Zion National Park Day Trip Guide from Las Vegas

Overview of Zion National Park

In less than three hours and 165 miles, you can exchange the concrete and neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip for the serene and colorful landscapes at Zion National Park, established in 1919 as Utah’s first of five national parks. Along the way from Las Vegas to Springdale, Utah, you will drive through a few canyons carved out by the Virgin River. Once you get to Zion National Park, park your vehicle and ride on the free shuttles provided by the National Park Service. Essentially, you get a free guided tour through the park to top points of interest and popular hiking trails and vistas.

The scenery at Zion National Park is so spectacular that you will find yourself wanting to take photos of almost everything. The pink, cream, and red sandstone cliffs are impressive, but the sedimentary structures of Zion become more evident while driving north along Highway 9 beyond the tunnel. Consequently, brace yourself because your eyes will be amazed at the natural beauty.

With so much to see, it is prudent to plan to spend more than just an afternoon at this national park. Small hotels and campgrounds are in abundance just outside the park entrance. Check out the Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort for a real cowboy adventure or try river rafting while in the area. There’s also hiking, biking, horseback riding, and, of course, photography in this picturesque part of the Southwest.

Note: All park visitors are required to purchase a recreational use pass to enter Zion National Park. The pass is valid for seven consecutive days. The park is open 24 hours a day year-round.

Why Zion is Better than the Grand Canyon

The views, trails, and endless possibilities for outdoor fun at Zion National Park are a few reasons to choose this national park over the Grand Canyon. If you are visiting Las Vegas, Zion is not only closer but also offers a wider variety of food, lodging, and activity options. From bike riding and river rafting to rock climbing and hiking, Zion National Park is the place to escape from the city.

Families will enjoy the shorter hikes to dazzling pools and small waterfalls as well as the wide-open space of the valley floor. Explore the higher elevations for endless vistas and magnificent scenery. While the Grand Canyon deserves its reputation, Southern Utah is overall much more picturesque compared to Arizona.

The Convenience of the Shuttle Bus

The free shuttle bus in Zion National Park is a convenient method to navigate through the Zion Valley, eliminating parking concerns. Moreover, private vehicles are prohibited in certain park areas. The shuttle is free and operates throughout the valley at regular intervals. Upon entering the park, visit the visitors center where you can pick up a shuttle and gather information about hiking and sightseeing within the park.

If you have a vehicle, consider driving to the higher elevations for more hiking options and access to Bryce Canyon and Escalante Canyon. However, during peak tourist seasons, access may be limited to specific regions of the park, so your best transportation options are either by bicycle or utilizing the free shuttles.