As you make your way through Cedar City, take Exit 62 to Highway 130. Re: Vegas To St. George and back, things to see along the way. Sand Hollow is a reservoir surrounded by red rocks and sand, resembling a trippy beach-on-Mars atmosphere. Quick moving drivers aside, try to take in the awesome scenery as you traverse this section of I-15; its worth it. The Valley of Fire is located 55 miles northeast of Vegas and can be accessed from I-15 at Exit 75. Backpacking - Contact the Zion Park's visitor . 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. It is a 45 minute drive from the park to Zion National Park and 20 minutes to St George. (Read: Why Your Kids Need a Utah Trip). If you plan it just right, you can make it to the capital city just before dinner time, and only stop a few times for fuel and a quick break. , and the Relief Society Hall in Heritage Square. Among some of the things to do in St George are hiking trails in Sand Hollows State Park and Pioneer Park, Brigham Young Winter House . When the heat gets to be too much to handle, the park also offers a beautiful reservoir lake that is perfect for swimming, boating or fishing. Driving from Vegas to Salt Lake is relatively simple. Some cities are still figuring themselves out, but St. George remains effortlessly grounded in a pocket of Utah that's neither cosmopolitan or remote, surrounded by the beauty of towering desert cliffs. For those who want to hike and explore, there are several trails of varying length and difficulty. Here are 5 must-see stops next time you find yourself driving through the Beehive State. From Valley of Fire, get right back on the I-15 North and drive for about an hour and forty-five minutes until you reach the town of St. George, Utah, right by the Arizona/Utah border.. A notable stop in this town, particularly since our final destination is Salt Lake City, is the Brigham Young Winter Home, a historic residence and current museum. However, take care that you know the weather forecast first. The first hotel and casino to open its doors was the Golden Gate in 1906, which is still open on Fremont Street today, making it the oldest in the city.. Please Note: Price . This 7,400-acre park offers a vast array of activities and sightseeing opportunities. If you take a side trip to the charming town of Santa Clara, grab lunch at Rylu's Bistro. Jaw-dropping canyons, snaking rivers, rusty red cliffs and scenic roads in every direction. To enter Zion National Park, youll need to pay an entrance fee or show your pass. Well send you our daily roundup of all our favorite stories from across the site, from travel to food to shopping to entertainment. 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. It dates all the way back to the early 1900s and played a vital role in the early days of Dixie (St George). Andrew James is the founder and managing editor of 24saltlake.com, a news and local events website in Utah. See for yourself with a visit to. 2023 DIVERGENT TRAVELERS | ADVENTURE TRAVEL BLOG, 20. Sink your teeth into a delicious burger at Burger Bar. Out on the trails, youll have plenty of opportunities to see native Mojave Desert plants as well as plenty of cool rock formations. 37.8042924,-114.4091474, map. About 20 minutes west of the strip lies the almost 200-acre Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. These extinct beasts are no stranger to St George, but many scientists simply dig up the bones and distribute them throughout the country. Weve been to many great parks in our travels but one that impressed us was the Town Square Park in St George. Ask about the daily catch, flown in within 24 hours of being pulled from the ocean. Spend a few extra bucks on a villa. 15 Best Free Things to Do in Las Vegas, NV. If youre driving north to St. George on I-15, you know youre almost in Southern Utah once you hit the amazing stretch of beautiful road through the Virgin River Gorge. Come by on Saturdays for an outdoor market with crafts, food, and entertainment. The tricky part of this drive for me was the speed at which other drivers were flying down the canyon road. This scenic drive is at the top of the list of all scenic drives Ive been on and is really awe-inspiring. However, the lobby bar at the Advenire (detached from, but actually part of the Wood, Ash, Rye restaurant) is easily the best cocktail bar in town with fun touches like house-made grenadine and ash-infused honey. But more often than not, everybody seems to be on the same page. With more than 38 miles of hiking trails and 3 miles of paved walking and biking trails, theres something here for all to see. 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 Kelso Depot and dunes are about 1.5 hours from Vegas.The museum/depot is definitely worth a stop. Start: Drive roughly two hours northeast on I-15 from Las Vegas to St. George. 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. See something you like? This ghost town has also been put on the map by several movies most notably, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. If you boulder, this is by far the best thing to do in St George. After grabbing dinner in Cedar City, head to Cedar Breaks National Monument for a beautiful sunset view. is a more secluded beach with trees creeping out of the water for an interesting visual. , an old firehouse that's now a multi-story taproom with craft beer by Zion Brewery. One of the best parts of the Mojave Preserve is only about an hour from Vegas. Kolob Canyons, Southern Utah. Frontier Homestead State Park honors the Mormon pioneers who trekked from the Salt Lake Valley to settle in the rugged high desert region. With so much to see in one setting, Red Cliffs National Conservation Area is one of the best activities to do when visiting St. George, Utah. Water Canyon has shaded water features and views of Zion National Park from Canaan Mountain. Just a few weeks ago, Zion was officially designated an International Dark Sky Park, recognizing the absence of light pollution in the area. 