One of the biggest pastimes visitors find themselves enjoying in Quail Creek State Park is casting a line and trying to see if they can catch a fish. Either way, the amount in a shot is tightly controlled. While we spent about 4 hours here, you could easily spend more or less time depending on your schedule. This historical B&B is filled with character and charm but yet is filled with modern amenities located right in downtown St George. There are plenty of great places to stay from luxury hotels, historical BnBs, and even a few great motels. We love staying at a Hampton Inn & Suites hotel since they are on the upper end of the chain hotels with nice rooms and great services. Operated by Greyhound USA, the St. George to Las Vegas bus service departs from St George and arrives in Las Vegas. The drive on I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge features some of the most stunning displays of both engineering and scenery. Explore Ancestor Square and the rest of historic Downtown, St. George's Downtown district is an engaging mix of architecture, art, parks, and independent storefronts. It's 123 miles from Las Vegas to here, St. George, Utah. I started this loop-style road trip in Phoenix, Arizona. The Wi-Fi is free. (Read: Why Your Kids Need a Utah Trip). The donuts, tarts, croissants, and cookies are some of the best (and most Instagram-worthy) you'll ever sample. Re: Vegas To St. George and back, things to see along the way. Water Canyon has shaded water features and views of Zion National Park from Canaan Mountain. I was planning to get a modest head start by driving out of the city and finding a place wherever possible to stop overnight. There are over 500petroglyphsthat date back 6,000 years,it isa unique and sacred site that will give you an inside look into the past of the Native American cultures that lived here. Each week, thousands of Utahns travel to or from Las Vegas on Interstate 15. St George's affection for art and nature is reflected in Kayenta, an isolated community in the desertscapes northwest of the city. 2. drive for about 48 minutes. To break up the short drive, we set out to find interesting things to see and do between Las Vegas and Zion. Take the stress out of traveling and book your transfer between Las Vegas and Bryce Canyon National Park in advance. Take the Red Hills Parkway from St. George into the southern tip of the National Scenic Area to find easy-access hiking trails. What is that? After a stunning day of hiking through Zion National Park, its time to explore Utahs western heritage. 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 Jacob Hamblin Home is now a museum that takes travelers through the life of Hamblin and the settling of Utah by pioneers. 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. St. George makes a nice little get-away from Sin City. Full description. Here are 5 must-see stops next time you find yourself driving through the Beehive State. Located at the West entrance of Zion National Park, Springdale is a must-visit stop on your trip to Zion. Hollywood agrees as Snow Canyon has been the shooting site of multiple well-known films including the classic Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Electric Horseman, and Jeremiah Johnson. Pizza and sandwiches (with house-made sourdough) keep the place busy during lunch. Mandalay Bay Beach. See what the desert landscape looks like at its best. St. George's Downtown district is an engaging mix of architecture, art, parks, and independent storefronts. The, (or "Bowl") trailhead is named after a strange, sunken hole at the top of a sandstone formation. I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. The venue is operated by the Tuacahn Center for the Arts, which also has indoor theaters, a dance studio, and other facilities on property, along with a charter school dedicated to the performing arts. 6 Adventurous Things to do in Park City, Utah, Best Hikes in the USA: 15 Stunning Trails You Cannot Miss. 37.8042924,-114.4091474, map. The drive is about two and a half hours so you'll want to start your day early and plan on spending the night near the park. has been writing about Las Vegas in Thrillist for more than seven years. 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. 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. If you're planning your trip to accommodatedisabilities,there's plenty of optionsto safely see and enjoy the beauty of Utah. Leg 4: Bryce Canyon National Park to St. George. Rangers always know the best parts of the park. If youre looking to learn more about local history and pioneers moving out west, be sure to visit the Jacob Hamblin Home. More specifically, Google Maps says it typically takes between 1 hour 40 minutes, and 2 hours 20 minutes to drive from Las Vegas to St. George. 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. And it's a great road trip. The Green Gate Village offers visitors to St George the opportunity to transport back in time to when pioneers and settlers from the east made this desert landscape their home. This classic carousel has horses with sleighs, bright lights and the traditional carousel music playing for visitors to enjoy. St George is a great place to both live and is known for its retirement communities. Hikes such as Angels Landing and The Narrows showcase two very different sides of the area. 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. Seclusion is part of the charm. See for yourself with a visit to. They used those rocks to constructmany of the foundations in the houses around town, including the basement of St. George Temple. There's also a labyrinth and performing arts center with a stage for small events. Unusually high precipitation levels this winter could result in some spectacular displays of springtime wildflowers like desert marigold, indigo and desert mallow. If you still have more time, take this loop back to St. George. 