utah Trip )

Las Vegas to The Zion Region

Kick your road trip off with a day in the St. George area. Get on the water — or the beach — at Sand Hollow State Park and explore the stunning Snow Canyon. In the evening, enjoy playing in St. George.

St. George to Zion National Park

Spend the day cooling off in Zion National Park. On your way a few extra stops give the family a chance to chase the ghosts of dinosaurs and cowboys. In the park, you’ll do some family-friendly hiking on the Emerald Pools and Riverside Walk hiking trails.

Zion to Cedar City

The last day is all about experiencing equal parts history and exploration in the Wild West first hand. You’ll see horse-drawn wagons, pioneer cabins and even cannons. In addition, see some of the most beautiful places in the region, including Cedar Breaks National Monument and Kanarraville Canyon.

Start:  Drive roughly two hours northeast on I-15 from Las Vegas to St. George.

End:  Cedar Breaks National Monument, just outside Cedar City.

Hours of Driving:  7+ hours of driving, including the commute to and from Las Vegas.

Places to Stay & Local Guides:  St. George  and  Springdale  both make excellent base camps for this family road trip, each with plenty of lodging and nearby camping to offer. Plus, booking a  local tour guide  will help you make the most of your vacation, whether it’s your first time visiting the Zion Region or your hundredth. If you're planning your trip to accommodate disabilities,  there's plenty of options  to safely see and enjoy the beauty of Utah.

Read these  resources  to learn how to travel thoughtfully and experience Utah most fully on your journey.

Las Vegas to St. George

• Sand Hollow State Park
• Snow Canyon State Park
• St. George for Kids

Everyone will love kicking off their road trip by clambering all over the layers of red and white sandstone and ashen cinder cones in Snow Canyon, or playing in the sand of Sand Hollow State Park — whether on the beach, or on an ATV. Next up, it’s time for some family fun in nearby St. George. Play around St. George’s Pioneer Park, with it’s very narrow and fun mini-slot that may hook your kids for life. Or, stop by the Children’s Museum for some air conditioned exploration and discovery.

• Ghost Towns
• Emerald Pools Trail
• Gateway to the Narrows

Families of budding nature lovers should set out early for Zion. On the way, pioneer-era ghost towns like Grafton and Silver Reef are sure to excite, and one of North America’s most significant dinosaur track sites at Johnson Farm is a must-see.  In the park, start with the Emerald Pools and the Riverside Walk hiking trails. Taller kids may be able to comfortably accompany their parents a ways up  The Narrows . For more hikes that may be suitable for your family, check with a ranger at the visitor center.

• Frontier Homestead
• Kanarraville Falls
• Cedar Breaks National Monument

After a stunning day of hiking through Zion National Park, it’s time to explore Utah’s western heritage. Frontier Homestead State Park honors the Mormon pioneers who trekked from the Salt Lake Valley to settle in the rugged high desert region.  Expect to see horse-drawn wagons, historic buildings and Native American jewelry. Knowledgeable staff members are happy to share the details about these artifacts, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. With all this historical context, your family will connect with Utah on a journey into the non-technical Kanarraville slot canyon that much more. After grabbing dinner in Cedar City, head to Cedar Breaks National Monument for a beautiful sunset view. If you’re really adventurous, wait until the stars come out. 

Thinking about adding a day or two to your road trip? Discover more family-friendly ways to experience the  Zion Region with this itinerary of local favorites .

Start ‘Em Early: Kids Exploring Nature on Their Own Terms

Well-prepared travel is responsible travel.

Do your part by planning ahead

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Towers of the Virgin, Zion National Park

Bryce canyon national monument, chimney rock, capitol reef, grand view overlook, canyonlands, courthouse towers, arches national park, hwy 12 in the escalante canyons area, mighty 5 utah from las vegas.

By going on one of our most popular tours, Southwest Adventure Tours will show you Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks in 5 days. Those parks are Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. Each park will enable you to see spectacular scenery and unique geological formations all within the region of Southern Utah.

We love to show off our home State of Utah, so guiding your tour in these parks and the other scenic areas we cover is our specialty. All of our tour guides have been to these places many, many times. We know all these places like the backs of our hands. All along the way, we know the culture, history, geology and the botany of what will be seen. We’ll also show you all those special places that many other travelers miss out on!

This tour is purposely designed to be 5 days in length for our guests to enjoy Utah’s Mighty 5 in 5 days, buffering a full travel day on each end of the tour, since most people plan for one-week vacations. Our tour is also customizable. It can include more physical and adventurous activities, more leisurely sightseeing, or more days to do both! It can also be modified to spend more time in specific places. Contact us for further details.

Our Mighty 5 tours consist of small groups of no more than 13 guests and a private guide. Hiking, scenic viewpoints, local eateries, hidden gems, and other fantastic experiences await anyone joining us on this tour. It will be a week of adventure that you won’t soon forget!

Utah's Mighty 5 - Tour Photos

• Arches National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park

Capital Reef National Park

• Zion National Park

Tour Highlights:

• See all of Utah’s 5 national parks
• See both sides of Zion National Park
• Travel through the vast San Rafael Swell
• Overnight stays in the towns of Moab, Torey and Cedar City
• Goblin Valley State Park
• Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument
• Scenic Highway 12

Inclusions:

• Professional Tour Guide
• Comfortable Transportation in a Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van
• 4 nights lodging at 2.5 to 3-star hotels
• 4 Breakfasts
• Park Entrance Fees
• Applicable Taxes and Fees

Daily Breakdown:

• Day 1: Las Vegas to Zion National Park (overnight Cedar City)
• Day 2: Cedar City to Canyonlands National Park (overnight Moab)
• Day 3: Arches National Park to Capitol Reef National Park (overnight Torey)
• Day 4: Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon (overnight Bryce Canyon City)
• Day 5: Bryce Canyon to Las Vegas

(Tour Can Run in Opposite Order)

Your guide will pick you up at the airport hotel at 7:00 am and the Las Vegas Strip hotel at 7:15am then depart to Zion National Park .

Best Western Plus, Cedar City, UT | Meals: B

Traverse the San Rafael Swell as you travel from Cedar City to Moab, UT. Hike to Mesa Arch , located within Canyonlands National Park , for an up-close view of one of the most photographed arches in the Southwestern US. Visit an Ancestral Pueblo Granary . Explore the Grand Viewpoint and hike along the rim of the Island in the Sky. A scenic drive/hike along the Colorado River showcases ancient petroglyphs depicting animals, humans, and geometric patterns carved onto red-rock walls.

Moab Valley Inn or similar, Moab, UT | Meals: B

Continue trekking through Arches National Park on a hike to Landscape Arch , one of the longest natural arches in the world. Visit the Windows Section and Double Arch . After lunch enjoy a scenic drive to Capitol Reef National Park . Hike to the Hickman Bridge , a 133-foot natural bridge, or go down to the Grand Wash to explore Capital Reef National Park’s deep canyons and narrows. Hike to Sulphur Creek Overlook and enjoy Panoramic Point .

Broken Spur Inn, Torrey, UT  | Meals: B

Traverse the Canyons of Escalante on Highway 12 to Bryce Canyon National Park . Meander along the rim of Bryce Canyon and enjoy the views and vistas of Bryce Canyon. For the more adventurous souls, explore below the rim through the Hoodoos of Bryce Canyon. This evening walk the grounds of the hotel enjoying the stars and solitude of the area.

Ruby’s Inn or similar, Bryce Canyon City, UT | Meals: B

Rise early to watch the sun rise over Bryce Canyon from one of its many viewpoints. Traverse the east section of Zion National Park before beginning your journey back to Las Vegas, NV. You will return to Las Vegas by 6:00 PM

Visual Itinerary Video:

Tour details:, not included:.

• Any meals not listed
• Alcoholic drinks
• Items of a personal nature
• Gratuities for the tour director, driver, local guides and outfitters

Arrival / Departure Information:

• Arrival Location: McCarran International Airport (LAS)
• Arrival Time: Any time on the Sunday prior to the tour
• Departure Location: McCarran International Airport (LAS)
• Departure Time: Any time after 8:00 PM on Friday Night (Day 5)
• Pre/Post Night Hotel: Courtyard Marriott Las Vegas/Henderson

Physical Requirements:

Clients should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain for an average of 1 to 3 miles at a time. Elevation gain and loss averages between 50 to 300 ft throughout the areas visited during this tour. Touring and overnight locations are above 6000 to 8000 ft above sea level.

Southwest Adventure Tours is an authorized permittee of the following parks:

• Capitol Reef National Park
• Canyonlands National Park

Off Season (Oct 16 - Apr 30)

• $1,699.00 USD Per Person Double Occupancy
• $1,949.00 USD Per Person Single Occupancy
• $1,549.00 USD Per Person Triple Occupancy 
• $1,499.00 USD Per Person Quad Occupancy 

Peak Season (May 1 - Oct 15)

• $1,899.00 USD Per Person Double Occupancy
• $2,149.00 USD Per Person Single Occupancy
• $1,749.00 USD Per Person Triple Occupancy
• $1,649.00 USD Per Person Quad Occupancy 

Pre and post tour night stays in Las Vegas can be added for an additional $175 a night.

2024 Departure Dates:

2025 departure dates:.

Similar Tours:

Mighty 5 utah from salt lake city, grand circle experience, canyons of the escalante, arizona adventure.

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Best Utah National Parks Itinerary from Las Vegas

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..

The “Mighty 5” national parks in Utah are Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and Zion National Park. Each one offers visitors something new to see and explore, from sweeping canyons and monuments to red rocks and alpine forests, all working together to create the breath-taking landscape of the Colorado Plateau. Follow along for ideas on planning the best Utah national parks itinerary from Las Vegas!

The McCarren International Airport will serve as your gateway to Utah’s National Parks, allowing visitors the opportunity to spend a few days in Las Vegas before leaving the neon lights behind in exchange for twinkling stars and moonlight. The diverse landscape among the five national parks, linked by remote scenic drives and numerous state parks, will transport you to a world that feels far away from the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas. 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.

Zion National Park

The closest national park to Las Vegas, Zion National Park is the first stop on your Utah national parks itinerary from Las Vegas. Zion means “the Promised Land” in Hebrew and this iconic park certainly lives up to its name. Located only 168 miles from Las Vegas, Zion National Park is most well-known for the expansive Zion Canyon , a gorge reaching depths of almost 3,000 feet in some areas. Along the canyon are a multitude of opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, canyoneering, and rock climbing. There are two scenic routes to take through the park, each offering distinctive sites and scenery.

The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is home to the most well-known sites of interest in the park. From mid-March through November, there is a complimentary shuttle bus that takes visitors on an approximate 8-mile route through the park, with several stops along the way. During this time, car traffic is disallowed on this stretch of road. 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. 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. Rangers are on hand to answer questions and offer advice for your time in the park.

Experienced hikers will want to set off on the narrow trail to Angel’s Landing , offering one of the best views of the surrounding Zion Canyon, while hikers of all abilities will want to experience at least some time in The Narrows . The narrowest section of Zion Canyon, with many portions completely within the Virgin River, is hailed as the quintessential Zion experience. Guided tours are available and are recommended for beginners or those unfamiliar with the surrounding area.

Another popular hiking spot in the park is the Emerald Pools area, offering trails suitable for families that can accommodate strollers and wheelchairs, to strenuous trails at higher elevations. There are three levels of pools, Lower, Middle and Upper, amid the trails, each a bit harder to get to than the last. All trails will offer fantastic views of brightly colored mesas and buttes, dotted with clumps of green trees.

A short walk from the shuttle along the Weeping Rock Trailhead is an alcove under a sandstone bowl, formed by water erosion, with water seeping from the rock forming hanging gardens and anything from a slow trickle of water to a rushing waterfall, depending on the season and level of recent rainfall. The Riverside Walk , a paved trail that follows the Virgin River, leads through more hanging gardens and waterfalls, and is home to an array of birds and wildlife.

At the east entrance/exit of Zion National Park, is the Checkerboard Mesa , a white colored plateau with a distinctive checkerboard pattern surrounded by cliffs covered in white and amber striations and swirls. The nearby town of Springfield is the best place for gathering supplies and booking guided tours. Courses and equipment rentals for canyoneering are available just about year-round, and horseback riding tours along the Virgin River can be booked from March through October.

The Zion Mount Carmel Highway is the second major route through the park. 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. There are no shuttles along this route, but there are many overlooks, including some along the popular Canyon Overlook Trail , an easy one-mile round-trip hike through towering pine trees.

With the Zion Mount Carmel Highway offering a parallel experience to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and with so many unique sites to explore between the two, you will want to devote at least two days during your Utah national parks itinerary within Zion National Park. From Zion, you will travel approximately 86 miles to Bryce Canyon National Park. 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 best Utah national parks 3-day itinerary from Las Vegas would incorporate a mix of attractions and sites from Zion National Park and the next location on our list, Bryce Canyon National Park.

Bryce Canyon National Park

“Otherworldly” is a word often used to describe Bryce Canyon National Park. Full of red rocks, fabulous vistas, and pink cliffs, this national park is also home to the largest concentration of hoodoos in the world. Hoodoos are columns or pinnacles of weathered rock, generally formed within sedimentary and volcanic rock formations. These unique structures aid in creating a landscape that looks like something out of a science fiction movie. The top place to see hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park is along the northern section of the park along the higher regions of the Colorado Plateau.

An in-park shuttle system operates to help visitors easily reach all the main points of interest within the park while helping to reduce car traffic and its effects on the natural surroundings. The shuttle begins at the Visitor’s Center, with stops at Sunrise Point, Bryce Lodge, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, Bryce Point, and Paria View.

The Bryce Canyon Amphitheater is one of the most convenient parts of the park to get to with the most famous structures, making it the most visited site within the park each year. Many points of interest are within the Amphitheater, including Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, and Bryce Point.

Pink Cliffs are the backdrop for famous sites like Boat Mesa and The Sinking Ship, two well-known rock formations within the park. Limber pine trees dot the landscape, with their exposed roots clinging to the eroding, tilted ground. The Queen’s Garden Trail is an easy hike leading past the Queen Victoria hoodoo towards the Fairyland Loop .

Fairyland Canyon is a scenic overlook just north of the park entrance, allowing park guests to view the hoodoos up close. After enjoying the stunning view of the valley and formations below, advanced hikers can descend into the canyon on the 8-mile Fairyland Loop. This strenuous hike winds down the canyon and through the maze of hoodoos below, before ascending to Sunset Point.

Bryce Canyon’s most famous section of hoodoos, Silent City, has its home in Sunset Point . This tightly packed maze of hoodoos is a natural marvel and example of erosion that begs to be explored and appreciated. One of the best-known hoodoos, Thor’s Hammer, can also be found here among the red, yellow, and orange hued rock walls.

For panoramic views of the entire park, a visit to Rainbow Point is in order. The famous Grand Staircase can be seen from this vista. 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.

Rising more than 8,000 feet along the western rim of Bryce Canyon, Inspiration Point looks toward the Silent City hoodoos, offering another unique perspective of this well-known site. There are three different viewpoints along Inspiration Point, each higher than the last.

Next to Inspiration Point, and 200 feet higher, is Bryce Point . This higher elevation offers even better panoramic views of the hoodoos, enabling visitors to view the full Bryce Canyon Amphitheater from this outlook. Bryce Point is the best spot within the park during sunrise, as the rays of light reflect off the hoodoos, lighting the valley ablaze in warm colors.

The best place to capture the beauty of the setting sun reflecting off the hoodoos and slot canyons is at Paria View . 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. This serene forest meadow is the ideal way to end a day during your Utah national parks itinerary.

Arches National Park

Located in Moab, Utah, Arches National Park is 244 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park and is the perfect addition for a longer Utah national parks itinerary of 5 days or more. Popular activities in Arches include canyoneering, ATV rides, hiking, river rafting, rock climbing, and mountain biking. The Arches Scenic Drive is a 19-mile-long road leading past some of the most popular sites within the park, beginning with the La Sal Mountains Viewpoint , offering a sweeping view of the park with the mountains off in the distance.

