Snow Canyon State Park

I like to get my family out of Pasadena for New Year’s, since I grew up a couple of blocks from the rose parade route… Soon enough, my oldest son will want to Camp out overnight on the parade route; so in the meantime, we try to explore some little corner of the western United States within 10 hours drive to welcome in the new year.
After spending an entire day at Zion, I was looking for some different options to show the kids. A few local searches suggested Snow Canyon State Park, just a 20 minute drive from our hotel. I have to admit that I was not terribly impressed on the trip there, as the road featured tract after tract of modern looking housing developments. Once we turned the corner and headed towards the park, however, I realized that this long canyon of sandstone, limestone, and volcanic rock outcroppings was every bit as beautiful as the national parks a little further up the 15 freeway.
With only a few hours of daylight left after sleeping in on New Year’s Day, we settled on the easy hike to the lava tubes section of the park. A short half mile hike across the igneous rock and desert chaparral saw us arrive very abruptly at a rather large and deep hole in the earth. Thankfully, I was holding the hands of my four and two year old kids, or they would have plummeted 40 feet down into the ground. I know it’s «nature,» but I have to admit that I was a little ticked off that after passing several interpretive signs placed by the state park service, there really was no warning for younger hikers for someone carelessly wondering along the trail, looking up at the beauty instead of down at their feet.
But that emotion quickly dissipated, as we donned headlights, and scamper down into the nearly vertical cave. The novelty of being underground was kind of cool, but the cave itself was not particularly pretty or elegant. There were no cave features such as stalagmites or stalactites, as the generally featureless walls were volcanic in origin, and not subjected to much water over the eons that would help create those familiar cave structures.
Like most places in Utah, Snow Canyon Park probably demands several dozen trips to truly take in all of its natural beauty. Considering that it is a relatively small park, there is quite a variety of landscapes– sand dunes, sheer sandstone faces, lava flows, river beds, mudstone, limestone banks… And quite a bit of flora and fauna, in season. A few signs alerted us to be presence of desert tortoises and Gila monsters, although the cold winter temperatures ensured that they were safe underground, and away from little feet.
A few years ago, I had the pleasure of running around St. George and the Dixie hills, preparing for a half marathon. I can certainly see myself returning to this beautiful setting, as the benevolent distraction of natural beauty would help the miles click by. Give this place a look the next time you’re in town… Especially if Zion is a traffic nightmare.

Don’t let the small size of this State Park fool you. It only takes 20 minutes to drive from end to end, but the park is full of trails for hiking and pull-​offs for parking to take in the view. There’s even a paved running trail. The various hiking trails take you to lava tubes, petrified sand dunes, canyons, and more. Several of the trails are kid friendly.
Sunrises here are fantastic, I’ve been up early twice just to get to the park in time to see the glow of the red cliffs as the sun rises.
In addition to the beautiful views… the park had one of the cleanest public bathrooms I’ve ever used… and soft 2-​ply toilet paper. When you’ve been traveling and camping around the country, these are not insignificant details!
If I’m ever back in the area, I’ll visit again.

