10 places you need to see on a road trip from Colorado to Las Vegas The, lives up to its name with a perch high atop the towering cliffs that frame the western edge of St. George. 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! Formerly a general store built in 1911, it now sells nostalgic candy and ice cream. Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon Day 1. There are large boulders for you to climb, hills to summit, trails for you to hike, and also plenty of canyons to squeeze through. 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. This scenic drive is at the top of the list of all scenic drives Ive been on and is really awe-inspiring. If you feel like you're driving into the middle of nowhere, don't panic. Thinking about adding a day or two to your road trip? Cedar City is about two and a half hours north of Las Vegas. The surrounding desert is popular for ATVs and other off-road vehicles. It dates all the way back to the early 1900s and played a vital role in the early days of Dixie (St George). 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. You'll get to drive through the park and have the opportunity to take side trips that take you to some of the most unique landscapes in the world. The course of the Virgin River was re-channeled twelve different times during construction of the Gorge road. TheTuacahnAmphitheater is unlike anywhere else in America and should be on anyones things to do in St George list. Las Vegas Attractions, Things to do in Las Vegas | Vegas.com Quick moving drivers aside, try to take in the awesome scenery as you traverse this section of I-15; its worth it. 12 Top-Rated Things to Do on the Isle of Arran. Includes dramatic scenery of the Virgin Rive. The dramatic limestone cliffs are humbling and the corners here can be sharp, so take your time and enjoy the view. 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. Its an unexpected treat to find this outdoor paradise so close to the bright lights of Las Vegas! Vegas Mini Baja Chase Dune Buggy Adventure 2023 - Las Vegas - Viator Smoked Old Fashioneds are the specialty, but don't hesitate to pick the brain of your bartender. (or "Old Judd's") is the oldest business still actively operating in St. George. In the park, start with the Emerald Pools and the Riverside Walk hiking trails. It's hard to beat the new. Formerly a wine cellar, it now hosts stage productions by the St. George Musical Theater. and leave at 4:34 pm. Discover this 24.2-mile point-to-point trail near St. George, Utah. The Broadway in the Desert series is the big draw, featuring favorites like Disney's Beauty & The Beast, Annie, and The Count of Monte Cristo this year. With spectacular mountain views and plenty of red rock vistas, we found St. George to be a truly beautiful city. 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. It's raw, majestic, inspiring and yet peaceful. Some rooms have balconies, some have tall arched ceilings. The donuts, tarts . 25 Best Things to Do in Vegas Right Now - Time Out Las Vegas It doesnt matter if youre interested in architecture, history, or religion; St George Temple is a place that all visitors should add to their itinerary. You will not be disappointed with your stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites in St George. For anyone who loves the cultural arts, you need to take in a performance at theBroadwayin the DesertTuacahnoutdoor amphitheater in St George. The distance between Las Vegas to Zion National Park's south entrance (the closest entrance from Las Vegas drivers) is approximately 165 miles. We did the drive during a week in the winter when traffic wasnt bad at all. Named after early Utah leaders, this park is full of high mesas, rocky deserts, and wildlife scurrying from bush to bush. Typically 11 buses run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance. For those who want to hike and explore, there are several trails of varying length and difficulty. Another small town that youll want to be sure to check out is the historic Pine Valley. Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon Road Trip Itinerary The St George City Art Museum is a great place to escape the heat and rest your feet while exploring one of the best sights in the area. Of all the state parks in the St George area, Quail Creek has the most beautiful reservoir. Up through the end of April is a great time to visit Valley of Fire. 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. Beer was famously required to be watered down in the past, but that's no longer the case. End: Cedar Breaks National Monument, just outside Cedar City. If youre ambitious and short of time, though, you can do a very long day trip to the park too. There are 2 casinos in Mesquite, and that is basically the ONLY thing between Vegas and St. George. has shaded water features and views of Zion National Park from Canaan Mountain. 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. Famous Wild West Ghost Towns in Utah | Visit Utah Either way, your vacation will reach new heights once inside Zion229 square miles of colorful sandstone cliffs, rivers, and slot canyons. is quickly becoming everyone's new favorite restaurant in town. 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. A free shuttle bus travels between nine stops outside the park. Utah is filled to the brim with unique landscapes that can only be found in the state. Flights last anywhere from one hour to three hours depending on your adventure and they operate year-round. 