By now, you've probably heard of Zion National Park, as it’s one of the most popular and beautiful places in the United States! People come from all over the world to see it, yet WE (All Ways Adventure) have it right at our fingertips, and we’re so grateful for that. We want to shout to the world and share this amazing location with everyone, so we're here to talk about the best travel routes to get here, so you too can enjoy this magical place.

Here’s what we’ll cover: 

• Location: Zion National Park is located in southwestern Utah, about 160 miles from Salt Lake City and 300 miles from Las Vegas, with Springdale serving as the gateway to the park.
• Best Travel Routes: Easy access from major cities like Las Vegas (2.5-3 hours), Salt Lake City (4 hours), and Phoenix (5 hours). Also, a short drive from Bryce Canyon (1.5 hours).
• Inside the Park: Explore top routes like Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, The Narrows, Angels Landing, and Kolob Canyons for a mix of scenic views and challenging hikes.
  

Location: Where is Zion National Park?

Zion National Park is located in the southwestern part of Utah, in the heart of the scenic red rock country. The park is situated in Washington County, close to the small town of Springdale, which serves as the gateway to Zion. It’s about 300 miles (480 km) from Las Vegas, Nevada, and approximately 160 miles (260 km) from Salt Lake City, Utah.

The park spans over 146,000 acres, offering visitors a variety of landscapes, including massive sandstone cliffs, slot canyons, and lush valleys. Zion’s unique geological formations are a result of millions of years of erosion, which have shaped the park into the extraordinary terrain seen today.

Best Travel Routes to Zion

Zion’s accessibility from major cities makes it a great spot for both road trips and fly-in visits. Depending on where you’re coming from, here are some of the best travel routes to Zion.

1. From Las Vegas, Nevada

If you’re flying into Las Vegas, you’re in luck—the drive to Zion is straightforward and scenic. The distance between Las Vegas and Zion National Park is about 160 miles (approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by car), making it an easy road trip.

Route:

• Start on I-15 North in Las Vegas.
• Continue on I-15 North for about 130 miles.
• Take exit 16 for UT-9 East toward Hurricane.
• Follow UT-9 East, which leads directly into Springdale, the town at the entrance of Zion National Park.

This route takes you through a mix of desert landscapes and picturesque small towns like Hurricane and La Verkin, where you can stop for a break and grab a bite to eat before heading into the park.

2. From Salt Lake City, Utah

If you’re coming from Salt Lake City, Zion is about a 4-hour drive (around 300 miles). This route offers an opportunity to see the changing landscapes of Utah, from mountains to valleys and red rock formations.

Route:

• Take I-15 South from Salt Lake City.
• Continue on I-15 South for about 250 miles.
• Take exit 16 for UT-9 East, heading toward Hurricane.
• Follow UT-9 East into Springdale.

Along the way, you’ll pass through scenic areas like the town of Cedar City, which is a great place to stop if you want to explore additional parts of southern Utah. You’ll also drive through the Markagunt Plateau, which offers impressive views of surrounding canyons.

3. From Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix is about a 5-hour drive from Zion (around 330 miles), and it’s a popular starting point for those exploring Zion from the south. The drive is straightforward and offers plenty of open road to enjoy.

Route:

• Take I-17 North from Phoenix.
• Merge onto I-15 North toward Salt Lake City.
• Follow I-15 North to Exit 16 for UT-9 East toward Hurricane.
• Continue on UT-9 East to Springdale.

This route brings you through the heart of Arizona and southern Utah, where you’ll encounter scenic views of the desert and rock formations. Make sure to stop along the way to enjoy the landscape and take some photos.

4. From Bryce Canyon National Park

If you’re already visiting Bryce Canyon and want to make Zion your next stop, the drive is relatively short. Zion is about 1.5 hours (around 80 miles) from Bryce Canyon.

Route:

• Take UT-12 West from Bryce Canyon.
• Then follow US-89 South toward Kanab.
• Turn west on UT-9 into Springdale.

This route takes you through some of southern Utah’s best landscapes, including the stunning red cliffs of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. You’ll travel through small towns like Panguitch and Mount Carmel, where you can stop to stretch your legs or grab a snack.

Best Airports to Fly Into

If you're traveling from a bit further away, the best airport options to fly into are:

• St. George Regional Airport (SGU): Located about 50 miles (around an hour drive) from Zion, this is the closest airport to the park. It’s a small airport, so flight options may be limited, but it’s a convenient choice for those arriving from regional locations.
• McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas: About a 2.5-3 hour drive from Zion, Las Vegas is a major hub with numerous flight options. It's a good choice if you’re flying from larger cities or internationally.
• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): Located about 4 hours from Zion, Salt Lake City is another major airport with more flight options. It’s a good option for those flying in from across the country or abroad.
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): If you’re coming from the south, Phoenix’s airport is around a 5-hour drive from Zion, providing a wide range of flight options.
  

Popular Routes Inside Zion National Park

Once you’ve arrived at Zion, you’ll want to explore the park’s highlights. The best way to get around Zion is via the shuttle system, which operates from March to late November to help reduce congestion and preserve the park’s environment. Here are a few of the top routes and trails you can take within the park:

1. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

This 6-mile route takes you through the heart of Zion Canyon, offering stunning views of towering cliffs and lush greenery. The drive is only accessible by shuttle during peak seasons, but it’s worth it for the sweeping views along the way. The shuttle stops at major trailheads, including The Grotto, Court of the Patriarchs, and The Temple of Sinawava.

2. The Narrows

One of Zion’s most famous hikes, The Narrows takes you through a slot canyon where the Virgin River runs between towering canyon walls. The hike is a unique experience, requiring you to wade through the river. Depending on water conditions, this trail can be either easy-going or a bit more challenging, but it’s certainly an adventure.

3. Angels Landing

If you’re up for a more strenuous hike, Angels Landing offers some of the best views in Zion. This 5-mile trail is challenging and includes steep climbs and narrow ridges. However, the panoramic views from the top are worth the effort.

4. Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive

For a quieter experience, take the Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive, which is located in the northern section of the park. The road offers a less crowded, peaceful exploration of Zion’s unique landscapes.

Visit Zion National Park

Let us help you explore Zion National Park like never before! Whether you're looking to go canyoneering, hiking, 4-wheel driving, rappelling, or simply soak in the stunning views, All Ways Adventure is here to make your Zion trip one of the best experiences of your life. Our expert guides will ensure you get the most out of every moment, from navigating the trails to discovering hidden gems throughout the park. Let us show you the beauty of Zion up close and personal.

Are you ready to start your adventure?