Coming from Salt Lake City? We did the drive during a week in the winter when traffic wasnt bad at all. Reservations were introduced during the pandemic, but are no longer required. But why deal with the large crowds, heavy traffic and paid parking when you can zoom out on Google Maps and choose less chaotic accommodations in or around St. George instead? St. George has a fair share of art galleries plus the St. George Art Museum at the Pioneer Center for the Arts, a complex that's also home to the St. George Opera House. I imagine that, if youre driving on a summer weekend, youll encounter quite a bit more traffic and drive times will be longer. However, the lobby bar at the Advenire (detached from, but actually part of the Wood, Ash, Rye restaurant) is easily the best cocktail bar in town with fun touches like house-made grenadine and ash-infused honey. Located less than 10 minutes from Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran International Airport), the sign is a must-see for anyone that wants a few kitschy vacation pics from Las Vegas. Note that, depending on the season, you may need to make a reservation for the scenic drive. You might be tempted to book a hotel in Springdale, the small town just outside the main gates. The house-baked bread and biscuits are already huge local favorites. Its much smaller than I thought it would be but it was still really fun to grab a few pictures there. He's thinking twice about Angels Landing. And since the temperatures do get HOT as you get into summer in St. George, you are going to want to get in the water. Farmhouse Bakery, another recent addition to St. George, is a European-style patisserie, led by a team of Las Vegas transplants that includes Thomas Kellar's former pastry chef. St. George, Utah is a great strategic point for all those who begin their trip in Las Vegas to visit the parks in Utah and Arizona, but also for those who are planning a visit to northern Utah. in history and is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association, the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association, and the International Travel Writers Alliance. 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. The venue is operated by the Tuacahn Center for the Arts, which also has indoor theaters, a dance studio, and other facilities on property, along with a charter school dedicated to the performing arts. . The average travel time between St. George and Las Vegas is around 2h 10m, although the fastest bus will take about 2h.This is the time it takes to travel the 107 miles that separates the two cities. His work has also appeared in, , Trivago Magazine, Sophisticated Living, Modern Luxury, Leafly, Las Vegas Magazine, and other publications. Please Note: Price . There are 2,000 foot cliff walls and narrow canyons cutting into the Colorado Plateau. This historical B&B is filled with character and charm but yet is filled with modern amenities located right in downtown St George. If you do stay in Springdale, remember that the Springdale shuttle will take you into Zion so you can leave your car at your hotel. I have family in St. George, UT and have made that trip a few times. Where those large white letters reside is one of the best public playgrounds for locals and visitors called Pioneer Park. Judds Store is the oldest ongoing business establishment in St George. Page provides incredible opportunities to visit the natural beauty of the desert southwest: Antelope Canyon with its unique Navajo Sandstone caused over years of flash floods that have created almost artwork with the erosion . St. George Shuttle offers rides between Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport and stops at the Eureka Casino. However, the lobby bar at the Advenire (detached from, but actually part of the. There are large boulders for you to climb, hills to summit, trails for you to hike, and also plenty of canyons to squeeze through. Parowan Gap is about a 25-mile detour, but its well worth the extra distance and time in your road trip. Fields of ephemeral wildflowers arent expected this year at Death Valley, but the nearby national parks rock-solidly stunning geology never takes time off. Between the bright red terrain and the arch itself, it's almost impossible to take a bad photo. St. George has its share of golf courses and if you're in town to practice your putt, the, has a private country club feel with condo-like suites and private parking garages. Popular activities at Mojave National Preserve include camping, off-roading, wildlife spotting, horseback riding, hunting and hiking. Many of the attractions in Pioneer Park are easily accessed with minimal walking, including Dixie Rock (aka Dixie Sugarloaf), St George Narrows (aka The Crack), and Pioneer Park Arches. The Daughters of Utah Pioneer Museum tells their story through interactive exhibits and intricate displays. as the best overall option, especially if you want a perfect location in the heart of Downtown. Come along for the ride! Georgia has discipline problem that calls for action from Kirby Smart. Want more Thrillist? I was thinking about one night in Vegas and after it St. George to see Zion, Snow Canyon. So get there before everybody else does. The very founding of the city is thanks to Mormon settlers. In spite of its accessibility, most Utahns are unaware of its existence unless they happen to notice the sign marking the turnoff while driving past it. The big draw for experienced hikers