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. We suggest for those looking for a good campsite or RV park to check out St George RV Park or the Snow Canyon Campground. I was thinking about one night in Vegas and after it St. George to see Zion, Snow Canyon. 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. The area off Cima Road has the largest Joshua Tree forest in the world. St. George Shuttle offers rides between Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport and stops at the Eureka Casino. 19. The course of the Virgin River was re-channeled twelve different times during construction of the Gorge road. There are many personal stories behind each artifact transporting you through history. Show only these on map. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Check-out the Virgin River Gorge Video below if youve never experienced the drive in person. Take the stress out of traveling and book your transfer between Las Vegas and Bryce Canyon National Park in advance. was preserved and converted into a free museum, offering a glimpse into 19th century life. If you prefer to be even closer to nature than you already are. With everything from intricate pottery to detailed paintings, there are so many different interpretations and representations of life in St George. And yes, Lina and I have a naked dog. Come along for the ride! The next question on your mind must be, where can we eat? While in St George, youll find plenty of cafes, but the one place that stands out from the rest is the Painted Pony Restaurant. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. (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. Founded in 1935, the Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest state park. Skip Vegas Californians. I started this loop-style road trip in Phoenix, Arizona. Its really spectacular with awesome views at almost every turn. Can't we just pipe water to the West from areas of the country that have more water? Starting from the heart of St George is the Temple Quarry Trail. "The Subway" (or Left Fork) is a uniquely curved slot canyon for experienced hikers. While we spent about 4 hours here, you could easily spend more or less time depending on your schedule. After a stunning day of hiking through Zion National Park, its time to explore Utahs western heritage. You can also travel the byway from Payson by taking I-15 Exit 248. It was sold and turned into a full-fledged restaurant with art galleries popping up around it. 4. St George is a great place to both live and is known for its retirement communities. Translation: the stargazing is ridiculous. With those road-stop suggestions out of the way, here's what to do in St. George after you arrive. It's also a great intro to outdoor bouldering if you're strictly a gym climber. Twice-weekly flights on the airlines Airbus A320 fleet will begin in June for Harry Reid International Airports seventh busiest commercial air carrier. Moe's Valley Bouldering. The exhibit changes each spring with about two-dozen new pieces installed. Visiting Zion National Park is a given for any traveler creating an itinerary to St George, but there are tons of other museums and parks around the city that will have you scratching your head wondering what to do first. If youre really adventurous, wait until the stars come out. Sandstone domes and contrasting colors create scenic panoramas throughout the park. 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. Before you do anything in or around St. George, you'll need a place to stay. Address: 345 E Riverside Dr, St. George, UT 84790, United States. It is a 45 minute drive from the park to Zion National Park and 20 minutes to St George. The park has this hike rated as moderate and I would agree. You cant divide the history of St George from the Mormon religion. The. However, many visitors will prefer to stay in St. George or Springdale (which is right outside the national park) for a night or two so as to take full advantage of the day trip without feeling . She has a B.A. , an old firehouse that's now a multi-story taproom with craft beer by Zion Brewery. In the park, start with the Emerald Pools and the Riverside Walk hiking trails. 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. 