Zion National Park Panoramic Road Itinerary
Experience the beauty of the Zion National Park Panoramic Road, a 157km route that starts in St. George, Utah and ends in Glendale, Utah. Along the way, you'll pass through Hurricane, Springdale, and Zion National Park.
The best time of year to drive this route is in the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the wildlife is active. You'll be treated to stunning landscapes as you drive through the park, including towering red rock formations, lush canyons, and vibrant desert flora. The road is well-maintained and suitable for all drivers, so you can enjoy the drive without worrying about hazardous conditions.
This road trip is an excellent way to experience the beauty of Zion National Park without breaking the bank. You'll come away with lasting memories and a high level of satisfaction. So, plan your trip today and see what Zion National Park has to offer!
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157 km
route length
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START
St. George
Distance 157 km
Driving time 60.8 h
Airports
SLC
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St. George is a great starting point for the Zion National Park Panoramic Road trip. The city is located in southwestern Utah and has a small town feel with plenty of activities to explore. St. George is a great starting point for a road trip as it is close to many of the parks and monuments in the area and is easily accessed by car. The closest international airport, St. George Regional Airport (SGU), is located just 10 miles from the city and offers car rental services, allowing visitors to get on the road quickly.
For those looking to explore St. George itself, the city is full of interesting sights, including the famous St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site, the St. George Art Museum, and the St. George Tabernacle. The city is also home to Zion National Park, which offers stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities, ranging from hiking and camping to river rafting and mountain biking. With its vibrant culture, beautiful scenery, and easy access to outdoor activities, St. George is a great starting point for a Zion National Park Panoramic Road trip.
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St. George
- Hurricane
Distance 39 km
Driving time 16.5 h
Pace: slow
8.9 kWh
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Welcome to the St. George to Hurricane road trip! This 24mi journey will take you less than 17 hours and is one of the most scenic drives in the US. Start off your trip with a visit to the St. George Tabernacle, an iconic landmark of the city. From there, make sure to check out the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site, where you can learn about the area's rich dinosaur history.
As you make your way to Hurricane, you'll pass through stunning landscapes and small towns. Don't forget to stop at the historic Jacob Hamblin Home, a unique relic of the area's past. And of course, no road trip is complete without a visit to the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, a stunning natural area with plenty of hiking and biking trails.
This is just the beginning of your road trip adventure. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Hurricane - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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Hurricane
- Springdale
Distance 43 km
Driving time 17.6 h
Pace: slow
10.0 kWh
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Are you ready for an incredible road trip from Hurricane to Springdale? This stage of the journey is only 27 miles and takes less than 18 hours to drive.
In Hurricane, you can explore the Virgin River Gorge and the nearby Zion National Park. Enjoy the spectacular views of the desert and the mountains, and take a hike along one of the many trails in the park.
When you reach Springdale, you can take a break and relax at the Zion Lodge or explore the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The Zion Canyon Visitor Center offers educational programs and guided tours, and the Zion Human History Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the area.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.
So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to explore the beauty of Hurricane and Springdale!
Springdale - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wiki
Springdale - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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Springdale
- Zion N.P.
Distance 14 km
Driving time 7.9 h
Pace: slow
3.3 kWh
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Welcome road-trippers! Get ready for an amazing journey from Springdale to Zion National Park, a 9mi drive that will take you fewer than 8 hours.
Start your trip in Springdale, where you can explore the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and the Zion Human History Museum. Then, take a hike in the Zion Narrows, where you can experience a unique combination of breathtaking landscapes and fascinating wildlife.
Continue your journey to Zion National Park, where you can take a stroll along the Emerald Pools Trail and enjoy the stunning views of the Zion Valley. Don't forget to visit the Great White Throne, a sandstone formation that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Finally, take a scenic drive along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and marvel at the stunning views of the Zion Canyon.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Zion N.P. - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - National Park Service
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Zion N.P.
