Spotlight: Snow Canyon State Park

Spotlight: Snow Canyon State Park is one of the most beautiful state parks in the country. If it were in another state, it would probably have been made into a national park or monument. However, because it lacks national park status, it also avoids the heavy crowds that plague the nearby parks of Zion and Bryce. That makes it a premier location for hikers, cyclists, climbers, and horseback riders who want to escape civilization for a day or two. It sports over 16 miles of hiking trails amid the red and white sandstone cliffs, and provides many technical climbs for rock enthusiasts.

Location: Snow Canyon State Park is located north of St. George, just west of Highway 18 on Snow Canyon Drive.

Cost: $6 per vehicle (up to eight people); $3 per vehicle (up to eight people) Utah seniors 62 and older; $4 pedestrian/cyclists (up to eight people); $2 per person commercial use or vehicles with nine or more people. Non-hookup sites:  $20 per night;  Hookup Sites (W&E):  $25 per night. Extra vehicle fees (one extra vehicle per site permitted):  $10 (non-hookups) or $13 (hookups).

Time: The park is open from 6:00 am to 10 pm daily. You can spend anywhere from an hour (for a scenic drive) to several days here (exploring the different trails).

Description: One of the most popular trails in the park is the 1.1 mile Lava Flow Trail. The trail crosses a twisted lava field which access to at least four lava tubes. Make sure you bring your own light source if you plan to explore the tubes past the entrance.
     One of the trails we explored was Jenny's Canyon. This half-mile hike leads into a narrow slot canyon with cool niches that are fun for kids to explore.

     The Pioneer Names Trail is an easy half-mile path that leads past the names of many early pioneers (dating from the 1800's) who passed through the canyon and wrote their names on the rocks with axle grease.

     The Sand Dunes Trail is another half-mile trail, but this trail trudges through loose sand up a slope to reach a large field of red sand that is fun to play in. Some crazy people even like to roll down the dunes.
     Due to its close proximity to St. George, Snow Canyon can be a short day trip, or a multi-day excursion. We've visited twice and only seen a fraction of what there is to explore here. I'm looking forward to returning again sometime soon.

Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - Although Snow Canyon sounds like a winter wonderland, it rarely ever has snow. Rather, it was named after prominent Utah settlers Lorenzo and Erastus Snow. During the summer, temperatures here can soar well over 100 degrees. The best time to visit is anytime between October to April. If you do visit during the summer months, try to visit the park early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are more moderate.
- Click here for a map of the park including the various trails and amenities.
- The park has been the backdrop for several popular Hollywood films including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Nearby: The Tuacahn Center, Gunlock State Park, Pioneer Park, Sand Hollow