Here is a list of 5 easy hikes in Snow Canyon State Park. The is a breathtakingly beautiful state park located in southwestern Utah, USA. It is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts who love hiking, rock climbing, biking, or simply soaking up the stunning scenery.
The park’s landscape features dramatic red rock formations, deep canyons, and sand dunes that make for a truly unique and picturesque experience. You can explore the park’s extensive trail system, which ranges from easy walks to strenuous hikes, or enjoy a scenic drive through the park’s stunning vistas. Here are five easy hikes in Snow Canyon State park.
How to get to Snow Canyon National Park from St. George
From St. George, take Bluff Street (State Route 18) heading north. After approximately 3 miles, turn left onto Snow Canyon Parkway. Continue on Snow Canyon Parkway for another 3 miles until you reach the entrance to Snow Canyon State Park on the left-hand side of the road. Look for the brown state park signs along the way to help guide you to the park. Once you enter the park, Snow Canyon Drive will take you through the park and to the various trailheads, picnic areas, and other points of interest. The drive from St. George to Snow Canyon State Park takes approximately 15-20 minutes, and it is a beautiful drive through the red rock formations and stunning scenery of southwestern Utah.
Best time to visit Snow Canyon State Park
The best time to visit Snow Canyon State Park is typically in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) months. During these seasons, the weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from comfortable to warm, making outdoor activities enjoyable. Springtime brings blooming wildflowers and lush vegetation, while fall offers stunning foliage colors against the red rock backdrop. Summer can be extremely hot, so if you visit during this time (June to August), plan to explore early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the heat. Winters (December to February) can be chilly, but if you enjoy solitude and don’t mind cooler temperatures, it can still be a beautiful time to visit.
Hiking in Snow Canyon State park: Our Experience
We visited Snow Canyon State Park on our way to Brian Head Ski Resort in February, during Presidents’ Day weekend. As expected, it was crowded, and finding parking was a challenge. Before reaching the park, we made our usual stop in St. George for breakfast at the hotel. We arrived at Snow Canyon around 9 am, and the Lava Flow parking area was nearly full. By the time we reached the Petrified Dunes Trail at 10:15 am, the parking lot was completely full, so we ended up parking further away and hiking along the road. Despite the initial parking issues, the rest of our visit went smoothly.
How much time to spend in Snow Canyon State
Due to time constraints, we spent only 4.5 hours in the park. Despite this, we managed to complete all five hikes, though we skipped lunch and maintained a brisk pace. The park’s beauty left a strong impression, prompting a desire to return for more leisurely and extended hikes. I recommend allocating a full day for visiting Snow Canyon State Park.
This will provide ample time to explore more of the park at a relaxed pace without feeling rushed.
5 easy hikes in Snow Canyon State Park
Lava Flow Trail
This easy 2.5-mile trail takes you through ancient lava flows and past volcanic cinder cones. The trail is relatively flat and well-maintained, with some gentle inclines and switchbacks. Along the way, you’ll see interesting rock formations created by the ancient lava flows, as well as the unique cinder cones that dot the landscape. This trail can get hot during summer months, so it’s recommended to hike early in the morning or late in the day.
Petrified Dunes Trail
This easy 1.2-mile trail takes you through a stunning landscape of petrified sand dunes. The trail is mostly flat with some small hills, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels. Along the way, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the park, including the jagged peaks of nearby mountains. The trail can get hot during summer months, so it’s recommended to hike early in the morning or late in the day.
Hidden Pinyon Trail
This easy to moderate 1.8-mile trail takes you through a narrow slot canyon and past ancient volcanic rock formations. The trail starts with a steep descent into the canyon and requires some scrambling over rocks and boulders. Once you reach the bottom of the canyon, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the towering cliffs and unique rock formations. This trail is best hiked in the early morning or late afternoon, as the canyon can get very hot during the day.
Johnson Canyon Trail
This moderate 2.3-mile trail takes you through a lush canyon with waterfalls, streams, and towering red rock cliffs. The trail is well-maintained and mostly flat, with some gentle inclines and switchbacks. Along the way, you’ll pass by several small pools and waterfalls, as well as ancient petroglyphs etched into the rock walls. The trail can be hiked year-round, but it’s best to avoid it during thunderstorms, as flash floods are common in the canyon.
Butterfly Trail
This easy to moderate 2.5-mile trail takes you through a butterfly preserve and past ancient lava flows. The trail is relatively flat with some gentle inclines, and offers beautiful views of the surrounding red rock formations. The butterfly preserve is home to several species of butterflies, including the colorful painted lady butterfly. The lava flows are also a unique sight, with their black, jagged rock formations contrasting against the red sandstone cliffs. This trail can get hot during summer months, so it’s recommended to hike early in the morning or late in the day.
So, here you have it, five easy hikes in Snow canyon that you can do when visiting park.
