St. George, Utah, has long been known as a mecca for nature lovers and outdoor people. There are tons of great outdoor activities here, from golfing to mountain biking!
One of the most popular activities in the area, though, is hiking. There are tons of places to go hiking near St. George, Utah, whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned pro.
Here are a few of the best sites we recommend for hiking near our St. George vacation rentals!
Johnson Canyon
Located at the mouth of Snow Canyon State Park, you’ll find Johnson Canyon, a stunning hike that’s relatively short but still incredibly exciting. This hike is marked with a difficulty level of “easy,” so hikers of all ages and skill levels will enjoy the journey, and it’s just 2 miles round-trip. On top of that, there’s almost no change in elevation, so you can take the hike at your own pace and will always remain comfortable. As you make your way through the canyon, you’ll see stunning red rock walls, black lava flows, a gorgeous natural spring, and to finish it off, a vast arch spanning 200 feet!
You’ll find a parking lot near the south entrance station. Simply cross the street after you park to get to the trailhead, located on the east side of the road. Do keep in mind that this trail is closed every year from March 15 to October 31. Still, if you’re planning a winter vacation, you’ll definitely want to take the time to experience Johnson Canyon firsthand! This hike is an excellent option for getting your family out into nature. Everyone from the youngest kids to the older adults can easily handle this journey.
Whiptail Trail
Bikers, joggers, and hikers are all attracted to Whiptail Trail, located toward the bottom of Snow Canyon State Park. This trail stretches from the Upper Galoot down to the trailhead located on South Tuacahn Parkway. Whiptail Trail is considered easy but is quite a bit longer than Johnson Canyon at 6 miles round-trip. This hike also gains about 500 feet of elevation, so while it’s still totally manageable for all hikers, it’s slightly more challenging than Johnson Canyon.
You’ll get to experience many of the same breathtaking sites here, as we mentioned before, including the natural spring, back lava flows, and arch at the end. This trail takes you directly past the park office and campground. It finishes near some picnic tables, perfect for eating lunch with an incredible view of the canyon! While this trail on its own is 6 miles, as mentioned, hikers who want a longer journey can head down several additional trails to explore even more of the area. You could truly spend half a day or longer simply discovering all the hidden secrets and offshoots of the Whiptail Trail!
Petrified Dunes Trail
Another section of the Snow Canyon State Park that sees its fair share of travelers is Petrified Dunes Trail. This one offers a bit more of a challenge and is considered moderate, making it suitable for more experienced hikers. Though this trip is relatively short at just a 1-mile round-trip, you’ll experience more than 300 feet of elevation. This rise, combined with the rugged terrain, resulting in the “moderate” labeling. Still, those in good shape and who have been on a hike or two should have no trouble navigating the trail.
This trail is a truly spectacular journey full of exciting history around every corner. The area used to have huge mountains of sand that have since petrified (hence the name) to make the rugged terrain that we can experience today. You’ll make your half-mile journey down the trail through some stunning Navajo sandstone, giving you plenty of crevices to explore. From this trail, you can also connect to the Three Ponds Trail near the Hidden Pinyon Overlook. The trailhead can be found on the west side of the road, toward the dunes’ northern side.
Lava Flow Overlook Trail
If you’re looking for a moderate trail that’s a bit longer than Petrified Dunes, the Lava Flow Overlook Trail is a great option. This trail is, again, located within Snow Canyon State Park and offers a 2-mile experience round-trip. You’ll start from right below the junction of State Route 18 and Snow Canyon Drive before journeying past some of the most beautiful panoramic viewpoints in the entire park, including the breathtaking West Canyon Overlook.
Plan Your Next Visit
We offer a wide range of St. George rentals suitable for everyone, from solo travelers to large extended families. Best of all, you’ll get all the privacy and comfort you could want in a desert oasis while never being more than a few minutes away from downtown. Contact us today to start planning your trip!
Since this trail is moderate, it’s a good option for those who have been hiking before and want a bit of a challenge without pushing themselves too hard. This trail, in particular, can be quite the workout since it’s a bit longer than Petrified Dunes. To reach the trailhead, you’ll need to go about ¾ of a mile south of the junction of State Route 18 and Snow Canyon Drive. Alternatively, suppose you’re coming from the other direction. In that case, you’ll find the trailhead around ¼ of a mile north of the Snow Canyon Outlook, located on State Route 18.
Snow Canyon Overlook Trail
Finally, those who genuinely want a memorable experience on the trails will want to head to Snow Canyon Overlook Trail. This moderate trail is quite a bit longer than any other journeys we’ve covered here, coming in at 4.7 miles round-trip and experiencing a 521-foot elevation gain. There are a few sandy patches to look out for along the way, but besides that, this trail is pretty easy to navigate but will likely take between two and three hours to complete. Be prepared to spend the better part of your morning hiking here!
As you journey throughout the trails, you might find yourself wondering why this hike is so recommended. While the trails themselves might leave something to be desired in terms of scenery, it’s the overlook itself that gets the credit. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts with a simply picturesque view of the area, allowing you to gaze over all of Snow Canyon, into St. George itself, and even out to the Arizona Strip. If it’s the views you’re after, this is definitely a hike to consider! You can access the trailhead from the Red Mountain Trail parking lot.
These are just a handful of the fantastic hiking trails in St. George, Utah, but this list is certainly not all-inclusive! We’ve actually only gotten to the tip of the iceberg, so to discover all the incredible hiking opportunities out here, you’re just going to have to come to see it for yourself! Luckily, Ledges Vacation Rentals is home to convenient and affordable rentals in St. George, Utah, which puts you just moments away from these trails and tons of other area attractions.