Top 9 Places to Stop and See on Your Way to Zion from Vegas
Planning a road trip from Las Vegas to Zion National Park? The direct drive is about 160 miles and takes roughly 2.5–3 hours on I-15 North (plus that quick time-zone jump into Utah). But did you know that you can take it slow, picnic with epic views, and make the journey just as amazing as Zion itself!
Here are my top 9 favorite stops, in order from Vegas. I've included what to see, detour info, time needed, eats nearby, official links, and some photos to get you pumped.
1. Little Mount Rushmore (Quirky Presidential Carvings in Mesquite)
A fun, hidden gem: local carvings in sandstone of Mount Rushmore presidents, plus the Sphinx, Lady Liberty, and Easter Island heads right along the road. Super quick and quirky for photos!
How far off the main path? Short detour—Exit 118 in Mesquite, north on Lower Flat Top Drive ~2 miles. Adds 20–30 minutes round-trip.
How long to allot? 20–45 minutes.
Places to eat nearby: In-N-Out or diners in Mesquite, perfect for a quick grab-and-go picnic in the van.
Stop and smile once in a while': Retired Olympian carves Mount Rushmore into Mesquite bluff | Arts & Entertainment | stgeorgeutah.com
2. Valley of Fire State Park (Nevada’s Fiery Red Rock Wonderland)
Glowing red Aztec sandstone, the famous wavy Fire Wave hike, petroglyphs—it's otherworldly, especially at sunrise/sunset.
Official site: Nevada State Parks - Valley of Fire
How far off the main path? Scenic detour adds ~30–45 minutes and ~20 miles.
How long to allot? 2–4 hours (great for hikes).
Places to eat nearby: Picnic in the van at scenic spots; grab food in Overton/Mesquite.
3. Snow Canyon State Park (Lava Tubes, Dunes & Red Cliffs)
Red/white sandstone, lava tubes, petrified dunes, easy trails like Jenny’s Canyon—feels like a secret mini-Zion.
Official site: Utah State Parks - Snow Canyon
How far off the main path? Easy 10–15 minutes off I-15 (Exit 6, St. George).
How long to allot? 1.5–3 hours.
Places to eat nearby: Black Bear Diner or Bear Paw Cafe in St. George—takeout heaven.
4. Red Hills Desert Garden (Desert Oasis with Fossils)
Free 5-acre garden: desert plants, replica slot canyon, dinosaur tracks, fish stream, red hill views—peaceful and cool.
Official site: Red Hills Desert Garden
How far off the main path? 5–10 minutes off I-15.
How long to allot? 45–90 minutes.
Places to eat nearby: St. George options galore.
5. Pioneer Park in St. George (Free Red Rock Scramble)
Red sandstone with mini slots, Boy Scout Cave, short hikes, city views—fun for all ages.
Official site/info: St. George City - Pioneer Park
How far off the main path? Under 5 minutes—zero detour.
How long to allot? 45–90 minutes.
Places to eat nearby: Takeout from St. George spots.
6. Sand Hollow State Park (Red Sand “Beach” + Turquoise Reservoir)
Red dunes meet blue water—swim, relax, hike with huge views.
Official site: Utah State Parks - Sand Hollow
How far off the main path? 10–15 minutes near Hurricane.
How long to allot? 1–2 hours (or more for beach time).
Places to eat nearby: River Rock Roasting Co. in La Verkin.
7. Kolob Canyons (Zion’s Quiet Northern Section)
Finger canyons and cliffs—big Zion beauty with way fewer crowds.
Official site: NPS - Kolob Canyons
How far off the main path? Right off I-15 Exit 40 (~45–60 minutes round-trip).
How long to allot? 1 hour.
Places to eat nearby: Picnic in the van.
8. Virgin River Gorge (Dramatic Highway Views)
Sheer cliffs right on I-15—stunning drive-by scenery.
How far off the main path? Zero—just pull over safely.
How long to allot? 15–30 minutes for photos.
Places to eat nearby: Mesquite or St. George.
9. Grafton Ghost Town (Historic Pioneer Spot Near Zion)
Restored 1850s buildings, church, cemetery—epic Zion cliffs backdrop.
Official site/info: Grafton Heritage Partnership
How far off the main path? 10–15 minutes off UT-9 (short dirt road—van-friendly).
How long to allot? 30–60 minutes.
Places to eat nearby: Springdale spots like Oscar’s Cafe.
These spots can turn your drive into a full adventure day (or split it with overnights). At DeVanRentals,com, we make it all easy. Rent today at DeVanRentals.com and go explore!
