happytrip, this part of the trip is for the transit time between Vegas and St. George and back so we can't spend it in the NP's until we get there for the four days of 9/25-9/28. Charleston is part of the National Forest system. There are 26 officially listed hikes and trails if you want to stretch your legs along the way. The megabus.com stop for all arrivals and departures in Las Vegas has relocated to the Fashion Show Mall. Turn in for the night 45 minutes back towards Vegas in Tonopah, where your overnight options include the most haunted hotel in America and an infamous Weird Nevada favorite: The Clown Motel. BTW, I always enjoy your pictures of your excursions everywhere. Flight distance: 108 miles or 174 km. There are 2 casinos in Mesquite, and that is basically the ONLY thing between Vegas and St. George. Depending on where you're planning to go the first day, you could easily just make the whole drive that night and camp in the St. George area. Somewhere . starting point. St. Thomas is one of Nevadas most unique ghost towns, as it would normally be 60 feet underwater if not for extreme drought conditions. Located at the West entrance of Zion National Park, Springdale is a must-visit stop on your trip to Zion. Lake Las Vegas is a subdivision of houses. In addition to fossils and fascinating displays, they also have a fossil preparation lab where visitors can watch volunteers and paleontologists at work. Park vegetation includes a wide variety of cacti and desert brushes. The paved road turns to clay shortly after turning on Bridge Road. Kolob Canyons, Southern Utah. Yes, would have been nice to have our truck but then I would have trailer too, and that would complicate things a bit! Nebo Loop can be accessed by taking I-15 Exit 225 from Nephi, and traveling east on State Route 132. Entrance Fee $10 plus additional charges for camping or groups. Its an unexpected treat to find this outdoor paradise so close to the bright lights of Las Vegas! One of the best parts of the Mojave Preserve is only about an hour from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? (702) 397-2088 direct phone number to the park headquartersFlint Stephens, who lives in Highland, has a master's degree in communication from Brigham Young University. Youll find plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, and many options for lodging in Springdale. What started as an addition to Steve and Debbie Nielsens family farm in Bountiful, Utah quickly became a custard sensation. Many of the prime locations for pitching a tent and setting up an RV are found in nearby state parks or in BLM (Bureau of Land Management) areas, but if you are looking . and leave at 4:34 pm. If you thought Tombstone, Deadwood, and Dodge City set the bar for gunslinging, wait until you hear this. It runs four or five times a day, depending on the season, and takes about an hour to go from St. George to Zion. With spectacular mountain views and plenty of red rock vistas, we found St. George to be a truly beautiful city. Be on the lookout for some of the parks elusive wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep. You can find the closest town that is an equal Fillmore City was named after Millard Fillmore, the 13th President of the United States, and was once the territorial capital of Utah. 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. You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving We started with the easy 2-mile Johnsons Hike, traversing through the rugged lava trails and surrounding cliffs as we craned our necks to take in the splendor of the natural beauty that was absolutely all around. Like us on Facebook. The mostly two-lane section of I-15 runs parallel to the Virgin River. Get Your Free Nevada Magazine & Visitor Guide. For something more hip, The Avenire offers midcentury-meets-western rooms with a fabulous restaurant and bar, and Inn on the Cliff is a contemporary boutique hotel with private balconies and a restaurant overlooking the St. George valley and red rocks in the distance. She has a background in credit card points and miles, having spent years working on loyalty campaigns for various financial institutions. Weather Highlights. The attraction is home to some of the best camping near Las Vegas, as well as many scenic hiking trails. Their food is good, sure, but youre coming here mostly for dessert. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! 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. because there's an entire community of travelers talking We grabbed a parking spot and were snapping away within a few minutes. As you drive, keep on the lookout for Zion National Park. And its a perfect spot to spend your time while outside of the park. Nielsens specializes in concretes thick shakes made with custard and whatever add-ins you fancy. Take the Moenkopi two-mile trail from the visitor center for excellent panoramic views. Road tripping from Las Vegas to Zion National Park in February? Trippy is where I have to be careful and not over do with these folks. planning a long road trip and you need to take a break or stay distance from two cities. to meet in the middle. In conclusion, the best time to visit St. George, Utah, depends on your preferences and what you want . St. Thomas is one of Nevada's most unique ghost towns, as it would normally be 60 feet underwater if not for extreme drought conditions. The fastest bus from Las Vegas to Saint George takes 2 hours 10 minutes, The earliest bus from Las Vegas to Saint George leaves at 12:10 AM, The latest bus from Las Vegas to Saint George leaves at 10:30 PM, Megabus runs up to 17 trips per day from Las Vegas to Saint George, Use our Fare Finder to explore other destinations. 