Vegas to Zion in 3 Days: The I-15 Canyon Road Trip
From the Strip to red-rock canyons, in under three hours.
Drive about 160 miles and 2.5 hours from Las Vegas to Zion National Park, then ride the canyon shuttle to Angels Landing, The Narrows, and the Emerald Pools over three big days.
“I’ve requested to book a Chain Lakes Loop guide on ExplorOFF, and it was the best idea ever! I highly recommend going with their guided option since you get a real human connection on the trail and don’t have to worry about a thing. Yulia was great to talk to!”
15 stops on a real mapEvery stop pinned in order→Zion: every stop pinned in order.
Las Vegas → Springdale → Zion Canyon · I-15 north
Every stop on this trip, in order, opens as one driving route in the Google Maps app. No copying addresses across one at a time.
Zion in photos: 5 of the stops.
Plan and book your 3 days in Zion, one step at a time
- The Narrows closes whenever the North Fork of the Virgin runs over 150 cfs; it was about 39 cfs today, and the park warns against submerging your head in or drinking the water because of toxic cyanobacteria. Source
- Hidden Canyon is closed and Observation Point cannot be reached from Zion Canyon after rockfall near Weeping Rock. Source
How 3 days in Zion split up
Plan 3 days for Zion. Total distance: ~160 mi. Drive time: ~2.5 hr. Parks pass: $35 / car. The drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park is one of the great quick escapes in the Southwest: about 160 miles and 2.5 hours straight up Interstate 15, trading the neon of the Strip for the towering red and cream sandstone walls of Zion Canyon. The park gateway is the small town of Springdale, Utah, right at the south entrance, where you can park the car and let the shuttle take over.
Day 1: Drive Las Vegas to Zion · Valley of Fire & the first canyon views
5 stops · Day one
Day 2: Zion Canyon by shuttle · Angels Landing & the Emerald Pools
6 stops · Day two
Day 3: The Narrows, Canyon Overlook & the drive back to Vegas
4 stops · Day three
Drive Las Vegas to Zion · Valley of Fire & the first canyon views
The drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park is about 160 miles and 2.5 hours straight up I-15 north, crossing a sliver of Arizona before dropping into Utah and the gateway town of Springdale. Pick up your rental in Las Vegas (LAS), fuel up and grab water, then point the car north. If you want a memorable break, take the Valley of Fire State Park detour just off I-15 in Nevada, an hour of flaming red Aztec sandstone, slot canyons, and petroglyphs.
Not the order you want? Drag a stop, or use the arrows beside it. Stops move between days too.
Drive from~160 mi · ~2.5 hr · I-15 north · DriveThe drive from Las Vegas to Zion is about 160 miles and 2.5 hours straight up I-15 north, crossing a sliver of Arizona before dropping into Utah and Springdale. Pick up your rental car in Las Vegas (LAS), fuel up, and grab plenty of water before you leave town, since the park gets hot and dry.
- Las Vegas ATV tour · Nellis Dunes
Optional Vegas-side add-on · book ahead · activityIf you have a spare morning before leaving Las Vegas, an ATV tour out at the Nellis Dunes just northeast of the city is a fun desert warm-up for the trip. Book an early slot with Las Vegas ATV Tours, then point the car north up I-15. With the ATV, Valley of Fire and the Watchman, this is a full day: skip one if you land late.
Book this → 
Valley of Fire State Park detourOptional · red Aztec sandstone · ViewpointFor a memorable break on the way up, take the Valley of Fire State Park detour just off I-15 in Nevada, less than an hour from Las Vegas. It packs in flaming red Aztec sandstone, slot canyons, and ancient petroglyphs. It adds roughly an hour of driving plus your time inside, so do it while you are fresh on the drive north.
Watchman Trail~3.3 mi RT · sunset over the lower canyon · HikeEase into Zion with the Watchman Trail (about 3.3 miles round trip, moderate), which starts near the visitor center and climbs to a sunset view over the lower canyon, Springdale, and the Towers of the Virgin. It is a great first-evening hike that does not need the canyon shuttle.
- Stay in Springdale
At the south gate · walk to the shuttle · lodgeBase in Springdale, the small town right at Zion's south entrance, so you can walk to the park and the canyon shuttle instead of fighting for parking inside. Hotels here sell out on spring and fall weekends, so reserve early. Zion Lodge inside the canyon is the only in-park alternative and books months ahead.
