Best Stops Between St. George and Zion
The road from St. George to Zion is a route worth planning, not just a drive. Here is how to use the towns along State Route 9 to fuel up, stock up, and arrive hungry for Springdale.
The Corridor
Most Zion visitors from the west follow State Route 9 through a string of small towns: St. George, Hurricane, La Verkin, Virgin, and finally Springdale at the park's south entrance. The route is short, and the towns are close together, so it is easy to treat the drive as a straight shot. It is better as a chance to solve your meals before you reach the busy strip.
Our Springdale directory puts St. George about 40 miles west of Springdale and Hurricane about 22 miles west. Actual drive times vary with traffic, so check a live map. We have not vetted restaurants in the towns between, so this guide names the towns and leaves specifics to current listings.
Stop by Stop
St. George. The largest town on the route, and where to handle big errands. Springdale is small, and its market has higher prices than a big-box store, so this is the place to stock up if you are on a budget. Check current listings for breakfast or lunch before you leave.
Hurricane. Hurricane has a bigger grocery store and gas than Springdale, so it suits a supply and fuel stop. Check current listings for cafes and restaurants.
La Verkin and Virgin. The last two small towns before Springdale. Treat them as quiet stretches where you may find a local spot, but do not count on a specific one being open. Check current listings.
Springdale. The destination. Once you arrive, everything you need is on or near Zion Park Boulevard, and the only gas station in town charges a small premium over Hurricane or St. George prices.
What to Eat When You Arrive
Sol Foods Market & Deli
$Springdale's only market, with a deli counter. Buy trail lunches here, and stock up in St. George or Hurricane for anything you can carry.
Deep Creek Coffee
$An easy first stop on arrival, with espresso and pastries close to the park entrance.
Zion Pizza & Noodle
$$A no-fuss first dinner in town after a long drive, with pizza, pasta, and craft beer.
A Simple Plan
Eat a solid breakfast in your starting town, fuel up in Hurricane or St. George, and save your dinner appetite for Springdale. Pack water and snacks in the car. If you are unsure which day to travel, our best time to visit Zion guide covers when traffic is lighter.
For the towns beyond, see restaurants near Zion, then the ranking of Springdale restaurants, and browse where to stay if you would rather stop for the night. The dining hub lists everything else.
More Ways to Eat Well Near Zion
Browse the full Zion dining guide, or pick the angle that fits your day.