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. midpoint to determine the closest flight distance. The dramatic limestone cliffs are humbling and the corners here can be sharp, so take your time and enjoy the view. . Driving Directions to St. George FROM THE NORTH. The exact latitude and longitude coordinates are 36 44' 44" N and 114 24' 57" W. The total driving distance from Las Vegas, NV to Saint George, UT is 119 miles or . to meet, or to look for interesting stops along the way if you're If you're meeting a friend halfway in-between, you He has been an editor and journalist for newspapers in Utah and Illinois. Youll get the best of both worlds in Nevadas Liveliest Ghost Town. Pioche pairs more modern-day attractionslike stunning state parks, saloons, and museumswith authentic Wild West roots and relics, and all of it is less than three hours from Las Vegas. Our route SL06 bus stops at 4 stops between Las Vegas and Saint George. Our route SL06 bus stops at 4 stops between Las Vegas and Saint George. The town of Tonopah is located halfway between Las Vegas . You're our kind of people. Jill Schensul, The Record. About 20 minutes west of the strip lies the almost 200-acre Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. We are desert rats and they not so much. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77916568', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Vegas. St. George, Utah. Save the good stuff for the rest of us! While you dont need reservations, theyre recommended, especially during the busy tourist season (which is almost all of spring, summer, and fall). This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. From here, its a 15-mile dirt road adventure to nearby Manhattan, Nevada. Just be sure to give your driver a thank you before stepping off the bus. geographic midpoint coordinates are 36 38' 7" N and 114 21' 33" W. The city at the geographic halfway point from Las Vegas, NV to Saint George, UT is Saint Joseph, Nevada. Dont Hit the Road Without Reading This Perfect Las Vegas To Zion Itinerary, The Best Art From This Years Burning Man, Theres a Tiny Portion of Yellowstone National Park Where You Can Literally Get Away With Murder, Explore McCarthy, Alaska: the Quirky, Former Sin City Inside a National Park, 21 Spectacular and Unique Trees and Forests Around the World, The 9 Hardest Hikes in the US National Park Service You Can Do in a Day, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Zion National Park Is Now a Certified International Dark Sky Park, These Stunning Cabins Are the Ultimate Zion National Park Basecamps, 8 of the Coolest Airbnbs Near Disney World, Orlando, 8 La Condesa Airbnbs To Settle Into Mexico Citys Coolest Neighborhood, 18 of the Best Hotels in Las Vegas for Every Type of Traveler, Staying on the Las Vegas Strip Is More Attainable in These Airbnbs, A Full Guide To the Free 4th Grade National Park Pass Program, 7 Can't-Miss Parks in Perth, Australia, for Koalas, Hiking, andMore, Download the 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. Looking for something easier? If youre looking to whet your whistle after a day exploring, River Rock has a variety of wine and local Utah beers on tap. Here are four useful tips to keep in mind on the drive: Leave the traffic and noise behind as you head out of Las Vegas and continue north into the heart of red rock country. If nothing else, take the Valley of Fire Scenic Byway through the park. Camping in the area is awesome. Other possible places to stop near the midpoint include Gale, Toomey, Harvard, Midway, Manix, and Afton. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience and security. From exploring older posts, I think I have a good plan driving to St. George from Vegas. Have you ever been to Meadview, Arizona? For the full scoop, check out Matadors article on the best places to stay near Zion National Park, including luxe glamping options and lodges plus some more budget-friendly hotels and motels. We had so much fun exploring this beautiful park. The Valley of Fire is located 55 miles northeast of Vegas and can be accessed from I-15 at Exit 75. Korean Airs Seoul flight is longest from Reid Airport, 4 health tips to stay safe while traveling overseas, Frontier holding lottery to give away 5 million loyalty card miles, Where lost, unclaimed baggage goes to be resold, Deal to merge two airlines facing federal antitrust lawsuit, Only 3 airlines let families with kids sit together without fees. Scenic drives along the wide-open roads of Nevada's backcountry promises cool stops with a host of discoveries, be it charming historical landmarks, thrilling nature adventures, soothing relaxation, or even outright odd and unique encounters. I am thinking this post might get better responses on the Utah forum rather than getting lost in the Nevada forum. Get in the loop on all things Nevada what to do, where to go & more. The store that answers the question What happens to lost luggage that never gets found? also happens to be a great place to go bargain shopping online. This is a trip for a taste of the area with friends who may not have the same travel style as us. Point your car about 40 minutes southwest of Las Vegas and youll find yourself smack dab in the middle of a former boomtown. Save. You might even see some wild horses and elk along the way! Goodsprings is a ghost town from the mining days, so not too many people live in this