A great place to be when you want to escape from the crowd at Zion or Grand Cyn National park during the peak season.
Easy access: Only 8 miles north of St.George.
Went on Labor Day long weekend and the park was quiet and peaceful. You would see 3 – 4 groups of people on the trail but its never crowded that tons of people in the background of your pictures. Finding a parking spot at trailhead wasn’t difficult as Zion. Camping Ground was full though.
It is a State park, don’t have some unrealistic expectation, it’s small.(driving from south to north entrance only takes about 20 mins). But it still offers some spectacular geology landscape.
Tried few trails:
*Lava Flow Trail — Moderate. Uneven surfaces.
Hike through a jumbled lava field, the vivid remains of a long-​ago volcanic eruption.
This one I think it’s easier than marked «moderate», slowly downhill when you enter the trailhead from parking lot. They did not have a distance for this trail but according to the map it should be about 4 miles round trip. When you see the big rock from the distance, that’s the Overlook. It’s hard to miss and probably the only shady area to take a break unless you want to hide from the sun from lava tubes. (I stopped and returned after Overlook, but found out later from the map that Lava Flow trail actually extended after Overlook).
*Butterfly Trail — 2 miles. Moderate. Some steep slopes, steps and uneven surfaces.
Winding along the west side of Petrified Dunes, this trail leads to West Canyon Overlook and lava tubes.
Some parts of this trail is hard, including climbing/​down up a big rock. Same as Lava Flow trail it downhill first so coming back is mostly uphill. Slightly some shady area from the bushes.
* Whiptail Trail — 6 miles. Easy. Level with some slopes.
Accessible to people with disabilities. Tucked along the canyon bottom, this paved trail is suitable for walking, jogging, and biking.
This trail allow dogs. (only this one and West Canyon Road).
Its paved so not difficult at all. There are many spots from different parking lots have access to this trail. If you don’t want to do all 6 miles, the south side is more beautiful in my opinion especially during sunset. Also it will be covered in shade in the late afternoon most south part.
*Sand Dunes — One-​half mile. Easy. Deep sand with some slopes. Trail leads to a large expanse of red sand serving as a giant sandbox and play area for children of all ages
I drove by few times and its really not far you can see the Sand Dunes from the road. Not a fan of getting sands in my socks but it looks easy and kids love it there.
Entrance fee is $ 6 per vehicle.
Sometimes there’s no attendant at either south or north entrance so you have to pay at self pay station. (bring exact amount of cash).
Because no attendant you can’t get the map, be sure to download the park brochure PDF to your phone here:
The cell phone reception (Verizon) was not very good inside the park, only spotty area can get text but not good enough to open a map.
It was pretty hot, 90F+ when we went around 5pm. The sun wasn’t too bad and because the humidity was really low it didn’t feel that bad. Just be sure you have enough water and be safe.
I am always amazed by the view here even on my 2^nd visit. The size of the park is perfect for me who can only do some short hikes but still want to enjoy hiking.
Another reason I love UTAH!!!

Simply beautiful! We didn’t camp just drove through to sight see. It’s a beautiful drive with lots of great things to see. Well worth the trip!

We only had time for a short «introductory» visit and we look forward to a return visit when we can budget more time.
This beautiful desert red rock park is absolutely enchanting. We took a short hike of perhaps an hour and a half duration. The park is laced with trails of varying lengths. We stopped by the visitors center where our questions were answered by an informed and conversant docent. As we left we took a spin through the campground and found it to be attractive and well laid out.
We intend to spend a few days next time!

I love Ivins Utah and have been there a number of times. The town and St George, just down the road, are easy, relaxed and pleasant. I’m sure that’s partially because of all the parks around. You can get to a park in a minute from Ivins. Snow Canyon is one of them. Its just great hiking. You can take a leisurely walk if you want, or you can do a real 5 mile hike. With elevation. Without. Parking is all around the area, so as long as you remember where you started you can find your car easily. There are maps around and Id encourage you to get one if you are not familiar with the area.

What a wonderful place to hike. The self-​guided nature trail is one of the best that I’ve ever hiked (not a paved stroll, but a real hike). The canyon is beautiful and the state park system takes good care of it except:
THE CAMPGROUND HAS FAR TOO FEW RESTROOMS!!! THE STATE NEEDS TO CORRECT THAT.

What a wonderful experience! Hiking in February in south Utah is the best! So scenic and peaceful — beautiful, short drive to get there from town, and friendly staff. The sand trails (3 Ponds) and climbing the petrified sand dunes where a challenge, and we enjoyed the experience. We’re going back for more hiking!

Beautiful State Park with some great camping sites and hiking options. While it is close to St. George and some of the unfortunate housing developments that accompany it, once you get into the park you are spared from viewing them. I had a great time camping at this park and exploring the nearby rocks. Good facilities and friendly staff!

Snow canyon is a beautiful state park in the hills and red rocks above Saint George towards veyo. There is quite a few trails to hike or a bike trail from veyo where you will ride along the side of the park without having to pay entry. You can drive through the park and stop and see the sights or get out and explore. There are also sand dunes in the area that you can go hike to. Overall there’s quite a bit of beauty and fun. It’s no Zion, but it’s very close and a lot less busy usually.

Great place to go hiking! Lots of different scenery! Lots of different trails! Absolutely beautiful spot to watch the sunset!