is Angels Landing, a dangerous trek with narrow paths and steep drops on either side. If you go in the morning or towards sunset, youll have the best chance to see some park wildlife like burros, sheep, deer, birds, and the desert tortoise. This 7,400-acre park offers a vast array of activities and sightseeing opportunities. Biking paths connect to the, trailhead, where petroglyphs are easy to spot. Of all the state parks in the St George area, Quail Creek has the most beautiful reservoir. Youll see the incredible wavy formations that are out of this world! It's a lively social spot where the contemporary cuisine often comes with a Southern touch and killer craft cocktails. The mostly two-lane section of I-15 runs parallel to the Virgin River. The taxidermy is tastefully done offering an opportunity to see animals up close. Colorful rock formations like these are invisible to travelers on I-15 just minutes away from the park. We love staying at a Hampton Inn & Suites hotel since they are on the upper end of the chain hotels with nice rooms and great services. is a reservoir surrounded by red rocks and sand, resembling a trippy beach-on-Mars atmosphere. Entrance Fee $10 plus additional charges for camping or groups. The stunning natural beauty speaks for itself. If youre looking to learn more about local history and pioneers moving out west, be sure to visit the Jacob Hamblin Home. The current population of St George city is 75,561 . 6. A three-day weekend is a perfect start in exploring the Wild West of Zion National Park and Southern Utah. The Little Black Mountain Petroglyph site offers visitors a chance to view ancient petroglyphs up close and personal. The red exterior of the hotel matches up well with the natural surroundings with a spa, swimming pool, and contemporary furnishings. Play along . 2. Las Vegas pool parties are the place to beat the heat, and Mandalay Bay Beach is perfect for all agesand even open to non-hotel guests with paid admission. The buildings have loads of character and offer the opportunity to see inside them when you shop the various stores they now house. This fading ghost town is located north of St. George, close to Leeds. The inside of Allegiant Stadium seen during the pregame of the 2022 Las Vegas Bowl, Las Vegas, Nevada, Dec. 17, 2022 | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News. Don't miss the big stories. With delicious meals and mouth-watering desserts, youll quickly find yourself asking for seconds. Starting at the trailhead, its about a 1.5-mile hike that took about an hour. This family-friendly road trip pairs a big helping of adventure with new discoveries in Southern Utahs frontier for a weekend you and the kids wont soon forget. Catch a performance at the legendary House of Blues Las Vegas. The distance between these places is around 70 to 80 miles or an hour and half driving time. And the best way to explore this magical land is by road. This pleasant city is located on the I-15, the road that connects Las Vegas to Salt Lake City and then continues through Idaho to Montana, on the border with Canada. One thing you wont want to miss is the downtown farmers market, which will put the culture of the town on full display. Spend a few extra bucks on a villa. I would never consider stopping here for any other reason, but what I discovered was Leeds Market. The restrooms were clean, the people were friendly, and my attention was immediately caught by the scent of a Crock Pot simmering in the back, which they serve daily. Here are 5 must-see stops next time you find yourself driving through the "Beehive State". After soaking up the bright lights of Las Vegas, enjoy a relaxed . No matter where you go, Utah-produced High West is almost always the whiskey of choice. Pizza and sandwiches (with house-made sourdough) keep the place busy during lunch. . Exhibits now showcase examples of dino-activity from the immediate area with interpretive information, a window revealing where fossils are prepped and cleaned, and a small park in the back for kids to hop on a dilophosaurus replica. Utahns trying to escape cold and snow will usually find comfortable daytime temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees. 'Rolling Stone' named this excursion as Vegas' Best Near-Death Experience. Maybe you crave a drive to Boulder City to see the Hoover Dam, Lake Havasu to zip around on Jet Skis, or St. George to hike scenic . Cedar City is about two and a half hours north of Las Vegas. Step back into the past and imagine life in St Georgesfinesthome that was built back in 1873. October 03, 2016 Things To Do In Las Vegas Comments Off on Enjoy Las Vegas Royalty Exotic Car Rentals. More than 170 years ago, pioneers began to settle in what is now known as St George. Here are 5 must-see stops next time you find yourself driving through the Beehive State. The bus journey time between St. George and Las Vegas is around 2h 5m and covers a distance of around 118 miles. Staying at one of the nearby resorts, our trek to Snow Canyon couldnt have been simpler: A walk out the back door to the paved trail led us directly into the park. Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino - 4 Stars. For the first time, Las Vegas will host . There are plenty of great places to stay from luxury hotels, historical BnBs, and even a few great motels. Its really spectacular with awesome views at almost every turn. The annual event went virtual during the pandemic, but is expected to return to its full in-person format at Ancestor Square in 2022. I'll be flying into Las Vegas late Friday and renting a car. The, (or "Bowl") trailhead is named after a strange, sunken hole at the top of a sandstone formation. In addition to arches, rock formations in the park include beehives pockmarked sandstone caused by centuries of erosion from wind and water. (Read: Why Your Kids Need a Utah Trip). The gougres (savory cheese-filled pasties) and salmon rillettes will keep you full while exploring historic sites like the Jacob Hamblin Home, Frei's Fruit Market, and the Relief Society Hall in Heritage Square. Utah does not lack rocky desert and barren mountains, but if youre looking to cool off or spend a relaxing day by the water, make sure to check out Quail Creek State Park. It was sold and turned into a full-fledged restaurant with art galleries popping up around it. is a more secluded beach with trees creeping out of the water for an interesting visual. There are 2 casinos in Mesquite, and that is basically the ONLY thing between Vegas and St. George. , another recent addition to St. George, is a European-style patisserie, led by a team of Las Vegas transplants that includes Thomas Kellar's former pastry chef. She has a background in credit card points and miles, having spent years working on loyalty campaigns for various financial institutions. Hikers can spot tracks in Warner Valley or the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, but if you want to see as much evidence as possible in one place, visit the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site. If youve never driven this stretch of blacktop, youre in for a wonderful experience. Everybody in St. George says the same thing: You gotta see a show at the Tuacahn Amphitheater. On the west side of Las Vegas, 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip and 10 minutes from Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, the JW Marriott Resort and Spa is another inviting property offering an escape from the typical Las Vegas scene. Luxury Hotel: The Inn atEntradais one of the best luxury hotels located in St George Utah. In this state park, youll have the choice of hitting the trails or taking a scenic drive through the park. . The donuts, tarts, croissants, and cookies are some of the best (and most Instagram-worthy) you'll ever sample. As you make your way through Cedar City, take Exit 62 to Highway 130. You can also check out the Sears Art Museum on the campus of Dixie State University, featuring a rotating lineup of six exhibits each year. St. George Narrows (The Crack) This fun slot canyon is only a short walk from the parking lot and is well worth a stop. Town Square Park is a great place to bring the kids with a vintage carousel and splash pads modeled after rock formations, but it's also a cool spot to hang out on your own with nothing but your thoughts and a laptop. St. George's Downtown district is an engaging mix of architecture, art, parks, and independent storefronts. Read about the 35 best attractions and cities to stop in between the Monument Valley and Las Vegas, including places like Page, Horseshoe Bend, and Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge . Hundreds of years ago, Native Americans chiseled their stories into the rock faces, and seeing them is like stepping back in time. What is that? 3. Check-out the Virgin River Gorge Video below if youve never experienced the drive in person. For more hikes that may be suitable for your family, check with a ranger at the visitor center. Horseback Riding - Experience one-of-a-kind guided horseback trips throughout the canyon, available March through October. It's traditionally open to Mormon visitors only, but everyone can access the visitors center and surrounding grounds. Ancestor Square is a collection of shops, restaurants, and offices around a historic courtyard with an old brick jailhouse and sheriff's office. 12 Best Small Towns in Michigan. Some cities are still figuring themselves out, but St. George remains effortlessly grounded in a pocket of Utah that's neither cosmopolitan or remote, surrounded by the beauty of towering desert cliffs. Water Canyon has shaded water features and views of Zion National Park from Canaan Mountain. Here are my top tips to help you plan your trip to St. George. Each week, thousands of Utahns travel to or from Las Vegas on Interstate 15. 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. If youre driving north to St. George on I-15, you know youre almost in Southern Utah once you hit the amazing stretch of beautiful road through the Virgin River Gorge. After just a few more clicks, youll be heading out on an adventure unlike any other! Discover this 24.2-mile point-to-point trail near St. George, Utah. No longer do you have to dodge traffic and stand in the median to grab a photo. Summertime travelers might get the impression that the park got its name from its environment, rather than its rock formation. 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. A geological wonder made with wind and water over 180 million years ago, the results are stunning. Flights last anywhere from one hour to three hours depending on your adventure and they operate year-round. The. Youll see one of Utahs best areas from a new perspective, slowly moving through the air and hundreds of feet up above that red rocky landscape that goes for miles. may be the best place to see a wide variety of art in one place. 