town. Once at Zion, you can use the free Zion and Springdale shuttles to get around the park and adjacent town. If you have a day to kill on your Denver to Las Vegas drive, than St George, Utah is the perfect stopover town between Zion National Park and Las Vegas. River Rock also operates a drive-through location serving drinks and baked goods. We live in Las Vegas, and its easy to forget that there are quick getaway trips to nearby areas. The Denver-based ultra-low-cost air carrier promotes itself as a whole different animal with named wildlife mascots on the tails of all their jets. On day two driving from Las Vegas to Zion National Park, towns become increasingly smaller. Have stopped and played at the Eureka casino a couple times. On Monday, only three of the 10 U.S. airlines listed on the website received a green check. I have no problems with the dry heat as we hike in heat in DV and just endured hiking in 102 degrees higher humidity in Portland recently. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Feeling like I discovered one of the best kept secrets of southern Utah, I meandered the trails and took in the beauty of the towering red rocks. Learn how your comment data is processed. Since Im not a really experienced hiker, I liked the easy and moderate trails. 1. A fun daytrip out of Vegas is to kayak or take the float trip from the dam to Willow Beach theu Black Canyon. There are many lookout points and trailheads along the Zion Mount Carmel Highway, and Kolob Terrace Road leads to some of the least-busy areas of the park. - 10/5/2019 I have lived in St. George for 8 months and love it so far. Bryce Canyon is known for its rock towers and spires, called hoodoos, while Zion National Park is more known for the canyon, red rock landscapes, and famous hikes like The Narrows and Angels Landing. Meadview, Arizona, is located exactly 2 hours from downtown Las Vegas, and is near Lake Mead (on the Arizona side). From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. And lucky for you, some of the best ones are practically in your backyard. Manage Settings most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. 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. With more than 38 miles of hiking trails and 3 miles of paved walking and biking trails, theres something here for all to see. The trip to Zion from Vegas is a fairly easy drive of about 2.5 hours, if you drive straight through. Start your trip at the visitor center to learn about the park, watch the short film, and grab a map. The park visitors center has a variety of exhibits. Driving from Vegas to Salt Lake is relatively simple. There are also several Las Vegas neighborhoods and suburbs worth exploring, like Spring Valley and Paradise. Ready for a little mind-boggling piece of trivia? Today, visitors can see the preserved remnants of the schoolhouse, several houses, and the graveyard. Keep in mind areas like Valley of Fire along with being hot, likely 100 or more also have a hot wind that blows that time of year which makes it feel alot hotter. Parts of the drive are spectacularly beautiful and other parts not so much. I would not want to be driving this road back down to Vegas in any kind of weather. Though who knows, we may have had enough of the desert by this time but I doubt it. 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. who wants the trip to end? Heres a list of the airport lounges at Las Vegas home airport, according to Harry Reid Airport officials and the Upgraded Points website. Re: Vegas To St. George and back, things to see along the way. Only 45 minutes from Vegas is Nelson, home to another stunner of a ghost town. It has its own set of schools and neighborhoods, which make it a great place to live near the water. SJ specializes in writing about travel, food, and wine. The Kelso Depot and dunes are about 1.5 hours from Vegas.The museum/depot is definitely worth a stop. There are stunning hiking trails accessible year-round. Dont Miss: The Las Vegas Motor Speedway in North Las Vegas is on the way to Moapa Valley. The Biden administration said the proposed merger would make the air travel industry less competitive and raise prices for consumers. See em all and then swing by Dirty Dicks Belmont Saloon to kick back in Sagebrush Saloon style. I know, not at all the best place to see the NP's from but we are staying free with our friend's Worldmark time shares in St. George. St. George, Utah . It was restored in 1926 by Paramount Studios. Its still a true family business as three generations of Nielsens work at the various locations. between two locations based on the driving directions from each One of our faves? Were only scratching the surface of all the ghost town fun youll find throughout the Silver State. If you venture out on the trails, make sure to take plenty of water. Cities Between. The park gets its name from red sandstone formations. MapQuest. Now, as the water levels at Lake Mead National Recreation Area fluctuate, the ruins are once again exposed for exploration. open-ended. Then back to Vegas for two nights starting later in the afternoon on the 29th. Consider the Best Western Plus Abbey Inn, with a year-round heated pool for those chilly, desert evenings. Between bullet holes and Clark Gables cigarette burns, this place is the real deal. Legendary Nevadans: Shapers of the Silver State Story, Star Attractions: Dark Sky Destinations Outside Las Vegas, Legendary Nevadans Part II: More Historic Movers & Shakers, 401 N. Carson StreetCarson City, NV 89701. 