KidPaths

Las Vegas to Zion National Park Drive With Kids

Zion makes an easy add-on to a Las Vegas trip. Start early, carry plenty of water, and use a red-rock state park as the break.

The drive

Distance
170 miles
Typical drive time
About 2.5 to 3 hours

Measured from Harry Reid International Airport (distance) and Las Vegas (time), as stated by the official source listed at the bottom of this page. Traffic, weather and stops with kids add time, so plan for a longer day than the map shows.

Kid-friendly stops on the way

Each stop was checked on its own official site. Open it before you go for current hours, prices and any closures.

  1. Valley of Fire State Park

    Overton, NV

    A state park of bright red sandstone with ancient petrified trees, petroglyphs and a visitor center.

    Official site

  2. Snow Canyon State Park

    Ivins, UT

    A red-rock state park with hiking trails, sand dunes, a paved walking and biking trail and junior ranger programs.

    Official site

  3. Zion Canyon Visitor Center

    Springdale, UT

    The visitor center near the South Entrance, where rangers and outdoor exhibits help families plan the day.

    Official site

Need more ideas before you leave? Browse things to do with kids in Las Vegas or plan a different route.

Free road-trip stop checklist

Stop before everyone runs out of patience: how to plan a real break to burn energy, pick an indoor backup in case it rains, and add up the family total before you pay. One page, emailed now. Then The Weekend Scout once a week: one family outing idea for the weekend. Free. Unsubscribe from any email.

Three things to plan before you leave

  • Carry more water than you think you need for desert stops.
  • Valley of Fire is a detour off I-15, so choose it or Snow Canyon rather than both on a short day.
  • Start early so you reach the park with daylight to spare.

Checked against: NPS: Zion directions, Visit Utah: Zion National Park, Visit Utah: cities and distances (checked )

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Plan the Las Vegas to Zion National Park family drive with Valley of Fire, Snow Canyon and the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.

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