From Vegas to Zion (and a Whole New World)
While on a one-week trip to Las Vegas, I decided to rent a car and make the 2.5-hour drive to Zion National Park. If you’re already in Vegas and debating whether it’s worth it, let me make that decision easy for you: go.
The drive alone was worth it. Long stretches of desert, massive rock formations, and scenery I had never seen before filled the entire route. I was born and raised on the East Coast, and this Vegas trip was my first time ever visiting the West. It felt unfamiliar in the best way — quiet, open, and grounding.
I came prepared with my $80 America the Beautiful Pass, which grants entry into every U.S. National Park — including this one in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Yes, that matters, and yes, I’ll be linking that trip too.)
First Stop: The Visitor Center
Once I arrived at Zion National Park, parking was… aggressive. After circling for a bit, I managed to snag a spot not too far from the entrance and headed straight to the Visitor Center.
Inside, I grabbed a map, chatted with the park rangers to get a sense of what was realistic for the day, used the restroom, and filled up my water bottle. With that done, I hopped on the first available shuttle, heading toward The Narrows.
I’d also heard incredible things about Angel’s Landing, but since that hike requires a permit, I saved it for another time.
The Hike That Lulls You Into a False Sense of Security
The walk from the shuttle stop to the end of the dirt trail is about one mile each way. It’s fairly easy, though a little muddy in spots and definitely crowded. Still, the views along the water were unreal — the kind that makes you forget you’re walking at all.
Every curve in the trail made me more curious about what was waiting at the end. I stopped constantly for photos and tried to livestream and call family, but about halfway through the shuttle ride, my cell service completely disappeared.
Zero bars. Nothing.
The Walking Stick Incident
When I finally reached the end of the dirt trail, I was greeted by a small group of people. One of them handed me a walking stick.
Naturally, my brain immediately started spiraling.
Did they think I needed it?
Did they think I was out of shape?
Did they think I was too big to be out here without assistance?
Whatever. I took it.
I kicked off my sneakers and socks and stepped into the water. Some people kept their shoes on, but I wasn’t about to soak the only pair I had for the rest of the week.
Within seconds, I understood exactly why I was handed that stick — and why others kept their shoes on.
The Rocks (A Personal Attack)
These were not cute beach pebbles. Not smooth, friendly stones. These were the kind of rocks Jacob probably slept on in Genesis 28.
I assumed larger and smoother meant easier to walk on. That assumption was wrong. Very wrong.
There I was, solo traveling, unknowingly signing up for an aggressive reflexology session in the middle of Zion National Park. One step felt manageable. The next felt like punishment.
I eventually found a small patch of dry land along the side of the stream where others had stopped to rest. The rocks didn’t feel much better there, but at least I could stand still for a moment.
Looking upstream, I saw kids swimming and groups hiking farther north. I don’t know how to swim, and I clearly didn’t come prepared for that level of commitment, so I decided not to push my luck.
The Race Against the Shuttle
Then I checked the time.
Almost 7 p.m.
If I missed the last shuttle, I’d be facing a 9-mile walk back to my car, which was absolutely not on the agenda. I turned around and hustled back toward the shuttle stop — still stopping for photos, because obviously.
When I got there, the line looked like the entrance to Coachella. I held my spot like it was worth gold and silently prayed for everyone still farther up the trail.
Thankfully, I made it onto one of the final two shuttles and headed back to the Visitor Center. Almost immediately, my cell service returned.
I used the restroom one last time, refilled my water bottle, and drove toward Kanab, Utah, where I’d be staying before heading to the Grand Canyon the next day.
Final Thoughts on Zion
Zion will always be one of my favorite National Parks. That said, I can’t rank it as the number one of Utah’s Mighty 5 — not because it isn’t incredible, but because each park is so unique that ranking them all by the same standards just doesn’t make sense.
Still, if you’re anywhere near Las Vegas and have access to a car, Zion National Park is absolutely worth the trip.
If you want to read about my visits to the other Mighty 5 National Parks, you can find them here. And be sure to subscribe to my newsletter for travel tips, honest reflections, and real-world adventure planning.
Leave a Reply