Zion Canyon by shuttle · Angels Landing & the Emerald Pools
Today is the big canyon day, and it starts on the Zion Canyon shuttle. For most of the year private cars are not allowed up the Scenic Drive, so you ride the free shuttle from the visitor center to the trailheads. Get on early to beat both the heat and the lines. The headliner is Angels Landing (about 5 miles round trip), climbing Walter's Wiggles to Scout Lookout, then a thrilling final half-mile along a chained spine with sheer drops on both sides. The chains section requires a permit from the recreation.gov lottery, so apply ahead.
Not the order you want? Drag a stop, or use the arrows beside it. Stops move between days too.
Ride the Zion Canyon shuttleMandatory most of the year · board early · ViewpointStart the big canyon day on the free Zion Canyon shuttle. For most of the year private cars are not allowed up the Scenic Drive, so you ride the shuttle from the visitor center to the trailheads. Get on early to beat both the heat and the lines that build by mid-morning in peak season.
- Angels Landing
~5 mi RT · chains need a permit · HikeAngels Landing (about 5 miles round trip) climbs Walter's Wiggles to Scout Lookout, then a thrilling final half-mile along a chained spine with sheer drops on both sides. The chains section requires a permit from the recreation.gov lottery, so apply ahead. If you do not win one, Scout Lookout just below is a permit-free turnaround with a huge view.
- Emerald Pools
~3 mi full loop · waterfalls · HikeIn the afternoon, link the gentler Emerald Pools trails (about 3 miles for the full loop) from the Zion Lodge shuttle stop. They string together waterfalls, hanging gardens, and shaded pools, a refreshing contrast after the exposure of Angels Landing.
Riverside Walk~2.2 mi RT · paved · gateway to The Narrows · HikeCap the day with the flat, paved Riverside Walk (about 2.2 miles round trip) from the Temple of Sinawava. It follows the Virgin River past hanging gardens and doubles as the approach to The Narrows, and it is gorgeous in late-afternoon light. No permit, no chains, just easy canyon-bottom strolling.
- Zion Sunset Jeep Tour · East Zion
Optional · 1.5 hr · 30 min through the tunnel · activityIf your legs have had enough after Angels Landing, trade the Riverside Walk for a sunset jeep ride with East Zion Adventures on the quieter east side, beyond the Mt. Carmel tunnel. It reaches slickrock viewpoints you cannot see from the main canyon, and it is back in time for dinner in Springdale.
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Andrey Zharkikh from S / CC BY 2.0Second night in SpringdaleOr splurge on Zion Lodge in the canyon · lodgeStay a second night in Springdale so you are right at the gate for an early start tomorrow. For a treat, Zion Lodge inside the canyon puts you steps from the trailheads and books at zionlodge.com, though it sells out months ahead. Either way, keep the same base to avoid repacking.
The Narrows, Canyon Overlook & the drive back to Vegas
Spend your last morning in the most famous slot in the park: The Narrows. From the end of the Riverside Walk at the Temple of Sinawava, you wade straight up the Virgin River between soaring walls that close in to just twenty or thirty feet apart. Go as far up as time and your legs allow, then turn back. Rent neoprene socks, canyon boots, and a sturdy stick from a Springdale outfitter, and always check the park's flash-flood and cyanobacteria status first, since the route closes when the river runs high or toxic.
Not the order you want? Drag a stop, or use the arrows beside it. Stops move between days too.
inkknife_2000 (7.5 mil / CC BY-SA 2.0Zion Adventures · Narrows dry-bib rentalSpringdale · pick up the evening before · activityBefore The Narrows, gear up with Zion Adventures in Springdale, the established local outfitter for Narrows and canyoneering trips. The spring and fall dry-bib package adds waterproof bibs to the neoprene socks, canyon shoes and hiking stick, since the water is cold outside summer. Pick it up the evening before so you can be on the first shuttle.
Book this →- The Narrows from the bottom
Wade the Virgin River · check flash-flood status · HikeSpend your last morning wading The Narrows. From the end of the Riverside Walk at the Temple of Sinawava you head straight up the Virgin River between walls that close in to twenty or thirty feet apart. Always check the park flash-flood forecast and cyanobacteria advisory first, since the route closes when the river runs high or toxic. Go as far as time allows, then turn back.
