Play around St. Georges Pioneer Park, with its very narrow and fun mini-slot that may hook your kids for life. . Valley of Fire gets its name from the fiery red rock formations. When traveling from the Midwest to Zion National Park in Southern Utah, the best place for us to fly into is Las Vegas. There is now an actual parking lot right in front of the sign. In the park, start with the Emerald Pools and the Riverside Walk hiking trails. St. George makes a nice little get-away from Sin City. Founded in 1935, the Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest state park. Show only these on map. The Daughters of Utah Pioneer Museum tells their story through interactive exhibits and intricate displays. What happened this week? No two rooms look the same and movie theater-style popcorn is served between sips of whatever you're drinking. Boaters seem to have more breathing room here than at Sand Hollow despite less overall water acreage. By continuing to browse or by clicking I Accept Cookies you agree to the storing of first-party and third-party cookies on your device and consent to the disclosure of your personal information to our third party service providers or advertising partners to optimize your experience, analyze traffic and personalize content. Take the Red Hills Parkway from St. George into the southern tip of the National Scenic Area to find easy-access hiking trails. drive for about 48 minutes. Even if youre not a movie buff, Grafton offers a glimpse into what life was like in the old west. The course of the Virgin River was re-channeled twelve different times during construction of the Gorge road. 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. 2023 St. George Vacation Rentals | You guessed it; the cost was the most per mile at the time of completion. 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. The mostly two-lane section of I-15 runs parallel to the Virgin River. There's also a labyrinth and performing arts center with a stage for small events. Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site. See the link to the right for more info. St. George, Utah is a great strategic point for all those who begin their trip in Las Vegas to visit the parks in Utah and Arizona, but also for those who are planning a visit to northern Utah. 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. So, youve already discovered what museums to visit and what trails to hike. For those who want to hike and explore, there are several trails of varying length and difficulty. Frontier Homestead State Park honors the Mormon pioneers who trekked from the Salt Lake Valley to settle in the rugged high desert region. The donuts, tarts, croissants, and cookies are some of the best (and most Instagram-worthy) you'll ever sample. 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. On the way, pioneer-era ghost towns like Grafton and Silver Reef are sure to excite, and one of North Americas most significant dinosaur track sites at Johnson Farm is a must-see. Every domestic air carrier operating at Harry Reid International Airport had more passengers in 2022 than in 2021, and three new carriers made their Las Vegas debut. 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. End:Cedar Breaks National Monument, just outside Cedar City. . And the best way to explore this magical land is by road. Here are 15 attractions you must see. Even ifyou are not into history (thePetroglyphs) the Little Black Mountain is a great chance to exploretheseareas pure natural wonders while hiking through a maze of stone. While its still worth driving by to check out, be aware that the temple is in the middle of a major renovation project and closed until 2022. is a collection of shops, restaurants, and offices around a historic courtyard with an old brick jailhouse and sheriff's office. Other popular stops include Las Vegas Strip, Hoover Dam, and Valley of Fire State Park. Round-trip transportation from Las Vegas hotels is included. After a stop in the visitor center to watch the film and get a little backstory, we decided we had to check out the Fire Wave first. may be the best place to see a wide variety of art in one place. Everybody in St. George says the same thing: You gotta see a show at the Tuacahn Amphitheater. Founded in 1935, the Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest state park. 