Road Trip from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park
If you love incredible landscape views and natural wonders, the short trip from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park is a back-to-nature visit. Abandon the noisy city and leave on this incredible road trip through Utah’s best forests and tourist spots.
The 310-mile trip from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park takes 4 hours. Stops include Dixie National Forest and Cedar Breaks National Landmark, Capitol Reef, Canyonland, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Arches National Park.
To assist you with maximizing your experience, we’ve set out the best routes and places to stop for the time being and our best time to visit from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park.
How far is Zion National Park from Salt Lake City, and how long will the road trip take?
Road trip routes comparison between Salt Lake City and Zion National Park,
| Route | Distance | Travel Time |
| The Direct Route | 295 miles | 4 Hours 30 Min |
| The Panoramic Route | 650 miles | 12 Hours |
Direct road trip from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park will take 295 miles. if you remain on the highway, it’s possible without stopping in less than 5 hours. It’s not a long trip but there are many stunning spots to see en route.
Another choice is to follow our more stretched route. Spreading over 650 miles, this choice will require 12 hours of driving moving toward the end. However, adding additional miles to your journey will witness extraordinary attractions and natural wonders.
While you could finish the direct route in a single day, we suggest stretching your visit over three days. This will allow you to have several spots en route and see all of Utah’s amazing forests and parks.
The best route from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park
There’s no best route from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park. it depends on the choice of attraction you need along the way.
Our direct route is the fastest drive of the two. It takes you south from Salt Lake City, mostly following one highway before arriving at your destination.
Taking everything into account, the fastest option looks like an exciting experience. Provo, Beaver, the Twin Towers, and the Dixie National Forest will all be on your route.
If you have some extra time to spend on this fascinating trip, You should think about taking our scenic trip. It will provide you with the most amazing scenery even though it requires more travel time and distance.
The additional kilometers will provide fresh angles on the fantastic Utah tourist destinations and exciting sights, such as the Capital Reef National Park, Canyonland National Park, Arches National Park, and Halfway Crater.
If you can’t choose between the two, you can usually choose to follow Zion National Park and then cover the entire distance to Salt Lake City using the optional route, this way you can see every path without having to sacrifice on the side along the way.
If you want to climb on Angels Landing you need permission, take a look at the Zion National Park official site for additional information;
The effective method to drive from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park
The above guide outlines our recommendations for travel from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park, the top things to do on the trip, where to stay on any route, and how to get from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park are covered below;
The Direct Route
Take Highway 15 (I-15) South out of Salt Lake City, going through Murray and alongside Twin Peaks. Follow the street between Mt. Timpanogos and alongside Utah Lake.
The route passes through Provo, a little city with galleries and handicraft exhibits well worth visiting. In the same way, you may climb Provo Peak, which is nearby.
Keep traveling south on I-15, making stops to visit Spanish Fork Peak or Loafer Mountain. You’ll pass through a few additional towns before arriving at Mt Nebo and Salt Creek Peak.
To visit Richfield, you’ll need to take a small turn off the US-50 highway as you head south. For a few breathtaking landscapes, Visit Fishlake National Forest is amazing.
When the time arrives to get back on I-15, take your time, enjoy everything that Forest has to offer, and then get on I-70. Proceed south via Exit 112, which will take you through Beaver.
Continuing in the direction of Cedar Breaks National Memorial, you can make a stop at Dixie National Forest on the way and then take Way Out 27 to connect with UT-9 East, which will lead you to Zion National Park.
Our suggestions for the best trip routes between Salt Lake City and Zion National Park can be found on the map above.
Keep reading for detailed descriptions of both routes, where to stay on either, and the best activities to do along the way. How to travel to Zion National Park from Salt Lake City.
The Panoramic Route
The more drawn-out and more beautiful choice of the two starts by leaving Salt Lake City on I-15, and traveling south. At Exit 297, follow signs for Veterans Memorial Park before changing to Highway 215 (I-215) East and before taking Way Out 2 to join Interstate 80 (I-80) through Summit Park.
Next, take Exit 146 for US-189, where you can stopover in the excellence of the Wasatch Mountains before arriving at the Midway Crater. From here, you’ll take UT-113 south before changing to US-189 the whole way to Provo.
A short distance onto I-15 before US-6 east along Spanish Fork Peak and Loafer Mountain. Travel east through Canyon Recreation Area before changing to US-181.
Proceed onto Highway 70 (I-70) East to Exit 182, where you’ll take US-191 south to visit both Arches National Park and see geographical miracles like Sensitive Arch.