2023 St. George Vacation Rentals | Another small town that youll want to be sure to check out is the historic Pine Valley. The best part is that it'll only add a few minutes to your drive time since this area is right on the edge of St . How long is the bus ride from St. George to Las Vegas? End: Cedar Breaks National Monument, just outside Cedar City. All Rights Reserved, Valley of Fire An overlooked scenic treasure between St. George and Las Vegas, Bidens not in a rush to announce hes running for reelection, The 2023 Utah Legislature has wrapped. This short hike is incredibly picturesque, with rock formations laced with white, pink, and red stripes that resemble ripples in . With fascinating exhibits, the Dinosaur Track Museum tops the list of best things to do in St George. Affordable Comfort in St. George Close to Zion National Park, Dixie Convention Center, and golf courses Conveniently located off I-15, with easy access to scenic trails, world-class skiing, and the bright lights of Las Vegas, our Super 8 St. George hotel puts outdoor excitement and vibrant nightlife at your fingertips. We had so much fun exploring this beautiful park. People say it's soft, but regardless of grades, we found the climbs to be a lot of fun. Smoked Old Fashioneds are the specialty, but don't hesitate to pick the brain of your bartender. this year. The exhibit changes each spring with about two-dozen new pieces installed. Dusty Frontier to Glitter Gulch. While we spent about 4 hours here, you could easily spend more or less time depending on your schedule. You guessed it; the cost was the most per mile at the time of completion. The Green Gate Village offers visitors to St George the opportunity to transport back in time to when pioneers and settlers from the east made this desert landscape their home. See for yourself with a visit to Station II, an old firehouse that's now a multi-story taproom with craft beer by Zion Brewery. 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. After you get through Denver, you'll veer off onto I-70, one of the state's most popular . Hike, bike, e-bike, or even horseback ride your way through Snow Canyon State Park in St. George, Utah. St. George, Utah which is the closest city in proximity to Zion National Park also has a small airport, but flight options may be more limited . The 500 million year old Virgin River Gorge is located in the far northwestern corner of Arizona, between Nevada and Utah. Detour to The Creamery for farm-fresh ice cream. Brigham Young Winter Home, Utah. Weve visited nearly 100 countries on all 7 continents. and leave at 4:34 pm. In the park, youll do some family-friendly hiking on the Emerald Pools and Riverside Walk hiking trails. This is not the case at the Dinosaur Track Museum. Formerly a general store built in 1911, it now sells nostalgic candy and ice cream. Little do they know that Utahs desert is actually teeming with life. Like us on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Greater Zion Pioneer Park, , a truck stop that serves steakburgers from local cattle. If you take a side trip to the charming town of Santa Clara, grab lunch at, . Re: Vegas To St. George and back, things to see along the way. Founded in 1935, the Valley of Fire is Nevadas oldest state park. The. They are a full-service shuttle company that wants to make sure your travel needs are taken care of. Get on the water or the beach at Sand Hollow State Park and explore the stunning Snow Canyon. With everything from intricate pottery to detailed paintings, there are so many different interpretations and representations of life in St George. On the way, pioneer-era ghost towns like Grafton and Silver Reef are sure to excite, and one of North Americas most significant dinosaur track sites at Johnson Farm is a must-see. The drive is about two and a half hours so you'll want to start your day early and plan on spending the night near the park. The drive on I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge features some of the most stunning displays of both engineering and scenery. Check out rare finds like swimming dinosaur tracks, imprints of scaly dinosaur skin, and natural 3D cast fossils, formed when rising water levels and sediment filled the tracks. No two rooms look the same and movie theater-style popcorn is served between sips of whatever you're drinking. Wood.Ash.Rye is quickly becoming everyone's new favorite restaurant in town. But the St. George Art Festival may be the best place to see a wide variety of art in one place. Either way, the amount in a shot is tightly controlled. It was sold and turned into a full-fledged restaurant with art galleries popping up around it. He has been an editor and journalist for newspapers in Utah and Illinois. 111 Cathedral Gorge State Park Road, Panaca, NV 89042, map. From Valley of Fire, get right back on the I-15 North and drive for about an hour and forty-five minutes until you reach the town of St. George, Utah, right by the Arizona/Utah border.. A notable stop in this town, particularly since our final destination is Salt Lake City, is the Brigham Young Winter Home, a historic residence and current museum. In fact, unless youre staying within the borders of Zion, its highly probable that youll be staying in Springdale. 