Las Vegas to Zion National Park Road Trip

The drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park is an easy one, covering just over 150 miles. But it never feels boring at any stage. You start in a city that’s loud and busy, then gradually leave it behind as the road opens up and the desert takes over. There’s no sudden switch; just a steady change in scenery until the red rock cliffs start appearing on the horizon.

Better yet, because the distance feels manageable, the trip works well even if you’re short on time. You don’t need to rush or rack up days filled with long driving hours. Instead, there’s time to stop, wander, and still arrive in Zion without feeling wiped out, making it the perfect weekend getaway. 

Why Start in Las Vegas?

Choosing Las Vegas as your starting point makes it easy to organise your supplies before you start your journey, and when you’re ready to leave, you’ll have easy access to the road. That’s just one benefit, though. You’re also in one of the most exciting places in the U.S. to explore!

The Strip is the obvious place to visit, but before hitting the road properly, it’s worth spending a bit of time in areas like Chinatown along Spring Mountain Road, where you can grab a delicious meal ahead of your road trip. 

Top tip: If you’re travelling by campervan, collecting your vehicle from the Travellers Autobarn Vegas branch means you can organise everything in one go and head straight out of the city. 

Las Vegas to Red Rock Conservation Area

Red Rock Canyon is only a half-hour drive from Las Vegas, but it feels completely removed from the city, so it’s the ideal first stop. The main attraction here is the 21km scenic drive, which winds past sandstone cliffs, Joshua trees, and wide desert valleys. There are also several short walking trails that branch off the loop road, including Calico Tanks and Lost Creek, both of which give you a closer look at the rock formations without having to head out on a long hike. 

Even if you don’t walk far, pulling over at a few lookouts is more than worth your time. After all, this is the first place on your trip where the scale of the landscape really sinks in, setting the tone for what’s coming next. 

Through the Mojave and into Utah

Once you leave Red Rock Canyon, the drive becomes a lot more open. The road cuts through stretches of the Mojave Desert, and long straight sections give way to low mountain ranges, dry washes, and clusters of desert vegetation. 

Mesquite is the first noticeable town along the way and makes a practical stop for fuel or restocking your supplies. Further on, St George feels like a transition point between desert and canyon countries, and is a great place to stop for lunch and walk along the Virgin River Trail before heading towards Zion.

Springdale & The Zion Entrance

Springdale sits right at the edge of Zion National Park and basically acts as the gateway to the canyon. The town is small but easy to navigate, with cafes, bakeries, and outdoor shops lining the main road, and it’s also the pick-up and drop-off point for shuttle buses that run into the park during busier periods. 

Whether you take a shuttle bus or continue on in your campervan, once you’re past the Zion Entrance, the valley floor is the best place to spend your time here. Riverside Walk follows the Virgin River and is flat, shaded, and accessible, making it a good introduction to the park. Also, from the end of this trail, you can see the start of The Narrows, where many hikers explore the river winding through the canyon walls. 

Unmissable Walks & Viewpoints in Zion

Despite what you might think, you don’t actually need to cover huge distances to see some of the best spots in Zion. Here are some of the most popular areas to make planning your time here easier:

Riverside Walk

A flat, paved trail that follows the Virgin River upstream. This is also where you’ll see people gearing up for The Narrows, which makes it an interesting spot even if you’re not planning to wade through the river yourself. 

The Narrows

Starting at Riverside Walk, this route takes you directly into the river, walking between sheer canyon walls that rise hundreds of metres overhead. Just keep in mind that water levels and conditions change regularly, so check for updates on the day. 

Emerald Pools

A network of trails leading to small waterfalls and lookout points. The Lower Emerald Pool is an easy walk on a mostly paved path, while the Middle and Upper Pools involve more climbing and uneven ground. 

Angels Landing

Zion’s most talked-about hike, known for its steep drop-offs and narrow ridge near the summit. Just note that a permit is required for this hike, and if heights aren’t your thing, it’s best avoided!

Court of the Patriarchs

A short, uphill walk from a shuttle stop that leads to a viewpoint overlooking three massive sandstone peaks. It’s a quick one, but it’s especially beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon when the light hits the cliffs. 

Final Thoughts

What makes this trip work so well is its flexibility. You can keep it simple, focus on a handful of standout stops, or stretch into longer days if you want. Whatever you choose to do, this drive delivers incredible scenery and enough variation to keep every day feeling different.