I do need a bit of advice from anyone who is familiar with the area between Las Vegas and St. George. Coming from Salt Lake City? Even if its not hot weather, you can become dehydrated quickly. for farm-fresh ice cream. Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon Road Trip Itinerary So not only a good place to cool off, but also fantastic for photography. But because it's not as convenient and . Just a few weeks ago, Zion was officially designated an International Dark Sky Park, recognizing the absence of light pollution in the area. In St Georges downtown, youll find so many museums, parks, and restaurants that itll make your head spin! Bullionville Cemetery Trail. Construction finished in 1973 at a cost of over one million dollars per mile. This short 1-mile long hike is extremely easy and is best done in the morning or mid-afternoon. Located in Zion National Park, this quick five-mile drive around the . If you prefer to be even closer to nature than you already are, Red Mountain Resort is like having a hotel inside Snow Canyon State Park, although technically, you're just outside the entrance. With all this historical context, your family will connect with Utah on a journey into the non-technical Kanarraville slot canyon that much more. A vintage gasoline pump remains out front. It all began with Xetava Gardens Cafe, a gift shop and espresso bar with hand-carved doors and cabinets. Includes dramatic scenery of the Virgin Rive. Bars affiliated with restaurants are usually fine as long as they have the. It's a two-hour drive from Las Vegas to St. George, or four hours from Salt Lake City. Don't miss the big stories. The red exterior of the hotel matches up well with the natural surroundings with a spa, swimming pool, and contemporary furnishings. Farmhouse Bakery, another recent addition to St. George, is a European-style patisserie, led by a team of Las Vegas transplants that includes Thomas Kellar's former pastry chef. Explore Ancestor Square and the rest of historic Downtown, St. George's Downtown district is an engaging mix of architecture, art, parks, and independent storefronts. By continuing to browse or by clicking I Accept Cookies you agree to the storing of first-party and third-party cookies on your device and consent to the disclosure of your personal information to our third party service providers or advertising partners to optimize your experience, analyze traffic and personalize content. It's one of several nice ideas riddled with problems. The Palazzo - 5 Stars. Twice-weekly flights on the airlines Airbus A320 fleet will begin in June for Harry Reid International Airports seventh busiest commercial air carrier. The Little Black Mountain Petroglyph site offers visitors a chance to view ancient petroglyphs up close and personal. Andrew James is the founder and managing editor of 24saltlake.com, a news and local events website in Utah. One of the biggest pastimes visitors find themselves enjoying in Quail Creek State Park is casting a line and trying to see if they can catch a fish. Utah is filled to the brim with unique landscapes that can only be found in the state. Actor Tom Sizemore dead at 61 after brain aneurysm: Reports, Biden faces mounting pressure for a Plan B on student loan forgiveness, 'I have to get off this mountain': LA-area towns still buried in snow, Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life after being found guilty of murder. So make sure to add a hot air balloon flight to your top things to do in St George, Utah list. Quick moving drivers aside, try to take in the awesome scenery as you traverse this section of I-15; its worth it. Located on the southernborderbetween Utah and Arizona is one of the best historical sights in the St George area. In addition, see some of the most beautiful places in the region, including Cedar Breaks National Monument and Kanarraville Canyon. The top stops along the way from Las Vegas to Laughlin (with short detours) are Bellagio Fountain, Fremont Street Experience, and Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. A free shuttle bus travels between nine stops outside the park. The Virgin River Narrows is a hike through shallow water, leading to an area called "Wall Street" where the shoreline gives way to steep canyon walls. 12 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Zion National Park. I have family in St. George, UT and have made that trip a few times. Its one of those places where you can sit alone and read a book or bring the family to play around. 