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. The St. George Utah Temple is the city's most identifiable landmark, an imposing white structure that contrasts sharply with the surrounding homes and businesses. and leave at 2:30 pm. I do need a bit of advice from anyone who is familiar with the area between Las Vegas and St. George. A half-day excursion is long enough to see many of the best features. While its still worth driving by to check out, be aware that the temple is in the middle of a major renovation project and closed until 2022. , and the Relief Society Hall in Heritage Square. The Wi-Fi is free. This historical B&B is filled with character and charm but yet is filled with modern amenities located right in downtown St George. Are you looking to explore more of the culture around St George? , recognizing the absence of light pollution in the area. A pair of rooftop decks with large hot tubs more than make up for the absence of a swimming pool. St. George Shuttle offers rides between Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport and stops at the Eureka Casino. , an old firehouse that's now a multi-story taproom with craft beer by Zion Brewery. For more hikes that may be suitable for your family, check with a ranger at the visitor center. Sure, this is a Zion to Bryce road trip, but St. George and the surrounding towns are actually pretty cool, too. Up through the end of April is a great time to visit Valley of Fire. So not only a good place to cool off, but also fantastic for photography. Las Vegas offers plenty of convenient, road trip inspiration. Ask about the daily catch, flown in within 24 hours of being pulled from the ocean. Despite the daunting terrain, federal authorities decided to create a direct path through the Virgin River Gorge. 3:34 pm Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. 4:39 pm arrive in Saint George. Hours of Driving:7+ hours of driving, including the commute to and from Las Vegas. I would not want to be driving this road back down to Vegas in any kind of weather. Situated a little more than 1 hour from the Strip, Fire Wave Trail is one of the most beautiful spots for hiking in Las Vegas and its surrounding areas. Simply by walking through the downtown, you can see the traditional American and Mormon influences in the architecture! If youre really adventurous, wait until the stars come out. Though not as extensive as those contained in the better-known Arches National Park near Moab, there are similarities, so visitors will feel a comfortable familiarity with the landscape. Everybody in St. George says the same thing: You gotta see a show at the Tuacahn Amphitheater. St. George, Utah is a four-season . The red exterior of the hotel matches up well with the natural surroundings with a spa, swimming pool, and contemporary furnishings. We grabbed a parking spot and were snapping away within a few minutes. The red sandstone formations are similar to those found in Arches or Canyonlands National Parks. You can also travel the byway from Payson by taking I-15 Exit 248. With its rich history and stunning design, this is one sight youll want to be sure to visit. However, take care that you know the weather forecast first. 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. Because the pioneers that originally settled this land were members of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, expect to find historical sites here like the Brigham Young Winter Residence Historical Site, St.George Temple (currently closed for renovation, but you can see the outside), and the St. George Tabernacle. All Rights Reserved, Valley of Fire An overlooked scenic treasure between St. George and Las Vegas, Bidens not in a rush to announce hes running for reelection, The 2023 Utah Legislature has wrapped. Since Im not a really experienced hiker, I liked the easy and moderate trails. You can even check out the views from the pool or the patio of Cliffside Restaurant. 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. Exhibits now showcase examples of dino-activity from the immediate area with interpretive information, a window revealing where fossils are prepped and cleaned, and a small park in the back for kids to hop on a dilophosaurus replica. This family-friendly road trip pairs a big helping of adventure with new discoveries in Southern Utahs frontier for a weekend you and the kids wont soon forget. It all began with, , a gift shop and espresso bar with hand-carved doors and cabinets. Other popular stops include Las Vegas Strip, Hoover Dam, and High Roller. 7 Transportation Decisions Youll Need To Make Before Visiting Costa Rica, Our Favorite Hikes In All 50 States (2023), 21 Essential Pieces You Need For The Perfect Beach Vacation Capsule Wardrobe, 13 Things To Know Before Hiking Angels Landing, 8 Cant-Miss Experiences At Zion National Park For First-Timers, 9 Reasons I Loved Visiting Zion National Park In The Winter, 9 Things You Must Know Before Hiking The Narrows In Zion, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Brigham Young Winter Residence Historical Site. 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. 3. Any wildlife lover visiting St George should visit theRosenbruchWorld Wildlife Museum. 