6. St George and the surrounding area are pretty impressive with its natural wonders, colored with red rock and bright desert landscapes. Gas prices are up slightly, on average, this week in metro areas around the U.S. as Americans settle in from the busy holiday travel season. The annual event went virtual during the pandemic, but is expected to return to its full in-person format at Ancestor Square in 2022. The world-famous Las Vegas Strip is the central artery of Sin City, the main line to many of the best sights, gambling, food and fun. For more hikes that may be suitable for your family, check with a ranger at the visitor center. Start: Drive roughly two hours northeast on I-15 from Las Vegas to St. George. and leave at 2:30 pm. The 500 million year old Virgin River Gorge is located in the far northwestern corner of Arizona, between Nevada and Utah. Ghost towns are very common throughout California but Calico, between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, is more than a ghost town. St. George has a fair share of art galleries plus the, at the Pioneer Center for the Arts, a complex that's also home to the St. George Opera House. The, lives up to its name with a perch high atop the towering cliffs that frame the western edge of St. George. Where those large white letters reside is one of the best public playgrounds for locals and visitors called Pioneer Park. Everybody in St. George says the same thing: You gotta see a show at the Tuacahn Amphitheater. Its much smaller than I thought it would be but it was still really fun to grab a few pictures there. Scout's Lookout is less challenging, but provides plenty of great scenery as well. Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim) - 150 miles away. Some rooms have balconies, some have tall arched ceilings. Photo courtesy of Greater Zion Convention and Tourism Office, Explore the natural wonders of Zion National Park, St. George is less than an hour's drive to. 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 third floor is your best bet for liquor and libations. Fields of ephemeral wildflowers arent expected this year at Death Valley, but the nearby national parks rock-solidly stunning geology never takes time off. The Little Black Mountain Petroglyph site offers visitors a chance to view ancient petroglyphs up close and personal. With 40,000 acres of Aztec sandstone, petrified trees, and ancient petroglyphs, theres a lot to explore here. You can even check out the views from the pool or the patio of, Photo by Matt Umland, courtesy of Wood Ash Rye, Enjoy the best food St. George has to offer, In a refreshing change of pace, St. George isn't overwhelmed by chain restaurants, especially Downtown. The park visitors center has a variety of exhibits. Of all the state parks in the St George area, Quail Creek has the most beautiful reservoir. and leave at 4:34 pm. While other parts of the state see snow-capped mountains throughout the year, St. George has a warm, desert climate that along with a history of cotton production earned the nickname "Utah's Dixie." Never touch or deface any petroglyphs and be respectful when visiting this historical sight. I'll be flying into Las Vegas late Friday and renting a car. stay for about 1 hour. Convenient shuttle service between Las Vegas, Nevada, St George, Utah, Kanab, Utah and Page, Arizona. is a scenic collection of red sandstone hills, canyons, petrified sand dunes, and a dormant volcano that's a popular rock climbing spot. The beauty of nature is often balanced by human creativity in St. George. SJ specializes in writing about travel, food, and wine. 1. It's raw, majestic, inspiring and yet peaceful. A little project by the name of Hoover Dam created Lake Mead, which overtook St. Thomas as it began to fill back in 1935 (one of its last residents literally paddled away from his home). Featuring up-scale decor that embodies the local culture of St George, eating at the Painted Pony is an experience in itself. TheTuacahnAmphitheater is unlike anywhere else in America and should be on anyones things to do in St George list. I have family in St. George, UT and have made that trip a few times. Location: Valley of Fire State Park. The Painted Pony has long been the standard for fine dining with wood decor, Southwestern art, and a second-floor perch in Ancestor Square that feels a bit like the world's coolest treehouse. It's traditionally open to Mormon visitors only, but everyone can access the visitors center and surrounding grounds. Pilot, aviation consultant say the busiest airline at Harry Reid International Airport ignored technological updates for too long and suffered the consequences. Starting at the trailhead, its about a 1.5-mile hike that took about an hour. One thing you wont want to miss is the downtown farmers market, which will put the culture of the town on full display. Itsa great green space with a splash of water fountains, walking paths, and works of art throughout. One of the best parts of the Mojave Preserve is only about an hour from Vegas. Airport Shuttles Transportation Related posts . Another small town that youll want to be sure to check out is the historic Pine Valley. Everything is for sale. But don't be afraid to try something unfamiliarlike a kouign-amann, a buttery French cake with a sweet, crunchy, brittle-like exterior. 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 exhibit changes each spring with about two-dozen new pieces installed. 