The iconic formation aptly named Balanced Rock is a must-see and one of the most photographed sites within the park. Sitting 128-feet above the ground, this boulder estimated to be 3,000 tons is attached to its pedestal in a natural balancing act. Balanced Rock can be seen from the park’s road, but is an easy, .3 mile walk from the parking area for a closer view.

There are more than 2,000 natural stone arches and thousands of stone pinnacles, rock fins, and red-rock formations throughout Arches National Park. Double Arch , the arch containing the tallest opening in the park, is easily visited via a half-mile hike from the road. Uniquely formed by water erosion from above instead of from the sides like most arches, the large arches share the same stone foundation, which can be climbed and walked upon for close inspection of this famous landform.

The most recognizable site in the park, thanks to Utah’s license plates, the Delicate Arch is hidden in a sandstone bowl, standing majestically alone on the expansive vista. It is a moderate hike to reach the Delicate Arch but is well worth the effort.

The Devil’s Garden Trailhead is a wide, paved trail lined with arches and a campground with 50 campsites. The most famous arch in this immediate area is the Landscape Arch, accessible via an easy hike from the Trailhead. The extremely delicate, spiderweb pattern of the Landscape Arch stands 290 feet tall and is the largest natural arch anywhere in the world.

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. Ranger guided tours steer you through approximately 2 miles of the twists and turns, pointing out interesting sites and teaching guests about the process of erosion and how it forms the landscape seen in every direction. There is no marked trail in the Fiery Furnace, so caution is advised when exploring without a guide.

Along the way from Bryce Canyon to Arches is Capitol Reef National Park , known for cliffs, canyons, and domes, but also the Waterpocket Fold , a 100-mile-long wrinkle in the Earth formed on an ancient fault-line and giving the landscape a unique appearance that must be seen in person. Canyonlands National Park, the largest of the five national parks in Utah, is located 32 miles from Arches and is famous for its mountain biking terrain, and the Island in the Sky, a paved scenic drive on top of the 1,500-foot-tall mesa. Either of these parks would make a perfect side trip from your home base while exploring Arches National Park.

A final honorable mention to include on the best Utah national parks itinerary from Las Vegas is a quick stop at Goblin Valley State Park . Here, moving rocks coupled with erosion have left thousands of interesting sandstone shapes and rock formations all along the valley floor. These shapes resemble alien lifeforms, giving the park its name. 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.

The best Utah national parks itinerary from Las Vegas will take you on an adventure from the hustle and bustle of Sin City to the serenity of nature and some of the most unique scenery you may ever be surrounded with in your life. Only two states (California and Alaska) have more national parks than Utah, making it a hotspot for nature lovers and thrill seekers alike with endless options for hiking, camping, climbing, and more. 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.

Utah National Parks 5 Day Itinerary from Las Vegas

Explore the stunning natural landscapes of Utah National Parks in one unforgettable road trip! Here is a 5-day itinerary for visiting the national parks, starting with Las Vegas.

Utah National Parks Road Trip

A 5-day itinerary for visiting Utah national parks from Las Vegas can be an amazing adventure, showcasing some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the United States. 

It took us a little more than 5 days to do Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks.

However, traveling with an RV is a lot easier than having to rent a hotel room and worrying about where you will be eating.

While there are 5 National Parks in Utah that are called the Mighty 5, we are only including 4 in our Utah National Parks 5 day itinerary from Las Vegas. 

If you have more time, then by all means, head over to Canyonlands National Park for day 6 where you can hike the Mesa Arch.

If you want to go to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, then stay in Moab, Utah where you can visit both, Dead Horse Point State Park and Hole in The Rock also.

Here’s a suggested National Parks road trip itinerary that covers the major national parks in Southern Utah .

The first stop will be Zion NP!

Day 1: Las Vegas to Zion National Park

• Morning: Depart from Las Vegas and drive to Zion National Park (approximately 2.5-3 hours).
• Afternoon: Arrive in Zion, check in to your accommodation, and have lunch.
• Visit Grafton Ghost Town near Springdale.
• Spend the afternoon exploring the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and taking in the breathtaking views.
• Hike the easy Riverside Walk trail along the Virgin River.

2nd Day: Zion National Park

• Morning: Rise early to beat the crowds and hike the iconic Angel’s Landing trail (if you’re up for a challenging adventure) or take the less strenuous but equally beautiful Observation Point trail.
• Afternoon: Explore more of Zion’s wonders, such as Weeping Rock or the Emerald Pools.
• Evening: Relax and enjoy dinner in the town of Springdale, just outside the park.

Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its stunning geological formations, including hoodoos, natural amphitheaters, and unique landscapes. While it’s ideal to spend more time exploring the park, if you have just one day, here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your visit:

A one-day itinerary for Bryce Canyon National Park can be packed with stunning viewpoints, short hikes, and opportunities to appreciate the unique geological formations and vibrant colors of the park. Here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your day:

• Sunrise at Sunrise Point: Start your day early to catch the sunrise at Sunrise Point. The first light of the day casting shadows on the hoodoos is a breathtaking sight.
• Sunset Point: After sunrise, head over to Sunset Point, which is just a short walk from Sunrise Point. Take in the magnificent views of the Bryce Amphitheater, a stunning collection of hoodoos.
• Breakfast: You can have breakfast at the Bryce Canyon Lodge or pack a picnic breakfast to enjoy at one of the picnic areas in the park.

Mid-Morning:

• Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail: Start the day with a hike down into the canyon. The Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail is a popular combination that takes you through some of the most iconic formations in the park, including the Queen Victoria hoodoo.
• Lunch at the Bryce Canyon Lodge: Head back to the Bryce Canyon Lodge for a leisurely lunch at the restaurant. The lodge offers beautiful views of the canyon.
• Bryce Point: Drive or take the shuttle to Bryce Point. This viewpoint offers a different perspective of the amphitheater and is especially stunning in the afternoon light.
• Inspiration Point: Next, visit Inspiration Point. It’s one of the most visited viewpoints in the park and offers panoramic vistas of the Bryce Amphitheater.

Late Afternoon:

• Mossy Cave Trail: As the day winds down, consider taking the short Mossy Cave Trail, which is located in the northern part of the park. The trail leads to a small waterfall and an interesting alcove with hanging gardens.
• Sunset at Bryce Point or Inspiration Point: Depending on the time of year, either return to Bryce Point or Inspiration Point for a spectacular sunset. Check the park’s schedule for sunset times.
• Stargazing: If you’re visiting Bryce Canyon during a moonless night, stay a little longer to enjoy the park’s excellent stargazing opportunities. The park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places to view the night sky.

Please note that Bryce Canyon’s high elevation (around 8,000 to 9,000 feet) can result in cooler temperatures, even in the summer, so be sure to dress appropriately.

Additionally, check the park’s website or visitor center for any trail closures or important information before your visit.

Keep in mind that this itinerary covers some of the park’s highlights, but there are many more trails and viewpoints to explore if you have additional time.

Bryce Canyon Summary

• Morning: Check out of your Zion accommodation and drive to Bryce Canyon National Park (approximately 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Arrive in Bryce Canyon, have lunch, and then explore the Bryce Amphitheater area.
• Take a hike along the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail for fantastic views of the hoodoos.
• Evening: Stargazing at the park’s designated stargazing points.

Day 4: Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park in Utah offers stunning landscapes and outdoor activities that you can enjoy in just one day. Here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your visit:

• Visitor Center:  Start your day at the Capitol Reef Visitor Center. Here, you can pick up maps, get information about current conditions, and ask rangers for advice on the best hikes and points of interest.
• Scenic Drive:  Begin with a scenic drive along Utah State Route 24. You’ll be treated to beautiful views of the Waterpocket Fold, a unique geological feature in the park.
• Panorama Point:  Make a quick stop at Panorama Point for a fantastic panoramic view of the park’s landscape. It’s a short walk from the parking area.

Late Morning:

• Hickman Bridge Trail:  This moderately easy hike is one of the park’s highlights. The trailhead is located along the scenic drive, and the hike takes you to Hickman Natural Bridge, a beautiful sandstone arch. It’s about a 2-mile round trip and takes around 1-2 hours.
• Picnic:  Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated picnic areas in the park. There are some near the visitor center, or you can bring your own food.
• Gifford Homestead:  Visit the Gifford Homestead Historic District. You can tour the old farmhouse and buy homemade pies and other baked goods if available.
• Scenic Drive Continuation:  Continue your scenic drive along Capitol Reef Scenic Drive. There are numerous pullouts and viewpoints along the way, so stop as you please to take in the views and snap some photos.
• Grand Wash Trail:  If you have more time and energy, consider hiking the Grand Wash Trail, which is a relatively easy 4-mile round trip hike through a scenic canyon. It’s especially beautiful in the late afternoon.
• Sunset at Sunset Point:  Wrap up your day by heading to Sunset Point or another viewpoint to catch the sunset. The park’s red rock formations are beautifully illuminated during this time, making for incredible photo opportunities.
• Stargazing:  Capitol Reef National Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, so if you have clear skies, stay a little longer to enjoy some stargazing. Bring a telescope or simply lay on a blanket and look up at the breathtaking night sky.

Remember to check the park’s current conditions and opening hours, as they can vary by season.

Also, stay hydrated, wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and practice Leave No Trace principles to protect this beautiful natural area.

Enjoy your visit to Capitol Reef National Park!

Capitol Reef NP Summary

• Morning: Drive to Capitol Reef National Park (approximately 2.5-3 hours).
• Afternoon: Explore the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive and stop at viewpoints like Panorama Point and Goosenecks Overlook.
• Take a short hike to Hickman Bridge or explore the Fruita Historic District.
• Evening: Enjoy a serene night in the park or camp if you prefer.

Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip Day 5: Arches National Park and Return to Las Vegas

Visiting Arches National Park in one day allows you to see some of the park’s iconic features, although it won’t give you enough time to explore every corner of this vast and stunning park. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a one-day visit to Arches National Park:

• Visitor Center:  Start your day at the visitor center, which opens early. Here, you can pick up maps, ask rangers for advice, and learn about the park’s geology and history. Shortly after leaving the visitor, you can stop at Park Avenue.
• Delicate Arch Viewpoint:  Head straight to the Delicate Arch Viewpoint trailhead, which is one of the most famous arches in the park. The trail is moderately strenuous, about 3-mile round trip, and takes you to a viewpoint where you can see Delicate Arch in the distance.

• Lunch:  Enjoy a packed lunch at the picnic area near the Delicate Arch trailhead, or if you prefer, drive back to the visitor center for a meal.
• Landscape Arch:  A relatively easy hike to see one of the longest natural stone spans in the world.
• Double O Arch:  Continue on the trail from Landscape Arch to reach Double O Arch and other interesting rock formations.
• Primitive Loop:  If you’re up for a more strenuous adventure, take the Primitive Loop trail, which includes some scrambling and offers a different perspective of the park’s beauty.
• Windows Section:  Drive back towards the park’s entrance and explore the Windows Section. Here, you can see several arches relatively close to the road, including the Turret Arch, Double Arch, and North and South Windows. If you are a hiker, Angels Landing is strenuous and somewhat dangerous as people say but well worth it.
• Sunset at Balanced Rock:  End your day with a visit to Balanced Rock. This iconic formation is particularly beautiful during sunset. There’s a short trail that takes you closer to the rock for some great photo opportunities and you can also rock climb if you are into that kind of thing.

Additional Tips:

• Make sure to check the park’s website for any alerts, road closures, or updated information before your visit.
• Stay hydrated and bring plenty of water, especially if you’re visiting during the hotter months.
• Wear comfortable hiking shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather.
• Respect the Leave No Trace principles to preserve the park’s natural beauty.
• Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons. Arriving early in the day can help you avoid some of the congestion.

While this one-day itinerary provides a glimpse of Arches National Park, it’s worth noting that there’s so much more to explore. If possible, consider spending more time in the park to fully appreciate its wonders and hiking opportunities.

Arches NP Summary

• Morning: Drive to Arches National Park (approximately 2.5 hours).
• Explore the iconic Delicate Arch and hike to see other natural arches like Landscape Arch and Double Arch.
• Afternoon: Have lunch in Moab, the nearby town.
• Drive back to Las Vegas (approximately 6 hours). You can make a quick stop in the town of Page, Arizona, to see Horseshoe Bend or Antelope Canyon if you have extra time.

Remember to check park hours, road conditions, and any park-specific updates before your trip. This itinerary gives you a taste of Utah’s incredible national parks, but keep in mind that each park has much more to offer, so adjust your plans based on your interests and the time you have available. Additionally, book accommodations and permits well in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Pro Tip Utah National Parks

Purchase the National Parks Guide on your Apple iPhone or Android. It will guide you through the parks even when you have no cell service. As soon as you get to your starting point at the park entrance, it tells you things you didn’t know about short trails, spectacular views, and the best places to stop.

It’s like having your own personal tour guide.

Bonus State Parks to Utah National Parks Itinerary Day 6, 7, 8

Depending on how much time you have, If you get an early start on your Utah road trip and have extra time you can add some state parks along the way. 

We always try to fit in as much as possible when we travel because we don’t want to miss anything.

Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point State Park in Utah is a stunning destination with breathtaking panoramic views of the Colorado River and its deep canyons. If you have just one day to visit, you’ll want to make the most of your time. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a day at Dead Horse Point State Park:

• Visitor Center : Start your day at the Visitor Center to get maps, and information, and learn about the park’s history and geology. This will provide context for what you’ll see during your visit.
• Sunrise : If you’re an early riser, consider catching the sunrise at Dead Horse Point Overlook or at one of the other scenic viewpoints. The sunrise here is often spectacular.
• Hike or Bike : Dead Horse Point State Park offers several hiking and biking trails. One popular option is the 1.5-mile loop trail that takes you along the rim, providing stunning vistas along the way. The West Rim Trail is a longer option for more adventurous hikers.
• Picnic : Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it at one of the designated picnic areas. The views here are unbeatable.
• Mountain Biking : If you’re into mountain biking, this park has some fantastic trails. The Intrepid Trail System offers various levels of difficulty, so you can choose a route that matches your skill level.
• Scenic Drive : Take a leisurely drive along the park’s scenic drive. There are multiple viewpoints along the route, each offering unique perspectives of the canyons and river.
• Dead Horse Point Overlook : Don’t miss the main viewpoint at Dead Horse Point Overlook. It’s the park’s most iconic viewpoint and offers the most expansive views of the Colorado River.
• Sunset : As the day comes to a close, head back to Dead Horse Point Overlook or another preferred viewpoint to watch the sunset. The changing colors on the rocks and river are a sight to behold.
• Stargazing : If you’re staying overnight in the park or nearby, consider doing some stargazing. The remote location and clear skies make it an excellent spot for observing the night sky.

Remember to check the park’s hours of operation and any seasonal closures or restrictions, especially if you plan to visit during the winter months.

Also, be sure to bring plenty of water, wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes, and follow Leave No Trace principles to help preserve this beautiful natural area.

Enjoy your day at Dead Horse Point State Park!

Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley State Park is a unique and otherworldly destination located in Utah, USA.

It’s known for its fascinating rock formations that resemble goblins or other fantastical creatures.

While a single day may not be enough to explore all that this park has to offer, here’s a one-day itinerary to help you make the most of your visit.