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. The last day is all about experiencing equal parts history and exploration in the Wild West first hand. Located at the doorstep of Zion National Park, the town of St George is often used as a jumping-off point for travelers looking to explore the nearby canyons and deserts of Utah. Step back into the past and imagine life in St Georgesfinesthome that was built back in 1873. On the west side of Las Vegas, 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip and 10 minutes from Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, the JW Marriott Resort and Spa is another inviting property offering an escape from the typical Las Vegas scene. Park vegetation includes a wide variety of cacti and desert brushes. Just one or two days are not enough to do Zion National Park justice, though. Come along for the ride! This is not the case at the Dinosaur Track Museum. Discover the compelling St. George art scene. The Red Cliffs area is another stunner for red-rock scenery along your drive from Las Vegas to Zion. . Pilot, aviation consultant say the busiest airline at Harry Reid International Airport ignored technological updates for too long and suffered the consequences. Hundreds of years ago, Native Americans chiseled their stories into the rock faces, and seeing them is like stepping back in time. The Babylon Arch is relatively easy to reach with a hike near the Virgin River. The word Dixie probably wont mean anything to you until you spend a few days here exploring, but one of the best ways to find out what it means is to head up that mountain to where its painted. The Valley of Fire is located 55 miles northeast of Vegas and can be accessed from I-15 at Exit 75. 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. 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. There are large boulders for you to climb, hills to summit, trails for you to hike, and also plenty of canyons to squeeze through. Operated by Greyhound USA, the Las Vegas to St. George bus service departs from Las Vegas and arrives in St George. This 7,400-acre park offers a vast array of activities and sightseeing opportunities. SJ is a professional travel writer based in the Midwest. So make sure to add a hot air balloon flight to your top things to do in St George, Utah list. While its a little outside of your route to Zion, its so close to Las Vegas and definitely worth a stop. Boaters seem to have more breathing room here than at Sand Hollow despite less overall water acreage. One of the best parts of the Mojave Preserve is only about an hour from Vegas. The. restaurant) is easily the best cocktail bar in town with fun touches like house-made grenadine and ash-infused honey. 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 . Want more Thrillist? Thats why we adjusted our itinerary and headed back to Vegas a day early rather than drive this section and other parts of I-15 that we felt could be a little tricky in the snow. Thats exactly why we created the list of all the best things to do in St George, Utah! While prohibition during the 1920s halted the city's growth, there were plenty of underground gambling halls, speakeasies . This is hands down one of the best hikes to do while visiting and it is great for all ages. About 20 minutes west of the strip lies the almost 200-acre Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Save. The exhibit changes each spring with about two-dozen new pieces installed. 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. And since the temperatures do get HOT as you get into summer in St. George, you are going to want to get in the water. The Little Black Mountain Petroglyph site offers visitors a chance to view ancient petroglyphs up close and personal. stay for about 1 hour. You might be tempted to book a hotel in Springdale, the small town just outside the main gates. Our flight arrived in Vegas in the early morning so there were only a couple of people out and about when we stopped. The Palazzo - 5 Stars. Parowan Gap is about a 25-mile detour, but its well worth the extra distance and time in your road trip. The park has this hike rated as moderate and I would agree. for farm-fresh ice cream. If you're flying in, Las Vegas is the better choice - or you can fly directly into St. George Regional Airport once it reopens in September 2019. Summertime travelers might get the impression that the park got its name from its environment, rather than its rock formation. To enter Zion National Park, youll need to pay an entrance fee or show your pass. Utah is filled to the brim with unique landscapes that can only be found in the state. With everything from camping sights to watering holes, Snow Canyon is the perfect place to start your Utah adventure. A free shuttle bus travels between nine stops outside the park. Some cities are still figuring themselves out, but St. George remains effortlessly grounded in a pocket of Utah that's neither cosmopolitan or remote, surrounded by the beauty of towering desert cliffs. I have family in St. George, UT and have made that trip a few times. We