- Glendale
Distance 61 km
Driving time 18.7 h
Pace: slow
13.9 kWh
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Welcome to your Zion N.P. to Glendale road trip! This 38 mi journey will take you less than 19 hours. Your journey will start in Zion N.P., an incredible national park known for its stunning sandstone canyons and majestic mountains. Be sure to take a drive along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, a 9-mile road with views of the park’s most iconic sites. After that, you’ll be heading to Mt. Carmel, where you can explore the incredible Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. This road is full of incredible views of the park, so be sure to take your time and enjoy the scenery! Finally, you’ll end your journey in Glendale, where you can explore the historic Glendale Townsite. There, you can learn about the history of the area and take in some of the amazing views of the surrounding countryside. Be sure to check out the Itinerary for this stage for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your trip!
Glendale - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Flickr
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Glendale
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Glendale, a city in Arizona, United States, is the perfect ending point for the Zion National Park Panoramic Road road trip. Located just 10 miles northwest of downtown Phoenix, Glendale offers a range of attractions for its visitors.
The Historic Downtown Glendale is a great place to explore. It has a charming atmosphere with brick-lined streets and old-style buildings, as well as a range of shops, restaurants, and bars. There is also the Glendale Chocolate Festival, where visitors can sample delicious chocolates from around the world.
For those looking to explore nature, Glendale offers the Sahuaro Ranch Park. This park is home to a variety of plants and animals, as well as historic buildings and a lake. The park also has several hiking trails, offering a great way to explore the local landscape.
For those who want to shop, Glendale is home to the Arrowhead Towne Center, one of the largest malls in Arizona. It has over 150 stores and restaurants, making it the perfect place to find something unique.
Finally, if you need to reach Glendale by air, the closest international airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (IATA: PHX). From here, you can easily get to Glendale by car.
Glendale is the perfect destination for those looking to end their Zion National Park Panoramic Road road trip. With its charming Historic Downtown Glendale, Sahuaro Ranch Park, and Arrowhead Towne Center, it is sure to provide something for everyone.
Glendale - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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Zion National Park Panoramic Road at a glance
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Start:
St. George
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End:
Glendale
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Distance:
157 km
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Stay:
1 day
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Getting there:
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
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When to drive:
April, May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Zion National Park Panoramic Road Trip is a breathtaking 157km (97 miles) journey from St. George to Glendale in Utah, which takes you through picturesque towns and the awe-inspiring landscapes of Zion National Park, one of the most famed natural areas in the United States.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
Your drive will include charming towns such as Hurricane, known for its peach orchards and pioneer heritage, and Springdale, which offers an eclectic mix of art galleries, eateries, and views of Zion Canyon. The centerpiece of your Trip is Zion National Park, where you can marvel at iconic landmarks like the towering cliffs of the Court of the Patriarchs, the narrow and serpentine Zion Narrows, and the Great White Throne, a colossal monolith. Keep an eye out for the park's rich biodiversity, including over 289 species of birds, 75 mammals (including the rare bighorn sheep), and 32 reptiles.
Best Time to Go:
Visiting in spring (April to early June) allows you to see the park's waterfalls at their best due to melting snow, while fall (September to early November) provides pleasant temperatures and the chance to witness the leaves changing color. In spring, the desert ecosystem comes alive with wildflowers, and in fall, the park's deciduous trees offer a stunning contrast to the red rocks with their vibrant foliage.
Potential Risks:
While the Road is typically in good condition, be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions in the park, including sudden thunderstorms that can lead to flash flooding, particularly in the summer and during monsoon season (July to September). Always check the weather forecast and Road conditions before heading out.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
Travelers can enjoy the park on a budget by taking advantage of the free shuttle bus service that operates in Zion Canyon, reducing the need for a personal vehicle and helping to preserve the park's environment. Additionally, the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, part of your route, features an impressive 1.1-mile tunnel that was constructed in the 1920s and offers several scenic pullouts with panoramic views.
A good choice for:
This Road Trip is not just a drive but an invitation to immerse yourself in the grandeur of Utah's canyon country. From the dramatic skyscraping cliffs to the serene Virgin River cutting through the canyon floor, Zion National Park is a testament to nature's artistry. Planning your journey with stops for hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing will enrich your experience of this natural wonder. Remember to respect the park's delicate ecosystems and leave no trace to preserve its beauty for future generations.