• Arrival and Registration:  Start your day early to beat the crowds. Arrive at the park’s entrance and pay the entry fee if required.
• Visitor Center:  Stop by the Visitor Center to get maps, information about the park’s geology, flora, and fauna, and to check for any updates or special events happening during your visit.
• Goblin’s Lair Trail:  Begin your adventure with a moderately challenging hike to Goblin’s Lair. This trail is about a 3-mile round trip and takes you to a hidden chamber beneath the goblins. It’s a unique and intriguing natural feature.
• ​Picnic Area:  Goblin Valley State Park offers several picnic areas where you can enjoy a packed lunch. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as it can get quite hot and dry during the day.
• ​Explore the Valley:  After lunch, it’s time to explore the main attraction of the park – the Goblin Valley itself. Spend your afternoon wandering through the valley among the surreal hoodoos and goblins. Take your time to snap photos, marvel at the formations, and let your imagination run wild.
• Goblin’s Playground:  This area, located within the main valley, is particularly popular for climbing and exploring the formations. It’s a great place to let kids (or the kid in you) have fun climbing on the rocks.
• Sunset Point:  As the day starts to wind down, head over to Sunset Point to witness the beautiful Utah sunset. This viewpoint offers fantastic vistas of the valley, and the evening light makes the goblins even more enchanting.
• Stargazing:  Goblin Valley State Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, making it an excellent spot for stargazing. Bring a telescope or binoculars and enjoy the incredible night sky, free from light pollution.
• Campfire:  If you’re camping in the park, finish your day with a campfire (where permitted) and enjoy some s’mores while sharing stories with fellow campers.

Please note that this itinerary assumes you have a full day to explore the park.

If you’re on a tighter schedule, you may need to prioritize certain activities.

Additionally, always check the park’s website or the Visitor Center for any trail closures or safety information, especially if you’re visiting during extreme weather conditions.

Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire State Park, located in Nevada, is a stunning destination known for its red sandstone formations, petroglyphs, and unique desert landscapes.

If you only have one day to explore the park, here’s a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your visit:

• Arrival:  Start your day early to make the most of your time in the park. The park opens at sunrise, so aim to arrive shortly after to enjoy the cooler temperatures and the beautiful morning light.
• Visitor Center:  Begin your visit at the Valley of Fire Visitor Center. Here, you can get maps, trail information, and learn more about the park’s geology, history, and wildlife. It’s also a great place to use the restroom and fill up your water bottles.
• Petroglyph Canyon Trail:  Head to the nearby Petroglyph Canyon Trail. This short, easy trail will take you to Mouse’s Tank, a natural basin where you can see ancient petroglyphs (rock carvings) on the canyon walls. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the history of the area.
• White Domes Trail:  Drive to the White Domes area and embark on the White Domes Trail. This is a moderately easy loop trail that takes you through a landscape of contrasting colors and textures. You’ll encounter unique sandstone formations and may even recognize some scenes from movies that were filmed here.
• Picnic:  There are picnic areas within the park, including the one near the White Domes area. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a meal surrounded by the park’s natural beauty.
• Rainbow Vista:  After lunch, head to Rainbow Vista. This viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views of the vibrant red rocks and desert landscape. It’s a great spot for photography.
• Fire Wave Trail:  Hike the Fire Wave Trail, which is a relatively short hike (about 1.5 miles round trip) that leads to a remarkable striped rock formation that resembles a wave. This hike is moderately strenuous due to the sandy terrain, so wear comfortable hiking shoes.
• Atlatl Rock:  Visit Atlatl Rock, which features a large panel of petroglyphs. It’s a short walk from the parking area, and you can use a metal staircase to get a closer look at the petroglyphs.
• Sunset at the Beehives:  Finish your day by driving to the Beehives area. The unique cone-shaped formations in this area create an otherworldly atmosphere, especially during sunset. It’s a fantastic spot to watch the changing colors of the rocks as the sun sets.
• Return to the Visitor Center:  Head back to the Visitor Center to return any materials you borrowed, and take a moment to reflect on your day in this incredible park.

Please note that the above itinerary is just a suggestion, and you can adjust it based on your interests and the amount of time you have available.

Also, be sure to check the park’s hours of operation and any trail closures or alerts before your visit, as conditions may change.

Lastly, bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and be respectful of the park’s natural and cultural resources.

Enjoy your day at Valley of Fire State Park!

When is the Best Time to Visit Utah National Parks

We visited in mid-September and also August and both had quite a few people. However, if you want fewer crowds, don’t go during the high season which obviously is the summer.

Popular Activities

Some of the popular activities in National Parks and State Parks include:

• Short hikes
• A Guided Tour
• Grand View Point
• Canyon Overlook

So whether you are looking to drive a scenic route, go on a mile hike, or take dirt roads with your ATV, be sure to allow plenty of time and maybe an extra day or two.

Utah is the perfect place with spectacular scenery where you will have a great time.

In Conclusion

There are so many National Monuments and more to see in Utah that you could spend a month there and still not see everything.

Here are a few more things to add to your Utah National Park road trip bucket list.

• Grand Canyon
• Monument Valley
• Kolob Canyons
• Lake Powell

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Road trip from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City

Any epic journey through Utah should be done by car to soak up the views, and the road trip from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City is no exception. Driving this beautiful route will take you through stunning National Parks, jaw-dropping deserts, lush forests, and sky-piercing mountains.

The 420-mile road trip from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City takes 6 hours. Be sure to visit Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, explore Dixie and Fishlake National Forests, or go off-road to Grand Canyon and Grand Staircase-Escalante.

Read on for the ultimate Utah experience with places to stop, things to see and do along the way.

How far is Salt Lake City from Las Vegas and how long will the road trip take?

Getting from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City takes around 6 hours minus breaks, and it involves a 420-mile drive along the Great Basin of Utah.

While this means you can make the drive in a single afternoon and still get to do something in Salt Lake City at night, that would defeat the purpose of going there at all – if it was just about Salt Lake, you could very easily catch a plane from Vegas at a negligible price.

Instead, try to take at least a week to explore everything Utah has to offer in as much detail as possible – you never have stray from the freeway unless you're interested in any of the (admittedly compelling) detours, so you can expect a smooth ride despite the varied terrain.

Another thing that's great about this route is that traffic is relatively light, even as you approach Salt Lake City – coming in from the south, you can expect to dodge much of the congestion of the state routes that cut through the city from the north and east.

Best road trip route from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City

The best road trip route from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City is an obvious one – sticking to Interstate 15 the entire way, you can get to Salt Lake City reasonably quickly or make countless scenic stops along the way if you so choose.

Road trip route from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City

This is a key part of the drive - once you're here, you can choose to deviate from the route and visit the Grand Canyon or continue your way north past Zion National Park, as well as Dixie, Fishlake, and Manti-La Sal National Forests.

Before reaching Provo and Utah Lake, you'll begin to see Utah's dramatic mountain peaks closing in on you from both sides. Forty minutes past Orem, you'll arrive in Salt Lake City, with the Great Salt Lake and Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest on your left and right, respectively.

Best places to stop between Las Vegas and Salt Lake City

Although none of the cities on the road trip from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City are as large as your starting and ending points, the abundance of natural wonders and attractions means there are plenty of places to stop along the way. These are some of the hotels you should definitely consider booking:

Marvel at your surroundings at St George

Surrounded by breathtaking parks and desert rock formations, St George is an obligatory stop during your trip. To experience some of the most scenic stretches of the Mojave Desert, book yourself a room in the Red Mountain Resort .

This amazing hotel features spacious rooms with a fireplace and a beautiful window view, not to mention a spectacular outdoor swimming pool. Also, you can enjoy 3 mouthwatering meals a day at Canyon Breeze Restaurant.

The hotel features a spa and wellness center, where you can relax with a massage, or you can enjoy a tranquil afternoon with yoga classes. Better yet, go outside and explore the beautiful property, shrouded in green and accentuated by gorgeous red rocks off in the distance.

This hotel is very cheap, especially when you consider what you're getting for the price. Located close to Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, Zion National Park, and Dixie National Forest, this is the best base of operations you can hope to find along this route.

Enjoy the nightlife at Salt Lake City

You can find some incredible hotel deals in Salt Lake , especially if you visit during what passes as an “out-of-season” period. If you want to stay in one of the most impressive buildings in the city, pay a visit to Grand America Hotel .

With a lobby to die for and rooms that feature some of the best views of Salt Lake, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more alluring hotel. After exploring the city, you can walk around the hotel premises and take in the beautiful greenery around the fountain.

The hotel also features an indoor and outdoor swimming pool to beat the heat, as well as a hot tub to rest your bones. For an additional fee, you can enjoy a relaxing massage at the spa and wellness center, or run to the fitness area for a proper workout.

The price of this hotel is very generous – even if it weren't for all the amazing amenities, its central location in Salt Lake City alone would make it more than worth its price tag.

READ MORE - Click here for more great hotel options

Things to see on a road trip from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City

For the most part, this itinerary is a glossary of the most scenic spots in all of Utah. Although there are plenty of hidden gems along the way, these are some of the more obvious landmarks that you'll want to devote a couple of weeks to if you can:

• Lake Mead National Recreation Area –The States' largest reservoir features the incredible Hoover Dam and is a great spot for recreational activities.
• Valley of Fire State Park – Characterized by beautiful sandstone formations, this park constantly looks like it's on fire during sunrise.
• Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument – A remote segment of the Grand Canyon featuring no conventional roads and dramatic changes in elevation.
• Red Cliffs National Conservation Area – Home to extremely unique geological formations, this area is living proof of just how scenic a desert can actually be.
• Snow Canyon State Park – Home to several dozen scenic campsites, this park gets its name from Snow Canyon, a formation made of Navajo Sandstone.
• Zion National Park – Featuring every terrain type under the sun and the impossibly scenic Zion Canyon, this park is an obligatory stop for anyone passing through Utah. If you'd like to hike up to Angels Landing, you will need a permit and will need to make a reservation. Check the Zion National Park's website for more details.
• Bryce Canyon National Park – The incredibly unique rock formations at this park create so-called “natural amphitheaters”, and anyone visiting Zion is encouraged to continue to Bryce.
• Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument – The park is named for the Escalante River and the innumerable cliffs and canyons that get progressively taller and taller, almost like a natural staircase.
• Grand Canyon National Park – Although it's a bit of a detour along this particular route, one can very easily justify the visit thanks to the park's unparalleled beauty.
• Utah Forest Stretch – A chain of beautiful, green forests that will bring color to your trip almost the entire way to Salt Lake City.
• Provo and Orem – Some of the largest cities along this itinerary, these places contain some beautiful exhibits, resorts, and mountain views from practically all sides.
• Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest – Shared by Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming, this forest features beautiful lakes, amazing greenery, and mountain landscapes that are impressive even for Utah standards.
• Great Salt Lake – The Western Hemisphere's largest saline lake is a must-see for anyone visiting its namesake city (be sure to check out Antelope Island State Park!).
• Ashley National Forest – A gigantic forest spanning 3 states that features amazing lakes, foliage, and the tallest peak in all of Utah.

Best time to go on a road trip from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City

There are several great windows of time for doing a road trip from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City – with so much to do in the city and on the drive there, you can make a strong case for any season being a good time to do the trip.

Whatever the time of year, Salt Lake City has plenty of events worth your time – with festivities like the Utah State Fair, the annual Greek Festival, and the iconic Sundance Film Festival, the city is bound to keep you fulfilled and entertained.

If you're not a fan of 90-degree temperatures, you might want to avoid this trip in July or August. Still, it has to be said that the route is impossibly scenic in the summer, and access to all the parks and forests is as open as it gets.

A great time to visit Salt Lake City is winter - the mountainous terrain in and around the city makes it a popular skiing spot this time of year, which makes it a great time to visit.

The lower-altitude parts of town aren't quite as cold, so you'll be able to walk around without much of a problem. The issue here is with the drive – you'll only be able to access fractions of the scenic routes and vistas on your way there.

An amazing grace period for the trip is also September/October. It's a little too early for the skiers to start pouring in this time of year, and chances are you can get a great deal on a hotel room to boot.

Finally, spring is a little trickier since it tends to rain a fair bit, especially in March, but the city looks amazing covered in a spring palette.

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Utah Tours & Trips from Las Vegas

An adventure starting in Las Vegas is a great way to see Utah. We have 7 tours that range from 5 days up to 9 days. The most popular time for tours from Las Vegas is August, which has the most tour departures.

7 Utah tours from Las Vegas with 75 reviews

• Hiking & Trekking

Hiking Utah's Mighty 5

An amazing experience with wonderful fellow travelers and our great CEO. Thanks!

• Christmas & New Year

Mighty 5 From Las Vegas

Mighty Five is an excellent tour for the money. Our guide, Vicky, was knowledgeable, accommodating and as sweet as the pie we enjoyed at Capital Reef. We had a wonderfully magical experience in each park and a small friendly group. The walking/hiking activities are optional and for all levels of fitness. Transportation was comfortable, but often long, so be prepared. Hotels/motels were clean and convenient, and can be far from good options. Moab was the only stop with numerous food options. My advice would be to find a market and purchase some portable emergency food if you need it. All motels have microwaves and refrigerators. Lastly, tip your guide well, at least $25 per day, and if you are a couple that means each!

Utah Parks Circuit

I had a great time doing the Utah Parks Circuit. Despite the bad weather we could see a lot. My highlights were the Narrows in Zion and Bryce Canyon. More time in Bryce Canyon would have been nice. Campgrounds were remote but all had nice restrooms with showers.

Hiking Utah's National Parks

Prior to the start of my tour radar trip, it was difficult to communicate or ask questions. Once I met to tour guide Ally it was an excellent experience. Ally was information on the next step and reviewed what was needed on a daily basis. The schedule was busy, the hikes were mostly moderate as expected… She was able to direct all hikers on the trails. She assured that I was always able to complete each trail. We instructed to have and were prepared with plenty of water,

USA – 5 Days Chasing Slot Canyons in Utah

Mighty 5 Canyons Adventure (from Las Vegas) 5D/4N

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Bryce Canyon & Zion Adventure

Tours starting from las vegas.

• Las Vegas to Las Vegas tours (7)
• Hiking & Trekking from Las Vegas (5)
• Explorer from Las Vegas (5)

The Best Utah National Park Itinerary from Las Vegas

The Mighty Five are just a flight away. With Las Vegas as your base, road trippers can see all five of Utah’s national parks. It’s hard to believe that just a few hours north of the Strip, travelers can be splashing their feet down Zion’s legendary trail, the Narrows. Drive a few hours more and then its the pink-hued spires of Bryce Canyon. Then there’s Arches and the fruit trees of Capitol Reef.  Pick up a rental car then load it full of road trip snacks to see the majestic beauty of Utah’s National Parks.  Here is the Best Utah National Park Itinerary from Las Vegas.

A word about reservations, lodging and camping reservations are essential at all times of the year. Most of Utah is sparcely populated and the towns are generally small with limited rooms. Packing food for your road trip is aslo a good idea, especially for lunch and snacks. Las Vegas offers the most selecion. St. George along Interstate 15 is another option.

Table of Contents

Timed Entry Information

For Arches National Park, a timed entry reservation is required from April 1 to October 31 ($2). It is not available at the park so visitors must secure one in advance. Each month’s timed entry tickets are released three months in advance though additional tickets are released the day before. For visitors that didn’t secure a ticket, they can enter the park before 7 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Arches National Park isn’t a national park that you can walk park outside the park and walk into. It doesn’t offer a shuttle system either (like Zion National Park).

Since this trip enters several national parks, an America the Beautiful annual NPS pass is a good idea. It is available online for purchase at parks or online .

Top Tips for Renting a Car

Top road trip snacks, every day items you need for a road trip , utah national park itinerary from las vegas, day 1 las vegas.

Start your Utah national park itinerary from Las Vegas,  especially if you are flying. With a large number of flights from across the world, find  a dizzying number of hotel rooms along with dining and entertainment galore. Additionally, if you can’t buy it in Vegas, it’s not made.

After arriving, pack up your rental car with supplies for your road trip. It gets a little sparse across southern Utah so plan on buying road trip snacks along with basic picnic supplies.

Depending on interest, arrange for a show and sample a new restaurant in Las Vegas . Definitely walk down a portion of The Strip. Find lots of free entertainment outside of the casinos like the Bellagio’s Dancing Waters and the Freemont Street Experience.