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. Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. The Broadway in the Desert series is the big draw, featuring favorites like Disney's. So make sure to add a hot air balloon flight to your top things to do in St George, Utah list. Between the bright red terrain and the arch itself, it's almost impossible to take a bad photo. Answer 1 of 13: Please suggest itinerary for about 5 days, arriving to Las Vegas, driving to St. George. 111 Cathedral Gorge State Park Road, Panaca, NV 89042, map. On your own or with a friend, navigate through the area's most challenging terrain wearing full safety gear. 12 Top-Rated Things to Do on the Isle of Arran. 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 . Just about 30 miles North of Mesquite along I-15 you will find a city named St. George Utah. As implied, it is the source for the latest happening in Downtown Las Vegas. Each week, thousands of Utahns travel to or from Las Vegas on Interstate 15. is another reservoir, but more remote and best known for waterfalls that pass between rock formations. Birding - Zion Park is home to 291 species of birds. Horseback Riding - Experience one-of-a-kind guided horseback trips throughout the canyon, available March through October. Spend a few extra bucks on a villa. 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. Despite the daunting terrain, federal authorities decided to create a direct path through the Virgin River Gorge. 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. If you take a side trip to the charming town of Santa Clara, grab lunch at, . Located in Zion National Park, this quick five-mile drive around the canyons will give you a glimpse at some incredibly diverse rock formations and colors. Get on the water or the beach at Sand Hollow State Park and explore the stunning Snow Canyon. The house-baked bread and biscuits are already huge local favorites. Of all the state parks in the St George area, Quail Creek has the most beautiful reservoir. This and the Rainbow Vista Trail were our favorite spots. Youll find plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, and many options for lodging in Springdale. 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. St. George Narrows (The Crack) This fun slot canyon is only a short walk from the parking lot and is well worth a stop. With capacity growing at Las Vegas airport, baggage systems at Terminals 1 and 3 will be upgraded, according to Rep. Dina Titus, who helped secure the grant. If you will be traveling south on Interstate 15 to reach Las Vegas, there are plenty of things to see and do on the way. Recent Articles. A free shuttle bus travels between nine stops outside the park. 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. Historical B&Bs: St George hasmanyhistorical B&B but one of our favorites that keeps getting many awards is The Mulberry Inn. The course of the Virgin River was re-channeled twelve different times during construction of the Gorge road. (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. 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. Typically 11 buses run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance. 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. Water crisis in West isn't over: Can't we just move water from the East? You can also travel the byway from Payson by taking I-15 Exit 248. Its just missing Jim Hardie and a few tied up horses outside. The park has this hike rated as moderate and I would agree. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. as the best overall option, especially if you want a perfect location in the heart of Downtown. For more hikes that may be suitable for your family, check with a ranger at the visitor center. There are 2 casinos in Mesquite, and that is basically the ONLY thing between Vegas and St. George. The oldest and largest state park in Nevada, this place is awesome! When most people think of a desert, what comes to mind is rocks and sand. Want to spend the night? The Virgin River Narrows is a hike through shallow water, leading to an area called "Wall Street" where the shoreline gives way to steep canyon walls. St. George is your connection to Las Vegas, several national parks and all the wonderful activities of the area. 26771 Genesee Lane, Golden, Colo. If you have more time to kill before your flight, you may want to check out some of the hiking trails or even go horseback riding. The beauty of nature is often balanced by human creativity in St. George. Where those large white letters reside is one of the best public playgrounds for locals and visitors called Pioneer Park. Rather than taking you inside a building, a roof covers the original tracks and footprints of dinosaurs at this museum. More than 170 years ago, pioneers began to settle in what is now known as St George. 2. However, the lobby bar at the Advenire (detached from, but actually part of the Wood, Ash, Rye restaurant) is easily the best cocktail bar in town with fun touches like house-made grenadine and ash-infused honey. 'Rolling Stone' named this excursion as Vegas' Best Near-Death Experience. The Kelso Depot and dunes are about 1.5 hours from Vegas.The museum/depot is definitely worth a stop. I have family in St. George, UT and have made that trip a few times. 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. 2023 St. George Vacation Rentals | 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. St. George has its share of golf courses and if you're in town to practice your putt, the Inn at Estrada has a private country club feel with condo-like suites and private parking garages. Colorful rock formations like these are invisible to travelers on I-15 just minutes away from the park. 