Zion National Park

Zion National Park in southwestern Utah is about 160 miles (260 km) northeast of Las Vegas, a drive of roughly 2 hours 45 minutes via I-15 north to exit 16 and SR 9 through Springdale. Utah is one hour ahead of Nevada, which matters when planning the return. A rental car is the most flexible option, with park entry of $35 per vehicle for seven days; non-US residents aged 16 and over pay an extra $100 per person since January 1, 2026. Coach tours cost about $180 to $250 per person. The main attraction is Zion Canyon, a towering Navajo sandstone gorge carved by the Virgin River. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is shuttle-only for most of the year, with a free park shuttle running from the Visitor Center to the Temple of Sinawava. Easy walks include the paved Riverside Walk, about 2.2 miles round trip, and Emerald Pools, while the fit can tackle the Narrows, which involves wading in the river, and Angels Landing, which requires a permit through a lottery. A practical day trip leaves Las Vegas early, reaches Springdale by about 9 a.m. local time, parks in the town or at the Visitor Center and takes the shuttle up the canyon. The morning suits the Riverside Walk and Emerald Pools, and the afternoon allows a river walk or viewpoint stops before the return drive. Springdale has cafes, restaurants and groceries, and the Visitor Center area has picnic spots, so food is easy to find. Fuel is available in St. George along I-15. The best seasons are March through May and September through November; summer is hot and crowded, and winter can bring ice on trails. This is a long day, with over five hours of driving, so many visitors add an overnight stay.