Snow Canyon State Park Lava Tubes
Explore ancient volcanic tunnels and hike across rugged lava flows in Snow Canyon State Park, a hidden gem near Zion.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Snow Canyon State Park Lava Tubes
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient volcanic tunnels and hike across rugged lava flows in Snow Canyon State Park, a hidden gem near Zion.
"A surreal, chilly experience beneath ancient lava rock!"
🔦 Bring a Bright Flashlight
Your phone light won't suffice. A powerful flashlight or headlamp is crucial for exploring the dark lava tubes.
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The lava flow trail is rocky and uneven. Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip for safety and comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Explore the Lava Tubes
Lava Flow Trail
Venture into ancient volcanic tunnels, marveling at the raw power of nature. Bring a strong light!
Traverse the Lava Flow Trail
Lava Flow Trail
Hike across a unique landscape shaped by ancient lava flows, with stunning desert views.
Discover the Extinct Volcano
Snow Canyon State Park
See the remnants of the Santa Clara volcano that created these fascinating geological formations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Gear Up for the Lava Tubes
Navigating the Lava Tubes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🔦 Bring a Bright Flashlight
Your phone light won't suffice. A powerful flashlight or headlamp is crucial for exploring the dark lava tubes.
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The lava flow trail is rocky and uneven. Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip for safety and comfort.
💧 Hydration is Key
The trail is exposed with little shade. Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
🐾 Pet-Friendly Trails
Well-behaved pets are welcome on the trails, but must be leashed and cleaned up after.
Tips
from all over the internet
🔦 Bring a Bright Flashlight
Your phone light won't suffice. A powerful flashlight or headlamp is crucial for exploring the dark lava tubes.
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The lava flow trail is rocky and uneven. Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip for safety and comfort.
💧 Hydration is Key
The trail is exposed with little shade. Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
🐾 Pet-Friendly Trails
Well-behaved pets are welcome on the trails, but must be leashed and cleaned up after.
🥾 Choose Your Tube Wisely
The first tube is hard to enter, the second is small, and the third is the easiest and largest.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique geological experience of exploring Snow Canyon's lava tubes, calling it a fascinating glimpse into volcanic history. The Lava Flow Trail offers a rugged, otherworldly landscape. However, some find the tubes' accessibility challenging and emphasize the absolute necessity of bringing strong flashlights.
"Traversing over "recent" (27,000 year old) lava flows from the nearby Santa Clara volcano, this trail is a fascinating introduction to both the above and below ground aspect of volcanic lava flows.
Although the trail is fairly short, (about 1 miles out and back from the parking lot) it is rocky and devoid of shade as it traverses an old lava flow. Bring plenty of water and possibly hiking poles. If you want to enter the tubes, watch your footing and bring strong flashlights.
You will encounter three lava tubes on the course of the trail. The first from the parking lot is large but requires scrambling down an almost sheer 20 foot drop, so if one is not athletic or has young children, it is recommended to skip this tube. The second tube is the easiest to get into, but is very small and consists only of a few tight chambers. The third tube you will see is by far the largest and is seasonally inhabited by bats- this one is also fairly easy to enter, although the floor is rocky and covered by boulders. This tube consists of two large chambers on either side of the entrance, which are large enough to be dark at the far corners of the chambers.
The tubes are not interconnected due to collapses over thousands of years, and are thus not as large or voluminous as younger tubes like Lava River in Flagstaff or Ape Cave in Washington State. Nevertheless, they are fun for a few hours exploring and are the probably most accessible lava tubes in Utah."
Dinozone
"We absolutely loved it! $15 for non Utah residents $10 for residents to enter the park. Multiple hikes and sites to see in the park with plenty of parking. The first parking lot is for the lava tubes aka the caves. We hiked for about 20 minutes across cool lava landscape and found the first lava tube. It's a little tricky to get into, but you definitely have to do it just be careful and you won't have any problem getting down into it. When you get in the cave go to the left and explore down as far as you can, that's the coolest part.
If you keep hiking the lava tube trail you we'll see what looks like another cave entrance on the left, but the openings are too small to enter.
Keep walking to the third lava tube it will be on your right side and it's pretty big and very easy to get into.
Definitely bring flashlights!"
Bret Ostendorf
"The remains of an old volcano that erupted more than 27 years ago. The rocks are vibing with history. Went down to the lava tubes / caverns, it was so dark and hard to see anything with light. So awesome 👍😎."
Drew Wang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Lava Tubes are located within Snow Canyon State Park, near St. George, Utah. Access them via the Lava Flow Trailhead. The park entrance fee is $15 for non-Utah residents and $10 for residents.
Yes, Snow Canyon State Park is about an hour's drive from Zion National Park, making it a great addition to a Southern Utah itinerary. 
