A Las Vegas to Salt Lake City road trip boasts a wealth of scenic views and attractions that are perfect for all kinds of travelers
Embarking on a Las Vegas to Salt Lake City road trip is a great choice if you want to explore the southwest region of the US. Our road trip route will offer you lots of opportunities to marvel at the breathtaking mountain scenery, tour some of the country’s most stunning parks and discover more about the region’s heritage. This route guarantees a unique journey, with lots of memorable stops.
Stops
1. Las Vegas, Nevada
2. Zion National Park
3. Fillmore, Utah
4. Mount Nebo Scenic Byway
5. Thanksgiving Point
6. Salt Lake City, Utah
Info at a glance
- 1 Week
- Type of route: Nature
- 6 stops along the route
- Distance: 489 miles of driving
Highlights
- Experience the thrill and glamor of Las Vegas.
- Explore the natural attractions of Zion National Park.
- Check out the historical Territorial Statehouse Museum.
- Delve into Utah’s scenic views and activities at the Nebo Loop.
- Enjoy the natural curiosities at Thanksgiving Point.
Getting to the start
It’s easy to get to the start of our Las Vegas to Salt Lake City road trip. If you are coming from another part of the country, you can take a flight to Las Vegas McCarran Airport, and pick up a rental car from there. Also, you can take a train to Las Vegas via Amtrak. If you’re arriving by car, you can drive in via Interstate 15 from the north or south.
When to Visit
If you want to enjoy fun outdoor activities during your road trip, consider scheduling your journey between June and September. The summer presents you with the ideal conditions for exploring the various outdoor attractions along the trail. Also, you will want to pack for different weather conditions during the journey, from jackets for cold nights to shorts and T-shirts for the hot afternoons. Also, remember to carry a camera to capture the memorable moments during the journey.
Driving tips
The speed limit is the same throughout Nevada. The limit on interstates is 80 miles per hour, and 65 mph around cities and on highways. As you cross through Arizona to Utah, the speed limits may vary; therefore, be on the lookout for any signage for changing speed. There are no tolls on Nevada roads, and you won’t encounter any along the route in Utah either.
What to know about the route
On this 490-mile road trip from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City, you’ll cross time zones, going from Pacific to Mountain Time. There are plenty of stunning desert vistas along the route, as well as plenty of beautiful places to visit. The primary road you’ll be traveling on is I-15 S, which will take you across southern Nevada and a bit of Arizona before heading into Utah. Explore the charm of Las Vegas before heading north along I-15 to Zion National Park. After you are done with the natural attractions, proceed north to the Territorial Statehouse Museum, where you can explore Utah’s administrative history. Afterward, take a detour from I-15 to Nebo Loop Road to enjoy natural excursions along the trail before rejoining I-15 at Payson. Head north to the non-profit Thanksgiving Point before arriving in Salt Lake City. Consider getting an all-wheel SUV for hassle-free cruising during the road trip.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Sin City has a reputation for being flashy and expensive. However, the city features a world of attractions that you cannot find elsewhere in the country. There is much to enjoy in Las Vegas and you will have no trouble finding engaging activities all year, from superb live concerts to world-class shopping and bustling nightlife along with great outdoor adventures. Check out our Vegas road trip guide if you are planning to visit Hoover Dam or the Grand Canyon.
Points of interest
Your visit to Las Vegas cannot be complete without touring The Strip. This 2.5-mile stretch along Las Vegas Boulevard is action-packed, offering you a gateway to the city’s charm. Also, catch spectacular views of the city and its environs from the High Roller, the world’s largest Ferris wheel.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
Las Vegas features a diverse, world-class culinary scene, ideal for treating your tastebuds during your stay. Check out the Lobster ME for authentic deep-sea delicacies or savor Italian-American flavors at Buddy V’s Ristorante. If you’re staying overnight, consider checking in at the visually stunning New York-New York Hotel.
Sixt Insider Tip
Make sure you stop at the Bellagio Fountains during your Las Vegas tour. Moreover, schedule your visit to coincide with a fountain performance, if possible. At night, Fremont Street is a fantastic spot to marvel at the famous neon lights of Las Vegas.
From Las Vegas to Zion National Park (160 miles)
Next, head north on I-15 to Zion National Park. The route to the park is relatively straightforward, and it is the most uncomplicated part of the Las Vegas to Salt Lake City road trip. This stretch features many small towns along the journey and scenic views, warming you up for spectacular scenery at the park.
Zion National Park
The Virgin River crosses Zion National Park, home to a stunning array of red sandstone cliffs. Besides the natural beauty, the park features various outdoor activities to enjoy during your visit, from driving adventures to hiking and canyoneering. Also, the park features archaeological sites.
Points of interest
Zion National Park has one of the best canyoneering experiences in the world. If you are a thrill-seeker, you can descend into magnificent aquatic slots and river-filled canyons, ranging from hiking to challenging activities like rappelling. Also, the park is home to diverse plant species and birds, making it a birdwatching heaven.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
Although Zion National Parks features a rugged environment, you can find accommodation and dining options at Springdale, an ancient Wild West hamlet just outside the park’s southwest end. The town is an ideal alternative to roughing it at the park’s vast campgrounds. Hampton Inn and Suites Springdale is a great fit.
Sixt Insider Tip
You can schedule a horseback ride within the park via an approved third-party agency if you visit between March and October. There are generally two types of rides: a 3-hour ascending ride at the park’s southern end and a 1-hour ride along the Virgin River.