For the first leg of the trip, drive to Moab, Utah, to Arches National Park. It’s 450 miles (750 km) away from Las Vegas and will take six or seven hours. This will be the longest day of driving so do it the first day and not the last day of your trip. Do yourself a favor, and take Interstate 15 and Interstate 70 for the fastest drive.

Day 2 Arches National Park

Time has carved Utah’s red rocks into at least 2,000 natural stone arches.  Arches National Park is routinely considered one of the top national parks in the U.S. Though the arches are center stage, see pinnacles, fins and balance rocks as well.

What to do in Arches National Park

To see the best of Arches National Park, use a combination of driving and hiking, according to your ability.

Park Avenue and Courthouse Towers Area —Features high rock walls and pinnacles with an accessible viewpoint.

Balanced Rock —At 128 feet tall, it glows in the afternoon sun. Find an accessible viewpoint at this popular spot.

The Windows Section —See North Window, Turret Arch and the Double Arch and it’s the best area to see if limited on time.

Delicate Arch —The most famous arch and it offers an accessible viewpoint. The hike to Delicate Arch is a difficult 3-mile (4.8 km) trail.

Devils Garden —Find Landscape Arch in this area. It’s a 1.6-mile (2.5 km) easy hike.

Getting to Arches National Park

Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park are located close together. It’s five miles north of Moab. Arches National Park is open 365-days a year and 24-hours a day. A seven-day pass for Arches National Park is $30. It also requires a timed entry reservation, purchased in advance through Recreation.gov ($2).

With limited services, remember to carry enough water and food for the day. Visitor centers offer hydration stations though bottled water is not for sale in the national parks.

National Park Passes Guide 

National parks a road trip away from la , guide to rocky mountain national park.

Day 3 Canyonlands National Park

See the buttes carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries. It’s divided into four distinct districts. The Island in the Sky district is the most accessible for first-time visitors.

What to do in Canyonlands National Park

The Island in the Sky features a visitor center and easy to explore in a few hours. See the Utah landscape unfold from the top of 100-foot sandstone cliffs. Take the 34-mile (54 km) round trip scenic drive to the viewpoints. Hike to the Mesa Arch, an easy .5-mile (.8 km) hike for a popular photo opportunity.

Getting to Canyonlands National Park

The Islands in the Sky entrance is 10 miles (16 km) north of Moab. Canyonlands National Park is open 365-days a year and 24-hours a day. A seven-day pass for Canyonlands National Park is $30.

Canyonlands National Park is located about 115 miles (185 km) from Natural Bridges National Monument. Take Utah Route 95 and U.S. Highway 191, part of the Trail of the Ancient National Scenic Byway.

Where to Stay near Canyonlands and Arches National Parks

Since the national park sites in eastern Utah don’t offer lodging, head to Moab. Find a full range of lodging, along with restaurants, outdoor outfitters and tours.

Natural Bridges National Monument

See three natural bridges in Utah’s first national monument. With a nine-mile scenic loop drive, see Sipapu Bridge, Kachina Bridge and Owachomo Bridge.

Where’s Natural Bridges National Monument

Natural Bridges National Monument is located in-between Canyonlands National Park andCapitol Reef National Park, east of Blanding, Utah. It’s about 115 miles (185 km) from Moab along Utah Route 95.

Natural Bridges National Monument is open 365-days a year and 24-hours a day. A seven-day Natural Bridges National Monument is $20.

Day 4 Capitol Reef National Park

Located between Canyonlands and Bryce Canyon national parks, find the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline at Capital Reef National Park. It’s a wrinkle in the earth’s surface. In the 1800s, Mormon pioneers came and planted over 2,700 fruit trees.

What to do in Capitol Reef National Park

Take the Scenic Drive, a 7.9-mile (12.7 km) one-way drive to the Fruita Historic Area. Explore the original orchards where you can pick seasonal fruit.

Find the blacksmith shop then check out the Fruita Schoolhouse. The Gifford House Store and Museum sells fresh baked pies, bread and cinnamon rolls.

Hike the Sunset Point Trail, a .4-mile (.6 km) easy trail. Find it off Utah Route 24.

Where to stay near Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park doesn’t offer lodging inside of the park. Find a 3-star lodging in the nearby town of Grover.

Getting to Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is located about 130 miles (209 km) from Natural Bridge National Monument. Take Utah Route 95, a Utah Scenic Byway.

Capitol Reef National Park is open 365-days a year and 24-hours a day. A seven-day Capitol Reef National Park is $20.

Day 5 Bryce Canyon National Park

See the pink spires of Bryce Canyon National Park from its canyon rim. Or take a hike down to walk among them. And don’t forget to stare at the stars if you visit near nightfall.

What to do in Bryce Canyon National Park

Hike from the Sunrise Point to Sunset Point, an easy 1.0-mile (1.6 km) hike, along the edge of Bryce Canyon. The Navajo Trail offers an up-close look at Bryce’s rock formations as the trail takes hikers down into the Bryce Amphitheater slot canyon, a 1.3-mile (2 km) moderate trail.

Explore Bryce Canyon on horseback with a one-and-half hour guided tour that takes small groups to Fairy Castle and back. A three-hour tour explores the Peek-a-Boo Loop by horseback.

Where to Stay in Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon Lodge is a 1925 historic lodge listed on the Register of Historic Places. Find a restaurant, a pizzeria along with lodge rooms and a few suites. Western cabins offer rustic elegance, located steps from the canyon edge and the lodge.

Getting to Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is located 130 miles (209 km) from Capitol Reef National Park along Utah Route 12. It offers a free seasonal shuttle bus departing from the visitor center every 15 minutes. It stops at the lodge, the campgrounds and Sunset, Bryce, Inspiration and Sunset Points.

Bryce Canyon National Park is open 365-days a year and 24-hours a day. A seven-day pass for Bryce Canyon National Park is $35.

Bryce Canyon National Park Guide 

Zion national park guide , grand canyon national park planning guide for the south rim , best national parks for fall color.

Day 6 Zion National Park

What began as a windswept desert 180-million-years ago, time slowly compressed the sand into the Navajo Sandstone that rises up 2000 feet today. The sandstone dominates Zion National Park with its bold rock formations craved by a mostly tame Virgin River. With reoccurring floods, water sculpted the canyon with the eye of an artist.

It’s a part of the Grand Staircase of southern Utah and northern Arizona. As a geologic survey, 500 million years of history can be studied in the rock layers. Grand Canyon represents the bottom layer and Bryce Canyon National Park represents the most recent layer. Zion is sandwiched in the middle.

What to do in Zion National Park

The Lower Emerald Pool Trail offers 1.2-mile (1.9 km) paved round-trip hike to a 100-foot water fall, right across from the Zion Lodge. Or try the Riverside Walk at the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop. I found a wheelchair accessible 2.2-mile (3.5 km) roundtrip trail from the Virgin River to the Narrows.

Zion National Park offers guided one-hour and three-hour horseback rides. Or take a guided scenic tour aboard a bus to see all the photo-worthy sights.

Note: The popular Angels Landing Trail requires timed entry tickets available via lottery. This is for the chain section only.

Where to Stay in Zion National Park

Inside of the park, Zion Lodge offers a main building that sits on the spot of the original lodge that burned in the 1960s. Modern hotel rooms and historic western cabins from the 1930s flank the lodge building that houses a restaurant, a café, a coffee bar, a gift shop and an outdoor patio.

Getting to Zion National Park

Take U.S Route 89, also known as the National Park Highway, and Utah’s Route 9, Zion National Park Scenic Byway, to get to Zion National Park.

Zion National Park is open 365-days a year and 24-hours a day. A seven-day pass for Zion National Park is $35.

Zion National Park uses shuttles to get visitors around the park. Find two different routes, the Zion Canyon Shuttle and the Springdale Shuttle, from the nearby town of Springdale. Parking is limited in the park especially during the summer and popular weekends.

If a week is all you have, head back to Las Vegas. Or if time allows, head to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

Best Things to do in North Rim of the Grand Canyon

Kids in National Parks

Earn a free souvenir at each of Utah’s national park sites with the Junior Ranger Program. Grab a booklet at the visitor center and explore the park.

After completing the required activities, turn the Junior Ranger booklet into a park ranger. After a short review of what’s important in the park, kids raise their hands and recite the Junior Ranger Oath.

Junior Ranger Guide for Badges to Earn at Home

Best books about the national parks , national park road trip tips.

• Arrive early for parking at Utah’s Mighty 5.
• Purchases an America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) if visiting more than two national park sites during your trip. It’s available for all visitors and covers everyone in the vehicle.
• Wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Hats, sunglasses, long shirts, even in summer, along with hiking boots or sandals are necessary.
• Pack snacks and picnic supplies for your Utah National Park Road trip.
• Carry water and water containers. Find water fountains at visitor center and restrooms throughout the national parks.
• Carry a paper map, data service is spotty in the park and mountainous areas.
• Give wild animals at least 25 yards of space and don’t feed them.

Catherine Parker has a passion for travel and seen all 50 U.S. States. As a former flight attendant with one of the largest airlines, there isn't a North American airport that she hasn't landed in at least once. Since clipping her professional wings after 9/11, she combines her love of the open road with visiting architectural and cultural icons. She is based out of Central Texas dividing her time between writing and restoring a pair of 100-year-old houses. She shares her life with her three kids and her husband.

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Privacy Overview

8 Best Stops on the Las Vegas to Salt Lake City Drive

Last Updated on January 28, 2024

by Ella Kilroy

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

If you’ve ever considered exploring the Southwest region of the United States by car, a great trip option would be a Las Vegas to Salt Lake City Drive.

This route will provide you with plenty of opportunities to see amazing mountainous landscapes, visit some of the most spectacular state parks in the country, and learn about the history and development of this unique area.

With plenty of great stops along the way from one city to the other, this road trip is sure to be a one-of-a-kind adventure you’ll never forget!

Table of Contents

Planning a Las Vegas to Salt Lake City Road Trip

The drive from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City is very straightforward, as you’ll be travelling along I-15 North for the entire journey, only exiting to make any of the stops that you’re interested in.

While the terrain on the drive can seem a bit remote, there are plenty of towns and rest stops along the I-15 frequently, so you won’t have to worry about stocking up on food or gas.

Generally speaking, you’ll never have to drive further than an hour maximum to the nearest place to make a stop, so you’ll definitely find this drive to be a relatively easy one.

If planning on renting a car for this drive, you’ll find several options by browse Rentalcars.com which aggregates deals across many major car hire companies.

Alternatively, if you prefer to hire a campervan or RV, you’ll find a huge selection of options on Outdoorsy which is one of the best places online to hire a motorhome. This might be a good option if extending your road trip from Salt Lake City to Denver or from Las Vegas to Phoenix.

How Far is Las Vegas to Salt Lake City ?

The distance from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City is about 420 miles, which means that if you were going to drive straight there without making any stops, the drive time would be just a little over six hours.

However, I would definitely recommend taking your time with this drive in order to make the most out of it and stop at some of the incredible places in between the two cities.

Plan on splitting it up over two or three days – more if you love camping, hiking and rock climbing –  and read on for a list of some of the best stops on a drive from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City!

Best Las Vegas to Salt Lake City Drive Stops

Las vegas , nevada.

You’ll begin your trip in Las Vegas, Nevada, the infamous city unlike any other in the world. Definitely plan on spending a day or two exploring Vegas.

There is so much to do in this completely unique city, you’ll easily find many exciting things to experience during your stay. See an incredible live show, do some world-class shopping, relax at beautiful swimming pools, take a day trip to Hoover Dam or check out the vibrant nightlife in the clubs or casinos.

Regardless of where you choose to stay in Vegas, make sure you spend some time exploring the strip and walking through some of the hotels and casinos-the extravagant architecture and décor you’ll see in some of these building is truly mind-boggling!

After you’ve had your fair share of Vegas, make sure you get a good night of sleep before embarking on the drive from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City.

Valley of Fire State Park , Nevada

The first stop from Vegas that is definitely worth checking out is Valley of Fire State Park, just about an hour and a half down the I-15 North and the Valley Of Fire Highway, respectively.

This state park is home to a stunning collection of red rock formations and many relatively easy hikes that are well suited to a wide range of fitness levels.

Spend a few hours exploring the Valley of Fire, starting with a drive down the main road, Mouse’s Tank Road, that will take you past many of the main rock formations.

Stop at some of the popular formations along the road to take a few photos and explore, or embark on one of the short hikes in the park, such as the popular Rainbow Vista or White Domes Hike, both of which are about a mile roundtrip and provide incredible views of the impressive red rock formations that are the namesake of this popular park.

Brigham Young Winter Ho me, Utah

From Valley of Fire, get right back on the I-15 North and drive for about an hour and forty-five minutes until you reach the town of St. George, Utah, right by the Arizona /Utah border. 

A notable stop in this town, particularly since our final destination is Salt Lake City, is the Brigham Young Winter Home, a historic residence and current museum.

Brigham Young was a Mormon religious leader, as well as an important figure in the development of Utah as a state, as he not only founded Salt Lake City but also served as the state’s first governor.

Regardless of one’s religious beliefs, Young’s Winter Home in St. George is the perfect first stop in Utah, as this museum will provide some context on the history of the state and the influence of religion on the development of Salt Lake City. In addition, the house is beautiful, and admission is free! 

Zion National Park , Utah

The next stop on this Las Vegas to Salt Lake City drive is an absolute must-see. Zion, Utah’s first National Park, is home to an absolutely stunning collection of red rock cliffs, divided by the Virgin River.

The landscape of Zion National Park is nothing short of spectacular- a visit to this park will make you feel as if you’ve landed on a completely different planet!

From the Springdale Visitor Center, take a shuttle into the park. Driving within the park is restricted, but the shuttles run frequently in and out of the park, so you’ll never have to wait around too long. Within the park there are many different trails and hikes of varying difficulty, so there will be something for everyone to enjoy at this park!

I would highly recommend the Riverside Walk for those with small children or anyone who would prefer a flat, easy walk. This trail is about 2 miles long and begins at the last shuttle stop in the park. The path follows the winding river and provides beautiful views of the towering canyon, making it the perfect option if you just want to stop in Zion for a few hours and take in the natural beauty of the area.

On the other end of the spectrum, true thrill-seekers can embark on the famous Angels Landing hike, a strenuous trek with many steep drop-offs and narrow ledges.

This hike is around 5.5 miles round trip with plenty of elevation gain- expect a lot of switchbacks, climbing and even scrambling on all fours when you get to the narrow, rocky top section. The view from the top of Angel’s Landing is spectacular, but it can be very scary if you aren’t an experienced hiker or climber.

Of course, there are a wide variety of hike options that lie somewhere between the easy Riverside stroll and the strenuous Angel’s Landing, so make sure to check out the National Park Service website to find the hike best suited for you! After spending a day in Zion , grab a bite to eat back in Springdale where the shuttle will drop you back off, and hit the road!

Want a unique place to spend the night in Zion? Check out this modern cabin within close proximity to the park entrance!

Parowan Gap , Utah

From Zion, get back on the I-15 for about an hour and a half before reaching the Parowan Gap Petroglyph site, a series of well-preserved Native American rock carvings on the rock face of a pass that connects the Parowan Valley to the Red Hills.

The petroglyphs were discovered by pioneers in 1849 who were exploring the area for settlements, and came across the carvings at the Gap, likely made by ancient Fremont people and their ancestors as they travelled through the area.

Today, you can see the petroglyphs for yourself and try to decipher some of them. Once you get near the gap, you’ll find a parking lot and a marked path that will take you beside the rock face to check out some of the petroglyphs.

In addition to the ancient carvings, you can also check out some preserved dinosaur tracks just about a mile East from the Gap. If you’re a history buff, a quick stop at the Parowan Gap is definitely worth checking out!

Fillmore Territorial Statehouse Museum , Utah

After stopping to check out the petroglyphs at Parowan Gap, head back on the I-15 North for about an hour and a half until you reach Fillmore, Utah, the original capital city from 1851-1856. Fillmore itself is relatively small, but a great place to stop and check out the Territorial Statehouse Museum.