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. In a refreshing change of pace, St. George isn't overwhelmed by chain restaurants, especially Downtown. 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 plenty of great places to stay from luxury hotels, historical BnBs, and even a few great motels. After a stunning day of hiking through Zion National Park, its time to explore Utahs western heritage. Lastly, if you're looking to organize a big group trip to St. George out of Las Vegas (or anywhere else, for that matter), look no further than booking one of our charter buses at slecharters.com . This classic carousel has horses with sleighs, bright lights and the traditional carousel music playing for visitors to enjoy. It all began with, , a gift shop and espresso bar with hand-carved doors and cabinets. She has a B.A. The donuts, tarts . Leg 3: Springdale/Zion National Park to Salt Lake City (via Highway 89) This leg of the road trip starts in Springdale, the western entrance to Zion National Park, and ends back in Salt Lake City. Book a room at the. Flights last anywhere from one hour to three hours depending on your adventure and they operate year-round. This is also one of the best places to take in a view over St George. Scout's Lookout is less challenging, but provides plenty of great scenery as well. On your way a few extra stops give the family a chance to chase the ghosts of dinosaurs and cowboys. Take the Red Hills Parkway from St. George into the southern tip of the National Scenic Area to find easy-access hiking trails. Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site. The Little Black Mountain Petroglyph site offers visitors a chance to view ancient petroglyphs up close and personal. 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. St. George is located in southern Utah. If you will be traveling south on Interstate 15 to reach Las Vegas, there are plenty of things to see and do on the way. 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. With trickling streams and barren desert, visiting Zion is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip. All Rights Reserved. . You can also check out the Sears Art Museum on the campus of Dixie State University, featuring a rotating lineup of six exhibits each year. Located at the doorstep of Zion National Park, the town of St George is often used as a jumping-off point for travelers looking to explore the nearby canyons and deserts of Utah. 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. But there are quite a few others that are not to be missed if you have the time. This and the Rainbow Vista Trail were our favorite spots. It doesn't matter they aren't true. Here are a few suggested places to stay in Las Vegas before and after your national parks road trip from Las Vegas. Discover more family-friendly ways to experience theZion Region with this itinerary of local favorites. Showcasing local art from various cultures, the St George City Art Museum will deepen your appreciation for all the different people and landscapes of Utah. There's also a labyrinth and performing arts center with a stage for small events. The park has this hike rated as moderate and I would agree. Itsa great green space with a splash of water fountains, walking paths, and works of art throughout. St George brings in visitors from all around the world, and for a good reason too. Horseback Riding - Experience one-of-a-kind guided horseback trips throughout the canyon, available March through October. The 50-acre property features gardens, renovated rooms in a variety of sizes, on-site dining options . It is like a mini amusement park showcasing the history from 1881. . There is little to no cell phone service in the park and you may not be able to call for a return rideshare when you want to leave so definitely plan ahead. 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. 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. Trail Distance: 1.5 miles. With spectacular mountain views and plenty of red rock vistas, we found St. George to be a truly beautiful city. You will not be disappointed with your stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites in St George. Visiting Zion National Park is a given for any traveler creating an itinerary to St George, but there are tons of other museums and parks around the city that will have you scratching your head wondering what to do first. 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. And from Fredonia, go to Kanab and pick US 89 there to Page, instead of continuing on US . was preserved and converted into a free museum, offering a glimpse into 19th century life. A geological wonder made with wind and water over 180 million years ago, the results are stunning. Even if youre not a church member, the architecture alone is more than enough to have you pulling out your cameras. The red exterior of the hotel matches up well with the natural surroundings with a spa, swimming pool, and contemporary furnishings. Birding - Zion Park is home to 291 species of birds. If you have your own wheels and are driving between St George and Zion, then you should definitely check out the Grafton Ghost Town along the way. 12 Top-Rated Things to Do on the Isle of Arran. 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. Even if its not hot weather, you can become dehydrated quickly. You can even check out the views from the pool or the patio of, Photo by Matt Umland, courtesy of Wood Ash Rye, Enjoy the best food St. George has to offer, In a refreshing change of pace, St. George isn't overwhelmed by chain restaurants, especially Downtown. Depending on the license, some bars are required to serve food with alcohol, which is why St. George's favorite dive bar, The One and Only, has bags of potato chips on standby with each drink. Cedar City is about two and a half hours north of Las Vegas. Founded in 1935, the Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest state park. If you're planning your trip to accommodatedisabilities,there's plenty of optionsto safely see and enjoy the beauty of Utah. Recent Articles. Stop by the visitor center to find out more about the park and put together a gameplan for your time there. I started this loop-style road trip in Phoenix, Arizona. While its a little outside of your route to Zion, its so close to Las Vegas and definitely worth a stop. Since its so close, we stopped right as we made our way out of the airport. The buildings have loads of character and offer the opportunity to see inside them when you shop the various stores they now house. Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim) - 150 miles away. The Downtown Insider. Staying at one of the nearby resorts, our trek to Snow Canyon couldnt have been simpler: A walk out the back door to the paved trail led us directly into the park. 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. I enjoy scuba diving and cars. Check out rare finds like swimming dinosaur tracks, imprints of scaly dinosaur skin, and natural 3D cast fossils, formed when rising water levels and sediment filled the tracks. If youre really adventurous, wait until the stars come out. Beer was famously required to be watered down in the past, but that's no longer the case. The last day is all about experiencing equal parts history and exploration in the Wild West first hand. St George, Utah is a unique place surrounded by towering red rock mountains and from the moment you enter this historic town your eyes will be on the large white letters painted on the side of one of those cliffs. Skip Vegas Californians. Gas prices are up slightly, on average, this week in metro areas around the U.S. as Americans settle in from the busy holiday travel season. There is one place, however, where you can play in the dunes and explore the sands. Ride a gondola at the Venetian. The 2,000-seat venue gives the audience a unique opportunity to watch a show underneath the stars with the red rocks of Snow Canyon as a backdrop. this year. Although small, lovers of all things growing will have their minds blown with the numerous cacti and other plants in the garden. 14 Best Hotels for Kids in Las Vegas, NV. 9 Best Campgrounds near St. George, UT. If youre looking to learn more about local history and pioneers moving out west, be sure to visit the Jacob Hamblin Home. If you go in the morning or towards sunset, youll have the best chance to see some park wildlife like burros, sheep, deer, birds, and the desert tortoise. Built all the way back in 1877, St George Temple is known as the first of its kind in Utah. Formerly a general store built in 1911, it now sells nostalgic candy and ice cream. stay for about 1 hour. About 200 million years before Utah was even Utah, the region was a hotbed for dinosaurs. You might be tempted to book a hotel in Springdale, the small town just outside the main gates. With everything from camping sights to watering holes, Snow Canyon is the perfect place to start your Utah adventure. There is some tricky climbing involved, but its not too tough. What happened this week? stay for about 1 hour. To break up the short drive, we set out to find interesting things to see and do between Las Vegas and Zion. Leg 4: Bryce Canyon National Park to St. George. The Wi-Fi is free. But the St. George Art Festival may be the best place to see a wide variety of art in one place. Location: Valley of Fire State Park. I'll be flying into Las Vegas late Friday and renting a car. Tucked between Payson and Nephi is the Nebo Loop, which offers incredible views of the Wasatch Mountains, including the byways namesake, Mount Nebo. 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. Coming from Salt Lake City? to provide food. While exploring Utah, youll quickly realize that many of the deserts are full of large rocks and canyons. 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. It's traditionally open to Mormon visitors only, but everyone can access the visitors center and surrounding grounds. Rangers always know the best parts of the park. The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous natural wonders of the United States and it's relatively easy to get to if you're starting out in St. George. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Zion National Park. The average travel time between St. George and Las Vegas is around 2h 10m, although the fastest bus will take about 2h.This is the time it takes to travel the 107 miles that separates the two cities. The house-baked bread and biscuits are already huge local favorites. Allegiant Airs parent company squeaked out a profit last year following a big jump in fuel costs and other increased expenses. Page provides incredible opportunities to visit the natural beauty of the desert southwest: Antelope Canyon with its unique Navajo Sandstone caused over years of flash floods that have created almost artwork with the erosion . With spectacular mountain views and plenty of red rock vistas, we found St. George to be a truly beautiful city. St. Thomas is one of Nevada's most unique ghost towns, as it would normally be 60 feet underwater if not for extreme drought conditions. The dramatic limestone cliffs are humbling and the corners here can be sharp, so take your time and enjoy the view. Mid-range Hotel: The Hampton Inn & Suites of St George is a great mid-range hotel in St George Utah that offers a great location near the natural beauties of Southwest Utah. Here, you can tour the old Territorial Statehouse, which is now a museum full of historical treasures about Utah and the pioneers. , 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. Georgia has discipline problem that calls for action from Kirby Smart. Its one of those places where you can sit alone and read a book or bring the family to play around. Never touch or deface any petroglyphs and be respectful when visiting this historical sight. in history and is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association, the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association, and the International Travel Writers Alliance. The distance between Las Vegas to Zion National Park's south entrance (the closest entrance from Las Vegas drivers) is approximately 165 miles. Its