The Southwest captivates the hearts and minds of all those who visit. Whether it’s the association with old Western movies or the mind-boggling expansiveness of the open desert, or the mars-like landscape, there’s an undeniable magnetism that draws us to the Southwest. In this epic Southwest road trip, you’ll explore natural wonders in three states and visit two of the nation’s most beloved national parks.

Las Vegas to Zion National Park Road Trip

Our unforgettable Zion National Park Road trip takes you from the bright lights of Las Vegas to the enchanting Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, and Lake Mead in an epic desert loop. You’ll take on some of the best hikes in the region and cherish every desert sunset along the way.

Summer:  Summer in Zion National Park and the surrounding wilderness is scorching hot. With temperatures reaching triple digits regularly, it’s best to plan activities in the early morning or evening hours. Always travel with plenty of water in the park, especially during the summer. Monsoon season begins in July and lasts through September, so be wary of flash floods. While daytime temperatures are scorching hot, they quickly drop at night. Summer nights can dip into the high 40s. Park operations are in full swing during the summer, with all shuttles and roads open. Crowds tend to flock to the park during holidays and weekends. 

Fall: As summer turns to fall, temperatures drop, and Zion National Park’s climate becomes bearable but pleasant. Temperatures can vary over 30 degrees, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 30s. They drop first in the park’s higher altitudes and make their way down to the lower elevations by the end of October. Shuttle buses start to run less frequently, and visitors may see some park closures as early as November. 

Winter: Winters in Zion may be cold and wet, but they can also be magical. Daytime temperatures are generally mild, typically ranging  in the 40s or low 50s during the day, but can drop well below freezing at night. Nearly half of Zion’s annual precipitation falls between December and March. While roads are plowed quickly, many trails may close due to falling ice hazards. After a winter storm, the snow melts quickly, except for at high elevations where it can accumulate. Icy conditions may persist for days on shaded trail portions, so proceed cautiously. If you’re hiking the narrows, expect extremely cold conditions and consider using a dry suit to hike it safely. Park shuttles only operate during the winter holidays. 

Spring: Spring’s arrival brings warmer weather and early wildflower blooms. Daytime temperatures warm up in early spring to the 50s and 60s, but nighttime temperatures may still drop below freezing. Higher elevations may still have snow and be inaccessible without proper winter gear. When the snow finally does melt, the Narrows may close due to the raised water levels. The Park shuttle returns to its full-time schedule in the spring. 

Gear

Rain Gear: While it may not rain often in the desert, when it rains, it pours. If you’re traveling from mid-July to September, you may encounter flash flooding, So prepare for the worst and hope for the best. 

Sun Protection: The sun is always a factor in the desert. With summer temperatures in the triple digits and a strong UV index year-round, sun protection is crucial on a Zion National Park road trip and when visiting surrounding wilderness areas. Wear sunscreen, bring a hat, and wear UPF clothing. 

Layers: Desert nights can be chilly, especially in the winter and at higher elevations, so layer up. 

Water & Food: A camper van lets you take everything you need on the road. Add a kitchen kit to your camper van to plan your meals during your journey. 

Campsites

Finding a campsite: camper vans fit in almost every standard-sized campsite and don’t require electrical or water hookups, making camping easy. 

Dispersed camping vs. campsites: A van makes dispersed camping easy. You can disperse camp for free on federal and BLM land. There are plenty of apps, such as Roadtrippers or the Dyrt Pro, to help you find a dispersed camping site on your route. If you’re considering booking a campsite, either in a national/state park or a private campsite, make sure you book at least a few months before your trip.

Navigation

Phones & Chargers: Navigation is integral to your trip’s success. Make sure you bring a smartphone or GPS device and a charger. Download maps offline to have navigation access when you lose service.

Las Vegas to Zion National Park Road Trip Stops 

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park 

The Grand Canyon is perhaps the most universally recognized wilderness area in the United States. The iconic canyon descends 6,000 feet from rim to river and stretches for an unfathomable 277 miles. The Colorado River snakes below, carving the canyon walls further with every passing moment. It’s 275 miles from Las Vegas to the entrance of Grand Canyon National Park, and the drive usually takes approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes. With 595 miles of trails and 278 miles of river, you’ll never run out of places to explore in the Grand Canyon.  

Camping in Grand Canyon National Park 

South Rim

Trailer Village RV Park: Known as RV Village, this Grand Canyon campground offers campsites with hookups centrally located in Canyon Village and open year-round.  Reservations can be made up to 13 months in advance. We recommend making reservations one year in advance if you’re visiting during the summer. Campers will have access to grills, picnic tables, and RV hookups. 

