Southwest Utah is known for breathtaking scenes and adrenaline-pumping adventures. Think hiking, biking or trailing while enjoying red rock formations, spectacular flora, and volcanic landscapes. Although people would usually head straight to Zion National Park, St. George Utah offers equally amazing geological wonders worth exploring minus the crowd. Whether you just moved or are planning to move to St. George, here’s a list we have specially compiled for you.
1. Petroglyph Loop
What to Expect: Indiana Jones vibe, moderate 2.5-mile trail, a secret narrow canyon, flora and fauna, and ancient hand-carved petroglyphs
Activities: Hiking, trailing
Directions:
From I-15 take exit 6 onto Bluff Street
Head north toward Pine Valley Mountain
Head up the hill about 4 miles until you reach a plateau
Take the first road on your left (4200 North)
Travel down to the cul de sac and park
2. Snow Canyon State Park
What to Expect: “Mini Zion” with over 37 miles of hiking trails, a valley with red Navajo sandstones, sand dunes, and an overlay of ancient black lava fields
Activities: hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping
Directions:
From I-15 northbound, take Exit 6 (Bluff Street)
Go north on Bluff Street to the intersection with Snow Canyon Parkway
Turn left onto Snow Canyon Parkway
proceed approximately 3.5 miles and turn right onto Snow Canyon Drive
Follow this road to the south entrance of the park
3. Sand Hollow State Park
What to Expect: A warm water reservoir with red, sandy beaches and vast dunes, volcanic mesa, beautiful riding terrain for OHV (off-highway vehicle), scenic view of high mountains in all directions
Activities: swimming, boating, fishing, cliff jumping, paddle-boarding, kayaking, wakeboarding, scuba diving, OHV driving, camping
Directions:
From I-15, take the Hurricane exit (Exit 16)
Travel east on Hwy 9 for about four miles to Sand Hollow Road
Turn right
Travel south for about three miles
Turn left at the park entrance
4. The Lower Sand Cove Trail aka The Vortex or The Bowl
What to Expect: Moderate hike with a rocky, lava rock area, sandy walkways, cool rock formations, and of course, The Bowl – a large giant depression that looks like a bowl
Activities: Hiking, trekking
Directions:
From I-15 take exit 6 onto Bluff Street
Head north toward Pine Valley Mountain
Head up the hill about 18 miles
Pass through Dammeron Valley and turn left on the dirt road that meets the highway diagonally
After passing Upper Sand Cove Reservoir, look for an old abandoned building on the left
About 100 yards from the abandoned building, take a left-hand turn-off just before a ditch with running water. You may park there
5. Red Cliffs Recreation Area
What to Expect: Stunning waterfalls, red rock canyons, slot canyons, plenty of history where you can see the remnants of the Ancestral Puebloan farmers’ habitation as well as fossils and dinosaur tracks
Activities: trailing, camping, picnics, historical exploration
Directions:
From I-15 Exit 23 (southbound only), turn left on Silver Reef Road at the end of the freeway off-ramp
Turn right onto Main Street and travel south for 3.5 miles
Turn right just past the sign for the Red Cliffs Recreation Area
Proceed under the two freeway tunnels, and follow the paved road into the campground
Before you visit any of these places, please check COVID-19 information and updates for safe travel in Utah here.