Whenever you are finished enjoying the stunning views, you can take a short drive on UT-313 to Canyonland National Park, where you can climb and attempt to see some desert creatures.
Remember your drive back to I-70 to Exit 149 where you’ll take UT-24 west. Follow this street past two or three towns before visiting Reef National Park for more astounding views.
When you leave, you’ll move forward with UT-24 to Lower Calf Rivulet Falls, where you can enjoy the beauty of the never-ending falls before moving west.
Past the town of Jungle, you can take a short diversion to visit the breathtaking Bryce Canyon National Park before taking US-89 south and, afterward, UT-9 to your last destination of Zion National Park.
Best places to stop – over between Salt Lake City and Zion National Park
Even though this isn’t the longest trip you’ve ever planned, it makes sense to plan at least one little stop to rest during the trip because there are so many amazing places to see and incredible views.
There probably won’t be many towns between Salt Lake City and Zion National Park, but there are still some fantastic places to stay. Here are a few suggestions we have for an amazing evening in Utah.
A desert stay in Moab
Located over 7 hours from Zion National Park and mainly along the Panorama diversion, a stop at Moab is an ideal way to break up the trip over a few days and experience the full impact of the desert air.
Moab is an excellent spot to explore Canyonlands National Park and find dinosaur tracks at Bull Canyon. It is also known as the entry point to the massive structures of rock in Arches National Park.
The town itself has a lot to offer tourists, especially those who come to ride mountain bikes on the Slickrock Trail. In addition to the well-known red rock formation that covers the area, you may enjoy the Colorado Waterways’ river.
After hiking and exploring for the day, the Springhill Suites by Marriott Moab is a great spot for a rest. After your search, you may relax in the lovely pool, hot tub, and mountain views.
This lodging offers free Parking, comfortable rooms, and breakfast, make reservations in advance to avoid inconvenience.
After a relaxing evening, you can visit Arches National Park, which features a variety of normal sandstone Arches, windows, scaffolds, and sculpted rocks.
Relax in the underground aquifers in Richfield
If you go the direct route, the small town of Monroe, which is only two hours and thirty minutes from Salt Lake City, is a perfect halfway stop. This town is a great place to stop and take in the sights, especially since you’ll be passing through anyway. It’s a truly known adventure.
Mountain sees in Springdale
It’s easy to recognize why Zion National Park is probably one of the most well-known parks in the US. Offering amazing hiking routes, unique entrances through its park, and the opportunity to swim in its rivers, the canyon’s 2,000-foot average depth is a highlight of this natural treasure.
Since you could easily spend up to seven days exploring Zion National Park, Springdale is a great place from which to make the most of this wonderful destination.
You can choose from plenty of amazing hotels, but our favorite is to be Hilton’s Cliffrose Springdale. This hotel has everything you might need, such as free parking, outdoor pools, and breathtaking views of the mountains.
Plan a quick trip from Zion National Park, or just take an easy walk around the hotel’s gardens, and then have a cool drink by the pool or relax in the hot tub. The four-star hotel provides a peaceful atmosphere with breathtaking views of sunrise and sunset.
Things to see on a trip from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park
You could spend a month touring Zion National Park on the trip from Salt Lake City because there is so much to see. These are the things you can enjoy on the way if you’re in a hurry.
Big Cottonwood Canyon is a 15-mile canyon that offers hiking, rock climbing, trips, and fishing. Amazing lakes and unique exotic foliage are also present.
Twin Peaks – The most notable and prominent mountain in this area of Utah is Twin Peaks. They are a striking sight that rises above the valley level.
Utah Lake – With an average temperature of 75 degrees, this shallow freshwater lake is perfect for swimming, sailing, and boarding.
Provo, Utah – Look into this small city that is worth visiting to see its collections of handcrafted items and museums. Provo-peak is likewise reachable by hiking.
Dixie National Forest – Dixie National Woods, the largest National Forest in Utah, provides excellent hiking and horseback riding. If luck is on your side, you might be able to spot some local wildlife, like gazelles, wild turkeys, and bright colors.
The Strait – In Zion National Park, the River marks the narrowest section of Zion Canyon. Trekking among canyons and through waist-deep streams can be done here.
The Direct Route
Museum of Natural Interest—Visit the velarium, learn about nature in the Discovery Garden, and conduct science experiments with water at this historical center.
Salt Creek Peak—Salt Creek Peak, the most notable summit in Utah’s San Pitch Mountain range, provides hikes and amazing views. For less experienced tourists, the climbs are very amazing and simple.