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. Just got back from that area. What did you like about this post? There are nine towns near Las Vegas, which I overview in my comprehensive guide. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. driving distance, you can figure out if there's a good meeting place halfway Good for an entire year, this $80 pass covers entry fees to all national parks and many other public lands, including the first stop on this itinerary (but note it does not cover state parks). Off this route (on a dirt road) is the Joshua Tree Byway, where you can see the only Joshua Trees in UT. Here, you can tour the old Territorial Statehouse, which is now a museum full of historical treasures about Utah and the pioneers. Today, the site houses fossils from across the area and houses the largest collection of swim tracks long scratch marks on muddy lake bottoms made by dinosaurs swimming across in the world. The closest zip code to the midpoint is 89021. Remember: theres a time change. This gateway community is filled with art galleries, souvenirs shops, restaurants, outfitters, a dog park, rock and crystal shops, and more. or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world. It is quite a community that has a nice motel, eateries, bars, a Family Dollar, and a convenience store with gas. Charleston are not cities. Since youre starting off in Las Vegas, it only makes sense to see one of the most iconic Vegas landmarks, the Welcome To Las Vegas sign. Nestled in Eldorado Canyon is the Techatticup Mine, the oldest, richest, and most famous gold mine in southern Nevada. Four hours from Vegas is Belmont, and the sights youll find here are some of the most amazing in the state. http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/st__george/blm_special_areas/national_landscape/wilderness/joshua_tree_national.html. If you travel with an airplane (which has average speed of 560 miles) from Utah to Las Vegas, It takes 0.55 hours to arrive. Kind of reminds me of a typical off-strip locals casino (Such at Southpoint or Eastside Cannery). Absolutely. It's a straight shot. Heres a list of five road trip destinations. Search for hotels at the midpoint city to split up The park has a visitor center with displays about the geology, ecology, prehistory, and history of the park and the nearby region. The St. George Shuttles between St. George and Zion run four times a day, and the trip takes an hour. Las Vegas has so many places to choose from, breakfast in Las Vegas is an absolute dream come true for food lovers! There is now an actual parking lot right in front of the sign. Rain: averages 5 inches of rain a year. This section could be endless, so rather than trying to Pro Tip: Fly into McCarran International Airport so you can sightsee in Las Vegas before driving to Laughlin. I cant believe they forgot Lake Havasu City and the London Bridge. Near Beaver Dam until Oct 14. And if youre a dedicated Airbnb-er, check out our picks for the best rental homes near Zion National Park, ranging from a geodesic dome to high-end apartments to funky tipis with private hot tubs. Rooms from $199 3121 Las Vegas Blvd . The Camel Safari is a great attraction for animal-lovers and families. Out on the trails, youll have plenty of opportunities to see native Mojave Desert plants as well as plenty of cool rock formations. But there are quite a few others that are not to be missed if you have the time. Too bad you don't have your truck with you as there are some cool places to explore like the Gold Butte Region. I imagine that, if youre driving on a summer weekend, youll encounter quite a bit more traffic and drive times will be longer. Visitor Center Hours 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. RV sites with water and power are available. These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy: Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions Saint George to Las Vegas drive, or go to the main page to plan a new road trip. Or how can we improve it to help you travel better? Any route better? Several different airlines fly to Asia, Europe and Hawaii to provide the 10 longest flights from Harry Reid International Airport. There is some tricky climbing involved, but its not too tough. Next time youre in need of a frighteningly good day tripand if you aint afraid of no ghostspack up the car and head for these eight ghost towns near Las Vegas. The idea is in a couple of years return with trailer for longer camping journey. Originally settled in the mid-1800s, it had a school, a church, a post office, and a community center. Los Angeles to Las Vegas midpoint and places to stop along the way. And tell Tom we sent ya. Isabelle Pavese is a Las Vegas-based writer who loves to travel and explore new places. If youre taking the trip to Pioche, youve gotta stop and scope out Delamar, too. There are also several golf clubs in this area, as well as skydiving opportunities if youre feeling bold. Where can locals go to relax and escape the heat and maybe the tourists, too? Traveling with a dog or cat? Vermilion Cliffs National Monument (2 mentions). Zion National Park truly showcases the beauty of the desert. It's okay, you can start planning your If you prefer land to water, the park has ATV and OHV rentals you can use to explore its 62,000 acres of trails and sand dunes. The other route you could do is old hwy 91 from near Beaver Dam to St George.Its pretty scenic as you cross over the mountain range into UT. Even if you're separated by To enter Zion National Park, youll need to pay an entrance fee or show your pass. