There are also fascinating dinosaur exhibits and displays.ītw – here’s my favorite book about dinosaurs. Many of Utah’s Jurassic- and Triassic-era rocks contain fabulous fossils, and this museum protects 200-million-year dinosaur footprints. George Dinosaur Discovery Siteĭinosaur lovers should visit the St. Check out Brigham Young’s Winter Home or the Jacob Hamblin Home. Mormon pioneers first settled this area in 1869, and there are several interesting historic sites. The towering cliffs of Zion National Park rise high above the landscape roughly 40 miles east of St. What’s the draw? Mild weather, affordable real estate, and easy access to southern Utah’s stunning natural beauty. Say hello to the fastest growing city in America. North of the Mojave Desert lies the Great Basin Desert. George is located near the northeastern boundary of the Mojave Desert, and this area marks the northernmost limit of the Joshua tree’s range. Notice the Joshua Trees, whose range marks the rough boundaries of the Mojave Desert. Utah State LineĪfter climbing out of the Virgin River Gorge, Interstate 15 crosses into Utah just south of the city of St. The road through the gorge, which opened in 1973, is one of the most expensive portions of America’s interstate highway system ever constructed. Other than Zion, this is the Virgin River’s most impressive natural feature. As the highway twists and turns above the river, enormous cliffs rise thousands of feet on either side. Roughly 100 miles from Las Vegas, Interstate 15 slices through a spectacular gorge carved by the Virgin River (the same river that carved Zion National Park). It’s beautiful during the “golden hour” in early morning or late afternoon, but it’s not exactly dramatic. Much of the drive from Las Vegas to Zion consists of long stretches across barren flatlands. This is a great place for stargazing thanks to minimal light pollution. If you’re driving through at night, take a moment to pull over and look up at the sky. The remote region between Grand Canyon and Utah’s southern border, called the Arizona Strip, is one of the least densely populated places in the United States. Entrance fee: $10 Arizona State LineĪbout halfway between Las Vegas and Zion, Interstate 15 passes through the northwest corner of Arizona. A 10-mile road, the Valley of Fire Scenic Byway, twists through the otherworldly scenery, offering no shortage of fabulous photo opportunities. Valley of Fire State Park is the largest and oldest state park in Nevada. At sunrise and sunset, when the red rocks are illuminated, it feels like the whole park is on fire. Jurassic-era Aztec Sandstone covers the 40,000-acre state park. Located just 55 miles north of Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park is filled with psychedelic geology, great hiking trails, and ancient petroglyphs. Use Waze to find the fastest routes.ītw – if you’re not interested in crowded casinos and overpriced restaurants, here’s a great piece on Alternative Things to Do in Las Vegas.

Driving from Las Vegas to ZionĪfter experiencing a Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream, head north on Interstate 15 towards Salt Lake City. If you’re looking for a great Las Vegas to Zion road trip, this is the route for you.

There are plenty of fascinating stops along the way. Rather than racing from Las Vegas to Zion as quickly as possible, slow down and enjoy the drive. Most of the drive is along Interstate 15, which has some beautiful sights and attractions along the way. Zion National Park is located 160 miles (2.5-hour-drive) from Las Vegas.

Vegas to st george itab