Route map
Start / endStopsOvernight
LA to Zion: the drive
The drive from Los Angeles to Zion National Park covers 428 miles (689 km) and takes about 6 hr 45 min without stops, mostly on I-15 and SR-9.
That's a lot of time behind the wheel for one day, so we suggest splitting it into 2 days with an overnight in Enterprise, NV. That keeps each day to about 3 hr 30 min of driving.
We found 9 worthwhile stops within about 25 miles of the route, including Calico Ghost Town, Peggy Sue's 50's Diner, Seven Magic Mountains and Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
| Main roads | Approx. miles |
|---|---|
| I-15 | 353 |
| SR-9 | 32 |
Best time to go: April to June and September to November. Summer is hot and crowded; winter is quiet.
Suggested 2-day itinerary
- Day 1: Los Angeles → Enterprise, NV (214 mi). Stops: Calico Ghost Town and Peggy Sue's 50's Diner.
- Day 2: Enterprise, NV → Zion National Park (214 mi). Stops: Seven Magic Mountains, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and Hoover Dam.
Best stops between LA and Zion
- 1
Calico Ghost Town
A restored 1880s silver mining town above Barstow, with a mine tour, small museum and old-west storefronts.
Photo: Alexander Mason · CC BY 4.0 - 2
Peggy Sue's 50's Diner
A kitschy 1950s diner in Yermo, right off I-15, and the classic meal stop on the LA–Vegas drive.
- ☾
Overnight in Enterprise, NV
End of day 1: about 3 hr 30 min and 214 miles from LA.
See hotels in Enterprise → - 3
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 - 4
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 - 5
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 - 6
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 - 7
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
Near Zion
- 8
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.
- 9
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Shifting pink sand dunes between Zion and Kanab, where you can rent sandboards.
Photo: Staplegunther (David Jolley) · CC BY-SA 3.0
Where to stay overnight on the way
Hotels and rentals around Enterprise, NV, the natural end of day one:
Map not loading? See places to stay near Enterprise →
Where to stay in Springdale
Utah's most visited park: The Narrows, Angels Landing and a canyon floor you reach by shuttle from Springdale. Springdale is the closest town with lodging. Rooms near national parks sell out in peak season, so book early.
Map not loading? See places to stay near Springdale →
Renting a car for this trip
Most travelers fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and pick up a car there. Booking a round trip from the same airport is usually much cheaper than a one-way rental. A mid-size car is fine for all paved roads on this route. You only need an SUV for the optional dirt-road detours.
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Rental cars at LAX
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Trip cost calculator
Estimate gas or charging, hotels and car rental for a round trip from LA to Zion:
LA to Zion road trip FAQ
How long is the drive from Los Angeles to Zion National Park?
About 6 hr 45 min without stops for 428 miles via I-15 and SR-9. With breaks for fuel and food, allow around 8 hr 30 min.
Where should I stop overnight between LA and Zion?
To keep each day under about 4 hours of driving, stay overnight in Enterprise, NV. Book ahead in summer and on holiday weekends.
What are the best stops between LA and Zion?
Top stops include Calico Ghost Town, Peggy Sue's 50's Diner, Seven Magic Mountains and Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. See the full list with detour times above.
How much does gas cost from LA to Zion?
About $55 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 Zion?
April to June and September to November. Summer is hot and crowded; winter is quiet.
Route calculated from OpenStreetMap data and checked 2026-11-09. Drive times assume normal traffic and no stops.