It’s our first time to Southern Utah. The guy at the resrt desk suggested we check Snow Canyon out. Since it was only 10 minutes away, we did. We were so glad we did! It’s beautiful and left us in awe. We did the Butterfly and Lava Tubes trails and part of Whiterock trail. Our 2 teenaged sons (17 & 15) really liked the hike and scenery. FYI… the trailhead signs are AFTER the parking area for each trail so drive slow so you dont end up driving past where you want to hike.

Visiting this canyon is a fantastic way to spend a few hours or an entire day. There are plenty of easy to moderate trails accessible to everyone. On our trip, my wife had a broken kneecap and her leg in a brace, but insisted she get to hike a little bit. We were able to do several of the easy hikes, and see some great rock formations.
I’ve heard it said that if Zion wasn’t so close, Snow Canyon would be a National Park, I completely agree. There is such a varied terrain along with the majestic canyon walls.

This is a beautiful Utah State park that is over 7000 acres. It has over 20 hiking trails from easy to difficult. Entry fee is cheap and there is a campground in the park. 8 miles from St. George, but there is urban sprawl right up to the southern gate entrance.
Gorgeous terrain — well worth going to visit.

Wow, what an incredibly beautiful place to hike. Not from Utah, we wanted to experience the red rock scenery and get a bit of exercise. We arrived via the North fee station and paid $ 6 as an entrance fee. Being high summer (mid-​August), there was no ranger on duty as expected, so the honor system prevails — who wants that kind of guilt?!.
Parking at the Lava Flow Whiterocks trail head we preceded onward towards the Tubes, the Outlook and then to Three Ponds. My biggest pet peeve, and why I only gave 4 stars, are the trails are not well marked AT ALL! We ended up getting lost and following a dry, sand river bed for about thirty minutes before spotting the bathrooms and a road.
Remembering it’s hot summer AND high noon, we were getting overheated and tired. Following the Petrified Dunes we thought would be easy, to our surprise we ended up climbing several hundred yards. Tired and hot, about to give up we reached the peak… what can I say, I was speechless. A view of the red rock, lava rock and petrified dunes took my breath away. After stopping to admire the view and take a few ‘jumping’ photographs we leapt down the terrain and to our car. Whew, another adventure completed. Thanks Utah!

A few precious, gorgeous mornings have I spent at Snow Canyon. Before the swelter of the summer heat. Or afternoons in the winter when the sun has warmed the brilliantly colored red rock canyon walls. One of the first trips we took the pup on was a hike up the end of the canyon (as approached from the south, and on leash only).
Truly it’s a magnificent place.
Just don’t try to compare it to any of the big brother national parks nearby. It’s not Zion (nor does it pretend) and that’s perfectly okay. You’ll find smaller crowds. Check out the campground for an in-​park experience. They have some well-​developed ones for RVs near the entrance to the campground, but as you spread out to the left or right you have tent camping sites. There are lots of amenities around (I’m pretty sure there’s a dump station) and there’s running water, showers, etc.
You’ll find hikes of all shapes and sizes. The Jenny’s Canyon trail is great for kids and pretty easy, but note that it closes during the summer months. One of the most hiked trails is the Pioneer Names trail, where you can view a modern panel where early settlers carved their names into the wall. It’s also easy, unless you get the urge to scale up to the panel. That’s not really recommended.
I’ve also hiked the West Canyon Trail (called West Canyon Road, but off limits to cars). It’s not too difficult, and eventually dead-​ends after about 4 miles, so you go 8 round trip. I liked the company I was in, and you’re surrounded by some great looking canyons, but there isn’t ever a grand payoff moment, spectacular feature, or formation that you come to. It’s one of the only two trails you can take your dogs on; the other is the Whiptail which I’ve not done.
There are lots of climbers here. I’m not one of them, but it looks like a ton of fun. You can hire local outfitters who will best know what’s on and off limits.
Most of the attention is at the south end of the park, but be sure to explore the north area as well. There’s not much in the way of access up there, but there are some oft overlooked trails. The park isn’t giant, so you may see other visitors (guaranteed in the busy times) wherever you are.
At last check, it was $ 6 to drive in, and $ 16 – 20 to camp, depending on if you needing power/​RV hookup. I don’t know if there is an extra car fee for campgrounds, but I’d bet so.
This is a great place to hit up outside of the sweltering summer season. When the rest of the state is in the cold, it’s always warmer near St. George. Remember that it will get cold at night, however, so come prepared. Hike, camp, snap some pics, climb, and just relax.

