Grand Canyon to Zion National Park Road Trip Guide
Planning a family vacation, a solo adventure, or time out of town with your sweetheart? A Southwestern road trip through the breathtaking desert is an unforgettable option. Start your adventure at the Grand Canyon in Arizona, then set your GPS northeast-bound to Zion National Park in Utah.
The drive affords opportunities to enjoy exhilarating nature hikes, visit historical sites, and sample an eclectic array of cuisine. Recharge with a soothing soak at Zion Canyon Hot Springs—a newly opened wellness destination nestled near the park.
Making the most out of your trip from the Grand Canyon to Zion National Park is a breeze when you plan. Need ideas? Keep reading.
Side note: At $80, the America the Beautiful Pass allows you to visit National Parks for an entire year. By travelling from the Grand Canyon to Zion National Park, you will be close to breaking even on the cost. If you plan another Grand Canyon to Zion road trip, the pass is a smart purchase.
Things to See and Do Near the Grand Canyon
Venturing into the Grand Canyon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many people. Listed are some of the must-see locations throughout this massive natural beauty.
Mather Point
Upon arrival at the Grand Canyon, head to the visitor center to learn more about the Grand Canyon's history and get up-to-date information on various trail closures.
Mather Point is a five-minute walk from the visitor center and the perfect spot for awe-inspiring vistas—stretching over 30 miles to the east and over 60 miles to the west1 across the canyon. You can also spot the Colorado River and Phantom Ranch at the base.
South Rim Trail
A nearly 13-mile hike, the South Rim Trail offers stunning views. This moderately strenuous hike is mostly paved and accessible, but wheelchair users may still need assistance due to its elevation. You'll need to access the trail using the park shuttle. With several overlooks, there will be plenty of photo opportunities.
Grand Canyon Historic Village
Refuel at the Grand Canyon Historic Village with fine dining at El Tovar Hotel and quick snacks at Hermit's Rest.
In addition to delicious food, the village boasts several lodging options and historical tours. At the adobe pueblo-inspired Hopi House, you can view its fascinating architecture and shop for Native American goods.
Driving From Arizona to Utah
After visiting the Grand Canyon, it's time to hit the road again on your way to Zion National Park. How far is the Grand Canyon from Zion National Park? The drive takes approximately four hours; however, this wouldn't be a classic road trip without some stops along the way.
From the Grand Canyon, take AZ-64 for about 30 miles and then follow US-89 about 260 miles to Zion.
Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona
Around halfway along the route, you'll reach Page, Arizona, where you should stop for a guided tour of Antelope Canyon. Want to learn about the stunning slot canyons? Check. The Navajo land and culture? That's on the list, too. You will need to book ahead.
If you plan to stay overnight, Page offers accommodations to suit all budgets—alongside beautiful views of nearby Lake Powell.
The Wave
The Wave, a fascinating sandstone formation, is a sight worth stopping for — should you be one of the lucky people to win a permit. To see The Wave, you do need to enter the $9 lottery for a chance. If you get a permit, you're in for an intense 6.4-mile hike with views like no other.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes
Numerous attractions pepper the final stretch to Zion National Park. The Coral Pink Sand Dunes are located near Kanab, Utah, approximately 30 minutes2 away from Zion.
At the Coral Pink Sand Dunes, you can explore the dunes on an ATV or rush down the sandy slopes on a sandboard. Other options include thrilling rappelling tours for the adventurous and playing in the sand for a fun time with the family. The entrance fee is only $10, but you will need to pack a lunch.
Things to See and Do Near Zion National Park
Zion National Park has a myriad of options, from horseback riding to e-bike rental and hiking, for nature enthusiasts. Between trips to Zion National Park, relieve sore muscles and unwind at Zion Canyon Hot Springs in La Verkin. The new wellness destination caters to a diverse clientele, with both family-friendly and 21+ only zones.
Below are areas to explore in Zion National Park.
The Narrows
This trailhead starts at the Temple of Sinawava, a naturally formed amphitheater. Aptly named, The Narrows passes through the narrowest part of the gorge in Zion National Park. Parts of the trail feature 20- to 30-foot-wide paths flanked by walls that rise 1,000 feet. You can choose from three routes with differing levels of challenge.
The Riverside Walk is a two-mile, wheelchair-accessible path through the canyon. The other options include the bottom-up route, an out-and-back path, which allows you to choose how far you'd like to venture before turning around, for hikes of up to 10 miles. The top-down route is the most challenging trek. It's an all-day or overnight 17-mile hike. Taking this route requires a permit.
If you're planning to take one of the latter two hikes, make sure to come prepared with water shoes and a walking stick, as you'll be wading through the Virgin River. Gear rental stations are located nearby.
Angels Landing Hike
One of the most strenuous hikes, Angels Landing is a 5.4-mile, round-trip journey with an elevation gain of over 1,500 feet. If this sounds exciting, keep in mind you will need a permit to access the trail. Permits are distributed through a seasonal and daily lottery system on the National Parks website, so be sure to plan ahead. However, you can still hike the first part of the trail to Scout Lookout without a permit.
Emerald Pools Trail
For a more leisurely hike, choose the Emerald Pools. Located near the Zion Lodge, the trail has 1.2- and 2-mile loops, which take about an hour to traverse. Following alongside a stream, you'll come across several points where the water forms pools overlooking the forest.
Visit Zion Canyon Hot Springs
When you're done exploring Zion National Park, or between trips, stop by Zion Canyon Hot Springs and settle in for a soak. The eco-friendly pools will cool you down after a long day of hiking in the hot sun, while still offering a gorgeous view. You'll have your choice of American, Asian & Pacific, or European-styled waters — travelling the world (without leaving Utah).
After a rejuvenating soak and a bite to eat, you'll be ready to get back on the road.
Sources
- Mather Point. National Park Service. Retrieved September 3, 2025, from https://www.nps.gov/places/000/mather-point.htm
- Ruland, M. (29 August 2025). Kanab is Utah's Best Kept Secret. Utah National Park Trips Powered by Outside. Retrieved September 3, 2025, from https://www.myutahparks.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/kanab-kane-county-ut/