suggest spending some at Pioneer Park Either at the beginning of the day or at the end of the day to avoid the high sun and intense heat. If you're planning your trip to accommodatedisabilities,there's plenty of optionsto safely see and enjoy the beauty of Utah. The Venetian Resort - 5 Stars. But it is also located just 90 miles from St. George. Wood.Ash.Rye is quickly becoming everyone's new favorite restaurant in town. Featuring up-scale decor that embodies the local culture of St George, eating at the Painted Pony is an experience in itself. Like us on Facebook. St. Thomas is one of Nevada's most unique ghost towns, as it would normally be 60 feet underwater if not for extreme drought conditions. Take a drive through Devils Kitchen to see breathtaking red rock cliffs and spires, and make a stop at Payson Lakes Recreation Area for hiking trails, camping and picnic facilities. Read about the 35 best attractions and cities to stop in between the Monument Valley and Las Vegas, including places like Page, Horseshoe Bend, and Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge . Don't miss the big stories. Starting at the trailhead, its about a 1.5-mile hike that took about an hour. Places to Stay & Local Guides: St. George and Springdale both make excellent base camps for this family road trip, each with plenty of lodging and nearby camping to offer. The bus journey time between St. George and Las Vegas is around 2h 5m and covers a distance of around 118 miles. Rather than taking you inside a building, a roof covers the original tracks and footprints of dinosaurs at this museum. St. George has its share of golf courses and if you're in town to practice your putt, the, has a private country club feel with condo-like suites and private parking garages. In fact, unless youre staying within the borders of Zion, its highly probable that youll be staying in Springdale. The best part is that it'll only add a few minutes to your drive time since this area is right on the edge of St . 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. If youre ambitious and short of time, though, you can do a very long day trip to the park too. See what the desert landscape looks like at its best. In recent years, Utah has loosened its grip on strict drinking laws. If you venture out on the trails, make sure to take plenty of water. The amphitheater is also a great concert venue with the likes of Martina McBride, Kansas, and Kristin Chenoweth scheduled in the months ahead. Water Canyon has shaded water features and views of Zion National Park from Canaan Mountain. Water crisis in West isn't over: Can't we just move water from the East? The third floor is your best bet for liquor and libations. Hikers can spot tracks in Warner Valley or the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, but if you want to see as much evidence as possible in one place, visit the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site. She has a background in credit card points and miles, having spent years working on loyalty campaigns for various financial institutions. 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. is a fascinating collection of sculptures displayed throughout the city with a self-guided walking tour to check 'em all out. Unusually high precipitation levels this winter could result in some spectacular displays of springtime wildflowers like desert marigold, indigo and desert mallow. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. 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). If you are . Translation: the stargazing is ridiculous. Sand Hollow State Park will give you a classic desert experience, with orange landscapes spreading out as far as the eye can see. . But don't be afraid to try something unfamiliarlike a kouign-amann, a buttery French cake with a sweet, crunchy, brittle-like exterior. Each week, thousands of Utahns travel to or from Las Vegas on Interstate 15. Want to spend the night? , another recent addition to St. George, is a European-style patisserie, led by a team of Las Vegas transplants that includes Thomas Kellar's former pastry chef. About 200 million years before Utah was even Utah, the region was a hotbed for dinosaurs. 1:30 pm Valley of Fire State Park. Full description. Old Las Vegas began as a railroad town on the Western Frontier in the early 1900s. I found this gem completely by accident during my last trip back to Salt Lake. Before you do anything in or around St. George, you'll need a place to stay. As you make your way through Cedar City, take Exit 62 to Highway 130. Visit here or call 1-435-679-8665 for more information. drive for about 42 minutes. A geological wonder made with wind and water over 180 million years ago, the results are stunning. 