The statehouse is the oldest governmental building in all of Utah. The museum is worth checking out in order to learn more about the Utah territory in the earliest stages of its development, and it is located in a peaceful park that is the perfect place to stop and stretch your legs after being in the car for a while.

Nebo Loop , Utah

The next stop worth making is a detour off the 1-15, just about an hour from Fillmore. The Nebo Loop Scenic Byway is a stunning 38-mile road that takes you through the Uinta National Forest and around Mount Nebo, the tallest mountain in the Wasatch Mountain Range.

A drive on this bypass is truly spectacular- the views as you climb higher and higher are stunning, and there are plenty of opportunities to see native wildlife on this remote road.

Make sure you have your camera handy and be prepared to pull over to stop and take photos at some of the many lookouts along the road.

Just note, the bypass is closed in the winter, so this stop will only be possible if you’re travelling in the warmer months.

Thanksgiving Point , Utah

From Nebo Loop, head back on the I-15 North for an hour before reaching Thanksgiving Point, located in Lehi, Utah, just past Utah Lake.

Thanksgiving Point is a non-profit complex that includes various museums, large sprawling gardens, and a working farm, and it is the perfect place to stop for a few hours and explore, particularly if you are travelling with children.

Make sure you check out The Museum of Natural Curiosity, made up of more than 400 interactive experiences that allow visitors to engage with exhibits in a hands-on and exciting way. After you check out the museums, head to the Butterfly Biosphere, the 40,000 square foot home to thousands of species of butterflies and other interesting insects.

End your visit at Thanksgiving Point by strolling through the Ashton Gardens, a truly stunning collection of various gardens within a garden, including a Rose Garden, an Italian Garden, even a Secret Garden.

A visit to Thanksgiving Point is a one-of-a-kind experience and definitely worth a stop on the way to Salt Lake City

Sundance Mountain Resort, Utah

And the final stop on the drive from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City is Sundance Mountain Resort, located half an hour east of Thanksgiving Point.

This beautiful resort is worth checking out, particularly if you are a fan of winter sports — the skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and sledding at Sundance are world-class and will make for a great stop for a day before heading into Salt Lake City.

However, if you visit in the summer, or simply aren’t a fan of winter sports, there is still so much else to do at Sundance.

The area is surrounded by great hiking and biking trails and is also home to Utah’s longest zipline. After a day on the mountain, relax at one of the highly-rated restaurants on the resort, check out the spa, or enjoy some shopping at the base of the mountain.

Salt Lake City , Utah

From Sundance, get back on the I-15 North for one more hour before reaching our final destination, Salt Lake City! Salt Lake City is the capital of Utah, and you’ll find there are so many options of things to do here.

If you are interested in history and the impact of religion on Utah, check out some of the important Mormon sites, including Temple Square, the Mormon Temple, and the Mormon Tabernacle to learn more about the development of the religion that is based in the state.

Additionally, you can check out the impressive Hogle Zoo, the Utah Museum of Fine Art, Clarke Planetarium, or the sprawling Liberty Park, a natural oasis in the heart of the city.

Regardless of how you choose to spend your time, you’ll find Salt Lake City to be a completely unique and interesting place to spend a few days.

Want a unique place to stay in Salt Lake City? Check out this penthouse apartment located downtown!

Where to Stay on the Las Vegas to Salt Lake City Drive

If you plan to make a proper road trip and space out the Vegas to Salt Lake drive over a couple of days, the ideal place to rest for the night would be around St George, Utah within close proximity of Zion National Park. This will give you the time to adequately explore the park while also making a good halfway point to visit the other incredible stops.

If you’re not looking for a traditional hotel stay on this road trip, private rentals can also be a great option anywhere along the drive. There are countless properties available such as this modern cabin in Zion or this penthouse apartment in downtown Salt Lake City!

Where to Stay in St George

St George Inn & Suites — A good mid-range option in St George, this is the perfect base for exploring Zion National Park. They have comfortable rooms available and an excellent swimming pool and jacuzzi to splash around in.

Inn On The Cliff — If you’re after something a bit more swanky, then this hotel is a great bet for you. They have clean and comfortable rooms on offer, a heated swimming pool and jacuzzi, incredible views over the surrounding nature and a continental breakfast is included in the nightly rate.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more hotels in St George!

Where to Stay in Salt Lake City

Hampton Inn Salt Lake — If you’re looking for the reliability and consistency of a chain hotel in Salt Lake City, then this is a great option for you. They have a range of rooms available, great amenities and facilities and a convenient location for exploring Utah’s capital.

Kimpton Hotel Monaco — If you’re keen on a more luxurious stay in Salt Lake City, then this is the hotel for you. They have countless luxe rooms available, fantastic amenities, and a restaurant on site.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more hotels in Salt Lake City!

Where to Stay in Las Vegas

Horseshoe Las Vegas — This hotel and casino is a great place for Vegas visitors looking for an affordable place to stay directly on the Strip. They have a great number of clean and comfortable rooms available, countless restaurants, a wonderful swimming pool and breakfast included in the room cost!

Bellagio — Arguably one of the most famous Vegas hotels. this is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for a bit of luxury to begin your drive to Salt Lake. There are myriad plush rooms available, a casino, and iconic Las Vegas shows on-site.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more hotels in Las Vegas!

As you can see, a road trip from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City is an incredible way to spend a few days exploring the Southwest region of the United States. With so many incredible stops along the way and a wide range of activities that are sure to appeal to many different types of travelers, this is a trip that will be enjoyed by all.

Are you planning a drive between Las Vegas and Salt Lake City? What stops would you add this road trip route? Let us know in the comments!

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About Ella Kilroy

Ella is a writer for The World Was Here First. She is an American living in Dublin, Ireland, and when she isn’t writing, you can find her jetting off to countless destinations across Europe and beyond. Ella fell in love with travelling while studying abroad in Galway, which is what prompted her to come back to Ireland and start writing about her experiences.

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Las Vegas to Utah drive

Las vegas to utah road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Las Vegas to Utah. If you're planning a road trip to Utah, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am  start in Las Vegas drive for about 58 minutes

10:58 am   Valley of Fire State Park stay for about 1 hour and leave at 11:58 am drive for about 48 minutes

12:46 pm   Mesquite stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:46 pm drive for about 42 minutes

2:28 pm   Saint George stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:28 pm drive for about 51 minutes

day 1 driving ≈ 3.5 hours find more stops

10:00 am  leave from Cedar City (Utah) drive for about 53 minutes

10:53 am   Beaver (Utah) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 11:53 am drive for about 1 hour

12:59 pm   Fishlake National Forest stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:59 pm drive for about 1 hour

3:10 pm   Ferron (Utah) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:10 pm drive for about 27 minutes

4:37 pm  arrive at Utah

day 2 driving ≈ 3.5 hours find more stops

Where should I stop along the way?

Valley of Fire State Park   (17 mentions) Mesquite Saint George   (10 answers)     Vermilion Cliffs National Monument   (2 mentions) Cedar City (Utah)   (7 answers)     questions about Cedar City (Utah):         Looking for a safe place to overnight Beaver (Utah)   (2 answers)     questions about Beaver (Utah):         what is in beaver? Fishlake National Forest Ferron (Utah)

What are some things to do in Utah?

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Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Utah to Las Vegas drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

Looking for ideas for more destinations within driving distance of Las Vegas? Try searching for places within 5.5 hours of Las Vegas .

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Las Vegas to Zion National Park Road Trip | 9 Amazing Stops Along Interstate 15

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Note: The Travel Awaits team regularly updates content to provide the latest, and most accurate information to our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.

When traveling from the Midwest to Zion National Park in Southern Utah, the best place for us to fly into is Las Vegas. The trip from Las Vegas to Zion is a fairly easy drive of about 2.5 hours, if you drive straight through. We did the drive during a week in the winter when traffic wasn’t bad at all.

I imagine that, if you’re driving on a summer weekend, you’ll encounter quite a bit more traffic, and drive times will be longer. Parts of the drive are spectacularly beautiful and other parts not so much. To break up the short drive, we set out to find interesting things to see and do on our way from Las Vegas to Zion National Park. Here is our list of what to see and do in the area.

Las Vegas to Zion National Park Road Trip

1. welcome to las vegas sign.

Since you’re starting off in Las Vegas , it only makes sense to see one of the most iconic Vegas landmarks, the “Welcome To Las Vegas” sign on your way from Las Vegas to Zion. The iconic sign is much smaller than I thought it would be but it was still really fun to grab a few pictures there.

Located less than 10 minutes from Harry Reid International Airport ( formerly McCarran International Airport ), the sign is a must-see for anyone who wants a few kitschy vacation pics from Las Vegas. This iconic sign, built in 1959, sits in the meridian at 5100 Las Vegas Boulevard South — otherwise known as the very southern end of the Las Vegas Strip . Designed in the Googie architecture style that was popular in the 1940s and 1950s, it’s a cool throwback to early Vegas.

The people in Vegas have made it really easy to get there, too. No longer do you have to dodge traffic and stand in the median to grab a photo. There is now an actual parking lot right in front of the sign. Since it was so close, we stopped right as we made our way out of the airport. Our flight arrived in Vegas in the early morning so there were only a couple of people out and about when we stopped. We grabbed a parking spot and were snapping away within a few minutes. 

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2. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area In Las Vegas

About 20 minutes west of the strip lies the almost 200-acre Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area . While it’s a little outside of your route from Las Vegas to Zion National Park, it’s so close to Las Vegas and definitely worth a stop. If nothing else, tour the park via the 13-mile scenic drive that cuts through the park. Note that, depending on the season, you may need to make a reservation for the scenic drive.

If you have more time to kill before your flight, you may want to check out some of the hiking trails or even go horseback riding. It’s an unexpected treat to find this outdoor paradise so close to the bright lights of Las Vegas! Open year-round, there is a variety of things to see and do in the park, with the most popular being the hiking trails. With trails rated easy to difficult, you’ll surely be able to find a trail that suits you.

Since I’m not a really experienced hiker, I liked the easy and moderate trails. Out on the trails, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see native Mojave Desert plants as well as plenty of cool rock formations. If you go in the morning or towards sunset, you’ll have the best chance to see some park wildlife like burros, sheep, deer, birds, and the desert tortoise. Start your trip at the visitor center to learn about the park, watch the short film, and grab a map. If you venture out on the trails, make sure to take plenty of water.

Even if it’s not hot weather, you can become dehydrated quickly. Also, the folks at Red Rock do not recommend taking rideshares like Uber and Lyft to the park. There is little to no cell phone service in the park and you may not be able to call for a return rideshare when you want to leave — so definitely plan ahead. 

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3. Valley Of Fire State Park In Overton, Nevada

Located roughly 50 miles up the road from Las Vegas to Zion, you’ll find Valley of Fire State Park . Don’t let the fact that it’s a state park fool you. The oldest and largest state park in Nevada, the Fire State Park is awesome! When we were there in December, there were very few people in the park, even though the weather was perfect for hiking.

While talking to locals, we were told that the Fire State Park is pretty low-key all the time — for some reason, it’s not on people’s radar. But it should be! We had so much fun exploring this beautiful park. With 40,000 acres of Aztec sandstone, petrified trees, and ancient petroglyphs, there’s a lot to explore here. After a stop in the visitor center to watch the film and get a little backstory, we decided we had to check out the Fire Wave first.

Starting at the Fire State Park trailhead, it’s about a 1.5-mile hike that took about an hour. The park has this hike rated as moderate and I would agree. There is some tricky climbing involved, but it’s not too tough. And the reward is spectacular.

You’ll see the incredible wavy formations that are out of this world! This and the Rainbow Vista Trail were our favorite spots. But there are quite a few others that are not to be missed if you have the time. While we spent about 4 hours here, you could easily spend more or less time depending on your schedule. If nothing else, take the Valley of Fire Scenic Byway through the Fire State Park.

It’s spectacular with awesome views at almost every turn. A bonus for us was the bighorn sheep we spotted right up by the road! The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. From Harry Reid International Airport, get on I-15 North to Exit 75 and Valley of Fire Highway.

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4. Virgin River Gorge Near Littlefield, Arizona

A gorgeous, albeit somewhat white-knuckle drive for this apprehensive driver, the scenic Virgin River Gorge is something to behold. The gorge spans about 10 miles of Arizona near Littlefield, and believe me, you’ll know it when you see it. The mostly two-lane section of I-15 runs parallel to the Virgin River. How this road was ever carved out of the massive rocks is beyond me.

This scenic drive is at the top of the list of all scenic drives I’ve been on and is really awe-inspiring. It’s mind-boggling to think about how this section of I-15 was created out of sheer rock and stone along the Virgin River.

The tricky part of this drive along the Virgin River Gorge for me was the speed at which other drivers were flying down the canyon road. There’s nothing like an 18-wheeler so close to your bumper that you can’t see their headlights! Quick moving drivers aside, try to take in the awesome scenery as you traverse this section of I-15; it’s worth it.

However, take care that you know the weather forecast first. I would not want to be driving this road back down to Vegas in any kind of weather. That’s why we adjusted our itinerary and headed back to Vegas a day early rather than drive this section and other parts of I-15 that we felt could be a little tricky in the snow.

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5. St. George, Utah 

Located about an hour south of Zion National Park, St. George , Utah, is a city of about 85,000 people that has a lot of cool things to see and do. With spectacular mountain views and plenty of red rock vistas, we found St. George to be a truly beautiful city.

Because the pioneers that originally settled this land were members of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, expect to find historical sites here like the Brigham Young Winter Residence Historical Site , St.George Temple (currently closed for renovation, but you can see the outside), and the St. George Tabernacle. In addition to these interesting historical sites, the city offers lots of outdoor recreation opportunities in the many state parks and recreation areas.

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6. St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site

Local and international geology enthusiasts should visit the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm. You’ll enter a 200 million-year-old ecosystem that was once home to dinosaurs, fishes, plants, important sedimentary structures, and more. The site is touted by paleontologists as one of the ten best dinosaur track sites in the world. 

The museum isn’t just for geologists. Families and children will have a great time following dinosaur tracks along the ground, making tracks on their own, uncovering replica fossils, or putting together dinosaur puzzles.

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7. Quail Creek State Park

Quail Creek State Park is an interesting stop on your way to Zion National Park from St. George that people often overlook. Like most national parks, Quail Creek is an ideal destination for day-trippers and overnighters. You can boat, camp, fish, or paddleboard in the warm waters of the Quail Creek Reservoir. 

Clear, green water dominates Quail Creek State Park set against red, white, and orange cliffs is a perfect recipe for lake-focused adventure.

Conveniently located just a 45-minute drive from Zion National Park, Quail Creek State Park is an ideal stop for a day on the water before or after a trip to Zion.

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8. Snow Canyon State Park In St. George, Utah

Hike, bike, e-bike, or even horseback ride your way through Snow Canyon State Park in St. George, Utah. This 7,400-acre park offers a vast array of activities and sightseeing opportunities.

Feeling like I discovered one of the best-kept secrets of southern Utah , I meandered the trails and took in the beauty of the towering red rocks. Staying at one of the nearby resorts, our trek to Snow Canyon couldn’t have been simpler: A walk out the back door to the paved trail led us directly into the park. If you aren’t staying nearby, don’t worry, there’s plenty of parking.

We started with the easy 2-mile Johnson’s Hike, traversing through the rugged lava trails and surrounding cliffs as we craned our necks to take in the splendor of the natural beauty that was all around. Snow Canyon is a top-rated state park and simply one of the most beautiful I’ve been to.

Hollywood agrees as Snow Canyon has been the shooting site of multiple well-known films including the classic Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid , The Electric Horseman , and Jeremiah Johnson . A geological wonder made with wind and water over 180 million years ago, the results are stunning.

With more than 38 miles of hiking trails and 3 miles of paved walking and biking trails, there’s something here for all to see. Snow Canyon Park partners with several hiking and biking vendors so you’ll be covered with rental equipment, including the popular e-bikes, to make your trip fantastic.

