Snow Canyon State Park: A Hidden Gem Near Zion National Park

Flying into St George Regional Airport on your way to Zion National Park? Don’t miss out on one of Utah’s most stunning hidden gems — Snow Canyon State Park.

After exploring Zion and Bryce Canyon over several days, we drove to St. George for our flight home. With a few hours to spare the evening before our morning flight, we headed to Snow Canyon on a whim. Those few hours turned out to be the perfect ending to our trip – we couldn’t believe we almost skipped it!

Located just a 15-minute drive from the town of Saint George, Utah, and less than an hour from Zion, Snow Canyon offers a stunning red rock landscape with family-friendly hikes that are perfect for those short on time. The park’s quiet beauty and unique desert landscape was definitely one of the highlights of our trip.

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Why Visit Snow Canyon State Park?

Snow Canyon State Park offers all the stunning red rock scenery of southern Utah—without the heavy crowds you’ll find at nearby Zion National Park. We were in awe of the unique scenery: towering Navajo sandstone cliffs, ancient lava flows, and swirling petrified dunes create a surreal, desert landscape unlike any we’ve experienced.

Don’t let the name fool you: Snow Canyon is not known for snowfall. We learned that nearby St George was founded by the Mormon church back in 1861. The canyon was named after Erastus and Lorenzo Snow, brothers and Mormon pioneer leaders who helped settle the area.

The majority of the hikes and popular attractions are short walks, making it ideal for families, casual hikers, or anyone with just a short time to spend in the park. Popular trails like Jenny’s Canyon, Petrified Dunes, and the Lava Flow Trail showcase the park’s unique geology without requiring a full-day itinerary.

For the more adventurous, Snow Canyon has longer hikes, as well as opportunities for rock climbing. There are six distinct areas that allow technical climbing within the park. Of course, proper training and equipment is a necessity. Check out the Snow Canyon Rock Climbing Guide for more information.

Bike riding is another fun option for exploring the park. E-bikes are allowed on Whiptail Trail and West Canyon Road. Riding along these paved and gravel paths is a great way to take in the scenery. You can rent E-bikes from Snow Canyon E-Bike Rentals.

Hard-core bikers may want to check out The Snow Canyon Loop Trail. This is an 18-mile paved trail that loops through Snow Canyon and the outskirts of St. George. Changes in elevation make this a challenging ride.

It’s also possible to explore Snow Canyon State Park on horseback. There are several equestrian trails in the park, including the Whiptail Trail, Galloping Goose Trail, and Red Sands Trail. Snow Canyon Trail Rides offers horseback riding May – October.

Begin With The Snow Canyon Scenic Overlook

Just driving through on your way to St George? Definitely plan on making a stop at the Snow Canyon Scenic Overlook. You’ll be treated to a panoramic view of red and white sandstone cliffs and the valley below.

The Scenic Overlook is located along UT-18, the highway that runs from St Geroge to the park’s North entrance. Watch for a small sign on the west side of the highway. Head down a short dirt road to get to the Overlook.

The Scenic Overlook is a particularly great destination for seeing the sunset. It can be difficult to get photos of the sunset while you’re in the canyon, as the high cliffs create shadows and block the horizon.

Best Hikes in Snow Canyon State Park In Just A Few Hours

Petrified Dunes Trail

If you only have time for one hike in Snow Canyon, let it be the Petrified Dunes Trail! It’s a truly unique experience: a rolling landscape of ancient, swirling sandstone formations that have been solidified over millions of years.

We arrived in the area just before sunset, when the dunes were glowing in beautiful shades of shades of orange, pink, and gold. We weren’t the only ones drawn to this magical scene -we saw three different bridal parties were scattered across the landscape, posing for photos.

The most direct path to the Petrified Sand Dunes leaves from the Petrified Dunes Trailhead parking lot. We didn’t realize this, however. We started out from the Upper Galoot Parking area. In the end, it didn’t make much difference. We just headed in the direction of the dunes. Once we were up on top of them, the sweeping view made it easy to spot both of the parking areas.

Once you start scrambling up the dunes, there isn’t a defined path. We simply wandered around freely, enjoying a stunning view looking down along Snow Canyon.

Turns out there are round trail markers with painted arrows on the ground to help guide you along the way. However, we didn’t realize this until we were almost back to our car!

Distance: About a mile and a half round trip. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly, as you can roam around as far as you like.

Jenny’s Canyon

Jenny’s Canyon is one of the most accessible and rewarding short hikes in Snow Canyon State Park. This easy, half-mile round-trip trail leads to a stunning slot canyon that’s much easier to reach than the slot canyons we’ve visited in other places.

The trail begins on soft sand for about a quarter mile. (My Keen sandals filled up with sand, making me wish I had tennis shoes on) Then, the trail reaches the base of the red rock wall and climbs briefly over a bit of rock.

