Neon lights meet red canyons
This is leg 1 of 2, the opening leg.
Travel leg · Las Vegas & National Parks
Las Vegas to Zion NP
Las Vegas and Zion NP sit about 226 km (141 mi) apart in a straight line, with Zion NP to the north-east. It is leg 1 of 2 on our Las Vegas & National Parks itinerary, a 5-day trip. Here is how long it takes by car, what to see on the way and where it fits in a real itinerary.
- Straight-line distance
- 226 km · 141 mi
- Est. road distance
- 272–317 km
- Est. drive time
- 2 h 45 min – 4 h 45 min
- Direction
- Heading north-east
- Curated routes
- 1 itinerary
Road distance is estimated as 1.2–1.4× the straight line; drive time assumes average speeds of 65–95 km/h with no stops or traffic. These are rough estimates — check a maps app for the actual route.
Ways to get there
We don't have live routing data, so the figures below are labelled estimates built from the straight-line distance. Use them to plan the day, then confirm in a maps app.
By car
Most travelers on our Las Vegas & National Parks itinerary do this leg by car. We estimate 272–317 km (169–197 mi) of road and 2 h 45 min – 4 h 45 min behind the wheel, so check live traffic before you set off.
Fly into Las Vegas, rent a car and drive north into Utah. Distances between the parks are manageable for a short trip. Zion has a shuttle system for its main canyon during busy periods, so check current park information before you go.
Worth stopping for
Picks from our curated guides at both ends.
When you arrive in Zion NP
Give Zion two full days: one for the shuttle-served main canyon hikes, one for the Narrows or east side.
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
Main canyon road served by the free park shuttle, stopping at every major trailhead.
Emerald Pools Trail
Short trails to pools and seasonal waterfalls below Red Arch Mountain.
Zion Outfitter
Rents dry suits, neoprene socks and walking sticks for the Narrows, next to the park entrance.
Kolob Canyons Road
5-mile drive in the park's quieter northwest section to finger canyon viewpoints.
Oscar's Cafe
Springdale standby for big breakfast burritos and Mexican plates on a shaded patio.
Zion Canyon Brew Pub
Brewpub at the park's pedestrian entrance with a patio facing the Watchman.
Before you leave Las Vegas
Two nights covers the Strip, downtown neon and a half-day in Red Rock before heading to the parks.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
13-mile scenic drive past red sandstone cliffs, with short hikes like Calico Tanks.
Hoover Dam
1930s concrete giant on the Colorado River; walk the top and the bypass bridge for the full view.
Fremont Street Experience
Covered pedestrian mall with the Viva Vision light canopy, old casinos and street shows.
On this curated route
Where Las Vegas → Zion NP sits in the full itinerary. Highlighted stops are this leg.
Going the other way? Zion NP to Las Vegas is the same 226 km in a straight line, heading south-west. Reverse directions in Google Maps ↗
Weather at each end
The biggest gap comes in April, when Zion averages highs 11°C cooler than Las Vegas. Over a year, Zion gets about 190 mm more rain.
| Measure | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas high | 15° | 17° | 22° | 27° | 33° | 40° | 42° | 40° | 36° | 28° | 20° | 14° |
| Zion high | 6° | 7° | 12° | 16° | 22° | 30° | 32° | 30° | 26° | 18° | 11° | 5° |
| Las Vegas rain | 18 | 23 | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 15 | 15 | 9 | 13 | 12 | 18 |
| Zion rain | 32 | 36 | 32 | 26 | 18 | 7 | 34 | 32 | 25 | 32 | 23 | 35 |
Zion averages cover Zion NP, 0 km away. Temperatures in °C, rain in mm per month. Long-term monthly averages from NASA POWER satellite climatology — a guide to typical conditions, not a forecast. Month headings link to Zion month guides.
Las Vegas to Zion NP: questions travelers ask
How far is Las Vegas from Zion NP?
Las Vegas is about 226 km (141 mi) from Zion NP in a straight line, with Zion NP to the north-east. By road, we estimate 272–317 km (169–197 mi), or 1.2–1.4 times the straight line. Check a maps app for the exact route.
How long does it take to drive from Las Vegas to Zion NP?
An estimated 2 h 45 min – 4 h 45 min, assuming 272–317 km of road at average speeds of 65–95 km/h with no stops or traffic. It is not a routed time, so check a maps app on the day.
Which itineraries include the trip from Las Vegas to Zion NP?
Our Las Vegas & National Parks itinerary includes this leg. Las Vegas & National Parks runs about 5 days across 3 stops, best in Mar – May.
Onward from Zion NP
- Zion NP to Bryce Canyon 81 km
Guides for both ends
- Las Vegas travel guide
- Las Vegas weather best time to visit
- Zion NP travel guide
- Zion weather covers Zion NP
Zion by month (covers Zion NP)
Plan Las Vegas → Zion NP with your crew
Add this leg to a shared itinerary, poll the group on where to stop, split fuel and tickets, and keep everyone's packing list in one place in TripsCircle.