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9. Springdale, Utah

Located at the West entrance of Zion National Park , Springdale is a must-visit stop on your trip from Las Vegas to Zion National Park. In fact, unless you’re staying within the borders of Zion National Park, you’ll probably be staying in Springdale. And it’s a perfect spot to spend your time outside of the park.

You’ll find plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, and many options for lodging in Springdale. If you do stay in Springdale, remember that the Springdale shuttle will take you into Zion National Park so you can leave your car at your hotel.

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What is the Best Time to Go From Las Vegas to Zion National Park?

Springtime in Zion National Park is beautiful, with temperatures in their 50s, as the park comes back to life following the winter. Come in April and you’ll also enjoy free admission to Zion National Park during National Parks Week. 

How Many Days Are Needed to Visit Zion National Park From Las Vegas?

Two nights would be ideal as it would give you time to recover from the hikes and enjoy more things in the area. With that in mind, you should look to spend at least one night here, given how large Zion National Park is.

How Much Does Zion National Park Cost?

The entrance fee for Zion National Park is $35 per car which is good for 7 days. If you are a frequent visitor, you can also purchase an annual entrance pass for $70. Remember to have the ticket visible on your car at all times.

Where to Stay When Visiting Zion National Park From Las Vegas?

If you are coming from Nevada, Springdale, and La Verkin are the two closest towns to the park entrance. Hotels in the Utah Zion National Park region are usually well-kept and have good reviews. 

Which Stop On My Las Vegas to Zion National Park Drive is Best For Wildlife?

Red Rock Canyon NCA in Las Vegas is teeming with wildlife. Mule deer, javelina, coyotes, and bobcats are regular sightings, as well as a wide variety of birds. There are also over 600 different species of plants mainly unique to the Mojave Desert.

SJ is a professional travel writer based in the Midwest. She has a background in credit card points and miles, having spent years working on loyalty campaigns for various financial institutions. She has a B.A. in history and is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association, the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association, and the International Travel Writers Alliance. SJ specializes in writing about travel, food, and wine.

22 Incredible Day Trips from Las Vegas You’ll Absolutely Love

Posted on Published: December 15, 2022  - Last updated: April 4, 2024

Looking to escape the busy city of Las Vegas? Of course you are! There’s so many amazing adventures just minutes away. If you’re looking for the best day trips from Las Vegas, here’s your list!

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

Las Vegas has a reputation for shopping, dining and casinos – and it lives up to the hype! But if you’re craving adventure – or some nature – taking a day trip from Las Vegas is a great way to do just that.

Leave the crowded strip and hit the road!

Some of the best day trips are just 20 minutes away, while others will take you away the entire day from sunrise to sunset (or beyond). Whether you’re traveling solo , celebrating a birthday in Vegas with friends, as a couple or with your family, there’s something on this epic list of day trips from Las Vegas to fit every travel style .

Let’s dive in!

Map of the best day trips from Las Vegas

If you’re a visual person like I am, this map of the best places to visit near Las Vegas will help you plan your perfect adventure.

By the way, as someone who’s actively checking places off my travel bucket list , I haven’t been everywhere (yet). So I’ve asked some of my fellow travel writers to help with these things to do near Las Vegas. Enjoy!

Day trips from Las Vegas

Located in the Mojave Desert, there’s so much to see and do in the area. Here are some of the best ideas for things to do outside of Vegas!

1. Red Rock Canyon (one of the best things to do near Las Vegas)

Distance from Las Vegas: 16 miles / 20 minutes

Perhaps one of the shortest day trips from Las Vegas is the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. It’s perfect for a full day of adventure away from the busy city, yet close enough for a quick drive.

One of the most popular things to do is the Red Rock Canyon scenic drive . This one-way, 13 mile drive takes you through the entire conservation area. Stop at Calico II to see the vibrant red sandstone rocks.

Bring grippy hiking shoes for the 2.2 mile hike on the Calico Tanks Trail . This fun, interactive hike requires a bit of scrambling to get to the viewpoint of the Las Vegas strip. So cool!

You’ll actually need a timed entry reservation to see the conservation area from October through May, so be sure to reserve your spot in advance! If you can’t grab a spot, consider booking a Red Rock Canyon hiking tour which includes park entry.

Of course, come prepared with enough water and high protein snacks. If you’re hiking be sure to bring the 10 essentials and a satellite communicator in case of emergency.

Recommended by Nikki of Inspired Routes

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2. Valley of Fire State Park

Distance from Las Vegas: 56 miles / 48 minutes

Valley of Fire is a famous Nevada State Park, and a nature preserve area known for its breathtaking red sandstone and rock formations. It consists of 40,000 acres of Aztec sandstone.

Prehistoric remnants and unparalleled vistas are intertwined among the valley’s red rocks. There are also ancient petroglyphs that were carved into the Aztec Sandstone rock formations. These spectacular rock formations are best viewed on a sunny day, and every sunset, they illuminate the valley, making it appear they’re on fire.

There are several outdoor activities that you can do in the Valley of Fire. The park offers a short hike for you to survey the area’s scenic views.

As you explore the site, take advantage of these fascinating rock formations like the Valley of Fire Beehives, Atlatl Rock, Elephant Rock and the Fire Wave. They will surely leave you speechless in their beauty.

You can stay overnight in the Valley of Fire; various campgrounds located near this famous spot for camping enthusiasts. And reservations in advance are required, check the  park’s website  for more details.

Valley of Fire is approximately 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas; it would take you about 1 hour to get there by car. Take the I-15 north for about 35 to 40 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. Head east toward the Valley of Fire/Lake Mead from Exit 75. The West Entrance Station is located in the Valley of Fire, about 17 miles away.

The best time to visit the park is in October and April. The temperatures are mild and pleasant during this period, while they are extremely hot during the summer. The park is open from sunrise until sunset.

Recommended by Christine of Guide To Daytrips

3. Kanarra Falls

Distance from Las Vegas: 159 miles / 2 hours, 33 minutes

At just 2.5 hours from Las Vegas, Kanarra Falls is the perfect day trip for adventure lovers. Grab your hiking boots and trekking poles and head off to this amazing slot canyon.

After arriving at the trailhead you’ll see a small restroom and ticket counter. They only allow 150 hikers a day, so it’s strongly recommended that you reserve your tickets online before arriving as no more tickets are sold on-site once the limit is reached. 

The hike itself is a moderate 3.8-mile hike directly through an epic slot canyon. Be prepared to get wet as the majority of the hike will have you walking through ankle-deep water (sometimes higher).

After about 1.6 miles you’ll see your first waterfall. If you choose to continue up the ladder, you’ll find the second waterfall about 0.3 miles later.

It will surely be a hike you won’t soon forget. Kanarra Falls is one of the best things to do near Las Vegas!

Recommended by Jordan of The Homebody Tourist

4. Lake Mead

Distance from Las Vegas: 31 miles / 36 minutes

Lake Mead is a wonderful afternoon or a day escape from the bustling city of Las Vegas! Located less than an hour outside of Las Vegas in Boulder, Nevada, visitors to Lake Mead are greeted with a surplus of outdoor activities sure to provide an outdoor recharge. 

For Lake Mead day trips Las Vegas, it’s recommended to drive so that visitors have flexibility to explore different parts of this natural preserve throughout the afternoon.  

Enjoy hiking, navigating slot canyons, swimming and boating at Lake Mead.  Keep in mind that there is no lifeguard on duty, and that swimming and boating beaches are separated. 

More of a relaxed afternoon can be spent driving to one of the many pull out parking spots to enjoy some views with a picnic lunch. Most of the pull out parking spots include a bathroom house.  

Visiting outside of summer months is most recommended as the Mojave Desert can heat up to 120 degrees fahrenheit during this time of year.  

A huge plus is that the natural preserve accepts the Annual National Parks Pass . Without the pass, entrance is $30 per vehicle. 

Recommended by Alyssa of An Apple a Plane

5. Zion National Park (a favorite on this list of day trips from Las Vegas)

Distance from Las Vegas: 159 miles / 2 hours, 41 minutes

One of the best day trips from Las Vegas is visiting Zion National Park in Utah. Just over 2.5 hours from Vegas, Zion offers incredible views and adventures you’ll love.

The perfect Zion itinerary for one day is to take the shuttle into the Zion Scenic Drive to see the impressive canyon. If you’re up for adventure, hike The Narrows.

The Narrows is the popular hike where the canyon narrows and you can walk through the Virgin River (up to 10 miles round trip) to see the massive canyon up close as it closes in. Be sure to bring water shoes and hiking sticks for The Narrows.

Alternatively, you could get crazy awesome views on the Canyon Overlook Trail . It’s just one mile round trip, offering wide open views of the canyon with less effort.

Grab lunch or ice cream at the Zion Lodge or in Springdale, just outside the park. Or, pack a picnic and enjoy the views of the canyon! Regardless of if you’re solo, as a couple, with friends or visiting Zion with kids , it’s a fabulous adventure and perfect day trip from Las Vegas.

Just be sure to take the right hiking essentials when visiting in Zion, like good hiking shoes and plenty of water!

Note: if you’re based in or near Vegas and have or rent an RV, check out this RV road trip guide that details the road trip from Vegas to Zion then the Grand Canyon. What a fun adventure!

6. Hoover Dam

Distance from Las Vegas: 37 miles / 39 minutes

Hoover Dam from Las Vegas is a short drive, and one of the best ways to spend a day away from the city. You can rent a car and drive yourself or take a tour from Vegas . See the historic Hoover Dam, which was completed in 1936.

As a visitor to the Hoover Dam, you can park for free and walk to the viewpoint on both the Nevada and Arizona Sides. The Nevada side you can see the front of the dam. On the Arizona side, you’ll see the Colorado River and the back side of the dam.

The visitor center has information on the history and architecture of the dam. If you rent a car and drive yourself, the parking lot closest to the entrance is $10 to park, or you can walk the 0.7 miles from the free parking to get there.

One of the best ways to learn about the dam’s construction is through a Power Plant Tour. You’ll actually get to go down into the dam to see how it works!

At the time of publication, you can purchase a Guided Power Plant Tour online but not a Guided Dam Tour so if you want the most in-depth tour of the dam, you’ll need to get there early to get a tour, because it’s first come, first serve and sells out quickly.

Book it now: Hoover Dam tour from Vegas

Recommended by me – Nikki of She Saves She Travels

7. Grand Canyon from Las Vegas via helicopter

Distance from Las Vegas: 45 minutes (flight time)

Enjoy the beauty of the Grand Canyon without all the driving! Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas are a very efficient way to see the 4th most visited national park in the USA !

While driving to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas (see #14 below) allows you to hike and see the South Rim, a helicopter tour allows you to land inside the canyon, thousands of feet below the rim.

After a 45-minute helicopter ride from Las Vegas , feel extra bougie as you toast champagne on a bluff from within the canyon. Soak in the incredible views of the massive canyon you’re standing inside of! What a bucket list experience!

Book it now: helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon from Vegas

More things do do near Las Vegas

Outside of the city but comfortable enough to do in a day, here are more ideas for ya. There’s so much to see in the area!

8. Emerald Cave kayaking (one of the most fun things to do outside of Vegas)

Distance from Las Vegas: 55 miles / 58 minutes

Kayaking in the Emerald Cave is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the Vegas strip. The cave is located in the Lake Mead Recreation Area, along a calm section of the Colorado River.

Your journey to the caves will include a relaxing kayak ride along the Colorado River. The surrounding hills and cliff walls are awe-inspiring as they tower above you. 

Along the way, you can also go ashore and take a number of short hikes for a better view of the river and rock walls. These hikes will also give you a chance to see the unique flora and fauna of the area. 

The Emerald Cave itself will often get crowded, and only a few kayaks can enter at a time. The cave is shallow, giving you a chance to enter, take pictures, and then exit again within a few minutes time. 

Within the cave, you’ll see a green glowing light reflecting off of the water and onto the cave walls. This green glow is where the Emerald Cave gets its name. The best time of year to see the full emerald effect is to go in summer on a sunny day. 

To reach the caves, you can drive to Lake Mead Recreation Area and rent a kayak there, or book a half-day tour , which includes hotel pickup and drop-off services from Las Vegas. For your trip, it helps to bring the right gear , including a good backpack and water shoes . 

The tour will provide you with guidance and instruction along the way, so it’s a great option if you’re newer to kayaking or unfamiliar with the area. 

Kayaking the Emerald Cave is one of the best Lake Mead Day Trips from Las Vegas!

Book it now: Emerald Cave kayaking

Recommended by Merry of Virginia Vacation Guide

9. Mojave National Preserve

Distance from Las Vegas: 68 miles / 1 hour, 9 minutes

If you’re looking for a way to get away from Las Vegas but want somewhere with few crowds, then consider making a visit to Mojave National Preserve. In just an hour’s drive on Interstate 15 from the big city, you’ll find hiking trails, caves, and much more to explore.

First, head to Cima Road, which is home to more Joshua Trees than you’ll even be able to find within the namesake national park. These are rare trees, only growing within certain parts of the southwest.

Another one of the best things to do is to visit the Kelso Dunes. These beautiful sand dunes offer viewpoints of the surrounding mountains and the opportunity to stand on top of the tallest dune.

The Lava Tubes Trail offers a short hike and a unique experience in a cave. There aren’t many places where you’re able to climb directly into the tube, so this one shouldn’t be missed!

Other fun activities include seeing the cinder cones along Aiken Mine Road, hiking the Teutonia Peak Trail, and visiting the Mojave Desert Mailbox. Because you’ll be in the desert, be sure to dress comfortably to stay cool while you’re out exploring.

It’s also nice to have a high-clearance vehicle for the visit, as some roads can be pretty rough. Also, be sure to check the status of the roads, because wintertime may bring snow and poor weather conditions.

Recommended by Kassidy of The Hiking Helper

10. UTV adventure at the McCullough Mountains

Distance from Las Vegas: 25 miles / 49 minutes

Get ready for an epic adventure in Prime Valley and Hidden Valley at the McCullough Mountain Range, Nevada . This is one of the most fun day trips from Las Vegas if you’e looking for an adrenaline-filled time!

This half day UTV excursion takes you through fun, rugged desert terrain just outside of Las Vegas. You’ll get to see Hidden Valley National Monument during your excursion.

An excursion like this was one of the most fun things to do in Aruba , and I think you’ll agree it’s an awesome day trip from Vegas , too. Drivers must be 16 or older, and each UTV is fit for 2 people. Kids as young as 12 can ride with an adult, so it’s great for families with older kids, too.

Pro tip: wear clothes you can get dirty and closed toes shoes.

Pack anything you don’t want to get dirty in a dry bag with a strap and tie it down. That prevents dirt from penetrating a backpack for other cloth bag. This is the dry bag I used while UTVing and it worked great! Don’t forget to take extra water in reusable water bottles , too.

Book it now: UTV adventure near Vegas

11. Death Valley National Park (one of the best places to visit near Las Vegas for scenery)

Distance from Las Vegas: 110 miles / 1 hour, 55 minutes

Death Valley is one of the best national parks in California and a perfect day trips from Las Vegas if you are looking to escape the crowds and explore the stunning landscapes of the Mojave Desert. 

Although summers bring triple-digit temperatures to Death Valley, winter has a mild sunny weather with no snow, except for high altitudes. 

You can get to Death Valley by taking a guided tour from Las Vegas that includes major highlights of the national park or renting a car in Las Vegas . If you rent a car, you will have more freedom exploring this vast area and also enjoy stargazing at night since Death Valley boasts incredible dark skies free of light pollution.

The park has many hikes like Golden Canyon, overlooks and is also home to the lowest point in North America, Bad Water Basin, that sits at 282 feet below sea level. Since Death Valley is the largest national park in the lower 48 states, prepare to drive longer distances, as some points of the interest are as far as 50 minutes away from one another.

