Salt Lake City To Zion National Park Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide

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Salt Lake City to Zion National Park road trip is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA. The 308 miles of Salt Lake City to Zion National Park drive takes around 4 hours and 33 mins without stops.

This article includes 17 tips that turn your Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City to Zion National Park, take your coffee and keep reading!

7 Best Hotels On The Road Trip From Salt Lake City To Zion National Park

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

1. Hampton Inn Provo

Hampton Inn Provo is one of the best hotels; you can stay on the Salt Lake City to Zion National Park road trip. Driving from Salt Lake City to Hampton Inn Provo might take around 45 mins.

Hampton Inn Provo is a great place to stay during a Salt Lake City to Zion National Park road trip. Enjoy the majestic views of Mt. Tiimpangos in the Wasatch Mountain Range and explore Provo Canyon, both just a few miles away. Wake up to a complimentary hot breakfast each morning, or grab a Hampton On the Run¼ Breakfast Bag if you’re in a hurry. The friendly staff and comfortable rooms make it an ideal stop along the way.

Check the Hampton Inn Provo, one of the best hotels in Provo, Utah, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.

2. Best Western Paradise Inn Of Nephi

Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to Zion National Park from Salt Lake City is Best Western Paradise Inn Of Nephi. Located in Nephi, Utah, the hotel is 86.7 miles away from Salt Lake City, and it would take 1 hour and 17 mins to drive.

Best Western Paradise Inn Of Nephi in Nephi, Utah is a wonderful place to rest after a long day of driving. The staff is welcoming and accommodating, making sure that you are comfortable and have everything you need. The indoor pool and hot tub are great ways to unwind after a long day on the road. The breakfast is superb, with plenty of variety for all tastes, and the convenience of being able to eat in-room is a great bonus. We had a terrible experience with the road conditions nearby and were so grateful to have found this cozy, pet-friendly hotel. We booked online when we knew where we wanted to stop, and got a great deal for our stay. All in all, we would definitely recommend Best Western Paradise Inn Of Nephi in Nephi, Utah as a great place to stay during your Salt Lake City to Zion National Park road trip.

If you want to learn more about the Best Western Paradise Inn Of Nephi, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.

3. Best Western Paradise Inn & Resort

Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the Best Western Paradise Inn & Resort. Best Western Paradise Inn & Resort is located in Fillmore, Utah, and it’s 143 miles away from Salt Lake City. You can arrive there with 2 hours of non-stop driving.

Best Western Paradise Inn & Resort in Fillmore, UT was a great place to stay while on our road trip from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park. The staff at the hotel were super friendly and accommodating, making check-in and check-out a breeze. Our room was clean, comfortable, and spacious, and the hotel itself was peaceful and quiet. The free breakfast was a great bonus, even though the restaurant opened a few minutes late due to the cook oversleeping. But the waitress was quick to get everyone seated and served. We’d definitely come back here again.

Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Best Western Paradise Inn & Resort, for more information.

4. Best Western Paradise Inn, Beaver

If you are taking the road trip from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park, Beaver, Utah is must have a place you should visit. Plus, Best Western Paradise Inn, Beaver is one of the best hotels in town. The hotel is 198 miles from Salt Lake City, and it would take 2 hours and 50 mins to drive.

Best Western Paradise Inn, Beaver was a great place to stop on my road trip from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park. The staff was all friendly and helpful, and the rooms were clean and spacious. I really liked Crazy Cow Cafe, the hotel’s on-site restaurant. Breakfast was delicious, and there were plenty of options to choose from. The hotel was well-maintained, and the facilities were comfortable and inviting. I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a place to stay on the drive.

If you need more info about the price and availability of Best Western Paradise Inn, Beaver, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.

5. Abbey Inn Cedar City

Our next hotel is Abbey Inn Cedar City, Cedar City, Utah. It will take 3 hours and 33 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from Salt Lake City.

Abbey Inn Cedar City is a great stop for any traveler on the Salt Lake City to Zion National Park road trip. This hotel offers great value for families as children can stay for free and pets are welcome. The rooms are comfortable and spacious, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Amenities include a pool, hot tub, and free Wi-Fi. The location is also ideal, as all the major attractions in Cedar City are within walking distance. Overall, Abbey Inn Cedar City is a great place to stay during your road trip.

Check the Abbey Inn Cedar City on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Abbey Inn Cedar City for reviews, prices, and availability.

6. Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion National Park

Another hotel you can accommodate on the road trip from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park is Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion National Park. It’s possible to arrive at this hotel, located in Springdale, Utah within 4 hours and 29 mins drive from Salt Lake City.

Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion National Park is a great place to stay if you’re on a road trip to Zion National Park. Our stay here was comfortable and convenient, thanks to Bryndee who welcomed us warmly and provided helpful advice. The hotel is close to restaurants and shopping, plus the view is breathtaking. The pool area has stunning views of the nearby hills and was the perfect spot to sit and relax. The breakfast options were great – we loved the granola! – and it was one of the best breakfasts we had on the whole trip. All in all, Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion National Park is an excellent place to stay and a great stop on your road trip.

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

7. Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort

Another hotel that deserves to be on the list is Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort. It’s located in Zion National Park, Utah and it is 311 miles from Salt Lake City. You can arrive there within 4 hours and 50 mins of car drive.

Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is a wonderful destination for a road trip from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park. The resort is located atop Zion National Park amidst a beautiful forest of Ponderosa pine trees. Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations, such as Vacation Homes, Cabins Suites, Cowboy Cabins, Conestoga Wagons, and RV/Tent Campground. Dining services at Ray’s restaurants are excellent, and there are plenty of on-site activities for everyone to enjoy, including horseback riding, jeep tours, zip line, climbing wall, canyoneering/hiking excursions, miniature golf, paint ball, and more. Brandi and Parker, who are part of the activities team, are exceptional and really help guests conquer their fears and learn more about American-style riding and ranching. The communal showering facilities are always spotless and warm, and RV hook ups are easy to use. The only downside is the attitude of the staff at reception, and the food at the main restaurant could be improved. All in all, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is a great place to stay on a road trip and is highly recommended.

If you need further information, you can check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort.

In this part, we explained seven hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City to Zion National Park route.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park. We have five restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

5 Best Restaurants On The Salt Lake City To Zion National Park Road Trip

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

1. Tucanos Brazilian Grill, Provo

We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on Salt Lake City to Zion National Park road trip with Tucanos Brazilian Grill, Provo. Tucanos Brazilian Grill, Provo is located in Provo, Utah, and is 42.0 miles from Salt Lake City. It would take 44 mins of driving.

Tucanos Brazilian Grill in Provo is a great choice for travelers on the Salt Lake City to Zion National Park road trip. The restaurant offers a festive atmosphere and delicious Brazilian cuisine. The menu selections are unique and offer plenty of variety for every taste. Every month, Tucanos also adds two new Brazilian treats to the menu, providing an ever-changing gastronomic experience. The restaurant staff is friendly and attentive, always willing to provide recommendations and suggestions. Tucanos provides a great opportunity to experience a bit of Brazil while on the go.

For more information about Tucanos Brazilian Grill, Provo, you can visit the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of Tucanos Brazilian Grill, Provo.

2. Lisa’s Country Kitchen, Nephi

Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Zion National Park from Salt Lake City is Lisa’s Country Kitchen, Nephi. Located in Nephi, Utah, Lisa’s Country Kitchen, Nephi is 84.5 miles from Salt Lake City and would take 1 hour and 17 mins of driving.

Lisa’s Country Kitchen in Nephi, Utah is a must-stop for anyone doing a road trip from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park. The service was excellent, and the meal of Country Fried Steak and Eggs was cooked to perfection. The homemade hash browns and gravy were delicious, and the eggs cooked just right. The portions were generous and the food arrived quickly. As if that wasn’t enough, the homemade pie was truly amazing. If you’re looking for a tasty and hearty meal on your road trip, then Lisa’s Country Kitchen is definitely the place to go.

If you want to learn more about Lisa’s Country Kitchen, Nephi, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

3. Cluff’s Carhop Cafe

Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Cluff’s Carhop Cafe. It will take 2 hours of car drive to take 144 miles from Salt Lake City to Cluff’s Carhop Cafe, Fillmore, Utah.

Cluff’s Carhop Cafe in Fillmore, Utah is a great spot to stop while on a road trip from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park. This small-town eatery has a homely vibe and is one of the few dining options in the area. We had the bacon blue burger and it was delicious. The patty was juicy and the flavors of bacon and blue cheese were well-balanced. As for the shake, it was like soft ice cream, thick and creamy. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, and the food was served quickly. If you’re in Fillmore, don’t miss out on Cluff’s Carhop Cafe!

You can check Cluff’s Carhop Cafe, on TripAdvisor or Google Maps for more information.

4. Crazy Cow Café

Crazy Cow Café deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Beaver, Utah.

Crazy Cow Café in Beaver, Utah was a great spot to stop during our road trip from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park. The breakfast menu was extensive, and the service was quick. We had a hot, fresh meal after having so many buffet-style breakfasts, and the service was great. Our waiter made sure our food was satisfactory and kept our coffee cups full. We had a really enjoyable experience at Crazy Cow Café and it is a great place to stop on your road trip!

Crazy Cow Café is 198 miles from Salt Lake City, and it would take 2 hours and 49 mins of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Crazy Cow Café, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

5. Oscar’s Cafe, Springdale

If you enjoy dining, Oscar’s Cafe, Springdale, would be an excellent choice in Springdale, Utah. It’s 307 miles from Salt Lake City and would take 4 hours and 29 mins of car driving.

