Visitor Center Hours 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. RV sites with water and power are available. Yet hikers don't need to solely rely on state parks to venture off the beaten path. On the west side of Las Vegas, 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip and 10 minutes from Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, the JW Marriott Resort and Spa is another inviting property offering an escape from the typical Las Vegas scene. Typically 11 buses run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance. After soaking up the bright lights of Las Vegas, enjoy a relaxed . Here are 15 attractions you must see. Drink (yes, there's actually good booze in St. George), In recent years, Utah has loosened its grip on strict drinking laws. It's near Fire Lake Park at Ivins Reservoir, which is becoming a busy attraction for swimming. (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. Want more Thrillist? The Downtown Insider. It's a two-hour drive from Las Vegas to St. George, or four hours from Salt Lake City. This is also one of the best places to take in a view over St George. And its a perfect spot to spend your time while outside of the park. Quail Creek is a more secluded beach with trees creeping out of the water for an interesting visual. 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. 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. It's also a great intro to outdoor bouldering if you're strictly a gym climber. End: Cedar Breaks National Monument, just outside Cedar City. No matter where you go, Utah-produced High West is almost always the whiskey of choice. A vintage gasoline pump remains out front. With all this historical context, your family will connect with Utah on a journey into the non-technical Kanarraville slot canyon that much more. Typically 11 buses run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance. 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. Spend a few extra bucks on a villa. 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. Ask about the daily catch, flown in within 24 hours of being pulled from the ocean. The, lives up to its name with a perch high atop the towering cliffs that frame the western edge of St. George. From Harry Reid International Airport, get on I-15 North to Exit 75 and Valley of Fire Highway. Its possible to appreciate this from the ground, as most of us do, but its even more impressive from the sky on a balloon flight. The gougres (savory cheese-filled pasties) and salmon rillettes will keep you full while exploring historic sites like the Jacob Hamblin Home, Frei's Fruit Market, and the Relief Society Hall in Heritage Square. Dhuring the late 1870s and early 1880s, the height of the town's silver boom, Silver Reef was the most populous place in southern Utah. SJ is a professional travel writer based in the Midwest. From I-15, take the Hurricane exit (Exit 16). Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. Take our news quiz. Honeycombed rock formations known as beehives are scattered throughout Valley of Fire. Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino - 4 Stars. drive for about 48 minutes. Even if youre not a church member, the architecture alone is more than enough to have you pulling out your cameras. Sky-high views are the payoff, but it's not for those with a fear of heights. The Venetian Resort - 5 Stars. St. George is located in southern Utah. Pizza and sandwiches (with house-made sourdough) keep the place busy during lunch. Are you looking to explore more of the culture around St George? If youre really adventurous, wait until the stars come out. This is not the case at the Dinosaur Track Museum. 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. If this is the day you fly into Vegas and you are travelling in winter then the last leg of your trip will be in the dark along mountain roads (UT-20, UT-89 and UT-12). 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. Catch a performance at the legendary House of Blues Las Vegas. is a scenic collection of red sandstone hills, canyons, petrified sand dunes, and a dormant volcano that's a popular rock climbing spot. Any wildlife lover visiting St George should visit theRosenbruchWorld Wildlife Museum. Next up, its time for some family fun in nearby St. George. St George has been occupied by everyone from dinosaurs to pioneers; therefore, you can expect the town to have a rich history! This carousel is impressive, in good condition and is a must-see for anybody visiting the town. No two rooms look the same and movie theater-style popcorn is served between sips of whatever you're drinking. Round-trip transportation from Las Vegas hotels is included. More specifically, Google Maps says it typically takes between 1 hour 40 minutes, and 2 hours 20 minutes to drive from Las Vegas to St. George. It's 123 miles from Las Vegas to here, St. George, Utah. This family-friendly road trip pairs a big helping of adventure with new discoveries in Southern Utahs frontier for a weekend you and the kids wont soon forget. 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. The Kelso Depot and dunes are about 1.5 hours from Vegas.The museum/depot is definitely worth a stop. What is that? The beauty of nature is often balanced by human creativity in St. George. But it should be! Save. The surrounding desert is popular for ATVs and other off-road vehicles. may be the best place to see a wide variety of art in one place. 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. The last day is all about experiencing equal parts history and exploration in the Wild West first hand. With cozy hotels thatll make you feel right at home, restaurants serving up delicious meals, and a quaint small-town feel, staying in St George is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip! Kind of reminds me of a typical off-strip locals casino (Such at Southpoint or Eastside Cannery). 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. 