Book it now: Death Valley tours from Las Vegas

Recommended by Daria of The Discovery Nut

12. Spring Mountain Ranch State Park

Distance from Las Vegas: 24 miles / 27 minutes

Some of the oldest buildings in Nevada lie right next to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area at the Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. This historic ranch is a fun little day trip from Las Vegas , where you can tour old buildings like a blacksmith shop and sandstone cabin.

Nestled in a picturesque setting, it’s a lesser-known attraction in the Las Vegas area , so you’ll really be able to escape the crowds. Pack a picnic and enjoy the outdoors. The best time to visit this state park is October through May.

The Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is a great spot for beginner hikers or families and pets, too. Hike the Spring Mountain Ranch Loop trial, at just 1.5 miles and flat, it’s an easy trail for nearly any skill level.

Hours change seasonally so check before you go at the Spring Mountain Ranch website .

13. Seven Magic Mountains

Distance from Las Vegas: 26 miles / 27 minutes

A fun experience close to Las Vegas is the Seven Magic Mountains . These colorful stacked boulders are an art instillation that took social media by storm in 2016, thousands of visitors come to the Seven Magic Mountains annually.

It’s a free, short day trip from Las Vegas, and one worth visiting if you’re looking for something low-key to do in the area. And bonus – no extra hiking gear or picnic supplies required.😊 It’s perfect for when you’re visiting Las Vegas with kids !

Created by artist Ugo Rondinone and supported by the Nevada Museum of Art  and  Art Production Fund , this is a free attraction although donations are always welcome! Take as many photos as you desire, but please don’t damage the boulders.

Pro tip: If you want great photos with fewer people, come early in the day – just after sunrise – to avoid crowds. Also check out this guide for more free things to do in Las Vegas .

Seven Magic Mountains is one of the best things to do outside of Vegas that doesn’t take a lot of time, either.

Full day trips from Las Vegas

With 3+ hours of driving each way, these are the best day trips from Las Vegas that make a long day, but totally worth the effort! Of course if you have more time, these destinations would make great weekend trips from Las Vegas, too.

14. South Rim of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas

Distance from Las Vegas: 279 miles / 4 hours, 22 minutes

If you’re looking to escape the intenseness of Las Vegas for a day and want to spend some time surrounded by incredible scenery you’ll never forget, head to  the Grand Canyon South Rim .

The Grand Canyon is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders of the world and offers absolutely stunning views. The South Rim in particular is considered to be the best part with its really expansive views and is truly a sight to see.

There are many unique hikes and viewpoints such as Mather Point that you can visit at The South Rim – but note that the weather and temperature can change suddenly here so make sure to bring plenty of layers and be prepared for any weather. Woolx Merino wool layers work perfect for any season and are perfect for the Grand Canyon.

Drive time to Grand Canyon South Rim is just over 4 hours each way from Las Vegas so it’s a long day but it is definitely worth it! You can rent a car and drive yourself, or if you’d prefer someone else to do the driving you can book a Grand Canyon tour from Las Vegas on a bus.

The day trips are usually around 15 hours long, starting at around 6 or 7am, and cost under $100 so good value for money! It’s best to book a Grand Canyon tour in advance as it is a popular day trip from Vegas!

Not only is The Grand Canyon one of the best day trips from Las Vegas, but the route to get there is really interesting too as you’ll get to drive along the famous Route 66!

Book it now: Grand Canyon bus tour from Vegas

Recommended by Catrina of 24 Hours Layover

15. Horseshoe Bend from Las Vegas

Distance from Las Vegas: 274 miles / 4 hours, 23 minutes

Horseshoe Bend is one of the most photographed sites along the Colorado River and a fantastic excursion for those traveling from Las Vegas.

While on the far end for a day trip, Horseshoe Bend is about 4.5 hours from Las Vegas. Located in Page Arizona, the iconic feature is a must-do for those traveling through the southwest. 

Horseshoe Bend, part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, is one  top things to do in Page Arizona .  It can be done as a stop along with other activities in the area.

The trail and parking for Horseshoe Bend is managed by the city of Page, and doesn’t take any National Park or other park passes for entrance to the site. Parking for Horseshoe Bend is $10 and the site is open from sunrise to sunset daily.

For those visiting the site, the hike requires about 1.5 miles (out and back) to reach the viewpoint for the bend. There’s a small platform located at the end of the trail.

However, be sure to continue on past the viewpoint along the slick stones and you’ll be treated to some great other views of the bend without as many tourists around. You can even climb the small hill to get a better overlook of the site. 

Beyond Horseshoe Bend, there’s plenty of other things around Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Visit to the nearby Glen Canyon Bridge and Dam is worth a quick excursion. Visitors can view the amazing engineering feats of creating both the bridge and dam in this part of the river.

There’s also great hiking nearby such as the Hanging Gardens Hike, the Chains, and The “New Wave” which is a lovely banded sandstone area close to the glen canyon dam. 

Recommended by Anwar of Beyond My Door

16. Bryce Canyon National Park (one of the most epic day trips from Las Vegas)

Distance from Las Vegas: 259 miles / 4 hours, 3 minutes

You’ll want to get up early for this one! As a day trip, this is doable but a pretty long day. It would make a great weekend trip from Las Vegas, too.

Anyway, Bryce Canyon National Park is home to the famous hoodoos, which are irregularly shaped rock spires. Witness the unique beauty of this landscape from Bryce Point or Inspiration Point.

If you’re up for hiking, try the Queens Garden Trail and Navajo Loop , which is a fun, interactive trail. It’s 3.1 miles and rated as moderate, you’ll weave through hoodoos and witness the bright orange and red rocks up close.

Have a picnic at Sunset Point or enjoy the views at Sunrise Point, too. You can see all the Bryce Canyon National Park highlights in just one day!

17. Joshua Tree National Park

Distance from Las Vegas: 186 miles / 3 hours, 8 minutes

One of the best day trips from Las Vegas is a day in Joshua Tree . It takes about 3 hours to drive from Las Vegas to Joshua Tree National Park, but it is worth the drive and a great way to escape the city.

Joshua Tree is best during the spring or fall when temperatures are more moderate. In the summer, the park gets very hot, and in the winter it’s cold. However, if you’re taking a day trip in the winter, you will still experience the warmest part of the day in winter.

While in Joshua Tree, take the quick hike to Arch Rock, drive down Queen Valley Road, visit the Cholla Cactus Garden, and, of course, see all the Joshua Trees. One of the best places to find a high concentration of Joshua Trees is along Queen Valley Road or on Park Boulevard from the West Entrance Station.

Recommended by Christine of Live Love Run Travel

18. Antelope Canyon (a popular tour from Las Vegas)

Distance from Las Vegas: 278 miles / 4 hours, 32 minutes

Las Vegas is such a fun city to explore but many people don’t realize there are amazing places to visit outside of Las Vegas. Antelope Canyon is a popular slot canyon in Page, Arizona.

The canyon is full of beautiful Navajo Sandstone that makes for some of the most stunning views you’ll find. Getting to escape from the concrete jungle of Las Vegas is a great way to refresh and enjoy some time away from the city.

If you’re planning on visiting Antelope Canyon, there are a few things you must know.

The canyon is on Navajo land and is restricted to tours by Navajo tour guides and tours are required to visit. You’ll want to book in advance to ensure you can get a tour. If you find that Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon are booked, look into tours of Antelope Canyon X .

May to October get really busy, the earlier you book your tour , the better.

To do Antelope Canyon as a day trip from Las Vegas, follow I-15 North through Saint George, Utah. Then take UT-9 to Hwy 59 towards Kanab, UT, where you’ll get on the US-89 East to Lake Powell and Page, Arizona. The drive is a little long, but it makes for a great adventure to one of the most beautiful slot canyons you can find!

Book it now: Antelope Canyon tour from Las Vegas

Recommended by Candice of CS Ginger

19. Palm Springs

Distance from Las Vegas: 231 miles / 4 hours, 9 minutes

If you’re up for a slightly longer drive, taking a day trip from Las Vegas to Palm Springs is an ideal way to add some fun and adventure to your travels. Though it’s situated about 4 hours away, there are so many ways to spend one day in Palm Springs !

You can explore the iconic downtown area, which features boutique shops, hip galleries, and tasty restaurants. Or, check out the original retro architecture on residential homes and hotels.

Outdoor lovers can venture out for a day hike at one of the many trails, such as Tahquitz Canyon. One can’t-miss activity for any first time visitor is the famous Palm Springs aerial tramway, which takes you up the nearby San Jacinto Mountains for panoramic views of the surrounding valley.

With so much natural beauty to explore, it’s no wonder why Palm Springs has become such a popular getaway spot for travelers from Las Vegas.

Be aware that summer is a tough time for hiking and strenuous activity in the California desert. If visiting in the summer months, I would recommend visiting one of the many pool and mineral springresorts. 

Recommended by Monica of This Rare Earth 

20. Red Rock Canyon State Park

Distance from Las Vegas: 240 miles / 3 hours, 41 minutes

Did you know there are actually 2 Red Rock Canyons to escape to as a day trip from Las Vegas?

Not to be confused with the National Conservation Area just a few minutes outside of Vegas,  Red Rock Canyon State Park  is a 3.5 hour drive from Las Vegas. While it’s a long drive for a day trip, it’s doable starting before sunrise and driving back at sunset.

Located in Cantil, California, Red Rock Canyon State Park is part of the Mojave Desert. Once you’re there, you’ll be surrounded by stunning Joshua Trees and get a breathtaking view of sandstone cliffs as far as the eye can see.

Enjoy activities such as rock climbing, picnicking, easy nature walks, as well as beginner canyoneering. Best of all, you won’t find huge crowds here, so enjoy the peaceful escape from the city.

Recommended by Cassie of Cassie’s Compass

21. Grand Staircase Escalante (another favorite on this list of day trips from Las Vegas)

Distance from Las Vegas: 213 miles / 3 hours, 26 minutes

Grand Staircase Escalante is a fun and unique day trip from Las Vegas. If you’re looking to hike some really cool slot canyons, Grand Staircase is the place to do it.

A 3.5 hour drive from Vegas, there are a  few different slot canyons  located within Grand Staircase Escalante to visit. One of the most famous is Zebra Slot Canyon, a canyon that has stripes along the wall making it look like the stripes on a zebra!

Besides hiking the slot canyons in the area, there are plenty of other amazing trails to hike in this area. To get to Grand Staircase Escalante, head northeast on I-15 towards St. George, once in St. George depending on where you want to go in Grand Staircase either head towards Kanab or head towards Bryce Canyon.

The roads inside of Grand Staircase aren’t paved and a lot of the roads require you to have a 4×4 vehicle. Make sure to always check with the visitor centers nearby in Kanab and Escalante before heading out to make sure the weather and roads are safe for exploring.

Recommended by Jessica of Unearth the Voyage

22. Alabama Hills (one of the most scenic things to do near Las Vegas)

Distance from Las Vegas: 246 miles / 4 hours, 13 minutes

Alabama Hills, California is an underrated destination that’s gained in popularity over the last decade or so. A long day trip from Las Vegas, it can be done in a single day with an early morning and late night, or better yet, as a weekend getaway from Las Vegas!

With expansive views of these smooth rocky formations, there’s quite a bit to see and do in Alabama Hills. Movie Road is aptly named based on the volume of films that have been shot here. Drive down it and recognize scenes from Iron Man and Gladiator, just to name a few.

There’s plenty of hiking opportunities in Alabama Hills , too. Grab your hiking shoes and head to the famous Mobius Arch, coming in at less than one mile. Or explore views of the snow-capped mountains on the Upper Alabama Hills Trail to Cyclops Skull Arch .

Best day trips from Las Vegas

Well, that’s a wrap! The area surrounding Las Vegas is full of fun and activities for all ages. Whether you’ve got just one day trip from Vegas or have a few days to explore the area, you’ll find something amazing to do with your time!

Let’s take a look at those adventures again, in a quick list…

Places to visit near Las Vegas

• Red Rock Canyon
• Valley of Fire State Park
• Kanarra Falls
• Zion National Park
• Grand Canyon from Las Vegas via helicopter
• Emerald Cave kayaking
• Mojave National Preserve
• UTV adventure at the McCullough Mountains
• Death Valley National Park
• Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
• Seven Magic Mountains
• South Rim of the Grand Canyon
• Horseshoe Bend
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Antelope Canyon
• Palm Springs
• Red Rock Canyon State Park
• Grand Staircase Escalante
• Alabama Hills

Related content you might like: 20 BIG Adventure Vacations in the US Not to Miss 28 Absolutely Best National Parks to Visit in Summer 100 Most Romantic Vacations in the United States You’ll Love

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wanderwithbelle

Sunday 29th of January 2023

I love Vegas and have been there a numerous of times!! Thanks for sharing these great tips.

Wednesday 1st of February 2023

Welcome Belle. Thanks for your comment and visiting the blog! :)

Monday 23rd of January 2023

Vegas itself isn't really on my list of places to visit, but I'd love to do all of these daytrips!

Tuesday 24th of January 2023

Agreed! Every time I go to Vegas, I leave Vegas 🤣

Saturday 17th of December 2022

I am not a big fan of Las Vegas so I love the idea of trying some of these road trips on the next time I attend a conference in Nevada. I love the rugged landscape.

Monday 19th of December 2022

Same, same Terri! Each time I visit Vegas I have to get out 🤣 Have fun on your next non-Vegas adventure!

Interesting read. Emerald cave kayaking looks so relaxing.

Totally agree, Anukrati! I hope you get to try it sometime.

Friday 16th of December 2022

Some great ideas here, and some wonderful photos too!

Glad you found this helpful :)

7 Road Trip Itineraries From Las Vegas To The Grand Canyon

• Diverse Road Trip Options : Explore 7 unique road trip itineraries starting from Las Vegas, each offering a different experience, with stops including Boulder City, Williams, and the Grand Canyon.
• Flexible Travel : With itineraries varying in length, you can choose a road trip that suits your schedule, whether you have a day or several days to spare, ensuring a memorable journey through Sedona, Flagstaff, and the Grand Canyon.
• Convenient Starting Point : Las Vegas serves as a convenient travel hub, making it easy to begin your adventure through the Western United States, experiencing breathtaking landscapes including Utah's natural wonders, and the Tonto Basin.

There is something romantic about exploring Western United States by car. You become intimately acquainted with the landscape and get to see natural wonders up close and personally. Las Vegas is a popular travel hub, making it an easy place to begin your journey. This list outlines 7 road trips you can take from this eccentric city all the way to the idyllic Grand Canyon National Park!

It only takes about 4 hours to drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. But the space between these two destinations is full of scenic stops that are worth making a trip out of! Each of these 7 different itineraries will take you through the desert on an unforgettable trip. Each road trip itinerary varies in length, so you can choose what fits best for you. Whether you only have a day to travel or wish to spend several days on the road, we have an itinerary for you!

All of these itineraries are point-to-point and are ideal for car rentals. Each road trip terminates at the Grand Canyon, giving you the option to spend as much or as little time as you'd like there. You'll find it's easy to spend a few days exploring the park. Whether you spend time hiking its beautiful trails , spending a night camping inside the canyon, or just walking around the rim, you'll love the awe-inspiring views. After your time at the national park, you can simply backtrack to either Phoenix or Las Vegas to fly home.

How To Visit Canyon De Chelly National Monument On The Navajo Nation

A direct route with scenic stops, this direct route is the fastest way to get from las vegas to the grand canyon, with two stops along the way.

This route is the most direct one you can take from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon! The great thing about this road trip is that you can decide how long you want it to take - make the drive in a day or stretch it out over four.

No matter what you choose, start your trip in Sin City and enjoy unique experiences in the area . There are plenty of affordable hotels to book if you decide to stay the night. Next, take the drive to Boulder City, where you can experience a day of small-town charm. Visit the Hoover Dam , get fantastic views of Lake Mead from Hemenway Park, or check out the Nevada State Railroad Museum .