From Zion National Park to Fillmore (165 miles)
After you are done in Zion, take I-15 toward Fillmore, Utah, and the Territorial Statehouse Museum. The route features spectacular views and a few small towns on your way to the museum. You can stop at Parowan to grab a snack or refreshment before proceeding with the journey.
Fillmore, Utah
Scenic Fillmore, Utah is a fantastic pitstop along the Las Vegas to Salt Lake City road trip route. The town’s historic past includes being the capital of the Utah Territory, before it became a state. You’ll find buildings and other sites in the town reflecting its past.
Points of interest
Stop at the Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum, where the capital building of the Utah Territory was meant to stand; however, only one section was completed. The building was later abandoned when the capital was transferred to Salt Lake City. You can also stop at Cove Fort, just south of Fillmore, where you can see the area’s history circa 1867.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
Tacos Los Panchos is great for Mexican fare, or you can check out Cluff’s Drive Inn for a quick snack, only a few strides away. For travelers wishing to spend the night in the city, consider booking a room at Comfort Inn & Suites Fillmore I-15.
Sixt Insider Tip
If you need to relax after hiking and driving, head to Meadow Hot Springs. There are 3 hot spring pools ranging in temperature that sit on private land in a farmer’s field.
From Fillmore to Mount Nebo Scenic Byway (82 miles)
The next stop is Nebo Loop, off I-15. From Fillmore, proceed north on I-15 to exit 225, where you will detour to the loop via UT-132 E. The route features spectacular views of the hilly landscape, including lush forest.
Mount Nebo Scenic Byway
The Mount Nebo Scenic Byway is a scenic 38-mile stretch of road that winds through Utah’s Wasatch Mountain Range. The route provides breathtaking panoramas of pine woods, canyons, and red sandstone formations. You can find the Devils Kitchen Geologic Site and endless scattered campsites surrounding various streams, grasslands, and diverse wildlife in the lush evergreen woods.
Points of interest
You can enjoy almost all outdoor leisure activities along the trail, including activities like hunting and horseback riding, which are typically prohibited in urban forests. Also, Nebo Loop is an ideal spot for wildlife viewing, with designated viewing areas for elk, bears and deer. Other fun outdoor activities you can relish along the trail include fishing, mountain biking and hiking.
Sixt Insider Tip
Payson Lakes is one of Nebo Loop’s finest gems. The lake features a trail going around it, offering a beautiful setting to appreciate nature. Also, you can enjoy thrilling water sports like swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking. However, the lakes are only a few moments from Payson; thus, they may get crowded, especially on weekends.
From Mount Nebo Scenic Byways to Thanksgiving Point (55 miles)
Proceed via Nebo Loop Road to Payson and join I-15 via Main Street. Head northwest along the interstate to Thanksgiving Point in Lehi. The route features urban centers along the way, including Orem. You can also catch scenic views of Utah Lake on the route.
Thanksgiving Point
Thanksgiving Point is a complex boasting expansive gardens, museums, and a farm, making it a great spot to visit, especially if you’re traveling with kids. This attraction hosts various fests, including Luminaria, Tulip Festival and Cornbelly’s Corn Maze. Besides the festivals, you can explore the different highlights and enjoy fun-packed activities at this destination.
Points of interest
Take a stroll through Ashton Gardens to enjoy breathtaking nature views. Also, the garden features the largest human-made waterfall in the world, which will blow your mind. Furthermore, you can explore the latest addition to the Thanksgiving Point complex, the Butterfly Biosphere. This section boasts dozens of butterfly species from all over the world.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
Thanksgiving Point features various dining options, making it convenient to dig into delicacies during the visit. Check out the Harvest Restaurant for tantalizing fresh meals. This dining option features award-winning full-course meals. Alternatively, you can walk into Trellis Café, offering seasonally inspired cuisine and spectacular views of Ashton Gardens.
Sixt Insider Tip
Your visit to Thanksgiving Point cannot be complete without exploring the Museum of Natural Curiosity. This museum features several fun interactive activities that allow you to connect with exhibits in a fun and dynamic manner. Also, if you might visit frequently, consider getting a membership at the point to enjoy discounts whenever you visit.
From Thanksgiving Point to Salt Lake City (55 miles)
After exploring the Thanksgiving Point complex, return to I-15 North and head to the last stop on the road trip, Salt Lake City.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Besides being the home to the headquarters of the Mormon Church, Utah’s capital offers much more, from attractions to outdoor activities. Salt Lake City is a mountain west metropolis gem, which stands out as a bustling commercial hub with a diverse cultural heritage, set against the unrivaled background of the Wasatch Mountains.
Points of interest
Utah’s capital is excellent for gardening enthusiasts as it boasts a range of public gardens, offering you the opportunity to discover Utah’s flora. Also, the city is home to professional sports clubs, including the Salt Lake Bees and Utah Jazz. Consider catching a game in the city if you want to experience the city’s electric sports vibe if you visit during the sports season.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
Utah’s capital offers a diverse culinary scene featuring cuisines from all over the world. You can check out Takashi for great sushi, as well as authentic Japanese specials. If you want to splurge on fine dining, Valter’s Osteria, a chic restaurant in the city, is an excellent option.
Sixt Insider Tip
Tracy Aviary is a must-see site in Salt Lake City. The aviary is a haven for numerous bird species from all over the world. It’s also a conservation site for indigenous Utah birds.