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. Moe's Valley Bouldering. Before you do anything in or around St. George, you'll need a place to stay. On your own or with a friend, navigate through the area's most challenging terrain wearing full safety gear. Heres what you need to know, Japanese official denies Lee statement on commitment to expedite release of Lt. Ridge Alkonis, Utah Legislature finalizes record $29B budget. For good measure, the park also has several sandstone arches. Leg 4: Bryce Canyon National Park to St. George. Excellent examples of prehistoric rock art are among the parks notable attractions. The dramatic limestone cliffs are humbling and the corners here can be sharp, so take your time and enjoy the view. 14 Best Hotels for Kids in Las Vegas, NV. Though not as extensive as those contained in the better-known Arches National Park near Moab, there are similarities, so visitors will feel a comfortable familiarity with the landscape. Everybody in St. George says the same thing: You gotta see a show at the Tuacahn Amphitheater. A half-day excursion is long enough to see many of the best features. has been writing about Las Vegas in Thrillist for more than seven years. Due to his work with local Native American tribes and the spreading of the Mormon religion, Hamblin has earned a place of respect amongst Mormons and indigenous people alike. 4:39 pm arrive in Saint George. 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. Judds Store is the oldest ongoing business establishment in St George. 37.0699343,-113.6275344, map. While other parts of the state see snow-capped mountains throughout the year, St. George has a warm, desert climate that along with a history of cotton production earned the nickname "Utah's Dixie." As you make your way through Cedar City, take Exit 62 to Highway 130. While its a little outside of your route to Zion, its so close to Las Vegas and definitely worth a stop. Built all the way back in 1877, St George Temple is known as the first of its kind in Utah. This historical B&B is filled with character and charm but yet is filled with modern amenities located right in downtown St George. We did the drive during a week in the winter when traffic wasnt bad at all. We are active couple with teenager son. If you boulder, this is by far the best thing to do in St George. Maybe you crave a drive to Boulder City to see the Hoover Dam, Lake Havasu to zip around on Jet Skis, or St. George to hike scenic . The bus journey time between Las Vegas and St. George is around 1h 55m and covers a distance of around 118 miles. St. George, Utah . Copyright 2019 Las Vegas Review-Journal, Inc. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service, By ANDREW JAMES REVIEWJOURNAL.COM CONTRIBUTOR, Kolob Canyons Utah (Courtesy Frank Kovalchek/flickr), Parowan Gap Utah (Courtesy Glenn Merritt/flickr), Fillmore Territorial Statehouse Utah (Courtesy), Devils Kitchen Nebo Loop Utah (Courtesy Rick Willoughby/flickr), You can tell they love football: Raiders make big impression on young QB, Wahlbergs $14.5M bungalow leads 2022 new home luxury, Raiders, Aces stars to tie the knot in Las Vegas this weekend, Desert Monkey King artist comes forward, Strip land values push higher after plunging in recession, Hang on or stay inside! After just a few more clicks, youll be heading out on an adventure unlike any other! When traveling from the Midwest to Zion National Park in Southern Utah, the best place for us to fly into is Las Vegas. I imagine that, if youre driving on a summer weekend, youll encounter quite a bit more traffic and drive times will be longer. Theres nothing like an 18-wheeler so close to your bumper that you cant see their headlights! 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. Its an unexpected treat to find this outdoor paradise so close to the bright lights of Las Vegas! If you prefer to be even closer to nature than you already are. When driving from Las Vegas, stop at Yardley's, a truck stop that serves steakburgers from local cattle. Up through the end of April is a great time to visit Valley of Fire. You probably have a similar story youre making great time, the kids are all settled in the back seat with a movie and snacks, and all of a sudden you hear a little voice, I have to go potty! You cant pull over on the freeway, so you take the next exit. Either way, the amount in a shot is tightly controlled. The museum and research center was built on the site of Johnson's Farm, where leveling work turned up footprints on sandstone blocks. Kick your road trip off with a day in the St. George area. There are many personal stories behind each artifact transporting you through history. If youre looking to learn more about local history and pioneers moving out west, be sure to visit the Jacob Hamblin Home. The story of St. George is much like other Utah cities. 2023 DIVERGENT TRAVELERS | ADVENTURE TRAVEL BLOG, 20. It's hard to beat the new Advenire Hotel as the best overall option, especially if you want a perfect location in the heart of Downtown. It all began with Xetava Gardens Cafe, a gift shop and espresso bar with hand-carved doors and cabinets. One of the most popular features is the 45 foot Heritage Tower that has eight-foot stained glass windows that depict moments in St. Georges history. A mining town, Silver Reef was the first sandstone location to hold silver and was named for the lode of it that was discovered there. Best stops along Las Vegas to Laughlin drive. Hikes such as Angels Landing and The Narrows showcase two very different sides of the area. Backpacking - Contact the Zion Park's visitor . Bird checklists are available at the visitor centers! They used those rocks to constructmany of the foundations in the houses around town, including the basement of St. George Temple. Also, the folks at Red Rock do not recommend taking rideshares like Uber and Lyft to the park. St. George is your connection to Las Vegas, several national parks and all the wonderful