Reservations were introduced during the pandemic, but are no longer required. 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. It all began with Xetava Gardens Cafe, a gift shop and espresso bar with hand-carved doors and cabinets. Mandalay Bay Beach. Located at the West entrance of Zion National Park, Springdale is a must-visit stop on your trip to Zion. The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. 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. For anyone who loves the cultural arts, you need to take in a performance at theBroadwayin the DesertTuacahnoutdoor amphitheater in St George. It's traditionally open to Mormon visitors only, but everyone can access the visitors center and surrounding grounds. 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. 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. The top stops along the way from Las Vegas to Laughlin (with short detours) are Bellagio Fountain, Fremont Street Experience, and Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. Explore each reconstructed building that has deeply rooted historical significance as you learn about the past and present of St George. He has been an editor and journalist for newspapers in Utah and Illinois. The Red Cliffs area is another stunner for red-rock scenery along your drive from Las Vegas to Zion. Quail Creek is a more secluded beach with trees creeping out of the water for an interesting visual. Here are my top tips to help you plan your trip to St. George. To enter Zion National Park, youll need to pay an entrance fee or show your pass. The donuts, tarts, croissants, and cookies are some of the best (and most Instagram-worthy) you'll ever sample. A mining town, Silver Reef was the first sandstone location to hold silver and was named for the lode of it that was discovered there. St George's affection for art and nature is reflected in Kayenta, an isolated community in the desertscapes northwest of the city. Art Around the Corner is a fascinating collection of sculptures displayed throughout the city with a self-guided walking tour to check 'em all out. 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. Want more Thrillist? In St Georges downtown, youll find so many museums, parks, and restaurants that itll make your head spin! 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. All Rights Reserved. Itsa great green space with a splash of water fountains, walking paths, and works of art throughout. Here are 5 must-see stops next time you find yourself driving through the "Beehive State". Discover the compelling St. George art scene. The third floor is your best bet for liquor and libations. Smoked Old Fashioneds are the specialty, but don't hesitate to pick the brain of your bartender. The Little Black Mountain Petroglyph site offers visitors a chance to view ancient petroglyphs up close and personal. 12 Best Small Towns in Michigan. Quick moving drivers aside, try to take in the awesome scenery as you traverse this section of I-15; its worth it. The Vortex (or "Bowl") trailhead is named after a strange, sunken hole at the top of a sandstone formation. Featuring up-scale decor that embodies the local culture of St George, eating at the Painted Pony is an experience in itself. Superbloom or not, Death Valley beckons in springtime PHOTOS, Reid airport to upgrade baggage system with $31M grant, Allegiant Air to add flights from Las Vegas to Lexington, Hawaii bill would ban Nevada casino ads in Aloha State, Its official: 2022 was record year for traffic at Reid Airport, Allegiant Air parent squeaks out profit in year fraught with challenges, Frontier offering unlimited summer flights pass for $399, How Las Vegas gas prices have changed in the last week, Southwests holiday meltdown was decades in the making. The, winter home of Mormon leader Brigham Young. A Family Road Trip From Las Vegas to Zion National Park, Zion Region with this itinerary of local favorites, Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. This iconic sign, built in 1959, sits in the meridian at 5100 Las Vegas Boulevard South otherwise known as the very southern end of the Las Vegas Strip. The park has this hike rated as moderate and I would agree. There's also a labyrinth and performing arts center with a stage for small events. In the evening, enjoy playing in St. George. 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. The Grand Canyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Natural Wonders of the World. When driving from Las Vegas, stop at Yardley's, a truck stop that serves steakburgers from local cattle. While visiting, youll be able to visualize what it was like when these creatures actually roamed the earth. One of the best parts of the Mojave Preserve is only about an hour from Vegas. For the first time, Las Vegas will host . The donuts, tarts, croissants, and cookies are some of the best (and most Instagram-worthy) you'll ever sample. (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. Ancestor Square is a collection of shops, restaurants, and offices around a historic courtyard with an old brick jailhouse and sheriff's office. 