15 Best Free Things to Do in Las Vegas, NV. Its about a two hour drive to St George. The Downtown Insider. Kolob Canyons, Southern Utah. When we were there in December, there were very few people in the park, even though the weather was perfect for hiking. Hollywood agrees as Snow Canyon has been the shooting site of multiple well-known films including the classic Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Electric Horseman, and Jeremiah Johnson. Want to drive Ferraris, shoot machine guns or go ziplining? No trip to St George can be complete without visiting Zion National Park. Even if youre not a movie buff, Grafton offers a glimpse into what life was like in the old west. Kind of reminds me of a typical off-strip locals casino (Such at Southpoint or Eastside Cannery). 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. Snow Canyon is a scenic collection of red sandstone hills, canyons, petrified sand dunes, and a dormant volcano that's a popular rock climbing spot. Prehistoric visitors included the Basket Maker people and the Anasazi Pueblo Indians. Detour to. If you have your own wheels and are driving between St George and Zion, then you should definitely check out the Grafton Ghost Town along the way. Ride in a specially-equipped buggy through the Nevada desert during this adrenaline-fueled activity departing from Las Vegas. 11:00 am start in Saint George. One of the best parts of the Mojave Preserve is only about an hour from Vegas. This popular museum is home to many great historical aircraft and aviation equipment that you see right up close. She has a B.A. drive for about 42 minutes. The Little Black Mountain Petroglyph site offers visitors a chance to view ancient petroglyphs up close and personal. Well send you our daily roundup of all our favorite stories from across the site, from travel to food to shopping to entertainment. With so much to see in one setting, Red Cliffs National Conservation Area is one of the best activities to do when visiting St. George, Utah. Visitor Center Hours 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. RV sites with water and power are available. Quick moving drivers aside, try to take in the awesome scenery as you traverse this section of I-15; its worth it. is relatively easy to reach with a hike near the Virgin River. That means someone leaving Salt Lake City in the morning could easily reach the park by mid-day, spend three or four hours and still enjoy dinner in Las Vegas or St. George. Full description. The museum and research center was built on the site of Johnson's Farm, where leveling work turned up footprints on sandstone blocks. Ghost towns are very common throughout California but Calico, between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, is more than a ghost town. Plus, booking alocal tour guidewill help you make the most of your vacation, whether its your first time visiting the Zion Region or your hundredth. 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. The word Dixie probably wont mean anything to you until you spend a few days here exploring, but one of the best ways to find out what it means is to head up that mountain to where its painted. Mandalay Bay - 4 Stars. Discover more family-friendly ways to experience theZion Region with this itinerary of local favorites. If you leave St George at 4 , you would be at Zion by 5.There is a shuttle at Zion that takes about 1.5 hours to go from the visitor center to the end of the canyon and back.You will be very limited on time coming that late in the afternoon.You may want to skip a night at . This short 1-mile long hike is extremely easy and is best done in the morning or mid-afternoon. A developer got the idea to sell homes in the area and most hide in plain sight with large lots and exteriors that blend into the environment. A half-day excursion is long enough to see many of the best features. Driving from Vegas to Salt Lake is relatively simple. Some people say the Virgin River Gorge drive is among the most beautiful in the roughly 47,000 mile U.S. interstate highway system. stay for about 1 hour. There is little to no cell phone service in the park and you may not be able to call for a return rideshare when you want to leave so definitely plan ahead. It's hard to beat the new. In this city, youll find everything from historic Mormon churches to hiking trails. Located about an hour south of Zion National Park, St. George, Utah, is a city of about 85,000 people that has a lot of cool things to see and do. St. George, Utah, is a scenic and vibrant hub for adventure and nature tours, which take visitors to Utah's spectacular national and state parks, as well as destinations in nearby Arizona . This is a popular trail for scenic driving, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Allegiant Airs parent company squeaked out a profit last year following a big jump in fuel costs and other increased expenses. See something you like? 2. But why deal with the large crowds, heavy traffic and paid parking when you can zoom out on Google Maps and choose less chaotic accommodations in or around St. George instead? The course of the Virgin River was re-channeled twelve different times during construction of the Gorge road. The venue is operated by the Tuacahn Center for the Arts, which also has indoor theaters, a dance studio, and other facilities on property, along with a charter school dedicated to the performing arts. Typically 11 buses run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance. The people in Vegas have made it really easy to get there, too. Sand Hollow State Park will give you a classic desert experience, with orange landscapes spreading out as far as the eye can see.