Denver To Zion National Park Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide

Denver to Zion National Park road trip is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA. The 636 miles of Denver to Zion National Park drive takes around 9 hours and 39 mins without stops.

This article includes 20 tips that turn your Denver to Zion National Park drive into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from Denver to Zion National Park, take your coffee and keep reading!

8 Best Hotels On The Road Trip From Denver To Zion National Park

On the Denver to Zion National Park road trip, you may want to stay at some points. Here are the top eight hotels on the Denver – Zion National Park route!

1. Frisco Lodge

Frisco Lodge is one of the best hotels; you can stay on the Denver to Zion National Park road trip. Driving from Denver to Frisco Lodge might take around 1 hour and 21 mins.

Frisco Lodge is a great stopover on the way to Zion National Park. This family-owned and operated B&B has been welcoming guests for over 50 years and offers historic charm and hospitality. Its location at the center of Colorado makes it a convenient place to break up the drive. The guest rooms are cozy and comfortable, while the gourmet delights are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Overall, Frisco Lodge is a great choice for travelers looking for a reliable and welcoming stop on their road trip.

Check the Frisco Lodge, one of the best hotels in Frisco, Colorado, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.

2. Glenwood Springs Inn

Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to Zion National Park from Denver is Glenwood Springs Inn. Located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, the hotel is 158 miles away from Denver, and it would take 2 hours and 42 mins to drive.

Glenwood Springs Inn is a great place to stop and rest on your road trip from Denver to Zion National Park. The hotel offers spotless and budget-friendly rooms with all the necessary amenities. It is conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Glenwood, making it easy to explore the area. Breakfast is included with your stay, with a selection of delicious pastries, bagels, juice, and coffee to choose from each morning. The staff is friendly and helpful, ensuring your stay is comfortable and enjoyable. All in all, Glenwood Springs Inn is an ideal place to stay while on your journey.

If you want to learn more about the Glenwood Springs Inn, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.

3. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Grand Junction

Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Grand Junction. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Grand Junction is located in Grand Junction, Colorado, and it’s 243 miles away from Denver. You can arrive there with 3 hours and 52 mins of non-stop driving.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Grand Junction is a great place to stay on your road trip from Denver to Zion National Park. This family-friendly hotel offers a variety of amenities, including free parking and a convenient location near Chez Lena Restaurant. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable place to rest after a long day of driving or a delicious meal, La Quinta Grand Junction is a perfect choice. The hotel staff is friendly and accommodating, making sure that you have a pleasant stay. The rooms are clean and well-maintained, with comfortable beds and plenty of space. Overall, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Grand Junction is a great place to stay while on your way to Zion National Park.

Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Grand Junction, for more information.

4. River Terrace Inn, Green River

If you are taking the road trip from Denver to Zion National Park, Green River, Utah is must have a place you should visit. Plus, River Terrace Inn, Green River is one of the best hotels in town. The hotel is 342 miles from Denver, and it would take 5 hours and 15 mins to drive.

River Terrace Inn is a great place to stay on your way to Zion National Park. The rooms are comfortable and affordable, making them ideal for any budget. The outdoor area is perfect for relaxing, with a shaded seating area, a hot tub, and a beautiful pool. It is conveniently located just 45 minutes from Arches National Park and other attractions in Southern Utah. Whether you’re looking for a place to stay on your road trip or need a place for a quick night, the River Terrace Inn is a great choice.

If you need more info about the price and availability of River Terrace Inn, Green River, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.

5. Quality Inn Richfield I-70

Our next hotel is Quality Inn Richfield I-70, Richfield, Utah. It will take 7 hours and 6 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from Denver.

Quality Inn Richfield I-70 is a great place to stop and rest on your road trip from Denver to Zion National Park. It’s conveniently located right off I-70, making it easy to access. The rooms are comfortable and the staff is friendly. What’s more, kids can stay for free, so it’s great for families. The hotel is also well maintained, with up-to-date amenities and clean facilities. All in all, Quality Inn Richfield I-70 is an excellent choice for a stay on your Denver to Zion National Park road trip.

Check the Quality Inn Richfield I-70 on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Quality Inn Richfield I-70 for reviews, prices, and availability.

