Las Vegas to Salt Lake City Road Trip

You can complete the Las Vegas to Salt Lake City drive in six hours, but we’ve got a few epic stopover suggestions. Ready to hit the road?
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
A straight shot on I-15N, the Las Vegas to Salt Lake City drive will take six hours to complete—if you drive nonstop. You will also cross time zones, from Pacific Time into Mountain Time! This route is full of scenic desert views and plenty of great places to eat and explore.
If you’re short on time, you can easily complete the Las Vegas to Salt Lake City road trip in a single day. However, if you have a little more time, you will discover that southern
Utah
offers some surprisingly satisfying stops. Sure, the sideroads can be a little rocky, but hey! You’ve got roadside assistance membership so you’re free to adventure, right?
Jerry
has created a list of the best stops on this route, from hikes and museums to ghost towns and coffee shops. So make sure your
car insurance
is up to date and let’s go!

Key trip details

Las Vegas to Salt Lake City
​​Distance: 1 mile
Driving time: 1 hour and 1 minute
Suggested length of trip: 1 to 3 days
If you wanted to, you could make the trip with one long day of driving—but we think there are enough reasons to stop along the way and extend your road trip a few hours (or days!)

Itinerary

  • Las Vegas, NV—One half to 1 day
  • Overton, NV—Half a day
  • St. George, UT—Half a day
  • Parowan Gap Petroglyphs, UT—One half to 1 day
  • Monroe Hot Springs Resort, UT—Half a day
  • Thanksgiving Point, UT—Half a day
  • Salt Lake City, UT—1 to 2 days

Start in—Las Vegas, NV

Sin City has a bit of a bad rap for being glitzy and overpriced. But there are a lot of things here that you can’t find anywhere else in the world. Plus, you can find plenty of wholesome activities in Las Vegas if you’d rather not spend all your time gambling under fluorescent lighting.

Where to eat in Las Vegas

  • Greenberg’s Deli
    ($): Located in the New York-New York Hotel & Casino, this deli offers authentic pastrami sandwiches, matzah ball soup, and even classic egg creams.
  • Moon Palace
    ($-$$): When you’re looking for a quick, casual bite, head to this restaurant run by Chef David Chang. It’s centered around a compact, but delicious, menu of sliders, hot chips, and half dips.

What to do in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Visit the Fountains of Bellagio: Don’t leave without visiting this Las Vegas staple! Make sure you time your visit to a fountain show, if possible, as they only run every 30 minutes from Monday through Thursday.
  • The Mob Museum
    : This unique experience offers a bold and authentic view of organized crime at both a local, national, and international level. The entrance fee is $29.99, but the interactive exhibits and one-of-a-kind artifacts make it worth the visit.
  • Neon Museum
    : A tribute to one of Las Vegas's most iconic art forms, it costs $20 to tour this museum—but the amount of Instagrammable moments inside make it worth checking out!

Stop in—Overton, NV

63 miles, 1 hour
You’ll arrive in the Moapa area pretty soon into your road trip. If you want to take a stunning hike or learn more about ancient indigenous civilizations in America, take the exit toward Overton. There’s not much to do in town, but it serves as the gateway to incredible outdoor activities.
To get there, take the I-15 N until you reach exit 93.

Where to eat in Overton

  • Muddy River Bar and Grill
    ($): This spot is actually located in Moapa, just before Overton. They serve classic bar food and filling breakfasts, so it's a good place to stop and get some grub for the road.

What to do in Overton

Valley of Fire State Park
  • St. Thomas Ghost Town
    : If you’d prefer a low-key (and low elevation) adventure, then head to this ghost town 30 minutes south of Overton. It does add some time to your route and the road quality isn’t very good, but this is a unique opportunity to see an 1800s era ghost town up close.
  • Valley of Fire State Park
    : There are a number of gorgeous hiking options through this park filled with miles of bright red Aztec sandstone outcrops. We like the
    Rainbow Vista Trail
    and the
    White Domes Hike
    .
Key Takeaway Desert driving can be risky at best and dangerous at worst, so be sure you’ve prepped and packed well in case of any possible issues that may arise!
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Stop in—St. George, UT

78 miles, 1 hour
You’ve finally reached Utah! And this area, in particular, St. George, is rich in both Mormon and indigenous history. You can also squeeze in a picture-perfect Utah hike in Sand Hollow if you’re willing to venture 30 minutes off-piste.
Continue on the I-15 N and take exit 6 to arrive in St. George.

