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So You Wanna Ditch the Beach for the Bech? Your Guide to Getting from LA to Zion National Park

Let's face it, Los Angeles is pretty darn awesome. But after a while, all that sunshine and celebrity spotting can get a little, well, predictable. You crave adventure! You crave towering red rock mesas! You crave the chance to lose yourself (not literally, but you know, metaphorically) in the wilderness!

This, my friend, is where Zion National Park swoops in like a majestic condor. But here's the thing: between you and those epic hikes lies a little bit of a trek. Fear not, intrepid explorer! This guide will be your compass (or maybe your iPhone map, because let's be real) as you navigate from the City of Angels to the land of slot canyons and sandstone giants.

Buckle Up Buttercup: Conquering the Road to Zion

There are two main ways to get to Zion from LA: by car and by bus/shuttle (let's just call it the non-car option for brevity's sake).

Channel Your Inner Lewis and Clark: The Epic Road Trip

Ah, the road trip. A chance to blast cheesy road trip anthems, argue over who gets control of the aux cord, and make questionable gas station food choices. This is a classic for a reason. The drive from LA to Zion is roughly 6-7 hours, depending on your need for bathroom breaks and detours to see the world's largest ball of twine (hey, no judgement!).

Here's the skinny on the car route:

• The Most Direct Route: This bad boy takes you straight down I-15, past Las Vegas (cue the slot machine sound effects in your head). It's the fastest route, but it also means missing out on some scenic detours.
• The Slightly More Scenic Route: Take I-15 north until you hit Barstow. From there, detour onto CA-66 (aka Route 66) for a classic American road trip vibe. You'll hit some cool desert towns and maybe even tumbleweeds along the way.

Important Note: Whichever route you choose, be sure to gas up frequently. Gas stations can be far and few between in the desert. Also, download some offline maps just in case you lose signal (because let's face it, you probably will at some point).

Not a Car Person? No Problem, Dude!

Hey, maybe you're rocking a vintage Vespa or just prefer to relax and let someone else do the driving. The non-car option has you covered. Here are a couple of ways to get to Zion by bus or shuttle:

• Greyhound: The granddaddy of bus travel will get you there eventually, with stops along the way. Be prepared for an adventure (and maybe bring some snacks).
• Shuttle Services: Several companies offer shuttle services directly from LA to Zion National Park. This is a comfortable and convenient option, especially if you're traveling with a group.

Pro-Tip: No matter which non-car option you choose, book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season.

There You Have It!

Now you're armed with the knowledge to get your butt from LA to the breathtaking beauty of Zion National Park. Just remember to pack your sense of adventure, your hiking boots, and maybe a few granola bars to keep your hangry monster at bay.

Happy trails!

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