Before reaching the Grand Canyon, make a stop in Williams to enjoy attractions like Bearizona and the Canyon Coaster Adventure Park ! You can even take a scenic train ride to the Southern Rim . It's recommended you spend at least one night in Williams or at the hotels or campgrounds close to the Grand Canyon. This gives you a full day (or more!) to explore all the national park has to offer.

A Sedona And Flagstaff Adventure

Take a route that focuses on two of arizona's treasured towns.

If you love what you've heard about Sedona and Flagstaff, then this is the perfect route for you. This is a flexible route, allowing you to take as much or as little time as you'd like in these cities. The drive from Las Vegas to Sedona only takes about 4 hours and 20 minutes, making it easy to accomplish in a day.

There's a lot to discover on the road from Sedona to the Grand Canyon , so make sure you allow an appropriate amount of time to stop and see all the sights! This route is recommended for anyone hoping to mix in hiking and sightseeing when visiting these cities. It's also perfect for anyone on a time constraint or wanting to be conservative with trip mileage, as it is one of the shorter routes that is still jam-packed with attractions.

See Utah's Natural Wonders On This Road Trip

This longer point-to-point takes you north to see the magical beauty of utah.

Take the scenic route through Utah and explore the best that Mother Nature has to offer! This northern route takes you on a road trip through several beautiful conservation areas where you can see native flora, interesting rock structures, and desert wildlife.

Next, head over to the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area to see the mesmerizing red rocks that constitute this habitat. In this quiet, natural space, you'll be walking the same path as the dinosaurs . There are plenty of hikes in this area around St. George, Utah , if you're looking to stretch your legs! After all these conservation areas, you'll make a stop in Big Water, where you can explore the southern area of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The Big Water Visitors' Center is worth checking out, with its dinosaur theme and paleontology exhibits.

On the last day, you'll make the final push to the Grand Canyon, where you can explore all the stunning beauty this national park has to offer. This route is perfect for people who are looking to camp, or perhaps interested in renting an RV.

Since the national conservation areas are located on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, you can often find free campsites. This is a perfect, budget-friendly travel hack for anyone driving an RV or a car they don't mind sleeping in. Check out the BLM's website for more details.

Explore National Monuments On This Road Trip

Discover arizona's treasures between phoenix and the grand canyon.

Start your journey by driving directly to Phoenix. This three to five-day road trip includes many beautiful stops to enjoy between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon! Featuring two fantastic national monuments, as well as 3 cities, this route has attractions that everyone in the family will love. Explore our in-depth guide on how best to experience this route !

Between Phoenix, Sedona, and Flagstaff, you'll have ample options for high-quality places to stay. This is a perfect route for anyone looking to sleep primarily in hotels.

A 6-Day Road Trip With A Stop In Lake Havasu City

Check out these amazing cities on your way to the grand canyon.

For those looking to travel in comfort and style, this city-focused route is the one for you! Explore 4 cities, in addition to Las Vegas, on your way to the Grand Canyon.

After a day in Las Vegas, your first stop will be at Lake Havasu City. This desert oasis is full of activities like hiking, shopping, and water sports and is sure to quench your thirst for adventure!

Next, you'll head over to Phoenix, Arizona, where you'll find ample ways to spend your time. This city is so big, you might even want to spend two nights here. Since this is a road trip, make sure you don't miss out on the scenic drives in the area !

Next, you'll head back north to Sedona, where you can get in touch with your spirituality and explore the stunning natural areas. It's worth it to spend some time here exploring the surrounding trails, as well as the local eateries and shopping.

Before reaching the Grand Canyon, you'll make one last stop in Flagstaff. This hidden gem of a city provides visitors with lots of family-friendly activities, breweries, natural attractions, and so much more . As it is only 75 miles from the Grand Canyon, it provides an easy jumping-off point for you to explore the national park.

10 Things To Do In Lake Havasu City: Complete Guide To This Desert Oasis

See the tonto basin along this road trip, take this southern route to experience 2 of arizona's national forests.

After your day in Las Vegas, take the drive straight to Phoenix, Arizona. Starting your trip in this city provides you with a great, comfortable place to prepare for your two days in the national forests.

Next is Tonto Basin, where you'll find ample trails that wind through the stunning, picturesque landscape . Spend a night under the stars at one of the free campsites if you're on a budget. Of course, if camping isn't your cup of tea, hotel accommodations are available in Tonto Basin!

For your final stop before the Grand Canyon, you'll be exploring the forests that surround Flagstaff. Make sure you travel in the spring or fall to see the stunning natural beauty in full bloom. In the fall, the aspen trees turn a bright yellow, creating an eye-catching mountain range blooming with color. The Lockett Meadow Inner Basin Loop is a popular trail where you can see these trees on display.

See The 7 Wonders Of Arizona On This Road Trip

Explore grand staircase-escalante national monument on this road trip, hit two national parks, as well as a national monument and an epic river town where you can see additional canyons.

This route is our longest, but it is a road trip worth the time. This route will take you through Bryce Canyon National Park, a landscape that is full of geological wonders. The entrance costs $25-35 , so it might be worth it to spend a night or two inside the park. There are plenty of unforgettable hikes you can take to fill your time over two to three days!

Next, you'll reach Escalante to explore the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Here, you can explore the visitor's center , as well as the expansive natural spaces in the surrounding forest. If you plan ahead and get a permit to hike the Wave Trail , you'll experience otherworldly views amid the red rocks.

A little more than a four-hour drive will bring you down to Lake Powell, where you'll definitely want to spend some time exploring the area. This stunning landscape is home to the Antelope Canyon , another natural attraction that is famous for a reason. This slot canyon holds inexplicable beauty and is definitely worth seeing! Lake Powell is the second-largest artificial lake in America and is worth exploring for a day or two.

Find cheap flights from Las Vegas to Utah from $29

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Faqs - booking utah flights, how does kayak find such low prices on flights from las vegas to utah.

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What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Las Vegas to Utah?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Utah with an airline and back to Las Vegas with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Las Vegas to Utah?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Utah from Las Vegas up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Utah

• Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found tickets from Las Vegas to the following destinations at these prices or less: Salt Lake City $50 one-way - $77 round-trip
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Top 5 airlines serving from Las Vegas to Utah

The flight crews were extremely professional, helpful, and courteous. Departure and arrival times were accurate. No delay. I will use K airline again. Thanks

Not very comfortable seated in the back plane due to turbulence

Ford not that great the seat not to big for leg room like other airline

Great crew, decent food Charging plugs were broken on both seats next to me. Only the USB port was available, and that charges, very, very slowly. Seat was also broken, it would not lock into position when reclining.

Korean Air had great service and the Bibimbap dish was the best airplane food I’ve ever had. It was a long flight so in between the two meals they served customers could get Shin ramen. The flight attendants let my children use a pair of nice headphones for the flight and had earbuds and slippers for all the adults. The flight was long but the time passed by relatively quickly because they have many great shows in their entertainment TV. I watched the BTS Love Yourself and Speak Yourself concerts 💜

It was ok. Not good and not a bad experience

not too bad but not too great either. Service on all airlines declined ever since covid. Your Delta Stewardess are not that friendly at all. :-(

I like your stewardess, they are nice. However, your food could have been better and wheres your dessert? You do not offer beer or scotch. I do not drink alcohol biut my husband can have one or two, he has to ask if he can have one. during dinner or lunch, it should be offerred. Also, you do not have the most famous drinks ginger ale

Not accommodating ground staff On board slow service Crew members not very friendly

lunch was good; breakfast was kinda meh cabin temprature was way too high new entertainment system but somewhat limited content

I love the free wifi and headrest screens. I would consider Delta even more because of this but the seats aren't so great. The snacks aren't very good in my opinion. I bought a Bloody Mary and that was great! So just be comfortable with better snacks and the airline world will be yours.

Everything was very good other than I had selected a specific seat when I booked the flight and they changed it once I checked-in the day before my flight. I was still in first class but lost my aisle seat for a window seat. Being tall, the aisle offers more comfort so I always select an aisle seat.

Temperature in the plane was quite warm for the entire flight - actually just outright hot making for an unoleay4 hours. Crew either couldn’t or wouldn’t do anything about it. No acknowledgement or apology. All passengers were commenting on how hot it was.

How about not delaying a red eye flight by 3 hours and causing a chain reaction of missed connecting flights

First class? Seriously? We got a wider seat and a little extra legroom. The plane didn’t even have TV’s. Not a huge deal, but there was nothing first class about this except the price tag.

My flight was very clean and the location was comfortable. The service was great. A satisfying flight!

Boarding started almost 20 minutes late with no explanation. Then the take off was delayed by 15 minutes with no update or explanation from the captain which was very stressful because I had a connecting flight with a very short layover. The The flight tracker on the screen at my seat was for a different flight and the QR code for the menu did not work. I asked for Sun Chips which were shown as harvest cheddar flavor on the website but the ones they gave me were salsa and I'm allergic to tomatoes and I couldn't eat them. The flight to Tulsa was okay but there was no Wi-Fi or entertainment on board which would have been nice to know

I love the food options, I don’t mind paying an extra $10-$12 for sandwiches, fruit, cheese, and crackers, and such. I’m glad they offer it!

On time departure and early arrival. Kind and professional service from flight crew

We were delayed 2 hours leaving STL. I had 20 mins from when we landed in SLC terminal A to make it to SLC terminal B. I had to actually run! thankfully I made my flight but 3/4 legs were delayed to some capacity.

Due to one crew member not showing up to work, our flight was significantly delayed causing us to miss our connecting flight in Houston to Mississippi causing us to be delayed by more than 6 hours and missing our event all together. Very disappointing. All because ONE crew member called in sick. United did grant us a $15 meal voucher, which was a small but appreciated concession that I wasn’t able to use because I ordered my lunch and paid for it before applying the concession, and the staff said it was too late to use it. Ugh! We also had a TWO delay coming back from Mississippi, but that was on American Airlines and it was due to weather, so not their fault. Anyway, not at all impressed with United’s handling of our flight and the HUGE disappointment of missing our important family event for our 90 year old mother. All that money and all that stress and emotions for nothing. Having to wait the hour to bring an employee from LAX seemed like something that should not have happened. Why don’t you have a local back-up? Santa Ana is not a little airport in a rural area.

Flight delayed from Cape Town to Washington then got diverted to miami and in miami we had to fend for ourselves , im still trying to get to Shreveport now

delay several times and wait extra long to board. no entertainment service because there are problem for some rows. always encounter some delays for the last flight of the day.

I just wrote a text which was supposed to be for the flight from Denver to spokane not Frankfurt to Denver.

On time every leg of the journey and exceptional staff at counter, gate, and on board. I haven’t travelled in US for a long time and was genuinely surprised how pleasant this was.

The delays (5 hrs) were a comedy of errors, and the multiple safety issues encountered were very concerning.

flight delays, staff only communicating when pushed, food service lasting a grand total of 7 minutes, stuck in seat from 45mins into flight until landing

Crew was great and did their best to make us comfortable and captain came out at the beginning to announce why the flight was delayed, weather situation up ahead, and kept us updated throughout the flight.

they made me check my carryon. There was space in the overhead bins.

Nice flight, nice crew but no cookie or napkin with my seltzer.

This flight is frequently delayed. The connections seemingly are more frequently delayed. I’ve missed connections as a result twice on the same route to charlotte then Charleston. Final destination arrival has been the next day, twice in a row. No pilots, no crew. Too many excuses. Unfortunately, my days with American are over.

Entertainment was okay not because anything was wrong but it is a short flight so having no wifi is annoying but understandable. Crew was outstanding as usual

Those seats were way too narrow. I had the middle seat, one person was a very skinny person and we still couldn’t avoid touching each other anytime one of us moved. The other person was larger and we were basically sitting in each others lap the entire flight. There was zero entertainment. The flight was long enough to justify tvs, but no. Gotta sit there in your infant seat and twiddle your thumbs.

The Flight attendant had an attitude and didn't allow anyone any time to prepare for landing despite being absent throughout the entire trip

Flight boarded without pilots. Sat on plane for 3 hrs. after over an hour late boarding. Plane never took off. Had to deplane near midnight. Line for rebooking was 3 hours + long. I had to leave.

The flight was great but board was a nightmare. The gate was changed 4 times during the layover period

The experience was great and much better than the flight going out. of course I was in first class but the service was excellent

Cold air blew constantly on my legs almost making me numb.

Missed the flight because of them and up geting a rental car

Delayd flight out of atl as always miss my conection in dfw no flight untill next day

Flight was cancelled and I had to spend the night in the airport lugging my suitcase around

Left Denver late, then sat on tarmac 30 min after arrival

I liked getting off the plane. Everything else was well below standards. Not even offering a bag of peanuts for free for a 4 hours flight is ridiculous.

The whole experience was bad. Didn't know no complimentary drinks or snacks. $4.39 for a soda is ridiculous even a bottle water. A carry on was $74 just crazy. I don't think I will take this airline ever again. Very bad

Delayed...attendants checked every single bag and item for sizes before boarding.

4 hour delay because they used our aircraft to fly a different segment (per the captain)

It’s a cheap airline and I wish if they had better seats.

Due to delay of our first flight, we almost missed the second flight. Workers were more agreeable, and baggage did not seem to be an issue.

I like the easy check-in and boarding process. I love the non stop flight

absolutely horrific. delayed flights, overbooking. over charging. nightmare service beyond words. stay away.

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Vegas to St. George to Bryce to Zion to Kanab - Bryce Canyon National Park Forum

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Cannot change order of things because reservation s already made.

Looking for driving, eating, scenic suggestions other than what I have listed.

Thanks very much!

6 replies to this topic

The road to Cedar Breaks from highway 14 is a seasonal road. It is currently closed until further notice. The snowmobile trail will close next week. That's when the snow plowing will begin. I doubt the road will be fully open by May 1. There's a lot of snow up there.

If Red Canyon State Park is open on highway 12 before you get to Bryce, you may want to stop there.

I assume that you know Zion Park Motel is not the lodge inside Zion NP. It's in the town of Springdale which is literally at the entrance to the park.

This post has been removed at the author's request.

Since you are going to Bryce I would skip Cedar Breaks. The hoodoos and amphitheater are better at Bryce. The sunsets are better at Cedar Breaks only because of the different directional orientations of the 2 amphitheaters as the Sun sets shining across Cedar Breaks, see here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/152544914@N02/52391129489/

You can access Cedar Breaks and the overlook shown above now via I-15 and UT 143 from St George. Nevertheless, I would skip it for this trip.

There are no must stops between St George and Bryce because you have no time for them. Go straight to Bryce. As Connie says, Cedar Breaks will be closed.

The one must stop place on the way from St George to Bryce via I-15 to hwy 20 would be the Kolob section of Zions. You could spend an hour just driving the road and maybe the Timber Creek overlook hike at the end. Or you could spend half a day and hike the Middle Taylor Creek to Double Alcove. Some beautiful scenery in that section.

Come into Zion from after Bryce from Mt Carmel and highway 9.

Thank you very much!

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Las Vegas high speed rail groundbreaking gives hope for possible Utah route

by Jake Taylor, KUTV

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Work has begun for a bullet train route between L.A. and Las Vegas, and there are those who feel this may give hope to a once scrapped Utah high speed rail plan.

On Monday, ground broke in Vegas for 200 miles of track to be built along I-15 between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

The train will be designed to reach 186 miles and hour. Right now, a drive between the two cities takes more than 4 hours.

The train would cut that time in half.

Utah transportation officials had petitioned the federal government to fund the study of a high speed route from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City to Boise.

That request for funding was denied in late 2023.

Transportation Secretary Pet Buttigieg was at the Vegas groundbreaking and gave some hope for Utahns who hope a local route could be a next step.

"I am firmly convinced once the first customer buys a ticket to ride true, high speed rail on American soil, there will be no going back," said Buttigieg. "People will demand and expect this everywhere and leaders will respond. More high speed rail lines are coming."

The plan is for the L.A. to Vegas route to be finished by 2028, in time for the Los Angeles Summer Olympics.

Salt Lake has been selected by the IOC as the presumptive candidate for the 2034 Winter Games.