Where to eat in St. George

  • The Cliffside Restaurant
    ($$$): An upscale-casual option in town for "New American" eats and a lovely terrace that offers a picturesque view of the city and mountains.

What to do in St. George

St. George, Utah
  • Brigham Young Winter Home
    : This historic Mormon site is on the edge of town, and you can explore the 19th-century restored furnishings and learn more about the Mormon settler Brigham Young. Tours are free!
  • Red Hills Desert Garden
    : Get a dose of nature without leaving town at Utah’s first interactive desert garden. There are 5 acres of gorgeous desert plants to take in.
  • Sand Hollow State Park
    : It’s a 30-minute drive out of town, but we highly recommend the detour. Bright blue water and rolling red hills are guaranteed to astound.

Stop in—Parowan Gap Petroglyphs, UT

71 miles, 1 hour
It won’t take you very long to reach the historically significant Parowan Gap Petroglyphs. Prepare to be gobsmacked by this indigenous artwork. Before the Mormons settled in this area, indigenous peoples lived here—and you can see the evidence for yourself in Parowan

Where to stay in Parowan

  • Lizzie’s Heritage Inn
    : This charming B&B offers cozy rooms and historic accommodations, and has been around for over 150 years. There are rumors that Sarah’s Room is haunted by a ghost of the same name—so keep that in mind when booking! Cost per night: from $125.

Where to eat in Parowan

  • Mountain Bistro
    ($$): After your encounter with the cliffs, we recommend hitting up Mountain Bistro in Parowan proper for high-quality Chinese food and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

What to do in Parowan

  • Parowan Gap Petroglyphs
    : Visible after taking a .2 mile trail in and back, it’s never been easier to see ancient indigenous art, and it’s well worth the detour. There is an impressive number of walls covered in petroglyphs (rock carvings), some recognizable as animals and humans, but some just circles and lines. All breathtaking nonetheless.
  • Nebo Loop Road
    : If it’s too hot (or cold) and you want to stay in the car, keep driving another three hours until you reach the Nebo Loop Road closer to Provo. This is a 38-mile scenic drive described as a "photographer’s dream."

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Stop in—Mystic Hot Springs in Monroe, UT

98 miles, 1.5 hours
This will be a little detour off your route, but it’s well worth it if you packed a swimsuit and are looking to get some real rest and relaxation.
Get on the I-15 N and take exit 25 to arrive in Monroe, where the hot springs are found.

Where to eat in Mystic Hot Springs

  • Bullies Drive-In
    ($): This is the perfect place to stop for a quick bite to eat. They have classic American fare, with yummy burgers, fries, and malt shakes guaranteed to fill you up.

What to do in Mystic Hot Springs

Mystic Hot Springs
  • Mystic Hot Springs
    : The major attraction here is the hot springs. Get ready to experience stunning mineral springs against a backdrop of rusted orange drip-carved rock, and rest your weary bones with a beautiful backdrop. Red Hill Hot Springs is another option you can check out if Mystic Hot Springs is booked up!

Stop in—Thanksgiving Point, UT

150 miles, 2 hours
Your Las Vegas to Salt Lake City drive is nearly complete! This is a wonderful stopover halfway between Provo and Salt Lake City, directly off the highway. It’s a nonprofit complex with a working farm, shops, and museum—the perfect place for a quick cuppa and a stroll so you can arrive refreshed.
Continue on the I-15 N, taking exit 284 to stop at Thanksgiving Point.

Where to eat in Thanksgiving Point

  • Brick Canvas Cafe
    ($$): Hit up this cafe for some healthy juices & smoothies, gluten-free bites, and a bright, inviting atmosphere.
  • Lovers Donuts Bagels & Coffee
    ($-$$): For something decidedly not healthy, stop here for some imaginative, unique takes on donuts. Everything served is fresh and delicious, and you can also pick up a coffee to stay energized.