I have been to Snow Canyon State Park three times. After each visit, I look forward to the next.
Based on my experiences in Snow Canyon State Park, this is my recommendation: Enter through the south fee station via Snow Canyon Parkway, drive to the Three PondsTrailhead for some serious hiking, and exit through the north fee station before making a right on southbound Route 18 toward St. George.
Currently, admission is $ 6. On the last visit there wasn’t a Ranger manning the fee station. This is a bad deal in a few ways. If visitors do not have exact change, they are forced to travel a distance outside the park to a business to get change. A Ranger manning the fee station is also a level of security.
On my three visits to Snow Canyon State Park, I parked at the Three Ponds Trail parking lot. It is in the center of the park, at a higher elevation that displays some awesome scenery. It brings you to Whiptail Trail.
I recommend hiking on the Whiptail Trail to get aquainted with Snow Canyon State Park. It is never too distant from the park drive and mountains. It is an easy hike on an asphalt right of way that is relatively flat. It is also A.D.A accessable.
For a short but scenic walk, this is my recommendation. Hike the Whiptail Trail to its north terminus at Upper Galoot. After taking in the Upper Galoot, hike south on Snow Canyon Drive to the Visitors Center. If the vending machine works, buy a can of soda, then spend a few minutes sitting on the rocking chair enjoying the scenery. Inside there are interesting facts about the wildlife in the park. From the Visitors Center, the Three Ponds Trail parking lot is nearby.
On cooler days, this is my recommendation. Continue south on the Whiptail Trail to the junction with the West Canyon Trail. Make a right and hike it a few miles north to the Lava Flow Overlook and Trail. The views and solitude here are five stars. From this point, retrace your steps back to the parking lot. Keep in mind that the West Canyon Trail is gravelly yet level.
For a more challenging walk this is my recommendation. From the Three Ponds parking lot, hike on the Three Ponds Trail toward the West Canyon Road.
Please remember:
In the summer, Snow Canyon gets exceedingly hot. On my last two visits, the vending machine was out of order. I strongly suggest bringing lots of water, sunscreen, a cap, and a camera.

OK, so all parks have their own beauty but what sets Snow Canyon State Park aside from all the other parks are the Sand Dunes…
The Sand Dunes were so awesome!!!
Adults and kids alike can enjoy this natural feature equally.
Everyone kicks off their shoes and enjoys the splendor of what feels like velvet between your toes.
The lava rock formations were cool to see as well.
I am thankful that there is a no dog law here– I love dogs but rolling around in dog crap would really ruin your experience…
So while your making red sand angels in your veiw could be horsebackriding and rock climbing. There’s something for everyone in this park.
We really did enjoy our time in the sand dunes area and it was actually the highlight of our day trip to St. George.
The $ 6.00 entrance fee is so worth it.
We already want to come back…

Often overlooked in light of Zion National Park, Snow Canyon State Park still has lots to offer. The scenery in the park is much different from what you’ll find at Zion or any of the other National Parks. The red sandstone cliffs and vast lava flows have produced a uniquely beautiful landscape. If you are traveling through Southern Utah and especially if you will be staying in St. George, you should visit Snow Canyon.

A beautiful state park right outside St. George and less than two hours from Las Vegas. It’s a 7,400 acre scenic park that reveals lava flows and sandstone cliffs.
Depending on the time of year and day, you can encounter tortoises, roadrunners, coyotes, and other various desert animals and plants.
Trails are marked and described in the brochure they give you when you enter, so you can determine the level of difficulty for each.
Charging only $ 5 per vehicle, you can easily spend a day here hiking, technical climbing (over 170 designated routes), biking, and horseback riding.
Picnic areas along with modern restrooms and a campground with water and electric hook-​ups, showers, drinking water, and a sewage disposal station makes this park an easy place to camp and spend the night.
If you plan on going for the day, head out there early and packed with plenty of water and snacks. Bring good hiking shoes and a flashlight too. This is an easily accessible park that makes it great for all family members.