Ken Lund from Reno, Ne / CC BY-SA 2.0Canyon Overlook Trail~1 mi RT · by the Mt. Carmel tunnel · HikeOn the way out, drive the Mt. Carmel Highway to the short but spectacular Canyon Overlook Trail (about 1 mile round trip) just east of the long tunnel. A quick scramble opens onto a sweeping view down the main canyon. The small lot fills early, so go first thing or save it for the very end of the day.
Drive back to Las Vegas or St. GeorgeLAS ~2.5 hr · SGU ~50 min · DriveFrom Springdale it is about 2.5 hours back down I-15 to Las Vegas (LAS), or roughly 50 minutes to the small St. George airport (SGU). Fuel up in Hurricane on your way out, and leave with time to spare for traffic near Las Vegas, especially on a Sunday afternoon.
Book the 2 nights
Beds near the trailheads are the one thing on this trip that genuinely runs out. Everything else can be decided later.
Tell us your dates and we will do the checking. We find what is still open near each trailhead and email you this plan back with a booking link for each night. Nothing is charged and you decide at the end.
Request to bookAngels Landing (Zion) opens on its own calendar
The chains-route lottery for Zion's Angels Landing, seasonal and day-before draws.
| Permit | Required: Angels Landing (Zion) Official page |
|---|---|
| Application window | seasonal lotteries plus a day-before lottery |
| Odds of drawing | Seasonal lottery moderate; day-before harder |
| If your application is denied | Enter the day-before lottery, or hike to Scout Lookout (no permit, same views minus the chains). |
| Trip starts from | Springdale, UT, flying into Las Vegas (LAS) |
What to pack for Zion
Built from this route, not a generic list. Every line says why it is here.
On every day of this trip
On your feet
Because you are sleeping indoors
For the driving days
Specific to Zion
What we actually learned on the I-15 run.
The drive is the easy part
Las Vegas to Zion is about 160 miles and 2.5 hours, almost all of it on I-15 north through a corner of Arizona. The hard part is parking, so plan to leave the car in Springdale and ride the shuttle rather than crawling for a spot inside the park.
The canyon shuttle is mandatory
For most of the year private vehicles are not allowed up the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. You ride the free park shuttle from the visitor center to the trailheads. Board early, because lines grow long by mid-morning, especially in spring and fall.
Angels Landing needs a permit
The chains section of Angels Landing requires a permit awarded through a recreation.gov lottery. There is a seasonal advance lottery and a day-before lottery. Apply ahead, and remember Scout Lookout just below the chains is a permit-free alternative with a huge view.
Respect The Narrows conditions
The Narrows is a wade up the Virgin River, not a trail. Always check the park flash-flood forecast and the cyanobacteria advisory before you go, rent proper canyon footwear and a stick in Springdale, and turn back if the water is rising or murky.
Go in spring or fall
Spring and fall bring comfortable temperatures and the best conditions. Summer in the canyon often tops 100°F, so start hikes at first light and carry far more water than you think. Winter is quiet and pretty but can bring ice on the high routes like Angels Landing.
Pay the entrance fee or bring your pass
Zion charges about $35 per private vehicle for a 7-day pass. The annual America the Beautiful pass ($80) also covers entry and pays off fast across the Southwest parks. Buy ahead online to skip the line at the south entrance booth.
Zion: questions before you go
The narrows Zion: the questions people ask most.
It is about 160 miles and roughly 2.5 hours from Las Vegas to Zion National Park, almost entirely on Interstate 15 north. The route crosses a short stretch of northwestern Arizona before entering Utah and ending at the gateway town of Springdale at the park's south entrance. Friday afternoon traffic leaving Las Vegas can add time, so start early when you can.
Yes, the famous chains section of Angels Landing requires a permit, awarded through a recreation.gov lottery. There is a seasonal advance lottery and a day-before lottery. You can still hike up to Scout Lookout, just below the chains, without a permit, and it has a huge view, so it makes a great backup if you do not win a permit.
For most of the year, yes. Private vehicles are not allowed up the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, so you ride the free park shuttle from the visitor center to reach the main trailheads, including Angels Landing and The Narrows. Park in Springdale or at the visitor center and board early, because lines build quickly by mid-morning in peak season.
Three days works well: the drive up with an optional Valley of Fire detour on day one, a full canyon day for Angels Landing and the Emerald Pools on day two, and The Narrows plus the Canyon Overlook before driving back on day three. Two full days in the canyon let you ride the shuttle, do the marquee hikes, and still leave time for the I-15 drive each way.
