Vegas and Zion are top travel destinations, and for good if very different reasons. For nonstop, 24/7 shows, entertainment and dining, there is no place like Vegas; while Zion provides an outdoor mecca. And, travel books, blogs and websites provide no shortage of options for visiting these two prime destinations. However, if you are traveling between these two places or, better yet, if you hope to find some place to visit that is as beautiful as Zion but much less crowded, this guidebook is for you. Just to be clear, this book does NOT include either Vegas or Zion. Its focus is on the travel options between these two places. And, there are many.This book was written as a trip planning resource, whether it's for someone driving from Vegas to Zion in a day or a family or casual hiker who is looking for a longer stay in this less-traveled region. Don't worry about running out of breath-taking scenery to experience and explore even if you never make it to Zion. With Red Desert Cliffs Reserve, Snow Canyon, Quail Creek State Park and Kolob Canyons in the north region of Zion, you'll have plenty of scenic options. Brilliant sandstone, slot canyons, springs and, of course, the clear blue skies make for days and even weeks of options. And, you'll never be very far from the comfort and amenities offered by Overton, Mesquite, and St. George. Southwest Utah also has some of the best mountain biking in Utah, rivaling even its well-known cousin Moab to the NE (with significantly smaller crowds-at least until word spreads). The area is also an off-roading paradise.