Snow Canyon

Snow Canyon State Park is the park that locals would rather you didn't know about. Just 15 minutes northwest of St. George, this 7,400-acre canyon of red and white Navajo sandstone, ancient lava flows, and petrified dunes rivals anything in Zion — without the shuttle system, the crowds, or the hour-long trailhead lines. It's where St. George residents hike on weekday mornings, where photographers show up at golden hour, and where families bring kids who want to explore lava tubes with a headlamp.

Snow Canyon has been a filming location for Hollywood westerns — Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Jeremiah Johnson, and The Electric Horseman were all shot here. The scenery is that good.

Best Hikes

Lava Flow Trail & Lava Tubes — the park's most popular hike and the reason most first-timers visit. A 2.5-mile round trip across black lava fields to a series of lava tubes you can actually climb into and explore. Bring a headlamp — the largest tube extends over 100 feet into the hillside with a cathedral-like interior room. Moderate difficulty, mostly flat with some scrambling at the tube entrances. Budget 1.5–2 hours.

Petrified Dunes — 1.2 miles round trip across rolling mounds of ancient sandstone that were once a Sahara-scale sand sea 250 million years ago. No marked trail — you pick a direction and explore. The layers of color in the rock are stunning, and the 360-degree views of the canyon make this one of the most photographed spots in Southern Utah. Easy to moderate.

Jenny's Canyon — a quick 0.5-mile round trip to a narrow slot canyon tucked into the cliffs. Easy, flat, and a great cool-down hike at the end of the day. Kids love it — the walls are close enough to touch both sides.

Hidden Pinyon Trail — 1.5 miles round trip, moderate difficulty. Climbs through pinyon-juniper woodland to panoramic views of the canyon and the surrounding desert. Less crowded than the lava tubes and rewards with one of the best overlooks in the park.

Whiterocks Trail — 4 miles round trip through lava rock and desert terrain to a natural amphitheater of white sandstone. Moderate difficulty with some rocky sections. The contrast between the red, black, and white rock is unlike anything else in the region.

What Makes Snow Canyon Special

Snow Canyon sits at the junction of three ecosystems — the Mojave Desert, the Great Basin, and the Colorado Plateau. That convergence creates a landscape you won't find anywhere else: red Navajo sandstone formations topped with 30,000-year-old black basalt lava flows, petrified sand dunes, cinder cones, and a fragile desert ecosystem that includes the endangered desert tortoise.

The park has over 38 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Rock climbing is permitted in designated areas, with 170+ established routes. And Tuacahn Amphitheatre — an outdoor Broadway-quality theater carved into the red rock canyons — sits right at the park's southern entrance.

Practical Info

Hours: 6 AM – 10 PM daily, year-round.

Entry fee: $10 per vehicle (Utah residents), $15 per vehicle (non-residents). No reservation required, but the park does hit capacity on holiday weekends — arrive before 9 AM.

Pets: Allowed on select trails (West Canyon Road, Whiptail Trail, Paradise Canyon) on leash only. Not allowed on most hiking trails.

Getting there: From downtown St. George, drive north on Bluff Street / SR-18 for about 10 minutes, then turn left on Snow Canyon Drive. The south entrance is in Ivins.

Where to Stay Near Snow Canyon

Snow Canyon is in the Coral Canyon / Ivins corridor — the closest major vacation rental area in St. George. Verity Rentals manages a luxury 6-bedroom townhome in Coral Canyon, directly adjacent to the park — a private pool, hot tub, rooftop deck, and room for up to 20 guests. You can be on a Snow Canyon trailhead in under 10 minutes. It's also 45 minutes from Zion National Park, making it a natural base camp for both parks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Snow Canyon worth visiting if I'm already going to Zion? Absolutely. Snow Canyon is a completely different experience — lava tubes, petrified dunes, slot canyons — and it has a fraction of Zion's crowds. Many visitors say Snow Canyon was the surprise highlight of their trip.

How long do I need at Snow Canyon? A half day covers the lava tubes and one or two shorter hikes. A full day lets you explore the petrified dunes, Whiterocks, and the Hidden Pinyon overlook. Two days if you want to add rock climbing or mountain biking.

Is Snow Canyon good for kids? Very. The lava tubes are an adventure (bring headlamps), Jenny's Canyon is an easy slot canyon walk, and the sand dunes are a natural playground. Keep water and sunscreen handy — shade is limited.

Explore our full St. George area guide, plan a day at Zion National Park, or browse all Verity Rentals properties.