The Lava Flow Trailhead is clearly marked within Snow Canyon State Park. Follow the park's internal signage. There is ample parking available at the trailhead.
Public transportation options directly to Snow Canyon State Park are limited. It is best to have your own vehicle or rent one for easy access.
Roads leading to and within Snow Canyon State Park are generally well-maintained paved roads. Be mindful of potential wildlife crossings, especially at dawn and dusk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Snow Canyon State Park is $15 for non-Utah residents and $10 for Utah residents. This fee covers access to all park areas, including the Lava Tubes.
Advance booking for general park entry is typically not required for Snow Canyon State Park. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Utah State Parks website for any special alerts or reservation requirements, especially during peak seasons.
Snow Canyon State Park is generally open year-round from dawn to dusk. Specific visitor center hours may vary, so it's advisable to check the official park website for the most up-to-date information.
Utah residents receive a discounted entry fee compared to non-residents. There are no other widely advertised discounts for general park entry.
Yes, if you have a valid Utah State Parks Pass, it will cover your entry fee into Snow Canyon State Park.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Exploring each lava tube typically takes about 10-15 minutes. The entire Lava Flow Trail, including time to explore the tubes and enjoy the scenery, can take 1-2 hours.
The Lava Flow Trail is considered moderate due to its rocky and uneven terrain. While the distance is short, the footing requires attention.
With proper precautions like a good flashlight and sturdy shoes, the lava tubes are generally safe. Be cautious of footing and avoid entering if you have mobility issues or are with very young children, especially for the first tube.
Yes, pets are allowed on the trails in Snow Canyon State Park, including the Lava Flow Trail, as long as they are on a leash and you clean up after them.
Snow Canyon State Park offers a variety of attractions including Jenny's Canyon slot canyon, sand dunes, petrified sand dunes, and excellent biking trails.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for the red rock formations. Midday can be harsh, but is still good for capturing the starkness of the lava flows.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the lava tubes. A powerful flashlight or external light source is essential for illuminating the interiors.
The entrances to the lava tubes themselves offer unique photographic opportunities. The surrounding lava flow landscape also provides interesting textures and patterns.
Drone usage is typically restricted in Utah State Parks to protect wildlife and the visitor experience. Always check the official park regulations before flying a drone.
Experiment with long exposures to capture the darkness and any subtle details. Use your flashlight to paint light into the scene, creating dramatic effects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the Lava Flow Trail's moderate difficulty due to the terrain. If your children are very young or have mobility challenges, the first two tubes might be too difficult or small. The park also offers other family-friendly activities like exploring sand dunes and easier hiking trails, making it a well-rounded destination for a family outing.
+1🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers & Hikers
Bring a reliable flashlight or headlamp and plenty of water. The rocky terrain demands attention, so focus on your footing. The tubes are not interconnected, so you can explore each one at your own pace, enjoying the solitude and the raw beauty of the volcanic landscape.
📸 Photographers
+1For interior shots, a powerful external light source is crucial to illuminate the darkness and capture details. Experiment with different angles and use wide-angle lenses to convey the scale of the formations. The golden hours of sunrise and sunset offer the best natural light for the park's exterior landscapes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Lava Tubes: A Geological Marvel
As lava flowed, the outer layers cooled and solidified, forming a crust. Molten lava continued to flow beneath this crust, eventually draining out and leaving behind these natural tunnels. These tubes are not interconnected due to collapses over millennia, meaning each tube offers a distinct, albeit short, underground exploration experience. There are three primary lava tubes accessible via the Lava Flow Trail. The first tube is the most challenging to enter, requiring a significant scramble down a steep drop. The second tube is quite small, offering only a few tight chambers. The third tube is the largest and most easily accessible, making it a popular choice for visitors. It's important to note that the third tube is seasonally inhabited by bats, so be mindful of wildlife.
When exploring, remember that strong flashlights or headlamps are essential; phone lights are insufficient for navigating the darkness. The terrain inside is rocky and uneven, so sturdy footwear is a must. While the tubes are not as extensive as some other famous lava tube systems, they provide a fascinating glimpse into the powerful geological forces that shaped this landscape.
The Lava Flow Trail: A Unique Hiking Experience
While the trail itself is not technically difficult in terms of elevation gain, the uneven and rocky terrain requires careful footing. Many visitors recommend wearing sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good traction. For added stability, especially if you plan to scramble into the tubes, hiking poles can be beneficial. Carrying ample water is crucial, as there are no water sources along the trail.
Beyond the lava tubes, the Lava Flow Trail provides a starkly beautiful desert environment. The remnants of volcanic activity are evident everywhere, offering a different perspective on the park's geology. It's a great trail for those interested in geology or looking for a less crowded experience compared to some of the park's more popular slot canyons.
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