Spring and fall are the best seasons, with comfortable temperatures, manageable crowds, and lower water in The Narrows. Summer is very hot, with canyon temperatures often topping 100°F, so start hikes at first light and carry plenty of water. Winter is quiet and beautiful but can bring ice on exposed routes like Angels Landing.
Springdale, the town right at Zion's south entrance, is the best base because you can walk to the park and the canyon shuttle. Zion Lodge inside the canyon is the only in-park lodging and books months ahead. For lower prices, St. George is about 47 miles away, and some travelers simply base in Las Vegas and day-trip, though that means a long drive each way.
Yes. The most popular way is from the bottom up: ride the shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava, walk the paved Riverside Walk, then wade up the Virgin River as far as you like and turn back. Rent neoprene socks, canyon shoes, and a stick from a Springdale outfitter, and always check the park flash-flood forecast and cyanobacteria advisory first, since the route closes when the river runs high or toxic.
If you have the time, yes. Valley of Fire State Park sits just off I-15 in Nevada, less than an hour from Las Vegas, and adds a stunning stretch of red Aztec sandstone, slot canyons, and ancient petroglyphs. It is best done on the drive up while you are fresh. It adds roughly an hour of driving plus however long you linger inside the park.
The driving distance between Las Vegas and Zion National Park is about 160 miles, almost entirely on Interstate 15 north through a corner of Arizona. Most trips from Las Vegas to Zion National Park take about 2.5 hours one way before stops, whether you are coming for a single day or the full 3-day route above.
Yes, Angels Landing is required. The chains-route lottery for Zion's Angels Landing, seasonal and day-before draws.
Application window: seasonal lotteries plus a day-before lottery.
Seasonal lottery moderate; day-before harder.
Enter the day-before lottery, or hike to Scout Lookout (no permit, same views minus the chains).
Springdale, UT is the gateway town, flying into Las Vegas (LAS).
Yes. Tell us your dates and we check what is still open for the plan on this page, then send it back with a booking link for each night and the total. Nothing is charged and nothing is held, and you pay the normal rate.
Pick how you want to go.
Same 3-day route. Same 11 stops.
- 2 nights, a campsite near Springdale
- $44
- Las Vegas ATV tour · Nellis Dunes
- Priced when you book
- Zion Sunset Jeep Tour · East Zion
- Priced when you book
- 2 nights, a room in Springdale
- from $590
- Las Vegas ATV tour · Nellis Dunes
- Priced when you book
- Zion Sunset Jeep Tour · East Zion
- Priced when you book
- A private local guide, rooms and campsites booked
- Included
- Airport pickup and every drive
- Included
- Park, permit and campsite fees paid
- Included
- All the gear and the trail meals
- Included
Written and walked by Yulia Vasilyeva · Co-founder · Lead planner and guide
Three years leading guided hikes in the Pacific Northwest, rated 5.0 by 20+ verified guests, and she builds every custom itinerary herself. Based in Seattle.
Last checked September 2026
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Fees, reservation windows, shuttle dates and trail closures are planning estimates. Confirm hours, road status and any reservations with the land manager before you go.
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One tap. It goes straight to Yulia and Margarita.
You can't hike it if you can't get the permit.
The best hikes in America run on lotteries that open once a year and sell out in minutes. Every trail runs on its own calendar. Pick the ones you want and we do the watching.
The WaveCoyote Buttes North · Arizona / UtahPermitLotterybrutal odds
Half Dome CablesYosemite NP · CaliforniaPermitOpens Mar 1fair odds
Mt. WhitneyInyo NF · CaliforniaPermitOpens Feb 1tough odds
Angels LandingZion NP · UtahPermitLotterytough odds
The SubwayZion NP · UtahPermitLotterytough odds
Mount St. Helens Summit ClimbGifford Pinchot NF · WashingtonPermitReservationtough odds
How it works
- An email the morning each window opens, never the day after.
- A 14-day heads-up so you can line up your group and dates.
- Win odds and a ranked backup plan for every trail you pick.
Didn't win? We keep watching. We check recreation.gov every day for The Enchantments, Half Dome and Angels Landing, and email you the moment a sold-out date frees up. Cancellations are the second chance most people never hear about.