St. George to Grand Canyon — Your Complete Driving Guide
The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular day trips from St. George, Utah, and the drive itself is a stunning journey through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the American Southwest. Whether you are heading to the North Rim, South Rim, or the Skywalk at Grand Canyon West, this guide covers everything you need to know about getting from St. George to the Grand Canyon.
St. George to Grand Canyon North Rim
Distance: Approximately 160 miles | Drive Time: 3-3.5 hours
The North Rim is the closest section of Grand Canyon National Park from St. George. Take I-15 south to Highway 9, then Highway 89A through Fredonia and the stunning Kaibab Plateau to Highway 67, which dead-ends at the North Rim Lodge. The route passes through high-elevation pine forests and offers dramatic views of the Vermilion Cliffs and Marble Canyon. Important: The North Rim is only open mid-May through mid-October due to heavy winter snowfall. The North Rim is far less crowded than the South Rim and offers a more intimate Grand Canyon experience.
St. George to Grand Canyon South Rim
Distance: Approximately 300 miles | Drive Time: 4.5-5 hours
The South Rim is the most visited section of the Grand Canyon and is open year-round. From St. George, take I-15 south to US-93 south through Kingman, AZ, then I-40 east to Highway 64 north to the South Rim entrance. Alternatively, you can take a scenic route through Flagstaff on I-40 east to Highway 180 north. The South Rim offers Bright Angel Trail, the South Kaibab Trail, Mather Point, Desert View Watchtower, and the free park shuttle system. This is longer than the North Rim drive but offers more amenities and viewpoints.
St. George to Grand Canyon West (Skywalk)
Distance: Approximately 115 miles | Drive Time: 2-2.5 hours
Grand Canyon West and the famous Skywalk glass bridge are operated by the Hualapai Tribe and are the closest Grand Canyon viewpoints from St. George. Take I-15 south into Arizona, then US-93 south to Pierce Ferry Road and Diamond Bar Road. Note that the last 10+ miles are on unpaved road. Grand Canyon West requires a separate entrance fee (not included in National Park passes) and includes the Skywalk, Eagle Point, and Guano Point. This is the best option for a true day trip from St. George due to the shorter drive time.
Scenic Stops Along the Way
Make your St. George to Grand Canyon drive even more memorable with these scenic stops:
On the North Rim route: Pipe Spring National Monument (pioneer fort near Fredonia), Vermilion Cliffs (dramatic red cliff formations), Marble Canyon / Navajo Bridge (spanning the Colorado River at 470 feet), and Jacob Lake (famous for cookies at the Jacob Lake Inn).
On the South Rim route: Hoover Dam (iconic engineering marvel), Route 66 in Kingman (historic Mother Road town), Williams, AZ (retro Route 66 town and Grand Canyon Railway departure point), and Bearizona Wildlife Park (drive-through wildlife park near Williams).
Day Trip Tips
A day trip from St. George to the Grand Canyon is doable but requires early departure. For Grand Canyon West, leave by 7-8 AM to maximize your time. For the North Rim (seasonal), leave by 6-7 AM to allow 4-5 hours at the park. The South Rim is best as an overnight trip due to the longer drive. Pack lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. Fill your gas tank in St. George — fuel stops are limited on some routes. In summer, temperatures at Grand Canyon West can exceed 110°F, while the North Rim stays pleasantly cool in the 70s-80s due to its 8,200-foot elevation.
Before heading to the Grand Canyon, explore all the amazing things to do in St. George including Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and Snow Canyon State Park. Check our restaurant guide for dining options before or after your drive.