6. Quality Inn Bryce Canyon

Another hotel you can accommodate on the road trip from Denver to Zion National Park is Quality Inn Bryce Canyon. It’s possible to arrive at this hotel, located in Panguitch, Utah within 8 hours and 24 mins drive from Denver.

Quality Inn Bryce Canyon is a great place to stay while on the Denver to Zion National Park road trip. Our room was clean and well equipped, with a great view of the surrounding area. It’s located just a short drive away from the city, so we were able to access restaurants and other amenities with ease. What’s more, the hotel is 25 minutes away from Bryce Canyon, so we had plenty of time to watch the sunrise before heading back for breakfast. The hotel had a lot of character and the breakfast was delicious, with a great variety of options. The price was very reasonable, considering the high quality of the hotel. The only downside was the lack of a swimming pool, which could have been a great way to spend our downtime. All in all, Quality Inn Bryce Canyon is an excellent choice for a road trip stopover.

Before making the reservation, we suggest you read the latest reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com.

7. Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion National Park

Another hotel that deserves to be on the list is Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion National Park. It’s located in Springdale, Utah and it is 635 miles from Denver. You can arrive there within 9 hours and 36 mins of car drive.

Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion National Park is an ideal stop on a road trip from Denver to Zion National Park. The hotel is clean and comfortable, situated within easy walking distance of local shops and eateries. Bryndee at the front desk was exceptionally helpful and friendly, providing us with great recommendations for dinner. The views from the hotel are spectacular, providing a beautiful backdrop for the outdoor pool. The breakfast was one of the best we had on this road trip, with a delicious granola that I’d love to buy for home. All in all, it was a great stay and a perfect place to rest on our drive to Zion National Park.

If you need further information, you can check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion National Park.

8. Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort

Located in Zion National Park, Utah, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is another hotel where you can stay on the Denver to Zion National Park road trip. Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is 609 miles from Denver and will take 9 hours and 33 mins of non-stop driving.

Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is an amazing place to stay during a road trip from Denver to Zion National Park. From the stunning location amidst a forest of Ponderosa pine trees to the well-maintained communal showering facilities, this resort is a great choice. Brandi and Parker, the activity team, are exceptional and offer activities such as horse-riding, canyoneering, jeep tours, zip line, climbing wall, and more. The only downside is the attitude of the staff at reception and the food at the main restaurant, which could be improved. But overall, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is a great place to experience the beauty of Zion National Park on a road trip.

Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort for more information.

In this part, we explained eight hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Denver to Zion National Park. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by commenting on this post. It will help people who will take Denver to Zion National Park route.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from Denver to Zion National Park. We have six restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

6 Best Restaurants On The Denver To Zion National Park Road Trip

If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your Denver to Zion National Park road trip. This section lists six restaurants to dine at on the road trip from Denver to Zion National Park. Stay hungry and enjoy!

1. Butterhorn Bakery and Cafe

We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on Denver to Zion National Park road trip with Butterhorn Bakery and Cafe. Butterhorn Bakery and Cafe is located in Frisco, Colorado, and is 71.4 miles from Denver. It would take 1 hour and 21 mins of driving.

Butterhorn Bakery & Cafe in Frisco is a great place to drop by on your Denver to Zion National Park road trip. With over 40 years of experience in the baking business, the cafe is a favorite of both locals and tourists. Everything from breakfast to lunch items and baked goods is made from scratch in their kitchen. Delicious bread and goodies are freshly baked in their bakery daily. Whether you’re just passing through or looking for a cozy spot to take a break, the Butterhorn Bakery & Cafe is sure to satisfy your cravings.

For more information about Butterhorn Bakery and Cafe, you can visit the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of Butterhorn Bakery and Cafe.

2. Riviera Scratch Kitchen

Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Zion National Park from Denver is Riviera Scratch Kitchen. Located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, Riviera Scratch Kitchen is 157 miles from Denver and would take 2 hours and 39 mins of driving.

Riviera Scratch Kitchen is a great place to stop on a drive from Denver to Zion. The restaurant has a unique interior, an extensive wine list, and inventive cocktails. Guests can enjoy a seasonal menu full of fresh and local ingredients. The place has received multiple awards and top ratings, making it a great spot to grab a bite to eat. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. Overall, Riviera Scratch Kitchen is an excellent spot for those looking for a delicious and memorable dining experience.