What to do in Thanksgiving Point

Thanksgiving Point, Utah
  • Butterfly Biosphere
    : This 40,000 sq. ft. venue is home to over a thousand butterflies from around the world. Complete the experience by releasing a butterfly, taking a lab tour, or visiting the gift shop!
  • Museum of Ancient Life
    : For any history buff, we recommend visiting this spot and roaming among dinosaurs, exploring ancient forests, and diving into oceans of the past.
Pro Tip There are a lot of markets and shops offering farm-fresh goods in the area—make sure to pick up a few items for backseat snacking!
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Arrive in—Salt Lake City, UT

25 miles, 30 minutes
Outsiders know Salt Lake as the central hub of Mormon life, but insiders know that Salt Lake offers so much more. Hot in summer and snowy in winter, Utah has world-class outdoor recreational activities, vibrant communities of artists, and a food scene that is good enough for Tan France.
To reach your final destination, continue on the I-15 N until you reach exit 306.

Where to stay in Salt Lake City

  • Kimpton Hotel Monaco
    : For a luxury rest, head to this boutique hotel with a prime location. It has effortlessly cool and comfy vibes and provides easy access to everything you might want to do and see in Salt Lake City. Cost per night: from $252.

Where to eat in Salt Lake City

  • The Red Iguana
    ($$): Beloved by locals, you’ll want to visit this restaurant for authentic, delicious Mexican fares. It’s so well-liked that you should expect—and prepare for possible long lines!
  • Sweet Lake Biscuits & Limeade
    ($$): This inviting stop has Southern biscuit sandwiches, salads, and creative limeades that make it a great option for delicious food to fill your tummy for a day on the town.

What to do in Salt Lake City

Liberty Park
  • Visit Liberty Park: In addition to its bright, natural scenery and jogging paths, there are farmers' markets held in the park that are worth walking through and purchasing local wares!
  • Clark Planetarium
    : This is a great place to spend the afternoon, especially if you have kids! There are free interactive exhibits and educational shows in their IMAX theaters that’ll transport you to space.
  • Check out the Sugar House neighborhood: Known as one of the hippest, most vibrant neighborhoods in the city, you can easily spend your day perusing the numerous shops, restaurants, and boutiques lining these streets.

Why you need roadside assistance

Rocky cliffs, winding roads, and dusty hot days—this route is particularly vulnerable to breakdowns and mishaps.
Jerry’s
roadside assistance membership is only $6.99 and includes towing coverage, fuel delivery, lockout assistance, and jumpstarts, plus so much more. Why wouldn’t you get peace of mind if it costs the same price as an overpriced gas station candy bar?

The fast way back

I-15 is the fastest route, so retrace your steps if time is of the essence on your return trip.

The scenic way back

Want a more scenic route? We recommend branching off east to the I-89 after Provo, which gives you access to more hikes and a different landscape. If you prefer the emptiness of the desert, then head west and take US-50W and then US-93S. It adds two hours to your total time.
Key Takeaway All adventurers need a sidekick—Jerry’s roadside assistance program is the perfect Louise for your Thelma.
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Finding cheap car insurance

Cheap often means poor quality, but that’s not always the case! For example, take
cheap car insurance
with
Jerry
.
Most people are overpaying for their coverage. Jerry helps people uncover savings on their car insurance by comparing quotes and handling annoying paperwork—the average user saves $879 on their premium.
In addition to a sense of adventure, road trips require car insurance. But there’s no need to overpay! Wouldn’t you rather get the same coverage for a lower price, and get some extra cashback in your pocket to explore
odd roadside attractions
on your next road trip?
Jerry
can help.
"Saved me $500 a year, and it was all done through the app." - Jerry User

FAQs

How long is the drive to Utah from Vegas?

Nonstop, your drive will take six hours to complete. With a few stopovers for hiking and eating, you could comfortably make the trip in eight to 10 hours.

What is the best car for a road trip?

It depends on your itinerary. For off-roading, you’ll need a car with AWD and other special affordances. Of course, you can also rent a
road trip car
to make some memories. But as long as your car is well-maintained and you have car insurance, you don’t need to get another vehicle.
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