37.8042924,-114.4091474, map. However, the lobby bar at the Advenire (detached from, but actually part of the. Every domestic air carrier operating at Harry Reid International Airport had more passengers in 2022 than in 2021, and three new carriers made their Las Vegas debut. has been writing about Las Vegas in Thrillist for more than seven years. Hike, bike, e-bike, or even horseback ride your way through Snow Canyon State Park in St. George, Utah. See something you like? The dramatic limestone cliffs are humbling and the corners here can be sharp, so take your time and enjoy the view. Sink your teeth into a delicious burger at Burger Bar. While we spent about 4 hours here, you could easily spend more or less time depending on your schedule. This is also one of the best places to take in a view over St George. Show only these on map. Its just simply breathtaking located on the edges of Snow Canyon State Park just a few miles right from downtown St George. Its much smaller than I thought it would be but it was still really fun to grab a few pictures there. Some of the things you wont want to miss while visiting Pine Valley are the Pine Valley Chapel and the Pine Valley Reservoir. See what the desert landscape looks like at its best. While the divisions between Salt Lake City's Mormon population and its alternative counterculture are sharp and distinct, the lines blur more in St. George. It does not matter if you are staying one night or a few days while you explore the St George area or even Zion National Park. Entrance Fee $10 plus additional charges for camping or groups. 6. This scenic drive is at the top of the list of all scenic drives Ive been on and is really awe-inspiring. In a refreshing change of pace, St. George isn't overwhelmed by chain restaurants, especially Downtown. If youve never driven this stretch of blacktop, youre in for a wonderful experience. St. George, Utah . Please Note: Price . Like us on Facebook. If youre looking to break away from the get there as fast as we can mentality, there are plenty of natural wonders and photo-worthy attractions just off the beaten path of I-15. Despite the daunting terrain, federal authorities decided to create a direct path through the Virgin River Gorge. It is conveniently located between Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Virgin River Gorge Drive on Interstate 15 Between Las Vegas and St George. If you're flying in, Las Vegas is the better choice - or you can fly directly into St. George Regional Airport once it reopens in September 2019. The surrounding desert is popular for ATVs and other off-road vehicles. Summertime travelers might get the impression that the park got its name from its environment, rather than its rock formation. 276 mi. Here are 15 attractions you must see. How to get from St. George to Las Vegas by bus or car - Rome2rio I started this loop-style road trip in Phoenix, Arizona. 13 Fantastic Self-Drive Day Trips Around Las Vegas Budget Hotel: If you looking for somewhere good to stay in St George that is light on yourbank accountwe suggest the Best Western Coral Hills. While its still worth driving by to check out, be aware that the temple is in the middle of a major renovation project and closed until 2022. 35 Best Stops Between the Monument Valley and Las Vegas - Wanderlog The distance between Las Vegas to Zion National Park's south entrance (the closest entrance from Las Vegas drivers) is approximately 165 miles. No matter where you go, Utah-produced High West is almost always the whiskey of choice. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. There's also a labyrinth and performing arts center with a stage for small events. stay for about 1 hour. Los Angeles to Salt Lake City Drive: 21 Amazing Stops to Make You could do a detour to Valley of Fire state park outside Vegas near Moapa.. If you arent staying nearby, dont worry, theres plenty of parking. It's 123 miles from Las Vegas to here, St. George, Utah. Knowledgeable staff members are happy to share the details about these artifacts, so dont be afraid to ask questions. Book a room at the. 1. Farmhouse Bakery, another recent addition to St. George, is a European-style patisserie, led by a team of Las Vegas transplants that includes Thomas Kellar's former pastry chef. The largest town in Southwest Utah is slowly and comfortably embracing its growth at just the right pace. We started with the easy 2-mile Johnsons 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 absolutely all around. St. George is just a couple miles North of the Arizona and Nevada border in the very South Western corner of Utah. Where those large white letters reside is one of the best public playgrounds for locals and visitors called Pioneer Park. The surrounding desert is popular for ATVs and other off-road vehicles. The view from Genesee Park Photo courtesy of iStock / Sparty1711. St. George Narrows (The Crack) This fun slot canyon is only a short walk from the parking lot and is well worth a stop. Here are a few suggested places to stay in Las Vegas before and after your national parks road trip from Las Vegas. 