If you want to learn more about Riviera Scratch Kitchen, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

3. Bin 707 Foodbar

Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Bin 707 Foodbar. It will take 3 hours and 59 mins of car drive to take 244 miles from Denver to Bin 707 Foodbar, Grand Junction, Colorado.

Bin 707 Foodbar in Grand Junction, Colorado is a great place to stop during your road trip from Denver to Zion National Park. This restaurant is committed to sourcing from local, Colorado and domestic sources, making it a Zero Foodprint member, a 2018 and 2019 Good Food 100 restaurant, and a James Beard Smart Catch “Leader”. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is inviting and comfortable, making it the perfect place to take a break in your journey.

You can check Bin 707 Foodbar, on TripAdvisor or Google Maps for more information.

4. Tamarisk Restaurant

Tamarisk Restaurant deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Green River, Utah.

Tamarisk Restaurant in Green River, Utah is a great stop on your Denver to Zion National Park road trip. The view of the Green River from the restaurant is truly picturesque, the staff is friendly and accommodating, and the food is delicious. The bread is freshly made and the food is made from the freshest ingredients. We enjoyed a lovely lunch with a great view of the river, and the service was excellent. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a great refueling spot on their journey!

Tamarisk Restaurant is 342 miles from Denver, and it would take 5 hours and 15 mins of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Tamarisk Restaurant, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

5. Sagebrush Grill, Richfield

If you enjoy dining, Sagebrush Grill, Richfield, would be an excellent choice in Richfield, Utah. It’s 469 miles from Denver and would take 7 hours and 6 mins of car driving.

Sagebrush Grill, Richfield is a great place to stop while on a road trip from Denver to Zion National Park. The restaurant has a wide selection of meals to choose from, including vegetarian and gluten-free options, so there is something for everyone. The service is friendly and helpful, and the food is fresh, tasty, and reasonably priced. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, making it a great place to take a break and refuel on your journey.

If you want to learn more about the Sagebrush Grill, Richfield you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

6. Cowboy’s Smokehouse Cafe

Another restaurant we recommend you to visit on the road trip from Denver to Zion National Park is Cowboy’s Smokehouse Cafe, Panguitch, Utah. It will take 8 hours and 17 mins of driving to reach Cowboy’s Smokehouse Cafe from Denver.

Cowboy’s Smokehouse Cafe in Panguitch, Utah was a great stop on our road trip from Denver to Zion National Park. We waited around 30 minutes to be seated, but it was worth it. The salmon and trout fillet was cooked to perfection, and the portions were generous. The staff was friendly and accommodating, making the experience even better. All in all, Cowboy’s Smokehouse is highly recommended for anyone looking for a hearty, delicious meal during their road trip.

For more information about Cowboy’s Smokehouse Cafe you can check TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of the restaurant.

This section lists our six restaurant recommendations for your road trip from Denver to Zion National Park. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 636 miles journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant from the list according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning a Zion National Park road trip need your opinion. Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.

In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from Denver to Zion National Park. Keep reading.

6 Places To Visit On The Denver To Zion National Park Drive

A unique experience awaits you in Zion National Park. However, there are also some unique destinations like Frisco, Colorado on your road trip. We want to explain the top six destinations we recommend on the Zion National Park route.

1. Frisco Historic Park and Museum

Frisco Historic Park and Museum will be the first destination we recommend you stop by on your Denver to Zion National Park road trip. Located in Frisco, Colorado, Frisco Historic Park and Museum is 72.2 miles away from Denver, and it would take 1 hour and 20 mins to drive.

Frisco Historic Park and Museum is a great place to stop on the drive from Denver to Zion National Park. The museum offers a fantastic educational experience, connecting the past, present, and future. Visitors can explore the town’s history and heritage and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. Exhibits include artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell stories of Frisco’s past. Visitors can also take part in guided tours, interactive activities, and special events. The museum provides a great opportunity for travelers to learn about the local culture and appreciate the history of the area.

If you want to learn more about the Frisco Historic Park and Museum, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.

2. Hanging Lake Trail

Hanging Lake Trail, Glenwood Springs, Colorado is one of the destinations we recommend you to stop by on the Denver to Zion National Park route. It’s 156 miles from Denver, and it’ll take about 2 hours and 38 mins of driving.