When the path seems to end, turn to the left to enter the slot canyon itself. You can walk in between the towering red rock walls for about 50 yards.

Turn to the right to find a short stairway that leads to a small overlook: the perfect photo-op.

Caution: Do not attempt to hike into Jenny’s Canyon if rain is imminent. Flash floods can create dangerous conditions within the slot canyon.

Distance: 0.5 mile roundtrip. Super easy and good for kids.

Tortoise Walk

The Tortoise Walk is a short, easy trail that is perfect for families with young children. The crushed-rock trail is level and ADA accessible.

You’ll soon come to a fork in the trail. The path to the left has informational signs along the way that tell about the desert tortoises that can be found in the park. This fork ends at a large statue of a desert tortoise.

Take the path to the right, and you’ll climb to the top of a large, petrified dune.

Distance: Just 0.3 of a mile roundtrip. Trailhead begins in the Upper Galoot parking area.

Pioneer Names Trail

Take this quick hike for a fascinating glimpse into Utah’s pioneer past. Along the trail, you’ll pass a cliff wall where early settlers—dating back to 1881—etched their names into the rock using wagon axle grease. These historic signatures are remarkably well preserved, thanks to the natural rock arch that shelters them from the elements. We even spotted the name Erastus Snow, one of the pioneer brothers that Snow Canyon was named after.

This is an easy trail that is mostly level. The trial goes to the base of a cliff that is popular with rock climbers. Just off to the right, you’ll see the pioneer names under an overhang. It’s possible to scramble up the rock in order to view the names more closely, but it can be a slippery climb.

Distance:This short 0.4-mile out-and-back trail can be accessed from either the southern or northern trailheads. The southern route offers more shade and passes a striking natural arch along the way. Parking for this trail is located just beyond the Jenny’s Canyon parking lot.

Sand Dunes

The Sand Dunes area in Snow Canyon State Park is a favorite spot for families with young kids. Just a short, easy walk from the parking lot, the sand dunes offer a safe place for little ones to run around and burn off energy.

The wide-open area is perfect for kicking off your shoes and digging in the sand. Kids of all ages will love running full speed down the sandy dunes over and over again.

Keep in mind the sand can get quite hot during the mid-day sun, so bring plenty of water. Mornings or late afternoons are the perfect times to hit the dunes.

Distance: It’s an easy and mostly flat ¼ mile to reach the dunes.

Butterfly Trail

This trail got its name from a distinctive rock formation that resembles a butterfly. It’s made up of two narrow, triangular-shaped rocks perched on top of another rocky slab. They definitely rememble butterfly wings!

The Butterfly Trail is often used as a connector trail between the Petrified Dunes and the Lava Flow Trail. Be prepared for some uneven surfaces.

Access the trail from the Petrified Dunes Trailhead parking lot. Start out across the dunes and follow the path to a signpost that will direct you to the Butterfly Trail. The path drops down around a huge, petrified dune and then turns west. The trail connects with the Lava Flow Trail.

The trail ends trail ends with a fork in the path. At this point, you can turn around retrace your steps to the parking lot, or take the right fork to continue on to the Lava Flow Trail.

Distance: 1.2 miles.

Lava Flow Trail

The Lava Flow Trail is a short but striking hike that winds through a rugged lava field that was formed by a volcanic eruption over 27,000 years ago. Along the way, you’ll find panoramic canyon views, informative signs, and the chance to explore three fascinating lava tubes.

True to its name, the trail is covered in sharp, uneven lava rock—so watch your step!

Lava tubes are massive underground caves formed by ancient volcanic activity. Millions of years ago, these tunnels were filled with flowing lava. Over time, the lava cooled and solidified, leaving behind the hollow caves that exist today.

The Lava Flow Trail does have its own parking lot. The in and out hike from this trailhead is about 1.3 miles round trip. From this trailhead, you will come across the smallest lava tube first. Watch for signs near its entrance, as it blends into the landscape and might be easy to miss.

The third and final lava tube is the largest and easiest to get into. Be sure to bring a headlamp or flashlight if you want to explore inside, as it is dark inside the tubes. I wouldn’t recommend using the flashlight on a cell phone, as you could very easily drop or scratch your phone as you scramble around inside.

If you hike in on the Butterfly Trail, you’ll come to a crossroads where the path meets the Lava Flow trail. In this case, the third lava tube is just off to the left, and the second tube is off to the right. There are plenty of signs to guide you.

Distance: 2.5 miles if you start out on the Petrified Dunes and then take the Butterfly Trail to Lava Flow.

Where Is Snow Canyon? (And How to Get There)

Located just 20 minutes from St. George, Utah, Snow Canyon State Park is located within the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. This 45,000-acre area was created to protect the endangered Mojave Desert Tortoise and other native desert plants and animals.

