Snow Canyon State Park

Snow Canyon State Park is one of those places you either stumble upon by accident or hear about from someone who really knows southern Utah. It's not nearly as famous as Zion or Bryce Canyon which are two of Utah’s “Mighty 5” national parks also located in southern Utah. 

Surprisingly, it is located just minutes from the humming city of St. George which has exploded to almost 200,000 people residing in the metro area. My wife and I just visited this area and we were astounded by its growth. In fact, I am writing this while sitting in a condo in St. George. It’s 95º F. in early April.

We spent a day here in St. George on our honeymoon many years ago and were absolutely floored to see that the motel we stayed in for a night on the way to Vegas is still in business. The “Sands Motel.” Same cheesy swimming pool and same chintzy slide into the pool. Still only $49 a night for seniors. But, of course, I digress.

Those who discover this gem … Snow Canyon State Park … often wonder why more people aren’t talking about it. We’ve driven thousands of miles all over the continent and so many of the best places we’ve seen are right in our back yard.

So let’s get once thing out of the way. For years I wondered if, for some strange reason, a lot of snow fell in Snow Canyon even down in Utah’s Dixie. I know. Probably can’t call it that now.

Upon doing a little research, I realized that this is Utah. So many places are named after the Mormon pioneers and their descendants. They certainly liked to name things after themselves. It usually involves a first name, a middle initial, and a last name.

Snow Canyon isn’t cold and it rarely sees snow. It was named after early Mormon settlers Lorenzo and Erastus Snow. I’m not sure if they named it after themselves but that’s usually the way it was done.

Don’t let the name fool you. This red rock paradise is warm, scenic, colorful, welcoming and packed with surprises. Nestled in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, Snow Canyon State Park is a surprising visual masterpiece of Navajo sandstone cliffs, ancient lava flows, sand dunes and winding slot canyons all packed into one easily accessible area.

It’s one of our favorite places to visit when in the St. George area which we just happened to be for a week.

More Than Just a Pretty Place

Snow Canyon is surprisingly beautiful even if “only” a state park. Even so, it is a park that invites you to move through it rather than just look at it. With more than 38 miles of hiking trails, technical rock climbing routes, equestrian paths and paved bike trails, there seems to be something here for every type of outdoor enthusiast.

You’ll find a variety of short, accessible hikes perfect for families or those with limited time as well as more strenuous routes for those wanting a bit of adventure. Nearly every trail brings something unique whether it’s the color of the rock, the texture of the sand or the unexpected twist of a lava tube.

One thing we noticed but were not able to take advantage of … I just had knee surgery due to a fishing accident … is the wonderful paved biking/walking trail running adjacent to Highway 18 which heads north from St. George to the park. Snow Canyon Drive through the park allows you to bike or ride an ecycle and complete a loop back to St. George. Or do it the opposite way.

Highlights of the Park

Here are a few trails and sites we recommend from our reading:

Petrified Dunes Trail – One of the park’s most iconic hikes. These ancient, frozen waves of stone are fun to explore and photograph. Kids love climbing them.

Jenny’s Canyon – A quick, easy walk to a beautiful little slot canyon tucked away near the south entrance. Great for families or those short on time.

Johnson Canyon – Open from November through March, this seasonal trail offers views of a lava field and a natural arch.

Whiptail Trail – A paved, multi-use trail that’s ADA-accessible and stretches 6 miles through the park. Ideal for bikers, runners and strollers.

Lava Flow Trail – This one takes you past lava tubes (which you can crawl inside if you’re feeling adventurous) and offers interpretive signage along the way.

The variety of terrain … from deep red rock cliffs to black lava rock to soft, white sand dunes … makes this a photographer’s dream and a geologist’s playground.

A Filmmaker’s Backlot

Before it was a state park, Snow Canyon served as a stunning backdrop for dozens of Hollywood productions. If the scenery looks familiar, it’s probably because it has been featured in films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Electric Horseman, and even old Westerns and TV shows like Gunsmoke.

It was officially designated a state park in 1959. Snow Canyon State Park continues to draw people in with its obvious cinematic-quality beauty. Now, though, there are few stars found here. Just everyday travelers looking for red rock solitude just minutes from town.

Location and Setting

One of the best things about Snow Canyon is how easy it is to get to. Located just outside of Ivins and Santa Clara, the park is a quick 15-minute drive from downtown St. George. If you are staying in the area or traveling through southwest Utah, slow down and check it out.

The park sits within the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve which was established to protect the endangered Mojave Desert tortoise. Keep your eyes peeled, you might just see one if you’re lucky (and quiet). They actually warn you to watch out for them on the road. We managed to avoid hitting one this time around.

Elevation in the park ranges from about 3,100 to 4,100 feet. That means cooler temps than the valley below but still warm enough for year-round recreation. Spring and fall are ideal times to visit. We just visited in early April and the temperature was in the mid 70’s F.

A Great Place to Camp, Picnic or Just Breathe

Snow Canyon offers a well-maintained campground with 27 sites including some with full hookups for RVs and others designated for tents. Modern restrooms and showers are available and the campground is conveniently located near several trailheads.

If you’re not planning to stay the night, you’ll still find multiple picnic areas, shaded pavilions and easy pull-offs along the main road with panoramic views in every direction. These pull-offs are where we took multiple photos some of which you see here.

Whether you’ve got an hour, a half-day or a whole weekend, Snow Canyon State Park is an easy and rewarding escape into one of Utah’s most vibrant desert landscapes.

Facts and Fees

• Covers 7,400+ acres
• Elevation: 3,100–4,100 feet
• Open year-round
• 38+ miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails
• ADA-accessible trails and paved roads
• Campground with modern restrooms and showers
• Lava tubes and petrified dunes
• Located within the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve
• Pets allowed on leash (check signage for trail restrictions)

Entrance Fees

• Day-use fee (per vehicle): $10 (up to 8 people)
• Senior day-use fee: $5
• Utah resident walk-in or bike-in: $5
• Non-resident walk-in or bike-in: $5
• Camping fee:  Ranges from $25 to $40 depending on site type and amenities
• 5-day permit (good at all Utah State Parks): $15

Accessibility and Visitor Information

The Whiptail Trail and several parking areas are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations. Rangers are available to assist or answer questions at the park entrance station. Like most Utah State Parks, the staff here is friendly, knowledgeable and happy to share tips on trails, wildlife and park conditions.

Hint:  A yearly senior pass to get into all Utah State Parks for a year costs $65. We were all over that.

Snow Canyon State Park
1002 Snow Canyon Drive
Ivins, Utah 84738
📞 (435) 628-2255

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