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. The. The water, as pictured above, really is that beautiful teal color. If this is the day you fly into Vegas and you are travelling in winter then the last leg of your trip will be in the dark along mountain roads (UT-20, UT-89 and UT-12). Even though Sand Hollow State Park is technically in the desert, youll still find a very diverse landscape. Sink your teeth into a delicious burger at Burger Bar. The 60-room boutique hotel opened in early 2020, blending luxury with rustic pioneer-esque touches with a heavy emphasis on locally sourced wood and materials. If you prefer to be even closer to nature than you already are, Red Mountain Resort is like having a hotel inside Snow Canyon State Park, although technically, you're just outside the entrance. Biking paths connect to the Anasazi trailhead, where petroglyphs are easy to spot. Dont forget to stop in Judds Store thats tucked just off the busy main street. What is that? With everything from camping sights to watering holes, Snow Canyon is the perfect place to start your Utah adventure. Dont miss the cemetery either! Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. Includes dramatic scenery of the Virgin Rive. 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 . 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. The Jacob Hamblin Home is now a museum that takes travelers through the life of Hamblin and the settling of Utah by pioneers. Rangers always know the best parts of the park. Locally known asBlack Hill,Mormon Pioneers accessed the southwest side of this quarry, that holds a large deposit of lava rocks, via this very trail. There is one place, however, where you can play in the dunes and explore the sands. This carousel is impressive, in good condition and is a must-see for anybody visiting the town. Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino - 4 Stars. The Inn on the Cliff lives up to its name with a perch high atop the towering cliffs that frame the western edge of St. George. Heres what you need to know, Japanese official denies Lee statement on commitment to expedite release of Lt. Ridge Alkonis, Utah Legislature finalizes record $29B budget. If you're going on a road trip from Page to Las Vegas, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Boulder City, Kanab, and St. George and top places to visit like Cottonwood Canyon Rd and Toadstool Hoodoos, or the ever-popular Historic Navajo Bridge. Depending on the license, some bars are required to serve food with alcohol, which is why St. George's favorite dive bar, , has bags of potato chips on standby with each drink. While its a little outside of your route to Zion, its so close to Las Vegas and definitely worth a stop. The tag is a source of local pride, but has obvious complications, reflected in movements currently underway to rename the Dixie Convention Center and Dixie State University. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. If you need to get back to catch your flight out, then head straight back the way you came. But it is also located just 90 miles from St. George. Visitor Center Hours 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. RV sites with water and power are available. In this city, youll find everything from historic Mormon churches to hiking trails. The buildings have loads of character and offer the opportunity to see inside them when you shop the various stores they now house. Its just simply breathtaking located on the edges of Snow Canyon State Park just a few miles right from downtown St George. For the first time, Las Vegas will host . Its an unexpected treat to find this outdoor paradise so close to the bright lights of Las Vegas! With those road-stop suggestions out of the way, here's what to do in St. George after you arrive. In the park, youll do some family-friendly hiking on the Emerald Pools and Riverside Walk hiking trails. It has over 300 taxidermy animals from all around the world displayed in a natural habitat transporting visitors to locations like Africa and the Amazon with their in-depth audio presentation. October 03, 2016 Things To Do In Las Vegas Comments Off on Enjoy Las Vegas Royalty Exotic Car Rentals. 9 Best Campgrounds near St. George, UT. . is a fascinating collection of sculptures displayed throughout the city with a self-guided walking tour to check 'em all out. Come by on Saturdays for an outdoor market with crafts, food, and entertainment. She has a background in credit card points and miles, having spent years working on loyalty campaigns for various financial institutions. The course of the Virgin River was re-channeled twelve different times during construction of the Gorge road. 12 Top-Rated Things to Do on the Isle of Arran. 