Mather Campground: Located in the South Rim Grand Canyon Village, Mather Campground has 327 sites.  Each campsite has a fire ring with a cooking grate and a picnic table. Campers have access to flush toilets and drinking water. This campground is open year-round. Make your reservations here. 

Desert View Campground: Open from April 13 through October 13, Desert View Campground offers 49 campsites available by reservation. Reservations open six months in advance and fill quickly. Campers will have access to fire rings, picnic tables, and restrooms. This campground is pet-friendly

North Rim 

North Rim Campground: The North Rim Campground opens from May through October each year. Perched at an elevation of 8,200 feet, the North Rim Campground offers campers a remote and wilderness-centric camping experience than that available in the South Rim. Many campers arrive on foot from the South Rim, but the campground is accessible to vehicles as well. There are 90 tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings with cooking grates. Drinking water, flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities are available nearby. Make your reservations here.

DeMotte Campground: Located within the North Kaibab Ranger District, seven miles from the north entrance to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, the DeMotte Campground offers 38 receivable campsites. The campsites have picnic tables, fire rings, and cooking grills. Campers have access to drinking water and vault toilets. The DeMotte Campground is open from May to October.  

What to do in Grand Canyon National Park 

South Rim 

Visit the Viewpoints Near Grand Canyon Village: The South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park has miles of paved road, which makes it easy to find the celebrated viewpoints scattered throughout the park. There are dozens of viewpoints along the South Rim, many located within reach of Grand Canyon Village. To get to these viewpoints, walk along the Rim Trail or take the shuttle (Kaibab Rim Route, orange line). Near Grand Canyon Village, you’ll find the famous Mather Point, Yavapai Point, Yaki Point, and Ooh Aah Point.

Stroll along the South Rim Trail: The South Rim Trail is a mostly flat, paved trail that traces the edge of the rim for 12 miles, from Hermit’s Rest to the South Kaibab trailhead. The trail is realtively easy but long. Pick a portion to hike or tackle the whole thing. 

Take on the Bright Angel Trail: The Bright Angel Trail is a popular descent into the Grand Canyon that starts on the rim and ends at the Bright Angel Campground near the Colorado River, 9.5 miles and 4380 feet later. It’s usually done as a backpacking route but can be done as a grueling out and back. Many hikers choose to do a portion of the trail as an out and back. There are two rest houses along the trail used as turnarounds: one is 1.5 miles into the canyon (used for a 3-mile round trip), and the other is 3 miles into the canyon (making a 6-mile round trip). 

Hike the South Kaibab Trail: As another stunning descent route into the canyon, the South Kaibab Trail stretches for roughly 7 miles and drops 4800 feet toward the Colorado River. This route is shorter and steeper than the heavily trafficked Bright Angel Trail. Additionally, the trail is more exposed, which makes for better views with more technical hiking. To tackle the Kaibab Trail as a day hike, consider turning around at one of the following markers: Ooh Aah Point (1.8 miles round trip), Cedar Ridge (3 miles round trip), or Skeleton Point (6 miles round trip). 

North Rim 

Take in the Views from the Cape Royal Viewpoint: If you’re looking for epic views without a grueling hike, head to Cape Royal Viewpoint to look out over the North Rim. This hike is just over 1-mile round trip.

Hike to Bright Angle Point: Not to be confused with Bright Angel Trail, which descends the canyon from the South Rim, Bright Angel Point is a short 0.5-mile trail (1 mile round trip) to the scenic lookout. On this short trek, hikers can see the land transition from the lush green forests of the Kaibab Plateau to a stunted and sparse collection of desert pinyon and juniper. 

Hike the North Kaibab Trail to Roaring Springs: This challenging day hike is an 8.4-mile out and back that descends 3050 feet into the canyon. The hike typically takes 6-9 hours and travels through some of the park’s most unique scenery, including the Supai Tunnel and Eye of the Needle. 

Where to Eat in Grand Canyon National Park 

Maswik Pizza Pub: Conveniently located in the heart of Grand Canyon Village, Mawik Pizza Pub serves pizza by the slice and whole pies to hungry hikers. Stop by after a day on the trail. 

Arizona Steakhouse: Celebrate your hiking accomplishments with a steak dinner for two. Arizona Steak House is perched on the rim of the Grand Canyon, giving guests an unrivaled view. The steakhouse offers a lengthy beer and wine menu, along with their signature steaks and entrees. 

Fred Harvey Burger: Located inside the Bright Angle Lodge, Fred Harvey Burger serves decadent burgers and classic diner-style fare that will hit the spot after a long day in the sun exploring the park.  