Fillmore, Utah—Fillmore, a small city in Utah, used to be the region’s capital. Take a look at the original Statehouse structure, which is now maintained as a historic site and gallery, or explore nearby attractions like Meadow Hot Springs.
Meadow Hot Springs—Despite being located on private land, the owner invites visitors to swim in these underground waterways. Camping is also permitted for visitors.
Fishlake National Backwoods is a stunning national park where you can climb and observe many animals, including foxes, deer, and woodpeckers.
Cedar Breaks National Monument—Located north of 10,000 feet is Cedar Breaks. Here, explore the backwoods and enjoy the breathtaking views of this daily miracle.
Beaver, Utah – Beaver, a small settlement along the route, is well-known for its stone houses and local buildings. Additionally, the mountains are just a 10-minute drive away, making this an ideal spot to take a break.
The Panoramic Route
Midway Crateris a thermal natural aquifer that is 65 feet deep and perfect for scuba diving. Additionally, you can swim in the warm water to relax.
Wasatch Mountain State Park—Visiting this 21,592-acre park is a fantastic adventure. You can go horseback riding, skiing, or picnics.
Arches National Park – Arches National Park offers an excellent viewpoint of the lovely regular sandstone arches and scaffolds, making it one of Utah’s most astonishing views. It’s also a fantastic place to see the sunset.
For the most recent information, visit the park website and make a reservation for a permit to enter Arches National Park.
Moab, Utah – Known as the gate to Arches National Park’s gigantic rock form
Canyonlands National Park – Experience breathtaking geological wonders while hiking the National Park’s many kilometers of fantastic trails. The breathtaking desert landscape was formed by the Colorado River.
La Sal Post Point—Enjoy some beautiful valleys and mountains. Moab, an amazing town, is only a short drive away from La Sal Lookout Point.
Dead Horse Point State Park – Enjoy the sunset at this lovely park, just a short drive from Moab. A handful of locations provide breathtaking views.
Bryce Canyon National Park – Another amazing park is Bruce Canyon, where you may enjoy one of the eight hiking paths or take an easy drive through the recreation area.
Capital Reef National Park—This desert beautiful park, which is located in the heart of the Red Stone region, offers rock climbing and horseback riding.
Calf Spring Falls -Climb in the beauty of two ancient waterfalls. It’s a beautiful place to visit, with the lower falls rising 130 feet high and the whole spring surrounded by vegetation.
Hole ‘N’ The Rock -Visit this unique home cut from an enormous rock, where you may look after the animals and enjoy a guided tour.
Dead Pony Point, This image was taken at Colorado Waterway in Utah, USA, at sunrise, when the red sky was looking down to show the stream and valleys below.
Drive from Moab to Dead Pony Point State Park, which offers a staggering nightfall view.
Salt Lake City to Zion National Park: Best Visit Time
The ideal time to travel from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park depends on your travel goals. Despite the cold, Zion Public Park offers an incredible opportunity for hiking and enjoying all the area has to offer as a leisure destination.
The park is open throughout the cooler months of the year.
This area of Utah has incredible summertime temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. While there are several National parks where you may kayak, scuba dive, and swim, the extreme heat will likely make this an awful time to come.
When the temperature is 65 degrees Fahrenheit, April to November is the ideal time of year to visit Zion National Park. You’ll also avoid the crowds in June and July.
Visitors to Zion often say that fall is the best season because of the stunning variety and moderate temps. However, spring offers an incredible opportunity to see the stunning wildflowers in the forests along the way.
When the recreation area is calm in the winter, you could plan your trip during that time. With average temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees, you can still enjoy the outdoor sights along the way, such as Fishlake National Park, which is especially stunning during the winter months.
Consider combining the trip with one or more of the following events: America’s Freedom Festival in Provo or Zion Canyon Music Live in September.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the attractions from Salt Lake City and Zion National Park?
From Salt Lake City to Zion National Park, you can investigate the striking Red Cliffs National Conversation Area through the dazzling Kolob Canyons, which offers scenes along the way.
What is the distance between Salt Lake City and Zion National Park?
The driving distance between Salt Lake City and Zion National Park is roughly 310 miles, and it regularly takes around 4.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on traffic and route.
Is there an option for a train from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park?
There is no immediate train from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park. Regular travel choices include driving and planning tours.
How many days in Zion are enough?
Spending a few days in Zion National Park allows you to investigate its main scenic places like Zion Canyon Drive, Angles Landing, etc. It would be ideal to spend four or five days enjoying hiking along the canyons.
For more information on Zion National Park kindly visit https://zionpark.org/