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. 11:00 am start in Saint George. to provide food. Biking paths connect to the, trailhead, where petroglyphs are easy to spot. Located on the southern border between Utah and Arizona is one of the best historical sights in the St George area. Las Vegas Strip: The 15 attractions you must see | CNN Experience Mormon heritage at St. George, Utah (1 hour and 50 minutes) Driving east out of Vegas, past Mesquite and through the gorgeous canyon of the Virgin River, you'll end up at the city of St. George, Utah. It doesn't matter they aren't true. From I-15, take the Hurricane exit (Exit 16). 11:42 am Mesquite. And it's a great road trip. What happened this week? 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. So get there before everybody else does. 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. Town Square Park is a great place to bring the kids with a vintage carousel and splash pads modeled after rock formations, but it's also a cool spot to hang out on your own with nothing but your thoughts and a laptop. 2023 St. George Vacation Rentals | 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. 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. Zion National Park. St. George makes a nice little get-away from Sin City. Horseback Riding - Experience one-of-a-kind guided horseback trips throughout the canyon, available March through October. 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. Mandalay Bay - 4 Stars. 'Rolling Stone' named this excursion as Vegas' Best Near-Death Experience. 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. After a stop in the visitor center to watch the film and get a little backstory, we decided we had to check out the Fire Wave first. Operated by Greyhound USA, the Las Vegas to St. George bus service departs from Las Vegas and arrives in St George. 19. Timelapse of some of the scenery highlights between Las Vegas, Nevada and St. George, Utah along Interstate 15. Book a room at the. She has a background in credit card points and miles, having spent years working on loyalty campaigns for various financial institutions. drive for about 42 minutes. St. George Charter Bus Adventures. However, their appearance in any given year depends on the water levels from the winter's snowfall. St George has been occupied by everyone from dinosaurs to pioneers; therefore, you can expect the town to have a rich history! The people in Vegas have made it really easy to get there, too. is a more secluded beach with trees creeping out of the water for an interesting visual. 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. 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. The world-famous Las Vegas Strip is the central artery of Sin City, the main line to many of the best sights, gambling, food and fun. With fascinating exhibits, the Dinosaur Track Museum tops the list of best things to do in St George. The museum and research center was built on the site of Johnson's Farm, where leveling work turned up footprints on sandstone blocks. 5 must-see stops between Las Vegas and Salt Lake City So not only a good place to cool off, but also fantastic for photography. 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. Even though Sand Hollow State Park is technically in the desert, youll still find a very diverse landscape. Brigham Young Winter Home, Utah. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. With more than 38 miles of hiking trails and 3 miles of paved walking and biking trails, theres something here for all to see. St. George is just a couple miles North of the Arizona and Nevada border in the very South Western corner of Utah. Located less than 10 minutes from Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran International Airport), the sign is a must-see for anyone that wants a few kitschy vacation pics from Las Vegas. , and the Relief Society Hall in Heritage Square. The area off Cima Road has the largest Joshua Tree forest in the world. The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. 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. It's certainly a lot cleaner than the real Venice. Please Note: Price . 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 . Situated a little more than 1 hour from the Strip, Fire Wave Trail is one of the most beautiful spots for hiking in Las Vegas and its surrounding areas. Hikers can spot tracks in, , but if you want to see as much evidence as possible in one place, visit the. If you prefer to be even closer to nature than you already are. I found this gem completely by accident during my last trip back to Salt Lake. Starting at the trailhead, its about a 1.5-mile hike that took about an hour. Discover more family-friendly ways to experience theZion Region with this itinerary of local favorites. Be careful driving. . Stop by the visitor center to find out more about the park and put together a gameplan for your time there. SJ specializes in writing about travel, food, and wine. has been writing about Las Vegas in Thrillist for more than seven years. 15 Best Free Things to Do in Las Vegas, NV. Las Vegas offers plenty of convenient, road trip inspiration. 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. 