89 or 89A: That is the Question - US Route 89 And not just because of the Cracker Barrel just off the interstate that I always make my . We did the drive during a week in the winter when traffic wasnt bad at all. Dont miss the cemetery either! It's hard to beat the new. If you prefer to be even closer to nature than you already are. The amphitheater is also a great concert venue with the likes of Martina McBride, Kansas, and Kristin Chenoweth scheduled in the months ahead. Maybe other Las Vegas activities like taking in the best views of the Strip aboard the High Roller and checking out a museum are more your style. Youll see horse-drawn wagons, pioneer cabins and even cannons. Some rooms have balconies, some have tall arched ceilings. Drink (yes, there's actually good booze in St. George), In recent years, Utah has loosened its grip on strict drinking laws. A gorgeous, albeit somewhat white-knuckle drive for this apprehensive driver, the scenic Virgin River Gorge is something to behold. Take the stress out of traveling and book your transfer between Las Vegas and Bryce Canyon National Park in advance. Here is our list of what to see and do in the area. Pizza and sandwiches (with house-made sourdough) keep the place busy during lunch. You cant divide the history of St George from the Mormon religion. Translation: the stargazing is ridiculous. When we were there in December, there were very few people in the park, even though the weather was perfect for hiking. Where is St. George? I would never consider stopping here for any other reason, but what I discovered was Leeds Market. The restrooms were clean, the people were friendly, and my attention was immediately caught by the scent of a Crock Pot simmering in the back, which they serve daily. Want a room with a crazy view? Its a great place for those who love to play hard but want to come back to a little relaxation and rejuvenation (a bit of luxury). This national park will have you exploring deep canyons, climbing tall mountains, and even exploring hidden caves. I would not want to be driving this road back down to Vegas in any kind of weather. , another recent addition to St. George, is a European-style patisserie, led by a team of Las Vegas transplants that includes Thomas Kellar's former pastry chef. However, their appearance in any given year depends on the water levels from the winter's snowfall. If nothing else, tour the park via the 13-mile scenic drive that cuts through the park. Affordable Comfort in St. George Close to Zion National Park, Dixie Convention Center, and golf courses Conveniently located off I-15, with easy access to scenic trails, world-class skiing, and the bright lights of Las Vegas, our Super 8 St. George hotel puts outdoor excitement and vibrant nightlife at your fingertips. Top 5 Detours between Las Vegas to Zion National Park - Travel RV Life Vegas To St. George and back, things to see along the way. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. Hikers can spot tracks in Warner Valley or the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, but if you want to see as much evidence as possible in one place, visit the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site. drive for about 42 minutes. The very founding of the city is thanks to Mormon settlers. The park has this hike rated as moderate and I would agree. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "abe0ee1bb1ce091c654aedc463cf2206" );document.getElementById("d2f8ec4791").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); We are David & Lina Stock, a married couple from NW Wisconsin who have been traveling together since 2001. The donuts, tarts, croissants, and cookies are some of the best (and most Instagram-worthy) you'll ever sample. But don't be afraid to try something unfamiliarlike a kouign-amann, a buttery French cake with a sweet, crunchy, brittle-like exterior. However, many visitors will prefer to stay in St. George or Springdale (which is right outside the national park) for a night or two so as to take full advantage of the day trip without feeling . There are 2,000 foot cliff walls and narrow canyons cutting into the Colorado Plateau. Grand Canyon Tours From St. George, Utah | USA Today With those road-stop suggestions out of the way, here's what to do in St. George after you arrive. The exhibit changes each spring with about two-dozen new pieces installed. is relatively easy to reach with a hike near the Virgin River. Since Im not a really experienced hiker, I liked the easy and moderate trails. What is that? Typically 11 buses run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance. Spend a few extra bucks on a villa. I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. 