Las Vegas and Salt Lake City are just 425 miles apart, and you could complete the drive in six hours. However, why not extend the trip and make it a weekend-long road trip? There are plenty of sights to see along the way, allowing you to make the travel part of your trip and ensure you sample everything the Southwest has to offer. Our road trip itinerary below allows you to plan your trip and ensure that you don’t miss out on any of the top sights! Keep reading to see what you could discover on your road trip.
Stop 1: Las Vegas
First, be sure to explore Las Vegas and see all it has to offer before your road trip begins. We recommend checking out the strip and the themed hotels, taking as many pictures as possible to capture your memories of the trip! There will be plenty of street performances to enjoy as you wander, and casinos too if you want to try your luck. If gambling isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other attractions to enjoy, like the dancing fountains at Bellagio.
The arts district is also worth a visit, teeming with galleries and boutiques. It’s also a great place to stop for food, with plenty of unique spots. From here, you can head to Fremont Street in downtown Vegas to enjoy old-school casinos and nightly shows. For those who want to escape the buzz of the city, a 25-minute drive will take you to Red Rock Canyon. It’s worth driving through these desert cliffs or enjoying a short hike before you hit the open road.
Stop 2: Mesquite
Your first official stop of the road trip is just 81 miles from Las Vegas, where Mesquite sits on the Arizona border. Mesquite is often used as a pit stop for travellers, but it’s also the perfect overnight stop with plenty to see and do. The Wolf Creek Golf Club, located just five minutes from town, is an excellent option for spending an afternoon.
You can also visit the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum to learn about the early settlers in the area. If nature is more your thing, you can choose from several walking trails in the area along the Virgin River, including the Virgin River Trail. This is an excellent option for an evening stroll, as the path is completely paved and has streetlights.
Stop 3: St George
A 39-mile drive will take you to St George, a city surrounded by mountain ranges and red rock deserts. It offers a variety of natural spaces to explore and creature comforts to break up your trip. The downtown area is a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Not only can you find a place to refuel, but the Pioneer Park and Red Hills Desert Garden are within a 10-minute drive, allowing you to enjoy beautiful views and walks without hiking up a mountain for hours.
We recommend making time to visit the St George Dinosaur Discover Site. This is five minutes from town and is an excellent stop for any children or dinosaur enthusiasts. You get to see the real dinosaur tracks in ancient rocks! You can also enjoy the paved trails at St George Narrows before your journey continues.
Stop 4: Cedar City
Cedar City is located within an hour of St. George and is considered the Gateway to the National Parks. While this road trip doesn’t take you through any national parks, there is still plenty to see and do in Cedar City. You can enjoy the creative energy that runs through the area, with cultural events, murals, and shops to explore. A road trip in the summer can put you in the middle of the annual Utah Shakespeare Festival, which is worth checking out.
The Cedar Breaks National Monument is another must-see spot. This is like a mini version of Bryce Canyon, featuring wildflowers, hoodoos, and views that stretch for miles. You can also visit the Frontier Homestead State Park Museum or walk through Southern Utah University’s sculpture garden.
Stop 5: Fillmore
A 90-minute drive will take you to Fillmore, another underrated town that is worth a stop. Fillmore was initially intended to be the state capital of Utah and boasts a rich sense of heritage, which can be enjoyed at the Territorial Statehouse Park Museum, the oldest surviving government building in Utah.
Fillmore is an excellent place to stretch your legs, or if you are interested in geology. The lava tubs at Meadow Hot Springs are just 20 minutes away and are worth the visit! If you want to stay close to town, visit the Sweet Stop Hawaiian Shaved Ice!
Stop 6: Nephi
Before your trip comes to an end, be sure to stop in Nephi. It’s under an hour away from Fillmore and provides the classic Utah town atmosphere. There aren’t too many attractions, but you can enjoy some simplicity and serenity here, especially if the rest of your trip has been jam-packed. There are plenty of places to eat, and the Mount Nebo Scenic Byway is just 10 minutes away if you want to stretch your legs and enjoy some stunning views.
If you’d like a detour, Yuba Lake State Park is 35 minutes away. Here, you can relax by the water’s edge or spend the day swimming and taking in the beautiful views!
Stop 7: Salt Lake City
A final 83-mile drive will bring you to Salt Lake City. There is plenty to do here, from seeing Temple Square’s architecture to enjoying Liberty Park. You won’t go hungry here either, as there are plenty of places for food and drink! Salt Lake City is home to some of the best vegan bakeries, artisan coffee shops, steak houses, and breweries!
Plan your Las Vegas to Salt Lake City road trip today
Armed with your itinerary, it is now time to finalise your road trip! For this trip, we recommend a campervan, which provides you with all the comforts you need as you travel from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City. When choosing a campervan, we recommend hiring one from Travellers Autobarn. They offer reasonable prices and easy pickup and drop-offs as part of your road trip. Check out their campervan rates in Las Vegas and book yours today!
About Peter C.
Peter is a digital nomad who largely writes from Asia, Europe, and South America. Always following the "vibe," he sets up shop in hostels and AirBNB's and continues to entertain us with wild stories from life abroad. Ask him anything in our community forum. Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.