Oscar’s Cafe, Springdale is a great pit-stop for your Salt Lake City to Zion National Park road trip. This restaurant offers delicious Mexican-American cuisine and local delicacies, making it the perfect spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. The prices are reasonable and the portions are generous. We highly recommend it to anyone looking for a tasty meal during their road trip.

If you want to learn more about the Oscar’s Cafe, Springdale you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

This section lists our five restaurant recommendations for your road trip from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 308 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 Salt Lake City to Zion National Park. Keep reading.

5 Places To Visit On The Salt Lake City To Zion National Park Drive

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

1. Bridal Veil Falls, Provo

Bridal Veil Falls, Provo will be the first destination we recommend you to stop by on your Salt Lake City to Zion National Park road trip. Located in Provo, Utah, Bridal Veil Falls, Provo is 44.6 miles away from Salt Lake City, and it would take 47 mins to drive.

Bridal Veil Falls is an amazing sight in Provo Canyon. With its easily accessible trail from the parking lot, you can get a good look at the magnificent waterfall. The hike to the falls is open all year round, although winter months may not be the ideal time to visit due to snow. All in all, it is a must-see stop on the Salt Lake City to Zion National Park road trip, as it is a stunning natural attraction that shouldn’t be missed.

If you want to learn more about the Bridal Veil Falls, Provo, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.

2. Devil’s Kitchen, Utah

Devil’s Kitchen, Utah, Nephi, Utah is one of the destinations we recommend you to stop by on the Salt Lake City to Zion National Park route. It’s 97.4 miles from Salt Lake City, and it’ll take about 1 hour and 37 mins of driving.

Devil’s Kitchen in Nephi, Utah is a fantastic spot to check out during a Salt Lake City to Zion National Park road trip. This scenic red rock formation off the Nebo Scenic Loop looks like a miniature version of Bryce Canyon and is an impressive sight to behold. The short paved trail to the lookout offers a pleasant and easy hike, with the majority of the surrounding area having been burned during the drive. The observation platform is a great spot to take in the amazing red rock formations and appreciates the beauty of nature. Although it’s not as big as Bryce Canyon, Devil’s Kitchen is definitely an enjoyable stop and a great way to break up the drive.

If you want to learn more about Devil’s Kitchen, Utah, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website.

3. Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum

One of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park is Fillmore, Utah. And if you visit Fillmore, Utah, we suggest you visit Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum. You can arrive at Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum after 2 hours of driving.

Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum in Fillmore, Utah is a great stop on the road trip from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park. Learn about the state’s history as the first capital of Utah and get a glimpse of some of the artifacts from Brigham Young’s time. The admission fee of only $2 per person is well worth the visit. The museum is a great family-friendly stop with interesting artifacts, a stunning All-American Rose Garden, and a picnic area. The helpful staff is knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions. All in all, the Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum is a great way to break up the road trip and get a good insight into Utah’s past.

You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum for more information.

4. Eagle Point Ski Resort

Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Eagle Point Ski Resort, Beaver, Utah on the Salt Lake City to Zion National Park road trip. Eagle Point Ski Resort is 218 miles from Salt Lake City, and you can arrive there after the 3 hours and 22 mins of drive.

Eagle Point Ski Resort is an ideal destination for a Salt Lake City to Zion National Park road trip. Located 18 miles east of historic Beaver, Utah, and just a scenic 3.5 hours and from Las Vegas or Salt Lake City, the resort provides a plethora of activities for all seasons. In winter, the resort offers snow sports, including skiing, snowboarding, and even snowmobiling. Summer brings mountain biking, day excursions to nearby attractions like Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks, and various other summer activities. Lodging, high-quality dining, and entertainment options are also available for visitors. Whether you’re looking for a winter ski getaway or a summer mountain retreat, Eagle Point Ski Resort is a great choice.

In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Eagle Point Ski Resort before going there.

5. The Narrows

Located in Zion National Park, Utah, The Narrows ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the road trip from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park. You must take 4 hours and 54 mins of driving to arrive at The Narrows.

The Narrows is an amazing hike at Zion National Park. The hike is unlike any I have ever done before and it is absolutely stunning. I visited in November when the temperature was a comfortable 55 degrees. The river was cold, but the weather was perfect for hiking. I made the mistake of renting dry pants and canyoneering boots from Zion Outfitters, which didn’t keep my feet dry. However, if you rent from Zion Guru by La Quinta Inn, you will be able to stay totally dry as their equipment is fully connected to the sock/foot part. During the summer months, you can opt out of dry pants, but still, need to use walking poles and canyoneering boots for grip. Zion’s most popular trail is also its most dangerous due to flash floods, so be sure to check weather conditions before you go. All in all, The Narrows is an unforgettable experience that shouldn’t be missed on your trip.