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. Heres how its spending your money, Parents know best: Rep. Burgess Owens wants to fund school choice at national level, 2023 Sterling Scholars semifinalists: Southwest Region. This fading ghost town is located north of St. George, close to Leeds. A developer got the idea to sell homes in the area and most hide in plain sight with large lots and exteriors that blend into the environment. drive for about 5 minutes. This carousel is impressive, in good condition and is a must-see for anybody visiting the town. Many of the parks highlighted features are in close proximity and readily viewed from paved roads, making it a great choice for a short detour on the way to or from Nevadas city of lights. It all began with, , a gift shop and espresso bar with hand-carved doors and cabinets. Timelapse Las Vegas to St. George, Utah - YouTube 3. Our flight arrived in Vegas in the early morning so there were only a couple of people out and about when we stopped. However, take care that you know the weather forecast first. Hours of Driving: 7+ hours of driving, including the commute to and from Las Vegas. 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. There are many personal stories behind each artifact transporting you through history. Just a few weeks ago, Zion was officially designated an International Dark Sky Park, recognizing the absence of light pollution in the area. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. 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. Sink your teeth into a delicious burger at Burger Bar. Catch a performance at the legendary House of Blues Las Vegas. Las Vegas To Zion: 7 Amazing Stops Along Interstate 15 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. 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. If youve never driven this stretch of blacktop, youre in for a wonderful experience. This national park will have you exploring deep canyons, climbing tall mountains, and even exploring hidden caves. While talking to locals, we were told that the park is pretty low-key all the time for some reason, its not on peoples radar. Everybody in St. George says the same thing: You gotta see a show at the Tuacahn Amphitheater. Is there anything interesting to see or do between Las Vegas and Zion 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. Las Vegas to St. George Utah - Distance, Mileage & Driving Time - Gamboool On your way a few extra stops give the family a chance to chase the ghosts of dinosaurs and cowboys. Utah does not lack rocky desert and barren mountains, but if youre looking to cool off or spend a relaxing day by the water, make sure to check out Quail Creek State Park. But it is also located just 90 miles from St. George. Las Vegas pool parties are the place to beat the heat, and Mandalay Bay Beach is perfect for all agesand even open to non-hotel guests with paid admission. With trickling streams and barren desert, visiting Zion is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip. Come along for the ride! With those road-stop suggestions out of the way, here's what to do in St. George after you arrive. 17 Absolutely Stunning Hikes In & Around Las Vegas for All Levels Ride in a specially-equipped buggy through the Nevada desert during this adrenaline-fueled activity departing from Las Vegas. Sandstone domes and contrasting colors create scenic panoramas throughout the park. The winter home of Mormon leader Brigham Young was preserved and converted into a free museum, offering a glimpse into 19th century life. Snow Canyon is a top-rated state park and simply one of the most beautiful Ive been to. Weve been to many great parks in our travels but one that impressed us was the Town Square Park in St George. Recent Articles. When traveling from the Midwest to Zion National Park in Southern Utah, the best place for us to fly into is Las Vegas. Formerly a general store built in 1911, it now sells nostalgic candy and ice cream. Rangers always know the best parts of the park. is a reservoir surrounded by red rocks and sand, resembling a trippy beach-on-Mars atmosphere. Valley of Fire gets its name from the fiery red rock formations. 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. St. George Shuttle | Saint George, UT stay for about 1 hour. Bird checklists are available at the visitor centers! Fields of ephemeral wildflowers arent expected this year at Death Valley, but the nearby national parks rock-solidly stunning geology never takes time off. Casinos between LV and St George, Utah - Las Vegas Forum There are 2,000 foot cliff walls and narrow canyons cutting into the Colorado Plateau. Here, you can tour the old Territorial Statehouse, which is now a museum full of historical treasures about Utah and the pioneers. 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. St. George is your connection to Las Vegas, several national parks and all the wonderful activities of the area. The best part is that it'll only add a few minutes to your drive time since this area is right on the edge of St . How to get from St. George to Las Vegas by bus or car - Rome2rio St. George has a fair share of art galleries plus the St. George Art Museum at the Pioneer Center for the Arts, a complex that's also home to the St. George Opera House. 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. In fact, if you leave early in the morning, you can easily make it there in about 6 hours. End:Cedar Breaks National Monument, just outside Cedar City. 