activities of the area. The red exterior of the hotel matches up well with the natural surroundings with a spa, swimming pool, and contemporary furnishings. Here are a few suggested places to stay in Las Vegas before and after your national parks road trip from Las Vegas. The view from Genesee Park Photo courtesy of iStock / Sparty1711. Jaw-dropping canyons, snaking rivers, rusty red cliffs and scenic roads in every direction. Its a perspective you can not get from the ground. Airport Shuttles Transportation Related posts . With trails rated easy to difficult, youll surely be able to find a trail that suits you. It doesn't matter they aren't true. Utahns trying to escape cold and snow will usually find comfortable daytime temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees. Designed in the Googie architecture style that was popular in the 1940s and 1950s, its a cool throwback to early Vegas. The taxidermy is tastefully done offering an opportunity to see animals up close. Start your trip at the visitor center to learn about the park, watch the short film, and grab a map. Campsites & RV Parks: Utah isa camperparadiseand St George has a few great campgrounds located right in town for those who have RVs or tents. and leave at 4:34 pm. Includes dramatic scenery of the Virgin Rive. With more than 38 miles of hiking trails and 3 miles of paved walking and biking trails, theres something here for all to see. Never touch or deface any petroglyphs and be respectful when visiting this historical sight. If nothing else, take the Valley of Fire Scenic Byway through the park. Starting at the trailhead, its about a 1.5-mile hike that took about an hour. No longer do you have to dodge traffic and stand in the median to grab a photo. Located in Zion National Park, this quick five-mile drive around the canyons will give you a glimpse at some incredibly diverse rock formations and colors. Like us on Facebook. 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. Beer was famously required to be watered down in the past, but that's no longer the case. It is like a mini amusement park showcasing the history from 1881. . St George's affection for art and nature is reflected in Kayenta, an isolated community in the desertscapes northwest of the city. Full description. The drive on I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge features some of the most stunning displays of both engineering and scenery. See what the desert landscape looks like at its best. As one of the state's most famous outdoor playgrounds, St. George contains an variety of opportunities for . The bus journey time between St. George and Las Vegas is around 2h 5m and covers a distance of around 118 miles. Want to spend the night? In the evening, enjoy playing in St. George. Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim) - 150 miles away. What happened this week? Starting from the heart of St George is the Temple Quarry Trail. 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. Some people say the Virgin River Gorge drive is among the most beautiful in the roughly 47,000 mile U.S. interstate highway system. A Family Road Trip From Las Vegas to Zion National Park, Zion Region with this itinerary of local favorites, Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. This is hands down one of the best hikes to do while visiting and it is great for all ages. And from Fredonia, go to Kanab and pick US 89 there to Page, instead of continuing on US . After a stunning day of hiking through Zion National Park, its time to explore Utahs western heritage. Answer 1 of 13: Please suggest itinerary for about 5 days, arriving to Las Vegas, driving to St. George. Reservations were introduced during the pandemic, but are no longer required. Travel east on Hwy 9 for about four miles to Sand Hollow Road and then turn right. Rangers always know the best parts of the park. 12 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Zion National Park. St. George, Utah, is a scenic and vibrant hub for adventure and nature tours, which take visitors to Utah's spectacular national and state parks, as well as destinations in nearby Arizona . With hiking trails and beautiful scenery, Quail Creek makes for a perfect day trip. Formerly a wine cellar, it now hosts stage productions by the, on the campus of Dixie State University, featuring a rotating lineup of six exhibits each year. If you do stay in Springdale, remember that the Springdale shuttle will take you into Zion so you can leave your car at your hotel. 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. 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. The surrounding desert is popular for ATVs and other off-road vehicles. for farm-fresh ice cream. St. George is less than an hour's drive to Zion National Park. The trip to Zion from Vegas is a fairly easy drive of about 2.5 hours, if you drive straight through. It was sold and turned into a full-fledged restaurant with art galleries popping up around it. Gunlock is another reservoir, but more remote and best known for waterfalls that pass between rock formations. However, their appearance in any given year depends on the water levels from the winter's snowfall. The third floor is your best bet for liquor and libations. To enter Zion National Park, youll need to pay an entrance fee or show your pass. Its much smaller than I thought it would be but it was still really fun to grab a few pictures there. In the park, youll do some family-friendly hiking on the Emerald Pools and Riverside Walk hiking trails. Want to spend the night? restaurant) is easily the best cocktail bar in town with fun touches like house-made grenadine and ash-infused honey. Places to Stay & Local Guides:St. GeorgeandSpringdaleboth make excellent base camps for this family road trip, each with plenty of lodging and nearby camping to offer. This short 1-mile long hike is extremely easy and is best done in the morning or mid-afternoon. Fillmore City was named after Millard Fillmore, the 13th President of the United States, and was once the territorial capital of Utah. On the way, pioneer-era ghost towns like Grafton and Silver Reef are sure to excite, and one of North Americas most significant dinosaur track sites at Johnson Farm is a must-see. Visit here or call 1-435-679-8665 for more information. . St. George's Downtown district is an engaging mix of architecture, art, parks, and independent storefronts. The Jacob Hamblin Home is now a museum that takes travelers through the life of Hamblin and the settling of Utah by pioneers. It is a 45 minute drive from the park to Zion National Park and 20 minutes to St George. After spending time learning about the first settlers in the region at the church, the reservoir will take you wandering among the pines that the town is named after. 