St. George, Utah, is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Southeast, and for a good reason! Something fun happens every season, including permanent attractions and annual events. You can find something for every interest, whether you enjoy spending time on the golf course, hitting the slopes, hiking the trails, or indulging in local cuisine.
With so many fun things to do in St. George, Utah, it can take a lot of work to narrow down your options. But if you’re looking for a fun and educational place to bring the family, head over to Red Hills Desert Garden. It’s just a few minutes away from our St. George vacation rentals and will impress the entire family. Here’s everything you need to know before you go!
About the Garden
Boasting the title of “Utah’s first desert landscape garden,” the Red Hills Desert Garden is an experience you won’t want to miss out on. Since it opened in the Spring of 2015, the Garden has welcomed thousands of visitors from around the country! You’ll find nearly five acres of land to explore at your own pace, offering the perfect opportunity to get in touch with nature and experience environments you’ve never seen before.
The Red Hills Desert Garden is a combined effort of several local organizations, including the Virgin River Program, the City of St. George, and the Washington County Water Conservancy District.
The Red Hills Desert Garden is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and doesn’t charge any admission fee! This attraction is the ideal budget-friendly attraction for groups of all sizes.
Water Efficient Landscapes
Red Hills Desert Garden is so much more than a breathtaking attraction. It’s also an incredible place to learn about the environment and how we can protect it! For instance, guests can discover over 5,000 water-efficient plants throughout the garden!
The desert landscape here uses far less water than a turf landscape would need to maintain its plant life. In fact, the Garden states that it “uses an average of five million gallons of water less per year than a similar sized turf landscape,” equaling enough water for 50 American homes for an entire year!
As you explore the area, you can see many impressive colors and textures around every corner, revealing just how majestic the desert landscape can be. You’ll also have the chance to learn about irrigation systems and proper watering techniques, ensuring that the garden’s plants get plenty of water with minimal waste.
Native & Endangered Species
The Red Hills Desert Garden doesn’t stop with plants. You can find plenty of native and endangered animal species throughout the attraction as well. Many guests consider wildlife viewing here one of the best outdoor activities in St. George, Utah!
One of the fascinating species to call the Garden home is the Mojave Desert Tortoise. To view them, head right next door to the 62,000-acre Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. This reserve has been housing Mojave Desert Tortoises and other rare plant and animal species since it was established in 1996.
Head to the Virgin River to find some of the planet’s rarest fish species. The River has a 1,150-foot stream that flows throughout the garden, so you can keep your eyes peeled for beautiful species like Speckled Dace, Desert Sucker, Woundfin, Flannelmouth Sucker, Virgin Spinedace, and Virgin River Chub. The fish viewing area is located inside a replica slot canyon, representing an essential aspect of Southern Utah’s natural landscape.
Even beyond living species, the Red Hills Desert Gardens offers a look into the past. Stroll down the trails to find all kinds of unique fossil tracks dating back around 200 million years! Imagine dinosaurs like the Megapnosaurus or the Dilophosaurus walking through the same gardens where you spend your vacation!
Events & Workshops
The Red Hills Desert Garden is open all year long, and you can find a fun event or workshop every season. Be sure to check their calendar to see what’s going on while you’re in town!
For instance, the Fall season brings a fabulous Halloween celebration that the entire family can enjoy. In past years, the Garden has put up dozens of scarecrow displays that kids and adults alike are sure to be impressed by. For those looking for a bit of a scare, there’s also a haunted canyon to explore!
If you’re visiting during the holiday season, you’re in for a special treat at the Garden. Thousands of lights and dozens of displays are spread throughout the grounds, providing a true winter wonderland for your crew to enjoy. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Plan Your Visit
Our team is ready to help you find the vacation rental of your dreams. There’s no better time to plan your next trip to St. George! Contact Ledges Vacation Rentals today to start booking your getaway.
In addition to the events happening throughout the year, you can also attend fascinating workshops to learn more about the Garden and the plants and animals within. Saturday Landscape Workshops are held at least twice per month and last an hour each, making it easy to fit one into the rest of your itinerary. Topics change all the time to offer something new! Past workshops have centered around Lawn Management, Drip Irrigation, Localscapes 101, Rainwater Harvesting, Pest Control, and more. Some classes are held online, so you can attend even when you get home from your trip!
Directions from The Ledges
Getting from Ledges Vacation Rentals to Red Hills Desert Garden couldn’t be easier. The entire journey takes just 10 minutes by car!
Start by making your way to Ledges Parkway and taking the second exit at the traffic circle, which will lead you onto UT-18 S. You’ll drive on UT-18 S for 4.2 miles before keeping left to continue on Bluff Street. Turn left onto Red Hills Parkway, which you’ll follow for about three miles. You’ll find Red Hills Desert Garden on your right! Red Hills Desert Garden is located at 375 E Red Hills Parkway.
The Red Hills Desert Garden is just one of the fascinating attractions waiting for you in St. George. But there’s plenty more here for you to explore! To make the most of your time in the area, you will need a comfortable and convenient place to stay. That’s why Ledges Vacation Rentals is dedicated to providing the highest quality rentals in St. George, Utah.
We’re proud to offer dozens of rental properties ranging in size to suit any group. Plan a solo trip, a romantic getaway for two, or a fun-filled family trip. There will be plenty of room for everyone in your rental! You’ll also find impressive amenities like complimentary WiFi, flat-screen TVs, fully stocked kitchens, and beautiful views of the nearby mountains and golf courses.
Guests with Ledges also have access to tons of impressive on-site amenities. Take advantage of discounted golf packages, on-site eBike rentals, mobile massage services, grocery shopping and delivery services, rental items for babies and kids, and so much more. We aim to go above and beyond your typical vacation rental experience, providing everything you need for an unforgettable stay.