You can make Las Vegas to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks in about 4.5 hours, but the people who love this drive never do it in one straight shot. At around 270 miles on I-15, UT-9 and US-89, it is short enough to start after breakfast and long enough to earn a night somewhere memorable close to the park gates.
Open this route in XCRSNLeaving Las Vegas
Aim to clear Las Vegas before the morning rush, or after it, never in it. Fill the tank on the edge of town where prices usually drop, set the playlist, and settle in for the first 148 miles to St. George.
The headline stop on this route is Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Leave real time for it; it sets the tone for the whole trip.
St. George
St. George sits about 148 miles in. It makes a good spot to stretch, eat something that is not from a gas station, and swap drivers.
Nearby, Zion-Mount Carmel tunnel is worth the short detour if the day is going well.
Springdale, the last stretch
Springdale sits about 192 miles in. It is the natural place to stop for the night: hotels are plentiful, rates beat the big-city ends of the route, and you wake up with the hardest miles already behind you.
Rolling into Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks
The final 78 miles always go faster than you expect. Save a little energy for Bryce Amphitheater at sunrise; it is a fitting finish.
By the end you will have seen Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, Zion-Mount Carmel tunnel and Bryce Amphitheater at sunrise, and you will understand why this corridor is a classic.
When to go and how to pace it
One night is the sweet spot. Springdale, UT is where most people stay, so book ahead on summer weekends.
Check live gas prices along I-15, UT-9 and US-89 before you go; they can swing a lot from one state or county to the next. XCRSN prices every leg for your exact car.
