Closest Airport to Zion National Park: Your 7 Best Options

Introduction

Finding the closest airport to Zion National Park is essential for planning your trip effectively. While Cedar City Regional Airport is technically the nearest option, there are other airports nearby that offer their own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will explore the seven best airport options for getting to Zion National Park.

The Closest Airports to Zion National Park

1. Cedar City Regional Airport – Located just 25 minutes away from the park, Cedar City Regional Airport is the closest airport to Zion National Park.

2. Kanab Airport – Only a 30-minute drive from Zion, Kanab Airport is another convenient option to consider.

3. St. George Regional Airport – Although it is an hour’s drive from Zion, St. George Regional Airport provides additional flight options.

4. Las Vegas, McCarran International Airport – While it is a three-hour drive from Zion, Las Vegas Airport offers a wide range of flights.

5. Provo Airport Utah – Approximately a three to four-hour drive from Zion, Provo Airport is another alternative worth considering.

6. South Valley Regional Airport – Similarly, South Valley Regional Airport is a three to four-hour drive from Zion, providing another option for travelers.

7. Salt Lake City Airport – Although it is the furthest away at a four to five-hour drive, Salt Lake City Airport offers numerous flight options.

Considerations for the Closest Airports

While the first three options may seem like the best choices, there are a few catches to keep in mind:

1. Many of these airports are local and do not offer direct flights from major cities.

2. Flights to these airports tend to be more expensive, including the costs of renting cars.

3. It is common to encounter layovers or multiple stops when flying to these local airports, significantly increasing your travel time.

Considering these factors, it may be more beneficial to fly into major airports and drive directly to Zion National Park. By doing so, you can significantly reduce your travel time and enjoy a more convenient experience.

Major Airports Closest to Zion National Park

Based on the factors mentioned above, the two major airports closest to Zion National Park are:

1. Las Vegas (McCarren International Airport) – Located over 150 miles from the park, flying into Las Vegas offers more flexibility and numerous direct flight options.

2. Salt Lake City Airport – Although it is over 300 miles from the park, Salt Lake City Airport provides similar advantages, including flexibility, shorter flights, and cheaper car rentals.

Additional Advantages of Major Airports

By choosing one of the major airports mentioned above, you can enjoy the following advantages:

• More flexibility in terms of flights and schedules, with many direct flight options available.

• Avoiding layovers and multiple stops, ensuring a smoother and more efficient travel experience.

• Lower costs for both flights and car rentals.

• The opportunity to explore other destinations on your way to Zion National Park, such as Kanab Utah, the Mighty 5 National Parks, Page Arizona, and Bryce Canyon National Park.

Getting to Zion National Park from Las Vegas McCarran International Airport

1. Fly into Las Vegas McCarran International Airport.

2. Rent a car at McCarren Rent a Car Center, which is just a 10-minute drive from the airport and offers a wide selection of options.

3. Drive approximately three hours to reach Zion National Park, enjoying a scenic journey along the way.

4. Choose accommodations on the western end of the park, where you can find excellent hotels.

Benefits of Flying into Las Vegas

• Flexible flight options, often at a lower cost compared to local airports.

• The opportunity to explore additional destinations, such as Kanab Utah, the Mighty 5 National Parks, and Bryce Canyon National Park.

• Access to other attractions near Las Vegas, allowing you to make the most of your trip.

Getting to Zion National Park from Salt Lake City Airport

1. Fly into Salt Lake City Airport.

2. Rent a car directly from inside the airport, offering a wide range of options.

3. Drive straight on Interstate 15, which will take you approximately four hours to reach the park. Alternatively, you can choose to drive through Arches National Park first, which will add an extra three hours to your journey.

Benefits of Flying into Salt Lake City

• Greater flexibility in terms of flight options, with typically lower prices and more direct routes available.

• The opportunity to explore various attractions on your way to Zion National Park, such as Nebo Loop Scenic Byway, Provo, Park City, and Moab.

• Access to the Mighty 5 National Parks, allowing you to visit other stunning natural wonders during your trip.

Make the Most of Your Zion National Park Trip

While Zion National Park itself offers breathtaking scenery and a plethora of activities, there are additional attractions and hikes to consider:

• Canyon Overlook Trail – A short but spectacular hiking trail leading to an incredible overlook within the park.

• Angels Landing – A challenging hike with a thrilling payoff at the end, offering breathtaking views.

• Observation Point – Similar to Angels Landing but less daunting and offering even higher vantage points.

• The Narrows – A unique water hike through a scenic canyon.

• The Subway – An extraordinary experience that requires a permit but is well worth the effort.

Conclusion

Choosing the right airport for your Zion National Park adventure is crucial for optimizing your travel experience. While there are several options, flying into major airports such as Las Vegas or Salt Lake City offers greater flexibility, lower costs, and the opportunity to explore additional attractions along the way. Whether you decide to visit only Zion National Park or embark on an unforgettable road trip through the Mighty 5 National Parks, careful planning will ensure a memorable and enjoyable journey. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below.