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form. Along the way these travelers pass within 15 miles of a park that offers arches, petroglyphs, red rocks, petrified wood, spectacular geologic formations and beautiful desert scenery. Here is our list of what to see and do in the area. Since its so close, we stopped right as we made our way out of the airport. . A crashed plane from 3000 Miles to Graceland. Colorful rock formations like these are invisible to travelers on I-15 just minutes away from the park. In addition to arches, rock formations in the park include beehives pockmarked sandstone caused by centuries of erosion from wind and water. If you plan it just right, you can make it to the capital city just before dinner time, and only stop a few times for fuel and a quick break. Numerous petroglyphs are visible at several locations, and most are within easy walking distance. While this itinerary covers two days, you could easily stretch it into three or four, especially if you want to do longer hikes in some of the area state parks. The Pioneer Saloon has been open since 1913 and has a spooky, yet fascinating history. An outdoor art park featuring some seriously colossal sculptures, youll 110% want selfies with a 24-foot steel prospector and his penguin companion, a pink cinder block woman standing just as tall, and the always popular Ghosts of Goldwell. That route back to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This app helps you find places to stop between two cities. The Calico Tanks trail, in particular, offers a good introduction to the area; its a moderate 2.5-mile trail that winds its way through a wash to a natural tank. Fears, Tears and Beers Mountain Bike Enduro Race. St. George is a skosh north of Arizona and smidge east of Nevada. Some of her favorite cities in the world include Rome and San Francisco. Even if its not hot weather, you can become dehydrated quickly. If you wanted, you could walk out to see St Thomas, that was once under Lake Mead. Founded in 1935, the Valley of Fire is Nevadas oldest state park. Dont forget that removing, disturbing, or damaging any ghost town goods is illegaland just straight-up not cool. Once youve crossed these eight off your list, get the specs on even more ghost towns. If you camp here, wake up early to catch the sunrise in one of Utahs most popular state parks. Logandale is another part of Moapa Valley and is home to the annual Clark County Fair and Rodeo. Ive been going there since 2006, and I absolutely love it. Honeycombed rock formations known as beehives are scattered throughout Valley of Fire. If you have more time to kill before your flight, you may want to check out some of the hiking trails or even go horseback riding. During the summer, daytime highs usually top 100 degrees and can get as high as 120. While any vehicle can navigate the terrain, the clay can get quite slick, so youll probably want to avoid it during or right after heavy rain. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. By continuing to use the site, you agree to our cookie policy. It will take about 54 minutes for each driver to arrive at the meeting point. Many drive for about 5 minutes. Note that, depending on the season, you may need to make a reservation for the scenic drive. Its one of the top day trips from Las Vegas, but makes for an even better weekend getaway. Using the total driving distance, you can figure out if there's a good meeting place halfway between, a third of the way, or any of the stops along the route. The ghost town of Grafton is just a couple miles off the main road so it wont be a very long detour. Use this tool to determine the best city From Harry Reid International Airport, get on I-15 North to Exit 75 and Valley of Fire Highway. I have family in St. George, UT and have made that trip a few times. Most people combine a visit to Zion National Park with other national park sites in Utah. Just be sure to check the road conditions as the furthest north areas of that road are unplowed in winter and can close during heavy rain. The red sandstone formations are similar to those found in Arches or Canyonlands National Parks. We'll be back soon with more rad stories about the unusual people, places, and history that makes Nevada different than any place you've ever been. The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. If nothing else, tour the park via the 13-mile scenic drive that cuts through the park. Yep, the whole thing. Good things await you in Goodsprings. Water in the desert? No matter what, the classically preserved Belmont Courthouse definitely will. Left Lane Closed. 4:39 pm arrive in Saint George. Brigham Young Winter Home, Utah. https://www.nps.gov/lake/learn/nature/st-thomas-nevada.htm. St. George is located in the southeast corner of Utah. Some even lead to natural hot springs! 11. Get ready to be dazzled. A geological wonder made with wind and water over 180 million years ago, the results are stunning. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. Because the park is so popular, youll have lots of options (thought they can fill up quickly). Bridge construction on I-15 Southbound from Desert Springs (MP 10) to Beaver Dam (MP 8) . Highlights. If the 100-foot chimney that was once used for WWII target practice (note the 40 caliber bullet holes) doesnt grab you, the combination stamp mill ruins with 60-mile vantage points of the valley below might. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Another route that would probably take at least twice as long (or more) than I-15, is (ta && ta.queueForLoad ?