El Tovar Dining Room: Fine dining just steps away from the rim of the Grand Canyon is exactly what’s on offer at El Tovar dining Room. Steeped in history and elegance, there’s no dining experience quite like the El Tovar Dining Room. Past guests include Presidents Teddy Roosevelt and Sir Paul McCartney. 

Grand Canyon National Park to Zion National Park 

Travel 216 miles north from Grand Canyon National Park, and you’ll run into the red rock canyon and sprawling desert of Zion National Park. Winding slot canyons, towering sandstone walls, and the serpentine Virgin River attract adventure enthusiasts from around the planet to Zion National Park. The park is split into two distinct areas, the main Zion Canyon and the Kolob Canyon. The park spans 232 square miles between the two areas and includes high plateaus, a maze of sandstone canyons, and 2,000-foot cliffs. A handful of campgrounds in the park fill up fast during the busy season. Dispersed camping is available in the LaVerkin Creek area, which shares a border with the park. 

Camping in Zion National Park 

Lava Point Campground: Lava Point is a remote campground located 45 minutes down Kolob Terrace Road near Virgin. At 7,890 feet of elevation, this Zion campground is one of the highest points in the park. Open from May through September, this campground has fire pits and picnic tables at each site and access to pit toilets. There is no drinking water, so plan to bring your own. 

South Campground: Open from mid-March through October, South Campground is located half a mile from the park’s south entrance. This Zion campground offers 117 sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restroom facilities and drinking water. Make your reservations up to six months in advance. 

Watchman Campground: This Zion campground is located just a quarter mile from the park’s south entrance and is open year-round. With 203 campsites that offer picnic tables, fire rings, restroom facilities, and drinking water, Watchman has everything you need. However, this campground fills fast, so book your reservations at least six months in advance. 

Things to do in Zion National Park 

Hike the Angels Landing Trail: Perhaps the most popular trail in Zion National Park, Angels Landing offers incredible views, especially at sunset or sunrise. The hike is so popular that a permit is required for all hikers. Sign up for a permit here. The hike is a strenuous 5.4-mile out-and-back that gains approximately 1,827 feet. It climbs to the top of an impressive rock fin with a section that is so steep that a bolted chain is required to ascend. 

Hike the Narrows: The iconic Narrows slot canyon is one of Zion National Park’s main attractions. Hiking the Narrows requires hiking in the Virgin River up the famous slot canyon. The river is typically only low enough to access the narrows in the summer. The Narrows is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon, with walls that reach one thousand feet into the sky. To hike the Narrows, start on the paved Riverside Walk for one mile from the Temple of Sinawava, and then continue into the river and head upstream.

Hike the Emerald Pools Trail: Located by the Historic Zion Lodge, the Emerald Pool Trail leads to a desert oasis home to a series of pools and waterfalls. The trail to reach the first pool is a reasonably easy 1.2-mile round-trip hike. To get to the middle pool, you’ll hike 2 miles round trip. Finally, you’ll hike three miles round trip to reach the upper pool. The Emerald Pools are incredibly popular, especially during hot summer days. So, expect crowds. 

Go Canyoneering: Canyoneering is the best way to explore Zion’s slot canyons. Canyoneering involves exploring a canyon from point A to B by hiking, scrambling, sliding, stemming, chimneying, and rappelling. There are several guided Canyoneering operations, including Zion Guru. 

Places to eat in Zion National Park 

Red Rock Grill: One of two restaurants within the park, Red Rock Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with classic, reliable dishes, from soups and salads to wraps, burgers, and steak dinners. 

Zion Canyon Brew Pub: Located near Springdale, Zion Canyon Brew Pub is Southern Utah’s first microbrewery. With unbeatable views from the outdoor beer garden, live music, tasty beer, and a stellar lunch and dinner menu, It is a must-visit. 

Thai Sapa: Thai Sapa has been serving park guests since 2003. With organic ingredients from their garden, Thai Sapa serves hearty Thai and Vietnamese dishes that are divine after a long day on the trail. 

Anthera: Fuel up for a day of hiking and exploration with a to-die-for brunch in the Cliff Rose Lodge. Anthera offers many delicious brunch items, including crepes, eggs benedict, and more. 

Zion National Park to Lake Mead

Glimmering in stark contrast to the surrounding Mojave Desert, Lake Mead stretches for an improbable 112 miles through some of the most inhospitable in the US. Located just 25 miles east of the Las Vegas Strip, the Lake Mead Recreation Area follows the Colorado River and includes areas in Nevada and Arizona. Lake Mead isn’t just a recreation area. It’s the largest reservoir in the United States, providing drinking water to over 20 million people. The National Park Service maintains the Lake Mead Recreational Area, so the campgrounds are all well looked out for, and dozens of options exist. 