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. Even if you don't make it out to Zion National Park, St. George is incredibly convenient to four state parkseach with their own unique identity. Quick moving drivers aside, try to take in the awesome scenery as you traverse this section of I-15; its worth it. If you have been to any museum of natural history, youre sure to have seen dinosaur bones and footprints on display. Want a room with a crazy view? Wood.Ash.Rye is quickly becoming everyone's new favorite restaurant in town. Located on the southernborderbetween Utah and Arizona is one of the best historical sights in the St George area. There's quite a lot to see and do in this Mormon city of 80K inhabitants. Visit one (or all) of the four surrounding state parks. I do need a bit of advice from anyone who is familiar with the area between Las Vegas and St. George. Play around St. Georges Pioneer Park, with its very narrow and fun mini-slot that may hook your kids for life. Cedar City is about two and a half hours north of Las Vegas. Mandalay Bay Beach. You could hike down a trail to view some of the wonderful flora of the desert, but St Georges Red Hill Desert Garden brings over 5,000 different species to one place. The dramatic limestone cliffs are humbling and the corners here can be sharp, so take your time and enjoy the view. The park gets its name from red sandstone formations. With cozy hotels thatll make you feel right at home, restaurants serving up delicious meals, and a quaint small-town feel, staying in St George is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip! The Palazzo - 5 Stars. The house-baked bread and biscuits are already huge local favorites. The Broadway in the Desert series is the big draw, featuring favorites like Disney's. Here are 5 must-see stops next time you find yourself driving through the "Beehive State". 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. The distance between Las Vegas to Zion National Park's south entrance (the closest entrance from Las Vegas drivers) is approximately 165 miles. 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. See something you like? Campsites & RV Parks: Utah isa camperparadiseand St George has a few great campgrounds located right in town for those who have RVs or tents. There are over 500petroglyphsthat date back 6,000 years,it isa unique and sacred site that will give you an inside look into the past of the Native American cultures that lived here. Noted as one of the most romantic spots around St George, you can bring a date or explore the park solo. In addition, see some of the most beautiful places in the region, including Cedar Breaks National Monument and Kanarraville Canyon. This national park will have you exploring deep canyons, climbing tall mountains, and even exploring hidden caves. The stunning natural beauty speaks for itself. For anyone who loves the cultural arts, you need to take in a performance at theBroadwayin the DesertTuacahnoutdoor amphitheater in St George. In St Georges downtown, youll find so many museums, parks, and restaurants that itll make your head spin! We did the drive during a week in the winter when traffic wasnt bad at all. St George has been occupied by everyone from dinosaurs to pioneers; therefore, you can expect the town to have a rich history! Each week, thousands of Utahns travel to or from Las Vegas on Interstate 15. Hikers can spot tracks in, , but if you want to see as much evidence as possible in one place, visit the. 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. Other popular stops include Las Vegas Strip, Hoover Dam, and High Roller. 3. After soaking up the bright lights of Las Vegas, enjoy a relaxed . 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. One of the biggest pastimes visitors find themselves enjoying in Quail Creek State Park is casting a line and trying to see if they can catch a fish. The top stops along the way from St. George to Las Vegas (with short detours) are Bellagio Fountain, Fremont Street Experience, and Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. Want to spend the night? Unusually high precipitation levels this winter could result in some spectacular displays of springtime wildflowers like desert marigold, indigo and desert mallow. You guessed it; the cost was the most per mile at the time of completion. Want to spend the night? drive for about 48 minutes. 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. A chart of traffic accidents and fatalities between St. George and Las Vegas in or near work zones for 2022, Aug. 11, 2022 | Chart by Nick Yamashita, St. George News. Snow Canyon State Park partners with several hiking and biking vendors so youll be covered with rental equipment, including the popular e-bikes, to make your trip fantastic. This short 1-mile long hike is extremely easy and is best done in the morning or mid-afternoon. Start:Drive roughly two hours northeast on I-15 from Las Vegas to St. George. Mandalay Bay - 4 Stars. Travel east on Hwy 9 for about four miles to Sand Hollow Road and then turn right. 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. Discover this 24.2-mile point-to-point trail near St. George, Utah. With exhibits inside and a tranquil garden outside, the museum is a great place to visit while wandering the city. Valley of Fire gets its name from the fiery red rock formations. Hikes such as Angels Landing and The Narrows showcase two very different sides of the area.