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

FAQ of the Road Trip From Salt Lake City to Zion National Park

Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about the Salt Lake City to Zion National Park drive.

How Long Is The Road Trip From Salt Lake City To Zion National Park?

  • With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the Salt Lake City to Zion National Park road trip takes approximately 4 hours and 33 mins to drive. The driving distance between Salt Lake City to Zion National Park is 308 miles.
  • If you want to make the Salt Lake City to Zion National Park road trip by bike, the time you spend on the road will be 1 day 2 hours.
  • If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Salt Lake City-Zion National Park route, then you will have to walk for 3 days 19 hours.

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Salt Lake City To Zion National Park?

There are many beautiful pit stops along the way to Zion National Park. You can visit Provo, Utah; Nephi, Utah; Fillmore, Utah; Beaver, Utah; Cedar City, Utah; Springdale, Utah; Zion National Park, Utah; ; ; on the road. Here we list five places to visit for you. For more information about the best places on the Salt Lake City to Zion National Park journey, you can check the 5 Best Places To Visit On The Salt Lake City To Zion National Park Road Trip.

  1. Bridal Veil Falls, Provo: 44.6 miles / 47 mins to drive from Salt Lake City | 274 miles / 4 hours and 12 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
  2. Devil’s Kitchen, Utah: 97.4 miles / 1 hour and 37 mins to drive from Salt Lake City | 238 miles / 3 hours and 42 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
  3. Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum: 144 miles / 2 hours to drive from Salt Lake City | 165 miles / 2 hours and 35 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
  4. Eagle Point Ski Resort: 218 miles / 3 hours and 22 mins to drive from Salt Lake City | 129 miles / 2 hours and 19 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
  5. The Narrows: 316 miles / 4 hours and 54 mins to drive from Salt Lake City | 8.2 miles / 24 mins of driving to Zion National Park.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From Salt Lake City To Zion National Park?

There are many excellent hotels during your road trip from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park. We have selected seven hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 7 Best Hotels On The Road Trip To Zion National Park From Salt Lake City section.

  • Hampton Inn Provo: 46.6 miles / 45 mins to drive from Salt Lake City | 263 miles / 3 hours and 55 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
  • Best Western Paradise Inn Of Nephi: 86.7 miles / 1 hour and 17 mins to drive from Salt Lake City | 223 miles / 3 hours and 19 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
  • Best Western Paradise Inn & Resort: 143 miles / 2 hours to drive from Salt Lake City | 166 miles / 2 hours and 34 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
  • Best Western Paradise Inn, Beaver: 198 miles / 2 hours and 50 mins to drive from Salt Lake City | 111 miles / 1 hour and 47 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
  • Abbey Inn Cedar City: 251 miles / 3 hours and 33 mins to drive from Salt Lake City | 58.2 miles / 1 hour of driving to Zion National Park.
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion National Park: 307 miles / 4 hours and 29 mins to drive from Salt Lake City | 1.5 miles / 5 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
  • Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort: 311 miles / 4 hours and 50 mins to drive from Salt Lake City | 19.8 miles / 45 mins of driving to Zion National Park.

Where To Eat Between Salt Lake City to Zion National Park?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Salt Lake City to Zion National Park drive, you can consider the five restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 5 Best Restaurants On The Salt Lake City To Zion National Park Road Trip.

  1. Tucanos Brazilian Grill, Provo: 42.0 miles / 44 mins to drive from Salt Lake City | 270 miles / 4 hours of driving to Zion National Park.
  2. Lisa’s Country Kitchen, Nephi: 84.5 miles / 1 hour and 17 mins to drive from Salt Lake City | 223 miles / 3 hours and 19 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
  3. Cluff’s Carhop Cafe: 144 miles / 2 hours to drive from Salt Lake City | 167 miles / 2 hours and 34 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
  4. Crazy Cow Café: 198 miles / 2 hours and 49 mins to drive from Salt Lake City | 111 miles / 1 hour and 47 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
  5. Oscar’s Cafe, Springdale: 307 miles / 4 hours and 29 mins to drive from Salt Lake City | 1.2 miles / 3 mins of driving to Zion National Park.

Conclusion

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park. We have listed seven hotels, five restaurants, and five places to visit on the Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City to Zion National Park as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken the Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City to Zion National Park and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.

Video: Zion National Park Road Trip – Top Things

In this video, you can find a detailed travel guide about Zion National Park.




Tolga

Hi, I'm Tolga. Your guide for unforgettable road trips across the USA, Europe, and Australia. I offer destination insights, tips, and occasionally use AI for added accuracy. Let's explore the world one road at a time!

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