Las Vegas To Zion National Park On I-15

Above, a breakfast stop at the Casablanca Resort in Mesquite in 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The first time I was on Interstate 15 between Las Vegas, Nevada and Zion National Park, Utah was in August 1969 with my parents. We were headed to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks on a camping vacation.

It seemed like an oppressively long drive back then (even though it is under 3 hours long). Nowadays, I appreciate it more. I was last there five years ago while heading up to Idaho for the Great American Eclipse. 

Back in 1974, while we were somewhere between Utah and Las Vegas, it was announced on the radio the President Gerald Ford pardoned former President Richard Nixon. That news made the drive a little more interesting.

Along the way, there's an Indian trading post that specializes in tobacco products and fireworks. The town of Mesquite offers a place to take a break for food. And, as the Interstate enters Utah, there's the scenic Virgin River Gorge. 

Travel2Next has an article on ten stops along the way.

They begin with:

Whether you’re visiting Las Vegas, looking for a road trip idea, or are already visiting both destinations, driving between Las Vegas and Zion National Park is worth the journey. In general, those travelling this route will take Interstate 15 for most of the trip before changing onto Highway 9, which runs through the park. Only 2.5 hours long, you might assume that there isn’t much to do between the two imposing tourist destinations, but the journey could take you all day or longer if you stop at any of these beautiful places.

To read more, go here.