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Mesa Verde National Park to Zion National Park

Updated: March 14, 2024 12:41 AM
Zion National Park

Mesa Verde National Park to Zion National Park

Language

The official language of both Mesa Verde National Park and Zion National Park is English.

Currency

The official currency of both Mesa Verde National Park and Zion National Park is the US dollar ($).

Distance

The distance between Mesa Verde National Park and Zion National Park is approximately 350 miles (560 kilometers).

How to Reach

There are several ways to get from Mesa Verde National Park to Zion National Park:

  • By car: The most direct route is to take US-160 east to Cortez, CO, then US-191 south to Moab, UT, and finally US-89 south to Zion National Park. The drive takes about 6 hours.
  • By bus: There is no direct bus route between Mesa Verde National Park and Zion National Park. However, you can take a bus from Mesa Verde National Park to Durango, CO, and then transfer to a bus to Zion National Park.
  • By plane: The closest airport to Mesa Verde National Park is Cortez Municipal Airport (CEZ). From there, you can take a flight to Las Vegas, NV, and then rent a car to drive to Zion National Park.

Expenses

The cost of getting from Mesa Verde National Park to Zion National Park will vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. Here is a general estimate of the costs:

  • By car: The cost of gas will be around $50-$75. The cost of parking at Zion National Park is $35 per vehicle.
  • By bus: The cost of a bus ticket from Mesa Verde National Park to Durango, CO is around $20. The cost of a bus ticket from Durango, CO to Zion National Park is around $40.
  • By plane: The cost of a flight from Cortez Municipal Airport to Las Vegas, NV is around $200-$300. The cost of renting a car in Las Vegas, NV is around $50-$100 per day.

Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Mesa Verde National Park and Zion National Park is during the spring or fall. The weather is mild during these seasons, and the crowds are smaller.

What to Eat

There are several restaurants and cafes located within Mesa Verde National Park and Zion National Park. Here are a few of the most popular:

  • Mesa Verde National Park: The Far View Terrace Restaurant offers stunning views of the park, while the Spruce Tree Terrace Café is a more casual option.
  • Zion National Park: The Zion Lodge Dining Room is a great place to enjoy a meal with a view of the Virgin River. The Red Rock Grill is a more casual option that offers burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

Where to Go

In addition to the main attractions in Mesa Verde National Park and Zion National Park, there are several other places to visit in the area.

  • Mesa Verde National Park: Hovenweep National Monument is a great place to see more Ancestral Puebloan ruins. Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is another great place to explore the area's history.
  • Zion National Park: Bryce Canyon National Park is a great place to see hoodoos, which are tall, thin spires of rock. The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a vast and rugged landscape that's perfect for hiking and camping.

FAQ

  • How long does it take to drive from Mesa Verde National Park to Zion National Park?

    The drive takes about 6 hours.

  • Is there a direct bus route between Mesa Verde National Park and Zion National Park?

    No, there is no direct bus route between the two parks.

  • What is the best time to visit Mesa Verde National Park and Zion National Park?

    The best time to visit is during the spring or fall.

*Distance calculation may be aerial distance.

Trips from Mesa Verde National Park


Trips to Zion National Park