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. There is now an actual parking lot right in front of the sign. We are active couple with teenager son. stay for about 1 hour. Learn about Utah's extensive history of dinosaurs, About 200 million years before Utah was even Utah, the region was a hotbed for dinosaurs. With more than 38 miles of hiking trails and 3 miles of paved walking and biking trails, theres something here for all to see. With everything from camping sights to watering holes, Snow Canyon is the perfect place to start your Utah adventure. You will not be disappointed with your stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites in St George. The annual event went virtual during the pandemic, but is expected to return to its full in-person format at Ancestor Square in 2022. No matter where you go, Utah-produced High West is almost always the whiskey of choice. Everybody in St. George says the same thing: You gotta see a show at the Tuacahn Amphitheater. 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. In addition, see some of the most beautiful places in the region, including Cedar Breaks National Monument and Kanarraville Canyon. Out on the trails, youll have plenty of opportunities to see native Mojave Desert plants as well as plenty of cool rock formations. It all began with, , a gift shop and espresso bar with hand-carved doors and cabinets. Since its so close, we stopped right as we made our way out of the airport. Wood.Ash.Rye is quickly becoming everyone's new favorite restaurant in town. Take the Red Hills Parkway from St. George into the southern tip of the National Scenic Area to find easy-access hiking trails. If you take a side trip to the charming town of Santa Clara, grab lunch at, . Its a magical experience with the theater being outside and surrounded by 1500 foot tall natural red rock cliffs watching a popular performance like Beauty and the Beast, Annie or the Count of MonteCristo. 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. The park has a visitor center with displays about the geology, ecology, prehistory, and history of the park and the nearby region. I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. The 50-acre property features gardens, renovated rooms in a variety of sizes, on-site dining options . We started with the easy 2-mile Johnsons Hike, traversing through the rugged lava trails and surrounding cliffs as we craned our necks to take in the splendor of the natural beauty that was absolutely all around. Come along for the ride! Campsites & RV Parks: Utah isa camperparadiseand St George has a few great campgrounds located right in town for those who have RVs or tents. 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. Spend a few extra bucks on a villa. Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino - 4 Stars. 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. As implied, it is the source for the latest happening in Downtown Las Vegas. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. Taller kids may be able to comfortably accompany their parents a ways upThe Narrows. Either way, the amount in a shot is tightly controlled. To save time, from St. George I would suggest taking Utah 59 through Hillsdale and AZ 389 to Fredonia, not Utah Highway 9 through Springdale and Zion National Park. I found this gem completely by accident during my last trip back to Salt Lake. This decision shortened the route on I-15 between Las Vegas and St. George, Utah by 12 miles of driving distance over the older and more treacherous U.S. Highway 91. 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). In the park, youll do some family-friendly hiking on the Emerald Pools and Riverside Walk hiking trails. You can also travel the byway from Payson by taking I-15 Exit 248. 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. 20. is relatively easy to reach with a hike near the Virgin River. Boaters seem to have more breathing room here than at Sand Hollow despite less overall water acreage. Enjoy the amazing sights of Las Vegas, St George, Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park at your leisure with one of these shuttle transfer options. 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 Babylon Arch is relatively easy to reach with a hike near the Virgin River. The menu changes frequently with a focus on fresh ingredients and grass-fed beef, but the jalapeno-carrot soup is a staple that will never go away. If you arent staying nearby, dont worry, theres plenty of parking. Due to his work with local Native American tribes and the spreading of the Mormon religion, Hamblin has earned a place of respect amongst Mormons and indigenous people alike. Hike, bike, e-bike, or even horseback ride your way through Snow Canyon State Park in St. George, Utah. Simply by walking through the downtown, you can see the traditional American and Mormon influences in the architecture! Rangers always know the best parts of the park. The trip to Zion from Vegas is a fairly easy drive of about 2.5 hours, if you drive straight through. While we spent about 4 hours here, you could easily spend more or less time depending on your schedule. St. George is less than an hour's drive to Zion National Park. Named after early Utah leaders, this park is full of high mesas, rocky deserts, and wildlife scurrying from bush to bush. 