a magical experience with the theater being outside and surrounded by 1500 foot tall natural red rock cliffs watching a popular performance like Beauty and the Beast, Annie or the Count of MonteCristo. Don't miss the big stories. No matter where you go, Utah-produced High West is almost always the whiskey of choice. Kick your road trip off with a day in the St. George area. Play along . Virgin River Gorge Drive on Interstate 15 Between Las Vegas and St George. Founded in 1935, the Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest state park. Book a room at the Crescent Moon Inn. However, their appearance in any given year depends on the water levels from the winter's snowfall. Typically 11 buses run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance. In addition to arches, rock formations in the park include beehives pockmarked sandstone caused by centuries of erosion from wind and water. They used those rocks to constructmany of the foundations in the houses around town, including the basement of St. George Temple. We suggest for those looking for a good campsite or RV park to check out St George RV Park or the Snow Canyon Campground. With 40,000 acres of Aztec sandstone, petrified trees, and ancient petroglyphs, theres a lot to explore here. Noted as one of the most romantic spots around St George, you can bring a date or explore the park solo. Starting at the trailhead, its about a 1.5-mile hike that took about an hour. Follow him on Twitter, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Just about 30 miles North of Mesquite along I-15 you will find a city named St. George Utah. As you drive, keep on the lookout for Zion National Park. Each week, thousands of Utahns travel to or from Las Vegas on Interstate 15. Be careful driving. The Little Black Mountain Petroglyph site offers visitors a chance to view ancient petroglyphs up close and personal. A quiet community of less than 90,000 people, St. George is best known for its proximity to the great outdoors, especially Zion National Park, but it's turning into a worthwhile destination in its own right. Snow Canyon State Park partners with several hiking and biking vendors so youll be covered with rental equipment, including the popular e-bikes, to make your trip fantastic. The winter home of Mormon leader Brigham Young was preserved and converted into a free museum, offering a glimpse into 19th century life. Check out rare finds like swimming dinosaur tracks, imprints of scaly dinosaur skin, and natural 3D cast fossils, formed when rising water levels and sediment filled the tracks. Boaters seem to have more breathing room here than at Sand Hollow despite less overall water acreage. Explore each reconstructed building that has deeply rooted historical significance as you learn about the past and present of St George. And since the temperatures do get HOT as you get into summer in St. George, you are going to want to get in the water. People say it's soft, but regardless of grades, we found the climbs to be a lot of fun. This carousel is impressive, in good condition and is a must-see for anybody visiting the town. 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. 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 was founded as a Mormon settlement, but eventually developed its own identity. Construction finished in 1973 at a cost of over one million dollars . It was sold and turned into a full-fledged restaurant with art galleries popping up around it. Along the way these travelers pass within 15 miles of a park that offers arches, petroglyphs, red rocks, petrified wood, spectacular geologic formations and beautiful desert scenery. Note that, depending on the season, you may need to make a reservation for the scenic drive. Weve visited nearly 100 countries on all 7 continents. See the link to the right for more info. Travel east on Hwy 9 for about four miles to Sand Hollow Road and then turn right. Pilot, aviation consultant say the busiest airline at Harry Reid International Airport ignored technological updates for too long and suffered the consequences. Quail Creek is a more secluded beach with trees creeping out of the water for an interesting visual. 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. The view from Genesee Park Photo courtesy of iStock / Sparty1711. is a scenic collection of red sandstone hills, canyons, petrified sand dunes, and a dormant volcano that's a popular rock climbing spot. Along the way these travelers pass within 15 miles of a park that offers arches, petroglyphs, red rocks, petrified wood, spectacular geologic formations and beautiful desert scenery. With delicious meals and mouth-watering desserts, youll quickly find yourself asking for seconds. The course of the Virgin River was re-channeled twelve different times during construction of the Gorge road. A vintage gasoline pump remains out front. Convenient shuttle service between Las Vegas, Nevada, St George, Utah, Kanab, Utah and Page, Arizona. During the summer, daytime highs usually top 100 degrees and can get as high as 120. There are many personal stories behind each artifact transporting you through history. Take our news quiz. Families of budding nature lovers should set out early for Zion. We had so much fun exploring this beautiful park. The sunrise and sunsets are unbelievably impressive from the sky and will leave you with a true sense of how amazing Utahs natural wonders are. The Green Gate Village offers visitors to St George the opportunity to transport back in time to when pioneers and settlers from the east made this desert landscape their home. But why deal with the large crowds, heavy traffic and paid parking when you can zoom out on Google Maps and choose less chaotic accommodations in or around St. George instead? However, their appearance in any given year depends on the water levels from the winter's snowfall. The annual event went virtual during the pandemic, but is expected to return to its full in-person format at Ancestor Square in 2022. Offering services between Las Vegas, St. George, Orem and Salt Lake City.