Are you looking for a weekend getaway full of outdoor adventure without breaking the bank? During these times, a road trip can be a great way to feel the freedom of travel while exploring beautiful and unique landscapes. We recently drove from Phoenix to Zion National Park for a weekend in May, and I’m here to give you some tips if you’re planning on taking a similar road trip in the southwest. A cheap weekend road trip to Zion is the perfect time to breathe the fresh air and enjoy the freedom of the open road. In the northern Arizona and southern Utah areas, you’re bound to see fantastic rock formations, mountainous terrain, and pine trees splashed across the valleys.
I’ll break down what we did on the first day and second day, and share tips on how to make the most out of your trip. You can check out my YouTube video dedicated solely to road tripping to Zion right above! The video will show you exactly the kind of scenery you’ll see along Highway 89. It’s an all driving, no talking type of video, so I hope it’s relaxing. That said, if you’re searching for a cheap weekend road trip from Phoenix to Zion National Park, then just keep reading:
First day:
1. Drive from Phoenix to Page, AZ.
As you begin your journey on the road, don’t forget your favorite tunes and snacks! On this road trip, there will be many times when the connection goes in and out, so it’s great if you have some of your favorite music already downloaded. Make sure to bring lots of water and snacks, of course. Our trip began in Phoenix on a warm day in May. The drive from Phoenix to Flagstaff will give you that beginning taste of leaving city life for the wilderness. As you approach Flagstaff, there’s a snowy mountain in the distance welcoming you to northern Arizona. Once you get on Highway 89 for Page, you’re on your way to some beautiful scenic spots.
The drive from Phoenix to Page is about 4 hours, so we stopped once to stretch our legs. There’s a vast array of towering pine trees on the way to Flagstaff, which was a nice difference to the desert landscape. The closer you get to Page, the more you’ll witness the iconic rock formations from your window due to the Earth shifting over millions of years. It’s amazing to see the layers formed on the rock so deliberately. Be sure to snap a few pictures, videos, or stop along the side and enjoy the fresh air.
2. Pay to see Horseshoe Bend in Page, AZ or take pictures near the dam for free.
Our goal for this road trip was to relax, see some spectacular scenery, but also budget our money. That said, we opted not to pay to see Horseshoe Bend in Page. However, we noticed if you drive near the dam in Lake Powell, you’ll be able to see the shape of the canyon. The picture above is not that great, but on the other side, you’ll be able to get some much better shots without having to pay. 😂 It’s a nice way to still get a glimpse of the shape of the canyon without continuing to dish out your dollars. It was also pretty cool to see the dam and Lake Powell down below as you drive through the area. Nevertheless, if you do decide to pay for Horseshoe Bend, let me know in the comments what you thought and your overall experience.
3. Dig in to fried chicken in Page, AZ.
If you get hungry or just have a craving for fried chicken, check out this place called the Bird House in Page, AZ. We ordered the spicy and honey butter fried chicken with fries, which I would recommend you try both. The honey butter fried chicken was definitely tasty, and there was a lot of space to sit outside. For more information about the Bird House, check out their website here. Dig in!
4. Drive from Page, AZ to Kanab, UT.
The drive from Page, AZ to Kanab, UT is just over an hour, so you’ll be there in no time! We started the road trip in the late morning, so our plan was to rest in Kanab. The hotels in the Kanab area were a lot more affordable than the ones near Zion, so I’d recommend checking out lodging around the Kanab area. The drive is only about 30 minutes from Kanab to Zion, so it’s not far if you decide to lodge in the area. We stayed at the Red Canyon Cabins, which cost about $100 with taxes included for one night. Each room was in a simple and clean cabin with all the essentials. For more information about the Red Canyon Cabins, you can check out their rates here for your travel dates.
5. Visit the Coral Pink Sand Dunes for free.
Before dozing off to sleep, we made our way to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes just as the sun was setting. There is an entrance fee to enter the dunes, but since we’d only be here for less than an hour, we decided to stop just short of the entrance. About a mile before the turn for the entrance, you’ll see a spot along the left side of the road where you can pull over. You’ll still be able to experience the sand dunes and feel the softest sand in between your toes. Even better, it’s totally free! It was interesting to see sand dunes in the middle of mountainous rock, making it one of the most unique places in the world. Definitely put this on your cheap weekend road trip to Zion must-see list for the future.
Second day:
1. Explore Zion National Park.
Finally, it’s time to head to Zion National Park! The entrance fee was $35 per vehicle and there’s an additional fee if you decide to see more of the trails such as Angel’s Landing within the park. However, there’s still lots of hiking options and awe-inspiring views when you only pay the entrance fee. We saw many people walking along the highway as well. Zion was filled with the highest rocks, winding roads, and miles of greenery throughout the valleys. In May, the weather wasn’t too bad, although it was hotter than we expected in the high 80s. Don’t forget to bring your sunglasses and sunscreen! Experiencing a cheap weekend road trip to Zion can get pretty hot.
2. Take a hike and lots of photos.
If you have the time, go for a hike and get in your exercise for the day. It’s not every day that you get to walk alongside towering rocks and mountainous canyons. We tried to take as many photos as possible, but nothing compared to being there in person. Although we didn’t hike for too long, it felt amazing to get outside and stretch our legs. In May, there weren’t too many people around, so I’d recommend visiting in the spring. However, be sure to research when it’s most crowded if you’re looking for more space.
3. Drive from Zion National Park to Payson, AZ.
On our way back to Phoenix, we decided to take a different route and head for Payson, AZ. There’s a lot of scenic views on this route, from lakes, forests, and desert. The long, winding road through some of the national forests is just beautiful. And if you save this return drive for the evening, you’re in for a gorgeous desert sunset. This route is just a little bit longer than if you were to return the same way you came, but I thought it was worth the extra time. There was also this lake along the right side of the highway in Arizona that looked like it was drying up. It made me think how miraculous it is for any body of water to survive out here in the desert.
4. Stop in Payson, AZ for some pie.
Craving some pie during the return drive to Phoenix? There’s an old-school diner called Crosswinds Restaurant that has great reviews for their food, especially the pie. We heard through word-of-mouth that the pie is worth a try, so while taking the scenic route back to Phoenix, we stopped along the way. You can check out their Facebook page here. They have coconut cream, chocolate cream, apple, blueberry, and many more flavors of pie to choose from. I thought the chocolate cream was the best, but I’d love to go back and try another flavor. Enjoy!
5. Payson to Phoenix.
You’re almost back to Phoenix at this point! After two days of driving, I’ll be honest, it can feel pretty exhausting. Even though all you do is sit in the car, it can be very tiring, and you desire the comfort of your bed. 😂 The drive from Payson, AZ is about an hour and a half back to Phoenix. In no time, you’ll be back home and already excited to start planning your next adventure. Of course, unless you don’t reside in Phoenix and have to travel a bit more to get to wherever you call home. Nevertheless, you did it! It’s quite an accomplishment to be on the road for days in a row, whether you’re with someone or going solo, it’s definitely an experience everyone should try.
I hope this short 2-day itinerary for a Zion road trip got you inspired to plan your own dream trip! I’m so excited to hear more about where your travels take you. Let me know in the comment section below. If you’re searching for more road trip inspiration, then check out my post about driving the Pacific Coast Highway here. Happy wandering!