Hanging Lake Trail in Glenwood Springs is a must-see for any road trip from Denver to Zion National Park. It’s one of the most popular and beloved trails in Colorado and the perfect place to go for a warm-weather hike. Even if there’s still snow on the ground, you should plan now to make sure you get the best time and day to experience the trail. The views are stunning and the experience is unforgettable. It’s definitely a highlight of the drive and a place you won’t want to miss.

If you want to learn more about Hanging Lake Trail, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website.

3. Downtown Grand Junction

One of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Denver to Zion National Park in Grand Junction, Colorado. And if you visit Grand Junction, Colorado, we suggest you visit Downtown Grand Junction. You can arrive at Downtown Grand Junction after 4 hours of driving.

Downtown Grand Junction in Grand Junction, Colorado is a great place for a pit stop on your Denver to Zion National Park road trip. With over 300 days of sunshine a year and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities nearby, this picturesque town is the perfect spot to take a break from the long drive. Here you’ll find dozens of locally-owned shops, music venues, restaurants, and galleries, all with their own unique charm. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or a place to spend the night, Downtown Grand Junction has something for everyone.

You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of Downtown Grand Junction for more information.

4. Goblin Valley State Park

Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Goblin Valley State Park, Green River, Utah on the Denver to Zion National Park road trip. Goblin Valley State Park is 392 miles from Denver, and you can arrive there after the 6 hour of drive.

Goblin Valley State Park is a hidden gem in Green River, Utah. It’s an amazing place to make a pit stop on your drive from Denver to Zion National Park. The park is full of unique geologic formations which have been shaped by erosion. Everywhere you look, you are surrounded by goblins – strange rock formations that are incredibly photogenic. The cliffs reveal layers of rock with some patches resisting erosion better than others. Water and wind create the distinct shapes of these sandstone goblins, making it a great place to explore. It’s definitely a must-see stop on your road trip!

In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Goblin Valley State Park before going there.

5. Red Canyon

Located in Panguitch, Utah, Red Canyon ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the road trip from Denver to Zion National Park. You must take 8 hours and 27 mins of driving to arrive at Red Canyon.

Red Canyon in Panguitch, Utah is a must-see stop on any Denver to Zion National Park road trip. Right off of Highway 12, one can easily pull off and take in the breathtaking colors that the canyon walls offer. Wildlife can be seen in the area, and a nice morning hike was enough to take in the beautiful scenery. The visitor’s center is a great place to take a break, with clean bathrooms and helpful staff. Red Canyon truly is an amazing place to explore and is well worth a visit for any traveler passing through.

If you want to learn more about Red Canyon, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.

6. The Narrows

Another attraction you can visit on the road trip from Denver to Zion National Park is The Narrows, Zion National Park, Utah. The Narrows is 644 miles from Denver, and it would take 10 hours to drive.

The Narrows in Zion National Park, Utah is a unique and thrilling hike. We visited in November so the temperature was quite comfortable, but the river was still chilly. We made the mistake of hiring the incorrect gear from Zion Outfitters; their dry pants and canyoneering boots did not keep our feet dry. If you plan on taking this hike, make sure to rent your gear from Zion Guru at the La Quinta Inn. Their gear is fully connected to the sock and foot part, ensuring your feet stay dry. This hike is especially dangerous during the flash flood season, so be sure to check the weather before you go. In the summer months, you may opt out of the dry pants if you so choose, but be sure to bring wooden walking poles and canyoneering boots for extra grip on the rocks. All of this gear can be rented from local outfitters. The Narrows is Zion National Park’s most popular and dangerous hike, but it is also incredibly beautiful and worth the risk.

For more information about The Narrows, you can check their TripAdvisor page or official website.

FAQ of the Road Trip From Denver to Zion National Park

Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about the Denver to Zion National Park drive.

How Long Is The Road Trip From Denver To Zion National Park?

• With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the Denver to Zion National Park road trip takes approximately 9 hours and 39 mins to drive. The driving distance between Denver to Zion National Park is 636 miles.
• If you want to make the Denver to Zion National Park road trip by bike, the time you spend on the road will be 2 days and 16 hours.
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Denver-Zion National Park route, then you will have to walk for 9 days.

