Route map
Start / endStopsHalfway
Las Vegas to Salt Lake City: the drive
The drive from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City covers 420 miles (676 km) and takes about 6 hrs without stops, mostly on I-15.
It's doable in one day, but with fuel, food and a couple of stops plan on roughly 7 hr 45 min door to door.
We found 9 worthwhile stops within about 25 miles of the route, including Seven Magic Mountains, Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire State Park and Snow Canyon State Park.
| Main roads | Approx. miles |
|---|---|
| I-15 | 417 |
Best time to go: May to October for southern Utah trips.
Best stops between Las Vegas and Salt Lake City
Before you leave Las Vegas
- 2
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
A 13-mile one-way scenic loop 25 minutes from the Strip. A timed-entry reservation has been required for most of the year.
Photo: Wilson44691 · CC0
- 1
Seven Magic Mountains
Seven towers of neon-painted boulders in the desert just off I-15 south of Las Vegas. Free, quick and very photogenic.
Photo: Bobak Ha'Eri · CC BY 3.0 - 3
Hoover Dam
Walk across the 726-foot Art Deco dam, or take the power plant tour. The Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman bridge walkway gives the best view.
Photo: Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz) · CC BY-SA 4.0 - 4
Valley of Fire State Park
Nevada's oldest state park: fiery red Aztec sandstone, petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock and the short Fire Wave hike. Too hot for hiking at midday in summer.
Photo: Clément Bardot · CC BY-SA 3.0 - 5
Snow Canyon State Park
Red and white Navajo sandstone, lava tubes and petrified dunes just outside St. George. A mini-Zion without the crowds.
Photo: Wilson44691 · CC0 - 6
Kolob Canyons (Zion)
Zion's quiet northwest corner, with a 5-mile scenic drive right off I-15 at exit 40 and no shuttle needed.
- 7
Cedar Breaks National Monument
A 2,000-foot-deep natural amphitheater at 10,000 feet. The rim road is usually closed by snow from November to late May.
Photo: Lucas·G · CC BY-SA 4.0 - 8
Fremont Indian State Park
One of the largest collections of Fremont rock art in Utah, right beside I-70 in Clear Creek Canyon.
Photo: Murray Foubister · CC BY-SA 2.0
Near Salt Lake City
- 9
Park City
A silver mining town turned ski resort, with a lively Main Street and the Utah Olympic Park.
Photo: PeteysHead · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay in Salt Lake City
A major airport hub and the northern starting point for Utah's national parks.
Map not loading? See places to stay near Salt Lake City →
Renting a car for this trip
Most travelers fly into Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and pick up a car there. If you're not driving back, compare one-way rentals that drop off at SLC. One-way fees vary a lot between companies. A mid-size car is fine for all paved roads on this route. You only need an SUV for the optional dirt-road detours.
Need a car?
Rental cars at LAS
Compare prices from major and local agencies at Harry Reid International Airport in one search. Dropping off near Salt Lake City? Search a one-way rental; drop fees vary a lot between companies, so compare first.
Compare rental cars →Free cancellation on most bookings.
Trip cost calculator
Estimate gas or charging, hotels and car rental for a round trip from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City:
Las Vegas to Salt Lake City road trip FAQ
How long is the drive from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City?
About 6 hrs without stops for 420 miles via I-15. With breaks for fuel and food, allow around 7 hr 45 min.
What is the halfway point between Las Vegas and Salt Lake City?
Beaver, UT is about halfway, roughly 210 miles from each end. It's a good place for fuel and a meal.
Can you drive from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City in one day?
Yes. At 6 hrs of driving it's a comfortable one-day trip. Leave early so you arrive with daylight to spare.
What are the best stops between Las Vegas and Salt Lake City?
Top stops include Seven Magic Mountains, Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire State Park and Snow Canyon State Park. See the full list with detour times above.
How much does gas cost from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City?
About $54 one way in a car that gets 28 mpg with gas at $3.60 a gallon. Use the calculator on this page to plug in your own car and prices.
When is the best time to visit Salt Lake City?
May to October for southern Utah trips.
Route calculated from OpenStreetMap data and checked 2026-11-09. Drive times assume normal traffic and no stops.