3:34 pm Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Unusually high precipitation levels this winter could result in some spectacular displays of springtime wildflowers like desert marigold, indigo and desert mallow. Basically, park the car, throw up a tent and crash. 11:00 am start in Saint George. Just one or two days are not enough to do Zion National Park justice, though. Numerous petroglyphs are visible at several locations, and most are within easy walking distance. is a reservoir surrounded by red rocks and sand, resembling a trippy beach-on-Mars atmosphere. Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site. Ancient petroglyphs can be seen at several different locations throughout the park. "The Subway" (or Left Fork) is a uniquely curved slot canyon for experienced hikers. (702) 397-2088 direct phone number to the park headquartersFlint Stephens, who lives in Highland, has a master's degree in communication from Brigham Young University. Jaw-dropping canyons, snaking rivers, rusty red cliffs and scenic roads in every direction. The Inn on the Cliff lives up to its name with a perch high atop the towering cliffs that frame the western edge of St. George. Vegas to St George - St. George Forum - Tripadvisor About 200 million years before Utah was even Utah, the region was a hotbed for dinosaurs. Historical B&Bs: St George hasmanyhistorical B&B but one of our favorites that keeps getting many awards is The Mulberry Inn. It is like a mini amusement park showcasing the history from 1881. . Its an unexpected treat to find this outdoor paradise so close to the bright lights of Las Vegas! Exhibits now showcase examples of dino-activity from the immediate area with interpretive information, a window revealing where fossils are prepped and cleaned, and a small park in the back for kids to hop on a dilophosaurus replica. Depending on the license, some bars are required to serve food with alcohol, which is why St. George's favorite dive bar, , has bags of potato chips on standby with each drink. The St. George Utah Temple is the city's most identifiable landmark, an imposing white structure that contrasts sharply with the surrounding homes and businesses. (Read: Why Your Kids Need a Utah Trip). Reservations were introduced during the pandemic, but are no longer required. Top Things to Do in St. George, Utah The Blonde Abroad The Kelso Depot and dunes are about 1.5 hours from Vegas.The museum/depot is definitely worth a stop. Thats 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. The word Dixie probably wont mean anything to you until you spend a few days here exploring, but one of the best ways to find out what it means is to head up that mountain to where its painted. Below we will highlight the best places to stay in St George, Utah that will work as fantastic bases for exploring one of Utahs best cities. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. This ghost town has also been put on the map by several movies most notably, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. If you take a side trip to the charming town of Santa Clara, grab lunch at Rylu's Bistro. 11:42 am Mesquite. Everybody in St. George says the same thing: You gotta see a show at the Tuacahn Amphitheater. If you're going on a road trip from Page to Las Vegas, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Boulder City, Kanab, and St. George and top places to visit like Cottonwood Canyon Rd and Toadstool Hoodoos, or the ever-popular Historic Navajo Bridge. Before you do anything in or around St. George, you'll need a place to stay. This and the Rainbow Vista Trail were our favorite spots. 12 Best Small Towns in Michigan. A three-day weekend is a perfect start in exploring the Wild West of Zion National Park and Southern Utah. Youll see one of Utahs best areas from a new perspective, slowly moving through the air and hundreds of feet up above that red rocky landscape that goes for miles. Starting from the heart of St George is the Temple Quarry Trail. The stunning natural beauty speaks for itself. Have stopped and played at the Eureka casino a couple times. Locally known asBlack Hill,Mormon Pioneers accessed the southwest side of this quarry, that holds a large deposit of lava rocks, via this very trail. Sandstone domes and contrasting colors create scenic panoramas throughout the park. Leg 4: Bryce Canyon National Park to St. George. The Babylon Arch is relatively easy to reach with a hike near the Virgin River. is like having a hotel inside Snow Canyon State Park, although technically, you're just outside the entrance. That means someone leaving Salt Lake City in the morning could easily reach the park by mid-day, spend three or four hours and still enjoy dinner in Las Vegas or St. George. is the city's most identifiable landmark, an imposing white structure that contrasts sharply with the surrounding homes and businesses. Want a room with a crazy view? All Rights Reserved, Valley of Fire An