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. . They used those rocks to constructmany of the foundations in the houses around town, including the basement of St. George Temple. Like us on Facebook. Whichever way you look at it, you will be mostly driving from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon on the first day. This decision shortened the route on I-15 between Las Vegas and St. George, Utah by 12 miles of driving distance over the older and more treacherous U.S. Highway 91. See the link to the right for more info. 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. Ask about the daily catch, flown in within 24 hours of being pulled from the ocean. After just a few more clicks, youll be heading out on an adventure unlike any other! Before you do anything in or around St. George, you'll need a place to stay. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Many of the parks highlighted features are in close proximity and readily viewed from paved roads, making it a great choice for a short detour on the way to or from Nevadas city of lights. It doesnt matter if youre interested in architecture, history, or religion; St George Temple is a place that all visitors should add to their itinerary. 11:42 am Mesquite. Just about 30 miles North of Mesquite along I-15 you will find a city named St. George Utah. Come by on Saturdays for an outdoor market with crafts, food, and entertainment. Political trailblazers: She was in Congress before women had the right to vote, California honeymooners allege Maui tour company abandoned them in open ocean, Meet the women and wives who helped build the Murdaugh Dynasty, Weather: 10 reported dead in South; millions warned of winter weather, Will Smith, Chris Rock and how that infamous Oscars slap happened, A 214-year-old clam was found in Florida: Meet 'Aber-clam Lincoln', New moai statue unearthed and discovered on Easter Island, AG reaffirms vow to pursue Russian war criminals in unannounced Ukraine trip, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. "The Subway" (or Left Fork) is a uniquely curved slot canyon for experienced hikers. 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 . Stop by the visitor center to find out more about the park and put together a gameplan for your time there. After days of hiking, you might need to have a day in town to kick back and relax before heading out on your next adventure. However, the lobby bar at the Advenire (detached from, but actually part of the. When most people think of a desert, what comes to mind is rocks and sand. The Palazzo - 5 Stars. Want a room with a crazy view? As one of the state's most famous outdoor playgrounds, St. George contains an variety of opportunities for . Bullionville Cemetery Trail. Re: Vegas To St. George and back, things to see along the way. The big draw for experienced hikers is Angels Landing, a dangerous trek with narrow paths and steep drops on either side. 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. Old Las Vegas began as a railroad town on the Western Frontier in the early 1900s. In 1988, the Arizona Magazine proclaimed that construction of I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge, Somehow enhanced, rather than distracted from Natures handiwork.. Thomas Judd's Store Co. (or "Old Judd's") is the oldest business still actively operating in St. George. After a stunning day of hiking through Zion National Park, its time to explore Utahs western heritage. 12 Top-Rated Things to Do on the Isle of Arran. If you prefer to be even closer to nature than you already are. Biking paths connect to the, trailhead, where petroglyphs are easy to spot. Start:Drive roughly two hours northeast on I-15 from Las Vegas to St. George. Historical B&Bs: St George hasmanyhistorical B&B but one of our favorites that keeps getting many awards is The Mulberry Inn. 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 . The house-baked bread and biscuits are already huge local favorites. These extinct beasts are no stranger to St George, but many scientists simply dig up the bones and distribute them throughout the country. St. George is your connection to Las Vegas, several national parks and all the wonderful activities of the area. Discover this 24.2-mile point-to-point trail near St. George, Utah. This ghost town has also been put on the map by several movies most notably, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Winds may reach 70 mph in mountains, Las Vegas concert featuring music greats changes start time, Another great memory in Vegas: Busch wins Truck Series race, LETTER: BLM launches investigation over moved rocks. His work has also appeared in, , Trivago Magazine, Sophisticated Living, Modern Luxury, Leafly, Las Vegas Magazine, and other publications. 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.