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. drive for about 48 minutes. With those road-stop suggestions out of the way, here's what to do in St. George after you arrive. During the summer, daytime highs usually top 100 degrees and can get as high as 120. Bars affiliated with restaurants are usually fine as long as they have the. Terms & Conditions. Explore each reconstructed building that has deeply rooted historical significance as you learn about the past and present of St George. Discover this 24.2-mile point-to-point trail near St. George, Utah. A place where an eccentric sidewalk sculpture might share room in the same photograph as a Mormon tabernacle. 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. Virgin River Gorge Scenic Drive. We had so much fun exploring this beautiful park. The, winter home of Mormon leader Brigham Young. stay for about 1 hour. This iconic sign, built in 1959, sits in the meridian at 5100 Las Vegas Boulevard South otherwise known as the very southern end of the Las Vegas Strip. With those road-stop suggestions out of the way, here's what to do in St. George after you arrive. Its just missing Jim Hardie and a few tied up horses outside. 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. The top stops along the way from St. George to Las Vegas (with short detours) are Bellagio Fountain, Fremont Street Experience, and Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. You canlearnmore about us here. Knowledgeable staff members are happy to share the details about these artifacts, so dont be afraid to ask questions. Ancient petroglyphs can be seen at several different locations throughout the park. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. With exhibits inside and a tranquil garden outside, the museum is a great place to visit while wandering the city. The water, as pictured above, really is that beautiful teal color. Parowan Gap is about a 25-mile detour, but its well worth the extra distance and time in your road trip. Sand Hollow is a reservoir surrounded by red rocks and sand, resembling a trippy beach-on-Mars atmosphere. Its just simply breathtaking located on the edges of Snow Canyon State Park just a few miles right from downtown St George. Swimming and Watersports. Yet hikers don't need to solely rely on state parks to venture off the beaten path. I would not want to be driving this road back down to Vegas in any kind of weather. Everything is for sale. It was sold and turned into a full-fledged restaurant with art galleries popping up around it. Come by on Saturdays for an outdoor market with crafts, food, and entertainment. St. George makes a nice little get-away from Sin City. Old Las Vegas began as a railroad town on the Western Frontier in the early 1900s. Want a room with a crazy view? Be careful driving. A vintage gasoline pump remains out front. Georgia has discipline problem that calls for action from Kirby Smart. 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. With capacity growing at Las Vegas airport, baggage systems at Terminals 1 and 3 will be upgraded, according to Rep. Dina Titus, who helped secure the grant. Discover more family-friendly ways to experience theZion Region with this itinerary of local favorites. Biking paths connect to the Anasazi trailhead, where petroglyphs are easy to spot. Here is our list of what to see and do in the area. Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino - 4 Stars. It dates all the way back to the early 1900s and played a vital role in the early days of Dixie (St George). I do need a bit of advice from anyone who is familiar with the area between Las Vegas and St. George. If you still have more time, take this loop back to St. George. Brigham Young Winter Home, Utah. Horseback Riding - Experience one-of-a-kind guided horseback trips throughout the canyon, available March through October. If you feel like you're driving into the middle of nowhere, don't panic. 2023 St. George Vacation Rentals | It's raw, majestic, inspiring and yet peaceful. Founded in 1935, the Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest state park. But the St. George Art Festival may be the best place to see a wide variety of art in one place. Cedar City is about two and a half hours north of Las Vegas. In addition to arches, rock formations in the park include beehives pockmarked sandstone caused by centuries of erosion from wind and water. The amphitheater is also a great concert venue with the likes of Martina McBride, Kansas, and Kristin Chenoweth scheduled in the months ahead. Hollywood agrees as Snow Canyon has been the shooting site of multiple well-known films including the classic Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Electric Horseman, and Jeremiah Johnson. Ride in a specially-equipped buggy through the Nevada desert during this adrenaline-fueled activity departing from Las Vegas. Hawaiis attorney general believes the proposed law, which seeks to reduce the flow of residents money to Las Vegas, could be found unconstitutional. 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. While exploring Utah, youll quickly realize that many of the deserts are full of large rocks and canyons.