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. Offering services between Las Vegas, St. George, Orem and Salt Lake City. The Daughters of Utah Pioneer Museum tells their story through interactive exhibits and intricate displays. However, their appearance in any given year depends on the water levels from the winter's snowfall. 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. Fields of ephemeral wildflowers arent expected this year at Death Valley, but the nearby national parks rock-solidly stunning geology never takes time off. Open year-round, there is a variety of things to see and do in the park, with the most popular being the hiking trails. Either way, the amount in a shot is tightly controlled. Moe's Valley Bouldering. 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. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. Check-out the Virgin River Gorge Video below if youve never experienced the drive in person. There are even exhibits where you can get a closer look at how plants and animals thrive in a barren landscape. If nothing else, take the Valley of Fire Scenic Byway through the park. Next up, its time for some family fun in nearby St. George. Although called Snow Canyon, Snow Canyon State Park is a place to explore all the beauty of the desert. It all began with Xetava Gardens Cafe, a gift shop and espresso bar with hand-carved doors and cabinets. 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. Utahns trying to escape cold and snow will usually find comfortable daytime temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees. 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 . Las Vegas pool parties are the place to beat the heat, and Mandalay Bay Beach is perfect for all agesand even open to non-hotel guests with paid admission. There are some restrictions, but all flights, domestic and international, will only cost 1 cent plus taxes and fees for five months later this summer. For us, that was Leeds. Simply by walking through the downtown, you can see the traditional American and Mormon influences in the architecture! A vintage gasoline pump remains out front. Itsa great green space with a splash of water fountains, walking paths, and works of art throughout. 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). Kind of reminds me of a typical off-strip locals casino (Such at Southpoint or Eastside Cannery). Address: 345 E Riverside Dr, St. George, UT 84790, United States. is a scenic collection of red sandstone hills, canyons, petrified sand dunes, and a dormant volcano that's a popular rock climbing spot. What happened this week? We are active couple with teenager son. 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. A free shuttle bus travels between nine stops outside the park. If you have your own wheels and are driving between St George and Zion, then you should definitely check out the Grafton Ghost Town along the way. The world-famous Las Vegas Strip is the central artery of Sin City, the main line to many of the best sights, gambling, food and fun. You probably have a similar story youre making great time, the kids are all settled in the back seat with a movie and snacks, and all of a sudden you hear a little voice, I have to go potty! You cant pull over on the freeway, so you take the next exit. The Inn on the Cliff lives up to its name with a perch high atop the towering cliffs that frame the western edge of St. George. Honeycombed rock formations known as beehives are scattered throughout Valley of Fire. With exhibits inside and a tranquil garden outside, the museum is a great place to visit while wandering the city. This fading ghost town is located north of St. George, close to Leeds. And not just because of the Cracker Barrel just off the interstate that I always make my . 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. Below we will highlight the best places to stay in St George, Utah that will work as fantastic bases for exploring one of Utahs best cities. 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. In addition to arches, rock formations in the park include beehives pockmarked sandstone caused by centuries of erosion from wind and water. In the park, youll do some family-friendly hiking on the Emerald Pools and Riverside Walk hiking trails. The area off Cima Road has the largest Joshua Tree forest in the world. It's a lively social spot where the contemporary cuisine often comes with a Southern touch and killer craft cocktails. Frontier Homestead State Park honors the Mormon pioneers who trekked from the Salt Lake Valley to settle in the rugged high desert region. 20. In addition to these interesting historical sites, the city offers lots of outdoor recreation opportunities in the many state parks and recreation areas. 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. 9 Best Campgrounds near St. George, UT. So, youve already discovered what museums to visit and what trails to hike. Located on the southernborderbetween Utah and Arizona is one of the best historical sights in the St George area. is a reservoir surrounded by red rocks and sand, resembling a trippy beach-on-Mars atmosphere. 11:00 am start in Saint George. this year. is like having a hotel inside Snow Canyon State Park, although technically, you're just outside the entrance. Construction finished in 1973 at a cost of over one million dollars . Ride a gondola at the Venetian. For the first time, Las Vegas will host . Hours of Driving: 7+ hours of driving, including the commute to and from Las Vegas. Allegiant Airs parent company squeaked out a profit last year following a big jump in fuel costs and other increased expenses. While other parts of the state see snow-capped mountains throughout the year, St. George has a warm, desert climate that along with a history of cotton production earned the nickname "Utah's Dixie." But the. Generally considered an easy route. Timelapse of some of the scenery highlights between Las Vegas, Nevada and St. George, Utah along Interstate 15. 