If you’re planning a road trip from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park, you’re in for a treat. This scenic route takes you through breathtaking landscapes, rugged mountains, and stunning canyons. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the distance, drive hours, and best driving route from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park, along with driving stops, road trip tips, and other useful information.
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Salt Lake City to Zion National Park Drive
Driving from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park will take you approximately 4 hours and 53 minutes. The fastest route to take is via I-15 S, which passes through Provo, Spanish Fork, and Cedar City, and gets you to Zion National Park.
While the fastest route is a great option if you’re looking to save time, there are several scenic routes that are worth considering. One such route is via US-89 S, which will take you through beautiful landscapes, including the Wasatch Range, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Dixie National Forest. This route is slightly longer, taking around 5 hours and 5 minutes, but it’s well worth the extra time if you’re looking to take in some of the natural beauty that Utah has to offer.
How far is Salt Lake City from Zion National Park?
The distance from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park is approximately 308 miles (495.6 km). This is the distance if you take the fastest route via I-15 S. However, if you decide to take the scenic route via US-89 S, the distance is 302 miles (486 km). Also, take into consideration that this route has tolls.
How far is Salt Lake City to Zion National Park by plane?
The closest major airport to Zion National Park is the McCarran International Airport (LAS), located in Las Vegas, Nevada, which is approximately 160 miles (257 km) from the park. The flight time from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to McCarran International Airport (LAS) is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. From there, you can rent a car and drive to Zion National Park, which takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
What is the time difference between Salt Lake City and Zion National Park?
As both Salt Lake City and Zion National Park are located in the Mountain Time Zone, there is no time difference. Meaning visitors do not have to worry about adjusting their clocks or dealing with jet lag.
This is particularly convenient for travelers who are driving to the park from Salt Lake City or other nearby locations. It also means that visitors can plan their activities and schedules without having to account for any time differences. Whether you’re taking a day trip to Zion National Park or spending several days exploring the area, knowing that you don’t have to worry about time differences can make your trip more enjoyable and stress-free.
The Cheapest Way to Get from Salt Lake City
The cheapest way to get from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park is to drive. If you have your car, you’ll only need to pay for gas and any other expenses along the way. If you don’t have your car, you can rent one from the Salt Lake City International Airport, which offers several rental car companies, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.
Salt Lake City to Zion National Park Drive – Rent A Car In Salt Lake City
Here are some rental car companies to rent a car from in Salt Lake City:
- Alamo: starts at $54 per day
- Avis: starts at $59 per day
- Budget: starts at $60 per day
- Enterprise: starts at $60 per day
- Hertz: starts at $53 per day
- National: starts at $82 per day
Gas prices will vary depending on where you fill up, but you can expect to spend around $55 for a full tank. This is based on an average of $3.68 per gallon, and a standard car that holds 15 gallons of gas. You may want to check gas prices along your route to find the best deals.
Salt Lake City to Zion National Park Drive – Stops and Attractions
While driving from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park, there are several stops and attractions worth checking out. Here are a few suggestions:
Provo Canyon
Provo Canyon is a beautiful canyon located in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, just south of the city of Provo. The canyon stretches for approximately 20 miles and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities such as hiking, rock climbing, fishing, and camping. The canyon is also home to several scenic attractions, including the Bridal Veil Falls, a stunning 607-foot waterfall that is a must-see for visitors. In addition, the canyon is known for its colorful fall foliage, making it a popular destination for leaf peeping during the autumn season. The Provo River, which flows through the canyon, is also a popular spot for fly fishing, with trout being the main catch. Overall, Provo Canyon is a beautiful and scenic destination that is definitely worth a visit when exploring Utah’s natural beauty.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is a stunning national park located in southwestern Utah, USA. It’s known for its unique geological formations called “hoodoos,” which are tall, thin spires of rock that rise up from the canyon floor. The park covers over 35,000 acres and ranges in elevation from 6,000 to over 9,000 feet, making for some incredible views and hiking opportunities. Bryce Canyon is also a popular spot for stargazing, as it has some of the darkest skies in North America. Visitors can take part in ranger-led astronomy programs or simply enjoy the views of the Milky Way and other celestial objects from various viewpoints within the park.
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Cedar Breaks National Monument is a beautiful natural amphitheater located in southwestern Utah. The monument sits at an elevation of over 10,000 feet and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and stargazing in this pristine wilderness area.
Kolob Canyons
Kolob Canyons is located in Zion National Park and features spectacular red rock formations and deep canyons. It offers several hiking trails, including the Taylor Creek Trail and the Timber Creek Overlook Trail. Kolob Canyons is a quieter alternative to the main Zion Canyon area and offers stunning views and opportunities for wildlife sightings.
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is a 6-mile long road that winds through the heart of Zion National Park, offering breathtaking views of the park’s towering cliffs and stunning rock formations. The drive takes visitors past some of the park’s most iconic landmarks, including the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, Checkerboard Mesa, and Weeping Rock. Visitors can take a shuttle bus or drive their own vehicle along the road.
Road Trip Tips
Here are some tips to help make your road trip from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park a success:
Check the weather
Make sure to check the weather forecast before you hit the road, especially if you’re taking the scenic route, as weather conditions can vary greatly in different parts of Utah.
Pack Accordingly
Be sure to pack plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen, especially if you plan on doing any hiking or spending time outdoors.
Plan your route
Decide which route you want to take and plan your stops and attractions ahead of time. This will help you make the most of your road trip and ensure that you don’t miss any must-see destinations.
Allow plenty of time
Whether you’re taking the fastest route or the scenic route, be sure to allow plenty of time for your road trip. Traffic and unexpected delays can add time to your journey, so plan accordingly.
Enjoy the journey
Finally, remember to enjoy the journey. Utah is a beautiful state with plenty of natural wonders to explore, so take your time, soak in the scenery, and enjoy the road trip.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, driving from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park offers a truly spectacular road trip experience. Whether you choose the fastest route or take the scenic route, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of mountains, canyons, and natural wonders that will leave you in awe. With a drive time of around 4-5 hours, this is a perfect day trip or a weekend getaway from Salt Lake City. And with several rental car companies available in Salt Lake City, you can easily rent a car to make the trip. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to experience the beauty of Utah on your way to Zion National Park.