Camping in Lake Mead

Boulder Beach: Boulder Beach is home to two Lake Mead Campgrounds, offering 154 campsites. Boulder Beach has something for every camper: first-come, first-serve tent sites and an RV village available for reservation. Campers can enjoy everything the lake offers, like kayaking, boating, and more. Boulder Beach offers campers access to RV hookups (in the RV village), drinking water, and restroom facilities. 

Callville Bay Campground: This Lake Mead campground is just over half an hour from Las Vegas at the edge of the Boulder Basin of Lake Mead. It is open year-round and can accommodate tents, RVs, and everything in between. Campsites come standard with fire pits and picnic tables. Water spigots and restrooms are a short walk away. 

Las Vegas Bay Campground: This Campground is open year-round and offers paved RV sites and tent sites just outside the city limits on the western edge of the Lake Mead Recreational Area. The campsites have picnic tables and fire rings, and campers have access to restroom facilities and drinking water. 

What to do in Lake Mead

Paddle Lake Mead: Get acquainted with the largest reservoir by paddling the day on the water. Grab a kayak, canoe, or paddle board and head out onto the smooth waters of Lake Mead. If paddling isn’t your thing, float the river down the Black Canyon National Water Trail along the Colorado River. There are several options for rentals and guided paddle tours in the area. 

Hike the Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail: Just outside of Boulder City, Gold Strike Canyon offers visitors a rewarding hiking experience that challenges trekkers with a 5.3 mile out and back that gains approximately 1,013 feet of elevation before depositing hikers at the famous hot spring pools. 

Go Boating: Lake Meed offers over 242 square miles of open water, and one of the best ways to see it is onboard a boat. Several marinas in the area offer pontoon boat rentals. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing boat ride or to spend the afternoon water skiing or wakeboarding, Lake Mead is the perfect place for boating. 

Drive Northshore Road: Perhaps the most scenic drive in the area, NorthShore Road stretches for almost 50 miles and travels through a varied landscape, from side open desert to road rock boulder fields and towering desert mountains. 

Places to Eat in Lake Mead 

Caville Bay: Enjoy breakfast or lunch with a lake view at Caville Bay’s Fountain Site Lounge. The snack bar at the Fountain Site Lounge offers delicious grilled sandwiches and breakfast favorites. 

The Boathouse at the Lake Mead Marina: The Boathouse Restaurant is a favorite for locals and travelers alike. Located mere steps from the marina, diners can enjoy views of the lake while enjoying hearty breakfast burritos, healthy salads, and tasty sandwiches. 

Lake Mead Cruises: Why not start your day with a champagne brunch aboard one of Lake Mead’s many lake cruises? Diners aboard a Lake Mead cruise can enjoy a breakfast buffet of scrambled eggs, bacon, French toast, crepes, and champagne. The 9- minute cruise departs at 10 AM on Sundays. 

Why Rent a Camper Van for a Las Vegas to Zion National Park Road Trip?

The perfect blend of mobility and comfort: A camper van gives you an ideal mix of mobility and comfort and allows you to enjoy the rugged desert in comfort, from the streets of Las Vegas to the surrounding mountains and sprawling desert of Zion National Park. While an RV may have a similar level of comfort, you’re limited on where to park and stay. A camper van offers the best of both worlds–camping made comfortable and easy meals on the go. Navigate winding mountain roads quickly, get to remote, dispersed campsites, and enjoy all the freedoms of camper van travel. 

Easy to drive: Unlike giant RVs, camper vans drive just like standard cars, fit into regular parking spots, and are easy to use both in nature and in the city. Camper vans are unrivaled when it comes to dispersed camping. Access remote campsites and trails high in the mountains and blend in seamlessly while exploring the streets of Los Angeles.  

Flexible Camping: Since camper vans don’t require electrical or sewer hookups, you can camp in tent-designated campsites or remote dispersed sites.  

Convenient and fun: With dozens of add-ons and several spacious models, our camper vans make spending the night in nature easy and enjoyable. You can pack everything you need for a multi-day and multi-activity adventure in your van and not waste time setting up a tent or looking for RV-designated camping or parking. 

Reserve with Escape Camper Vans for your Trip

A camper van is the ultimate adventure for exploring Zion National Park and the surrounding wilderness. From the wide open desert to the mountains and even the streets of Las Vegas, a camper van is the ultimate adventure vehicle. The combination of mobility and comfort is unmatched by any other form of camping.

Don’t waste time unpacking and pitching a tent when you have everything you need to camp inside your van. Unlike RVs, camper vans allow you to camp in tent sites, park like a standard vehicle, and drive safely and comfortably up and down mountain roads. Pick up your camper van at Escape Camper Vans in Las Vegas to start your desert adventure.