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Denver To Zion National Park?

There are many beautiful pits stops along the way to Zion National Park. You can visit Frisco, Colorado; Glenwood Springs, Colorado; Grand Junction, Colorado; Green River, Utah; Richfield, Utah; Panguitch, Utah; Springdale, Utah; Zion National Park, Utah; on the road. Here we list six places to visit for you. For more information about the best places on the Denver to Zion National Park journey, you can check the 6 Best Places To Visit On The Denver To Zion National Park Road Trip.

1. Frisco Historic Park and Museum: 72.2 miles / 1 hour and 20 mins to drive from Denver | 565 miles / 8 hours and 23 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
2. Hanging Lake Trail: 156 miles / 2 hours and 38 mins to drive from Denver | 489 miles / 7 hours and 12 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
3. Downtown Grand Junction: 244 miles / 4 hours to drive from Denver | 394 miles / 5 hours and 54 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
4. Goblin Valley State Park: 392 miles / 6 hours to drive from Denver | 317 miles / 4 hours and 51 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
5. Red Canyon: 552 miles / 8 hours and 27 mins to drive from Denver | 70.1 miles / 1 hour and 33 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
6. The Narrows: 644 miles / 10 hours to drive from Denver | 8.2 miles / 24 mins of driving to Zion National Park.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From Denver To Zion National Park?

There are many excellent hotels during your road trip from Denver to Zion National Park. We have selected eight hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 8 Best Hotels On The Road Trip To Zion National Park From Denver section.

• Frisco Lodge: 71.5 miles / 1 hour and 21 mins to drive from Denver | 566 miles / 8 hours and 24 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
• Glenwood Springs Inn: 158 miles / 2 hours and 42 mins to drive from Denver | 480 miles / 7 hours and 2 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Grand Junction: 243 miles / 3 hours and 52 mins to drive from Denver | 395 miles / 5 hours and 51 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
• River Terrace Inn, Green River: 342 miles / 5 hours and 15 mins to drive from Denver | 294 miles / 4 hours and 31 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
• Quality Inn Richfield I-70: 467 miles / 7 hours and 6 mins to drive from Denver | 170 miles / 2 hours and 38 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
• Quality Inn Bryce Canyon: 549 miles / 8 hours and 24 mins to drive from Denver | 69.0 miles / 1 hour and 33 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
• Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion National Park: 635 miles / 9 hours and 36 mins to drive from Denver | 1.5 miles / 5 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
• Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort: 609 miles / 9 hours and 33 mins to drive from Denver | 19.8 miles / 45 mins of driving to Zion National Park.

Where To Eat Between Denver to Zion National Park?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Denver to Zion National Park drive, you can consider the six restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 6 Best Restaurants On The Denver To Zion National Park Road Trip.

1. Butterhorn Bakery and Cafe: 71.4 miles / 1 hour and 21 mins to drive from Denver | 566 miles / 8 hours and 24 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
2. Riviera Scratch Kitchen: 157 miles / 2 hours and 39 mins to drive from Denver | 480 miles / 7 hours and 2 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
3. Bin 707 Foodbar: 244 miles / 3 hours and 59 mins to drive from Denver | 394 miles / 5 hours and 53 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
4. Tamarisk Restaurant: 342 miles / 5 hours and 15 mins to drive from Denver | 294 miles / 4 hours and 31 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
5. Sagebrush Grill, Richfield: 469 miles / 7 hours and 6 mins to drive from Denver | 169 miles / 2 hours and 37 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
6. Cowboy’s Smokehouse Cafe: 543 miles / 8 hours and 17 mins to drive from Denver | 75.0 miles / 1 hour and 38 mins of driving to Zion National Park.

Conclusion

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Denver to Zion National Park. We have listed eight hotels, six restaurants, and six places to visit on the Denver to Zion National Park drive. We have also given you detailed information about each place so that you can make an informed choice about where to stay, eat, and what to see. We hope this guide has helped make your road trip from Denver to Zion National Park as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken the Denver to Zion National Park road trip? So, it would be perfect if you shared your experience with other travelers who want to have the same experience. You can share your thoughts about the road trip from Denver to Zion National Park and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.