Highlights: Butterfly Trail, Rock Climbing at Crawdad Canyon, Petrified Dunes Trail, wildlife, scenic picnic and camping spots, stargazing, diverse wildlife
Who: Everyone
What: Snow Canyon State Park, Southwestern Utah
Where: Located between the edge of the Mojave Desert and Colorado Plateau
When: Year-Round ( 6:00 am – 10:00 pm)
Snow Canyon State Park is a majestic national park located in Utah, between the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Plateau. Although it offers year-round enjoyment, its splendor is most highlighted during the winter as it is nothing short of idyllic. On top of that, Snow Canyon State Park trails deserve a mention of their own – don’t worry, we’ve done that – boasting countless scenic spots where you can observe unique wildlife and have a serene picnic.
The park was named after Utah leaders Lorenzo and Erastus Snow and has been frequently visited by travelers from all over the US, even worldwide! However, it has recently become an attractive destination for cyclists and campers due to the aforementioned extraordinary trails. Even if you don’t find yourself in these categories, the Snow Canyon State Park activities are designed with everyone’s liking in mind. Finally, the charged tickets are symbolic and inexpensive, accessible to everyone.
When is the best time to visit Snow Canyon State Park?
The best period to visit is spring or early autumn – spring days in the park offer blossoming landscapes, ideal for photography and the opportunity for hiking. On the other hand, crowds are not that frequent in autumn, meaning that you can still do the same activities, only in a more relaxed manner.
The temperature can get to 100 degrees Fahrenheit in summer, so some Snow Canyon State Park trails may be closed due to large temperature fluctuations. Winter is quite unpredictable in this regard, so intensive snowfalls are possible. For a smooth experience, check the official park website to check the current status or contact them.
How to get to Snow Canyon State Park?
Arriving at the Snow Canyon State Park is pretty straightforward, via a pleasant road with breathtaking views. The most budget-friendly option is a car or ride-sharing like Uber or Lyft. Take State Route 18 northbound, starting from St. George; the ride takes approximately half an hour.
Still, this majestic park is a haven for cyclists, so if you’re one of them, make sure not to miss out on the opportunity! Additionally, you can also prepare your camping gear as well since there are many campgrounds in the Park’s vicinity.
For any updates or road bans, check the park’s official website.
Things To Do In Snow Canyon State Park
Biking
As previously mentioned, one of the best things to do in Snow Canyon State Park is cycling due to the abundance of trails, ranging from easy to difficult. If you are with your children, choose one of the more accessible choices, such as Anasazi Trail or Church Rocks.
Alternatively, if you are more experienced, choose the Barrel Roll, available throughout the year. Finally, true adrenaline junkies will find great pleasure in the Zen Trail, a thrilling 6-mile loop open year around.
Although most trails are open throughout the entire, changes are possible due to rough climates but are less frequent during the autumn and spring.
Hiking
A love for the great outdoors usually goes hand in hand with hiking! And since the Snow Canyon State Park trails are as mesmerizing as ever, hiking enthusiasts should not miss out on them! The trails vary from 1 to 2.5 miles long and are suitable for even inexperienced hikers. With that in mind, you can definitely include your kids, family, and even your pet. The Johnston Canyon, Petrified Dunes, and White Rocks Amphitheater trails are the most popular. Pack your comfortable footwear, get to the park, and let the trail markers lead you to the red rocky paradise.
Rock climbing
Although rock climbing may initially seem intimidating, Snow Canyon State Park is a great choice to try this adventure for the first time here. You can take a guided tour or go independently, though the former is recommended for beginners. Keep in mind that the set rules must be strictly followed for your safety. Some routes are prohibited due to the protection of vegetation and wildlife. It is also mandatory to wear appropriate equipment and have experience with steeper trails. Whichever option you decide on, this will be an unforgettable experience because a unique stone formation surrounds the entire area.
Wildlife exploring
Another exciting adventure for you to try in the Park is wildlife watching, and it’s completely free! Walking through the park, you can see slow-moving reptiles like desert tortoises or venomous lizards like the Gila monster. Don’t be surprised if you also come across coyotes or kit foxes! The park is also home to many species of birds, such as peregrine falcons, rock wren, and many others.
Essential advice is to keep your distance and stay quiet. Only in this way will you not disturb their peace, and they will remain friendly towards you. Be patient while they get used to your presence. Stand somewhere further away and observe them with binoculars for even better enjoyment.
You can also inquire about Red Cliffs Desert if you want to spot even more vibrant wildlife since it’s in the vicinity of Snow Canyon State Park.
Photography
Capture the moments and take some quality pictures. We have prepared a list of 5 spots for photography, each with remarkable beauty.
- Petrified Dunes with perfect contrast background and sunset and sunrise view.
- Panorama of Johnson Canyon trail
- White Rock Amphitheater offers unique shots of dynamic shadows
- Lava flow Overlook
- Three-pond trail with an excellent opportunity for mirror-like images
Scenic Drives
While there are countless scenic spots around the entire park, nothing compares to the drive from Snow Canyon Overlook and West Canyon Overlook. The drive is 7 miles long and takes 30-45 minutes – be prepared to feast your eyes on some truly exceptional vistas!
Picnic
You may be wondering whether you can picnic at Snow Canyon State Park. Definitely! You can also bring equipment or sit on some available gazebos or benches. We recommend that you check the forecast before you go, as the area is known for temperature fluctuations. Picnic spots are usually available, but you may need to make a reservation if you choose a more crowded location. For more information, check the official site. Here are the top four areas that offer shaded picnic tables in the Park:
- Lava Flow Picnic Area;
- Johnson Canyon Picnic Area – It’s a great relaxing spot after a hike.
- Hidden Pinyon Picnic Area;
- White Rocks Amphitheater Picnic Area.
Vacation Rental near Snow Canyon State Park
Depending on what you prefer, there are many vacation rentals near Snow Canyon State Park. We recommend visiting our site and choosing the ideal accommodation through the fitting filters and preferences. Some of the closest options are accommodation in St. George, St. Clara, or the city of Ivins.
In addition, the park also offers excellently equipped camping spots for that one who loves sleeping under the stars.
With that, we conclude the adventures you can experience at the wondrous Snow Canyon State Park. As previously mentioned, check our site to find the best vacation rentals near Snow Canyon State Park, and in the meantime, make sure to read through the rest of our blogs to discover even more majestic locations in the US.