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 very founding of the city is thanks to Mormon settlers. Many of the attractions in Pioneer Park are easily accessed with minimal walking, including Dixie Rock (aka Dixie Sugarloaf), St George Narrows (aka The Crack), and Pioneer Park Arches. St. George is located in southern Utah. Historical B&Bs: St George hasmanyhistorical B&B but one of our favorites that keeps getting many awards is The Mulberry Inn. 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 . The beauty of nature is often balanced by human creativity in St. George. Numerous petroglyphs are visible at several locations, and most are within easy walking distance. 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. Whichever way you look at it, you will be mostly driving from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon on the first day. The tricky part of this drive for me was the speed at which other drivers were flying down the canyon road. Skin lesions removed from Biden were basal cell carcinoma. 9 Best Campgrounds near St. George, UT. 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. In a refreshing change of pace, St. George isn't overwhelmed by chain restaurants, especially Downtown. Enjoy the amazing sights of Las Vegas, St George, Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park at your leisure with one of these shuttle transfer options. Prehistoric visitors included the Basket Maker people and the Anasazi Pueblo Indians. The, winter home of Mormon leader Brigham Young. Georgia has discipline problem that calls for action from Kirby Smart. To break up the short drive, we set out to find interesting things to see and do between Las Vegas and Zion. If youre really adventurous, wait until the stars come out. . The bus journey time between St. George and Las Vegas is around 2h 5m and covers a distance of around 118 miles. It's traditionally open to Mormon visitors only, but everyone can access the visitors center and surrounding grounds. Some people say the Virgin River Gorge drive is among the most beautiful in the roughly 47,000 mile U.S. interstate highway system. 1:30 pm Valley of Fire State Park. And from Fredonia, go to Kanab and pick US 89 there to Page, instead of continuing on US . Save. Show only these on map. Noted as one of the most romantic spots around St George, you can bring a date or explore the park solo. They used those rocks to constructmany of the foundations in the houses around town, including the basement of St. George Temple. 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? On your own or with a friend, navigate through the area's most challenging terrain wearing full safety gear. The Jacob Hamblin Home is now a museum that takes travelers through the life of Hamblin and the settling of Utah by pioneers. No two rooms look the same and movie theater-style popcorn is served between sips of whatever you're drinking. Pizza and sandwiches (with house-made sourdough) keep the place busy during lunch. . 2. Summertime travelers might get the impression that the park got its name from its environment, rather than its rock formation. The 50-acre property features gardens, renovated rooms in a variety of sizes, on-site dining options . Address: 345 E Riverside Dr, St. George, UT 84790, United States. Want to drive Ferraris, shoot machine guns or go ziplining? 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. Its just simply breathtaking located on the edges of Snow Canyon State Park just a few miles right from downtown St George. Trail Distance: 1.5 miles. Founded in 1935, the Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest state park. Unusually high precipitation levels this winter could result in some spectacular displays of springtime wildflowers like desert marigold, indigo and desert mallow. And not just because of the Cracker Barrel just off the interstate that I always make my . If you take a side trip to the charming town of Santa Clara, grab lunch at Rylu's Bistro. St. George, UT Las Vegas, NV Bus: from $24 - Busbud Hike, bike, e-bike, or even horseback ride your way through Snow Canyon State Park in St. George, Utah. The 500 million year old Virgin River Gorge is located in the far northwestern corner of Arizona, between Nevada and 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. 23 Best Day Trips from Las Vegas - VacationIdea With spectacular mountain views and plenty of red rock vistas, we found St. George to be a truly beautiful city. The annual event went virtual during the pandemic, but is expected to return to its full in-person format at Ancestor Square in 2022. Visit here or call 1-435-679-8665 for more information. 10 Reasons to Visit St. George with Kids - Two Little Pandas 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. We had so much fun exploring this beautiful park. A geological wonder made with wind and water over 180 million years ago, the results are stunning. Thomas Judd's Store Co. (or "Old Judd's") is the oldest business still actively operating in St. George. If you boulder, this is by far the best thing to do in St George. 11 Top-Rated Hiking Trails near Las Vegas, NV | PlanetWare I do need a bit of advice from anyone who is familiar with the area between Las Vegas and St. George. Since its so close, we stopped right as we made our way out of the airport. The, (or "Bowl") trailhead is named after a strange, sunken hole at the top of a sandstone formation. Taller kids may be able to comfortably accompany their parents a ways upThe Narrows. The next question on your mind must be, where can we eat? While in St George, youll find plenty of cafes, but the one place that stands out from the rest is the Painted Pony Restaurant.