Snow Canyon State Park makes for an ideal quick stop on your way to Zion or Bryce Canyon National Parks, offering a peaceful alternative to the often-crowded national parks. Conveniently located near the St. George Regional Airport—the closest airport to both Zion and Bryce—Snow Canyon is easy to access and well worth a visit.

From St George, head north on Bluff Street and take exit to Red Hills Pkwy/Snow Canyon Pkwy. Turn left onto Snow Canyon Pkwy and travel 3.2 miles until you come to a traffic circle. Proceed through the circle and continue 0.7 miles. At the next traffic circle take the first exit onto Snow Canyon Drive to go through the park’s entry gate.

If you’re driving from Las Vegas, Nevada, take I-15 N to UT-9 E and then to UT-18 N. Expect it to take about two hours to drive the 130 miles.

If you’re heading in from Salt Lake City, take I-15 S. It will take about 4.5 hours to drive the 310 miles.

Tips for Visiting Snow Canyon State Park

Best Times To Visit Snow Canyon State Park

The best time to visit Snow Canyon State Park is during the fall, winter, or spring, when temperatures are mild and ideal for hiking. Visiting in the cooler seasons also means less crowds.

Summer months, especially from June through August, can be dangerously hot with temperatures often soaring above 100°F—particularly on exposed trails like the Petrified Dunes, where there is little to no shade.

Even in late spring and early fall, midday hours (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) can be sweltering, so plan your hikes for early morning or late afternoon to stay safe and comfortable.

We visited in the early evening. The setting sun highlighted the reds and golds in the rocks. Just know that some of the more popular scenery will be in shadow as the sun goes down.

For Your Safety

Bringing plenty of water is imperative for hiking around during the day. Park staff recommends that each person in your group should drink a minimum of one liter of water per hour while hiking.

There are no restaurants in the park, so be sure to pack snacks.

Sun protection is also a necessity. That means sunglasses, a sun hat and sunscreen. Sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher are generally recommended. However, with the intense desert sunshine and my susceptibility for sunburn, I up my SPF to 70.

Leave your sandals and Crocs in your vehicle. (Unless you’re playing around in the sand dunes) Sturdy hiking shoes or boots are recommended for rocky trails and exploring the petrified sand dunes.

And of course, don’t hike alone. Cell phone service can be unreliable in the park, so it’s especially important to have someone with you in the event of a sprained ankle or other injury that can result from scrambling around on loose rock. Consider carrying a safety whistle in case you get separated from your group.

Watch For Desert Wildlife

Catching a glimpse of wildlife is always a highlight for me. During our short time in Snow Canyon, we spotted white-throated swifts and a peregrine falcon soaring around the cliffs. A few bats appeared as the sun was going down.

We were fortunate to come across a road runner as it pounced on a lizard. I did my best to get a photo as the bird was running away!

You may be lucky enough to see a kit fox or Gila monster as you hike across the sand dunes.

Above all, keep an eye out for endangered Mojave Desert tortoises as you’re driving. While it is illegal to handle the tortoises in most circumstances, you can move a tortoise out of harm’s way if you see one on the road.

Park staff asks that you approach slowly and pick up the tortoise with both hands. Keep the animal level and low to the ground and carry it in the same direction that the tortoise was traveling. Release the tortoise at least 50 feet from the roadway. You are asked to report your observation to park staff.

Snow Canyon State Park Hours and Fees

Snow Canyon State Park is open from 6:00am to 10:00 pm daily throughout the year, including holidays.

There is a 1$5.00 daily fee per vehicle for non-residents, or a $10.00 fee for Utah residents. You can get in for $3.00 if you are on foot or on a bicycle.

The pass is good for one day and may be purchased at the gate or online in advance.

Where To Stay Near Snow Canyon State Park

Campground: There is one campground within the park. The campground has 17 tent sites and 14 RV sites. There is a $45 fee for sites with water and electric hook-ups. Non-hookup sites cost $40.00 per night. Advance reservations are recommended.

Private Home: We were traveling with two other couples, so we were interested in a place with a kitchen and larger common area. We found the ideal accommodation at Zion Escape LaVerkin. The heated pool, hot tub, and outdoor fire pit were a big draw for us! The community of La Verkin is about a 15-minute drive from St. George.

Luxury Option: Inn on the Cliff, St George. The hotel rooms and adjoining restaurant offer beautiful views.

Mid-Range Option: Ramada by Wyndham St George. Guest can enjoy the outdoor pool, hot tub and daily continental breakfast. There are plenty of restaurants and shops within walking distance.

Historic Bed and Breakfast: The Mulberry Inn, St George. Each of the seven guest rooms of this 1873 mansion offers a unique theme and private bath.

The Wrap-Up

Whether you have a layover, a free evening in St. George, or just want to wind down after a busy week of hiking, Snow Canyon is the perfect adventure that can be experienced in a short amount of time.

With its unique terrain, and easy-to-navigate trails, Snow Canyon is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the area while on their way to or from Zion National Park.