Route map
Start / endStopsHalfway
Salt Lake City to Zion: the drive
The drive from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park covers 309 miles (497 km) and takes about 4 hr 30 min without stops, mostly on I-15.
It's doable in one day, but with fuel, food and a couple of stops plan on roughly 6 hrs door to door.
We found 6 worthwhile stops within about 25 miles of the route, including Park City, Fremont Indian State Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument and Snow Canyon State Park.
| Main roads | Approx. miles |
|---|---|
| I-15 | 280 |
Best time to go: April to June and September to November. Summer is hot and crowded; winter is quiet.
Best stops between Salt Lake City and Zion
- 1
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 - 2
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 - 3
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 - 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
Near Zion
- 4
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.
- 6
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 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.
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Renting a car for this trip
Most travelers fly into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) 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 SLC
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Trip cost calculator
Estimate gas or charging, hotels and car rental for a round trip from Salt Lake City to Zion:
Salt Lake City to Zion road trip FAQ
How long is the drive from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park?
About 4 hr 30 min without stops for 309 miles via I-15. With breaks for fuel and food, allow around 6 hrs.
What is the halfway point between Salt Lake City and Zion?
Fillmore, UT is about halfway, roughly 155 miles from each end. It's a good place for fuel and a meal.
Can you drive from Salt Lake City to Zion in one day?
Yes. At 4 hr 30 min of driving it's a comfortable one-day trip. Leave early so you arrive with daylight to spare.
What are the best stops between Salt Lake City and Zion?
Top stops include Park City, Fremont Indian State Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument and Snow Canyon State Park. See the full list with detour times above.
How much does gas cost from Salt Lake City to Zion?
About $40 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.