6. See for yourself with a visit to. Some rooms have balconies, some have tall arched ceilings. Thomas Judd's Store Co. (or "Old Judd's") is the oldest business still actively operating in St. George. Learn about Utah's extensive history of dinosaurs, About 200 million years before Utah was even Utah, the region was a hotbed for dinosaurs. Even if youre not a church member, the architecture alone is more than enough to have you pulling out your cameras. St. George is just a couple miles North of the Arizona and Nevada border in the very South Western corner of Utah. is a more secluded beach with trees creeping out of the water for an interesting visual. From Valley of Fire, get right back on the I-15 North and drive for about an hour and forty-five minutes until you reach the town of St. George, Utah, right by the Arizona/Utah border.. A notable stop in this town, particularly since our final destination is Salt Lake City, is the Brigham Young Winter Home, a historic residence and current museum. If you prefer to be even closer to nature than you already are. Historical B&Bs: St George hasmanyhistorical B&B but one of our favorites that keeps getting many awards is The Mulberry Inn. There are 2,000 foot cliff walls and narrow canyons cutting into the Colorado Plateau. Either way, the amount in a shot is tightly controlled. With those road-stop suggestions out of the way, here's what to do in St. George after you arrive. No trip to St George can be complete without visiting Zion National Park. Take our news quiz. Colorful rock formations like these are invisible to travelers on I-15 just minutes away from the park. Copyright 2019 Las Vegas Review-Journal, Inc. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service, By ANDREW JAMES REVIEWJOURNAL.COM CONTRIBUTOR, Kolob Canyons Utah (Courtesy Frank Kovalchek/flickr), Parowan Gap Utah (Courtesy Glenn Merritt/flickr), Fillmore Territorial Statehouse Utah (Courtesy), Devils Kitchen Nebo Loop Utah (Courtesy Rick Willoughby/flickr), You can tell they love football: Raiders make big impression on young QB, Wahlbergs $14.5M bungalow leads 2022 new home luxury, Raiders, Aces stars to tie the knot in Las Vegas this weekend, Desert Monkey King artist comes forward, Strip land values push higher after plunging in recession, Hang on or stay inside! Basically, park the car, throw up a tent and crash. The park has a visitor center with displays about the geology, ecology, prehistory, and history of the park and the nearby region. Sink your teeth into a delicious burger at Burger Bar. Can't we just pipe water to the West from areas of the country that have more water? The water, as pictured above, really is that beautiful teal color. There are so many fun things to do in Las Vegas. All Rights Reserved. It's traditionally open to Mormon visitors only, but everyone can access the visitors center and surrounding grounds. as the best overall option, especially if you want a perfect location in the heart of Downtown. Cathedral Gorge Visitor Center. Its possible to appreciate this from the ground, as most of us do, but its even more impressive from the sky on a balloon flight. The Downtown Insider. Note that, depending on the season, you may need to make a reservation for the scenic drive. Located at the West entrance of Zion National Park, Springdale is a must-visit stop on your trip to Zion. The Jacob Hamblin Home is now a museum that takes travelers through the life of Hamblin and the settling of Utah by pioneers. 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. If you boulder, this is by far the best thing to do in St George. Go off the grid at the Kayenta Art Village, St George's affection for art and nature is reflected in Kayenta, an isolated community in the desertscapes northwest of the city. But don't be afraid to try something unfamiliarlike a kouign-amann, a buttery French cake with a sweet, crunchy, brittle-like exterior. Experience Mormon heritage at St. George, Utah (1 hour and 50 minutes) Driving east out of Vegas, past Mesquite and through the gorgeous canyon of the Virgin River, you'll end up at the city of St. George, Utah. And it's a great road trip. in history and is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association, the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association, and the International Travel Writers Alliance. I imagine that, if youre driving on a summer weekend, youll encounter quite a bit more traffic and drive times will be longer. The winter home of Mormon leader Brigham Young was preserved and converted into a free museum, offering a glimpse into 19th century life. The bus journey time between Las Vegas and St. George is around 1h 55m and covers a distance of around 118 miles. Ancient petroglyphs can be seen at several different locations throughout the park. Stop by the visitor center to find out more about the park and put together a gameplan for your time there. Book a room at the Crescent Moon Inn. Kind of reminds me of a typical off-strip locals casino (Such at Southpoint or Eastside Cannery).