Scenery + Sizzle: Zion National Park x Vegas

[trip style = steal + active + adventure]

A few months ago, Mr. Trip Styler and I jet-set to Utah {by way of Vegas} for the weekend on an Expedia x US National Parks assignment. 

Our mission: Zion National Park, aka, the perfect trip styled fit since I've had my eye on Utah and its epic national parks for a long time. And, with Vegas being the closest gateway city, the woodland was easy to reach, and BONUS, allowed us to pair a side of sizzle with our trip into the sticks.  

Our five-day, four-night adventure saw us spending three nights in Springdale, UT—a small town cozied up to Zion's South Rim Entrance—and a final night in Vegas. Our plan: Go nuts in nature, followed by a bit of pool time under the desert sun.

Trip Styler Tip: Vegas has a number of non-gaming hotels sans smoke and slots, so YES, it is possible to relax to the max in the Glitter Gulch. My favorite trip style = luxe address: The Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas, a hotel that redefines Vegas-chic. 

Here's a rundown of our highly-recommended getaway blending two trip styles I'm crazy over: active/adventure + luxe. {See more photos + hiking suggestions and a stylish packing prescription in the Expedia Viewfinder.}

About to board our direct {Alaska Airlines} flight from Bellingham to Las Vegas.

Road trip from Vegas to Zion. Budget three hours of driving time.

Stopping enroute, because VIEWS.

More roadside vistas.

We made it to the South Rim Entrance!

Our hiking essentials. 

One of the first sights we pulled over to see minutes after entering the park: The West Temple {find it at the back of the Human History Museum}.

One of our best hikes: The short and sweet Canyon Overlook Trail, a 45-minute rock-hopping jaunt to a views-for-miles summit {pictured below}.

Top of the Canyon Overlook Trail {1/2}.

Top of the Canyon Overlook Trail {2/2}. Please pass the Champagne, cheese, grapes and baguette...

Deer! Spotted roadside.

Another incredible hike: Angels Landing, which begins along a flat and dirt path adjacent to the Colorado River, and quickly rises into switchback territory ascending sharply to Scout’s Lookout. From here, with the help of metal chains bolted into the cliff, intrepid hikers take very careful steps along two ridges that lead to Angels Landing, where on a clear day it feels like you’ve reached a nature nirvana with views that vie for the world’s most scenic outlook.

Mr. Trip Styler hiking down the switchbacks from Scout's Lookout, GoPro in-hand.

Another perspective of the trail.

The Colorado River at sundown.

Dusk turns Zion National Park into a purple-hued paradise. Talk about mood lighting. 

So long Zion {the Trip Stylers will be back}.

The serene pool scene at the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas.

About to take flight above the Strip with Maverick Helicopters {booked via Expedia Things To Do.}

Vegas' sparkly setting captured from our helicopter's window!

[All photos taken while on assignment for Expedia x US National Parks' Centennial celebration. Mandarin Oriental pool photo via hotel website. Note: This trip is highly recommended, and if you're a longtime TS reader you know that I reserve the best for TS, and only my hottest picks are published.]