overlooked scenic treasure between St. George and Las Vegas, Bidens not in a rush to announce hes running for reelection, The 2023 Utah Legislature has wrapped. The drive on I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge features some of the most stunning displays of both engineering and scenery. He's thinking twice about Angels Landing. With spectacular mountain views and plenty of red rock vistas, we found St. George to be a truly beautiful city. Cathedral Gorge Visitor Center. When traveling from the Midwest to Zion National Park in Southern Utah, the best place for us to fly into is Las Vegas. We are active couple with teenager son. St George brings in visitors from all around the world, and for a good reason too. In addition to arches, rock formations in the park include beehives pockmarked sandstone caused by centuries of erosion from wind and water. Zion National Park. The menu changes frequently with a focus on fresh ingredients and grass-fed beef, but the jalapeno-carrot soup is a staple that will never go away. If you need to get back to catch your flight out, then head straight back the way you came. See the link to the right for more info. Ghost towns are very common throughout California but Calico, between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, is more than a ghost town. This fading ghost town is located north of St. George, close to Leeds. 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. Everybody in St. George says the same thing: You gotta see a show at the Tuacahn Amphitheater. St. George, UT Las Vegas, NV Bus: from $24 - Busbud There is now an actual parking lot right in front of the sign. 7 Transportation Decisions Youll Need To Make Before Visiting Costa Rica, Our Favorite Hikes In All 50 States (2023), 21 Essential Pieces You Need For The Perfect Beach Vacation Capsule Wardrobe, 13 Things To Know Before Hiking Angels Landing, 8 Cant-Miss Experiences At Zion National Park For First-Timers, 9 Reasons I Loved Visiting Zion National Park In The Winter, 9 Things You Must Know Before Hiking The Narrows In Zion, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Brigham Young Winter Residence Historical Site. The park visitors center has a variety of exhibits. Just a few weeks ago, Zion was officially, designated an International Dark Sky Park. How this road was ever carved out of the massive rocks is beyond me. Biking paths connect to the, trailhead, where petroglyphs are easy to spot. There are 2 casinos in Mesquite, and that is basically the ONLY thing between Vegas and St. George. 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. The Broadway in the Desert series is the big draw, featuring favorites like Disney's. With delicious meals and mouth-watering desserts, youll quickly find yourself asking for seconds. I have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just the next natural step. But don't be afraid to try something unfamiliarlike a kouign-amann, a buttery French cake with a sweet, crunchy, brittle-like exterior. Water crisis in West isn't over: Can't we just move water from the East? Beer was famously required to be watered down in the past, but that's no longer the case. See for yourself with a visit to Station II, an old firehouse that's now a multi-story taproom with craft beer by Zion Brewery. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Visitor Center Hours 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. RV sites with water and power are available. 14 Best Hotels for Kids in Las Vegas, NV. Between the bright red terrain and the arch itself, it's almost impossible to take a bad photo. Photo courtesy of Greater Zion Convention and Tourism Office, Explore the natural wonders of Zion National Park, St. George is less than an hour's drive to. There's quite a lot to see and do in this Mormon city of 80K inhabitants. St George has been occupied by everyone from dinosaurs to pioneers; therefore, you can expect the town to have a rich history! Moe's Valley Bouldering. 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. A bonus for us was the bighorn sheep we spotted right up by the road! Water Canyon has shaded water features and views of Zion National Park from Canaan Mountain. Casinos between LV and St George, Utah - Las Vegas Forum Photo courtesy of Greater Zion Pioneer Park, , a truck stop that serves steakburgers from local cattle. In this city, youll find everything from historic Mormon churches to hiking trails. The tricky part of this drive for me was the speed at which other drivers were flying down the canyon road. Plus, booking alocal tour guidewill help you make the most of your vacation, whether its your first time visiting the Zion Region or your hundredth. Timelapse of some of the scenery highlights between Las Vegas, Nevada and St. George, Utah along Interstate 15.