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. Twice-weekly flights on the airlines Airbus A320 fleet will begin in June for Harry Reid International Airports seventh busiest commercial air carrier. One thing you wont want to miss is the downtown farmers market, which will put the culture of the town on full display. There is some tricky climbing involved, but its not too tough. 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. Thomas Judd's Store Co. (or "Old Judd's") is the oldest business still actively operating in St. George. Don't miss the big stories. The 2,000-seat venue gives the audience a unique opportunity to watch a show underneath the stars with the red rocks of Snow Canyon as a backdrop. Ask about the daily catch, flown in within 24 hours of being pulled from the ocean. But why deal with the large crowds, heavy traffic and paid parking when you can zoom out on Google Maps and choose less chaotic accommodations in or around St. George instead? It's one of several nice ideas riddled with problems. Its just simply breathtaking located on the edges of Snow Canyon State Park just a few miles right from downtown St George. Dhuring the late 1870s and early 1880s, the height of the town's silver boom, Silver Reef was the most populous place in southern Utah. Make sure your camera is charged up, because youre bound to see wildlife. St. George is less than an hour's drive to Zion National Park. Coming from Salt Lake City? With hiking trails and beautiful scenery, Quail Creek makes for a perfect day trip. Entrance Fee $10 plus additional charges for camping or groups. Book a room at the Crescent Moon Inn. The story of St. George is much like other Utah cities. Round-trip transportation from Las Vegas hotels is included. If you prefer to be even closer to nature than you already are, Red Mountain Resort is like having a hotel inside Snow Canyon State Park, although technically, you're just outside the entrance. And from Fredonia, go to Kanab and pick US 89 there to Page, instead of continuing on US . A gorgeous, albeit somewhat white-knuckle drive for this apprehensive driver, the scenic Virgin River Gorge is something to behold. is a fascinating collection of sculptures displayed throughout the city with a self-guided walking tour to check 'em all out. Either way, your vacation will reach new heights once inside Zion229 square miles of colorful sandstone cliffs, rivers, and slot canyons. 6. If you go in the morning or towards sunset, youll have the best chance to see some park wildlife like burros, sheep, deer, birds, and the desert tortoise. I enjoy scuba diving and cars. There are so many fun things to do in Las Vegas. 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. If you leave St George at 4 , you would be at Zion by 5.There is a shuttle at Zion that takes about 1.5 hours to go from the visitor center to the end of the canyon and back.You will be very limited on time coming that late in the afternoon.You may want to skip a night at . After grabbing dinner in Cedar City, head to Cedar Breaks National Monument for a beautiful sunset view. The amphitheater is also a great concert venue with the likes of Martina McBride, Kansas, and Kristin Chenoweth scheduled in the months ahead. 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. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "abe0ee1bb1ce091c654aedc463cf2206" );document.getElementById("d2f8ec4791").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); We are David & Lina Stock, a married couple from NW Wisconsin who have been traveling together since 2001. 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. You could do a detour to Valley of Fire state park outside Vegas near Moapa.. I would not want to be driving this road back down to Vegas in any kind of weather. Since youre starting off in Las Vegas, it only makes sense to see one of the most iconic Vegas landmarks, the Welcome To Las Vegas sign. 2. For anyone who loves the cultural arts, you need to take in a performance at theBroadwayin the DesertTuacahnoutdoor amphitheater in St George. 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. It doesn't matter they aren't true. St. George, Utah is a four-season . There are 2,000 foot cliff walls and narrow canyons cutting into the Colorado Plateau. With trails rated easy to difficult, youll surely be able to find a trail that suits you. Spend a few extra bucks on a villa. 1:30 pm Valley of Fire State Park. is relatively easy to reach with a hike near the Virgin River. may be the best place to see a wide variety of art in one place. Just a few weeks ago, Zion was officially, designated an International Dark Sky Park. Its a perspective you can not get from the ground. You might be tempted to book a hotel in Springdale, the small town just outside the main gates. Be careful driving. This is hands down one of the best hikes to do while visiting and it is great for all ages. It's near Fire Lake Park at Ivins Reservoir, which is becoming a busy attraction for swimming. (or "Old Judd's") is the oldest business still actively operating in St. George. The Valley of Fire is located 55 miles northeast of Vegas and can be accessed from I-15 at Exit 75. The buildings have loads of character and offer the opportunity to see inside them when you shop the various stores they now house. 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. St. George is located in southern Utah. Utah does not lack rocky desert and barren mountains, but if youre looking to cool off or spend a relaxing day by the water, make sure to check out Quail Creek State Park. Even if youre not a movie buff, Grafton offers a glimpse into what life was like in the old west. Save. Noted as one of the most romantic spots around St George, you can bring a date or explore the park solo.