Johnson Canyon Trail Snow Canyon
Hike through otherworldly lava fields to a stunning natural arch, offering breathtaking desert canyon views. A unique geological wonder.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, beautiful light
Johnson Canyon Trail Snow Canyon
Best Time
Cooler temps, beautiful light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike through otherworldly lava fields to a stunning natural arch, offering breathtaking desert canyon views. A unique geological wonder.
"This trail was such a standout experience! Short, scenic, and packed with geological wonder, Johnson Canyon Trail is an easy favorite."
Check Seasonal Access
Trail closed March 15-Sept 14, except for ranger tours. Plan accordingly!
Sturdy Footwear is Key
Lava rock and uneven terrain require good hiking shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Natural Arch
Johnson Canyon Trail
Discover a stunning natural arch offering panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape. A true geological marvel.
Lava Fields
Johnson Canyon Trail
Hike across otherworldly lava fields, feeling like you've stepped onto another planet with unique volcanic rock formations.
Canyon Views
Johnson Canyon Trail
Experience breathtaking vistas of red canyon walls and desert greenery, especially beautiful during sunrise or sunset.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Seasonal Closures & Best Times
Trail Conditions & What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Seasonal Access
Trail closed March 15-Sept 14, except for ranger tours. Plan accordingly!
Sturdy Footwear is Key
Lava rock and uneven terrain require good hiking shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Hydration is Crucial
Bring ample water, especially on hot days. Shade is scarce. :droplet:
Sunrise Hike Magic
Experience stunning light and cooler temps for an unforgettable hike. :sunrise:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Seasonal Access
Trail closed March 15-Sept 14, except for ranger tours. Plan accordingly!
Sturdy Footwear is Key
Lava rock and uneven terrain require good hiking shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Hydration is Crucial
Bring ample water, especially on hot days. Shade is scarce. :droplet:
Sunrise Hike Magic
Experience stunning light and cooler temps for an unforgettable hike. :sunrise:
Family-Friendly Option
Great for kids! Mostly flat with some rocky sections. :child:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Johnson Canyon Trail for its unique geological features, including otherworldly lava fields and a beautiful natural arch. The relatively short, scenic hike is perfect for families and offers stunning canyon views, especially during sunrise or sunset. Some sections can be rocky, and seasonal closures require careful planning.
"This trail was such a standout experience! Short, scenic, and packed with geological wonder, Johnson Canyon Trail is an easy favorite. Walking across the lava fields was unreal, like stepping onto another planet. The contrast between the black volcanic rock, red canyon walls, and bursts of desert green is absolutely mesmerizing.
The trail leads to a natural arch and offers sweeping views of the surrounding canyon. It’s well-marked and perfect for a morning or evening hike when the light dances across the rocks. Truly one of those “wow, we’re lucky to see this” moments. The hike was around 2 miles and relatively flat out and back.
If you want something approachable but unforgettable, this is the trail."
Leah Bryant
"Great hike to Scout Cave. The last climb into the actual cave was a tad strenuous but the rest of the hike was relatively easy. There is a short stretch with roughly 100 man made stairs that will get the blood pumping. Beautiful stretch through a creek bottom was made even better with the color of the Cottonwood trees."
Patrick Sullivan
"The trail leads to Padre Canyon (where we hiked most of the time). It's strenuous in some places where you rock scramble uphill, but it's beautiful!
We went at noon on a 100° day. We took lots of water but ran out. There wasn't much shade at that hour. We started in the Tuacahn parking lot and that was a great idea.... The Johnson Canyon portion of Padre Canyon is exposed and devoid of many interesting views.
We hiked to the summit and stopped for lunch, leaving a note in the geocache.
The hike is challenging due to rock scrambling and step-ups. There are loose areas as well. The views are worth it!
You can take the full lloop or just go to the summit and back.
Beautiful hike!"
Cameron Scott
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Johnson Canyon Trail is located within Snow Canyon State Park. Access is typically from the Tuacahn parking lot or within the park itself. Be aware of park entrance fees.
Yes, there is parking available, often noted as a large lot off Ellsworth or near the Tuacahn Amphitheatre. Arrive early, especially on weekends.
Some hikers connect Johnson Canyon Trail to Padre Canyon, but be aware that Padre Canyon can be more strenuous with rock scrambling.
The trail is generally well-marked with lava rocks lining the path. Using a trail map or GPS app can be helpful for longer routes or connections.
Information on shuttle services can vary. It's best to check the official Snow Canyon State Park website or local visitor information for current transportation options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Johnson Canyon Trail is located within Snow Canyon State Park, which typically requires an entrance fee per vehicle. Check the park's official website for current pricing.
The trail is subject to seasonal closures from March 15 to September 14 to protect sensitive habitats, except for official ranger-guided hikes.
During the closure period (March 15 - September 14), access is generally restricted to ranger-guided hikes only.
Entrance fees for Snow Canyon State Park are usually per vehicle. It's recommended to check the official Utah State Parks website for the most up-to-date fee information.
Yes, ranger-guided hikes are sometimes offered, especially during the seasonal closure period. Check with Snow Canyon State Park for their schedule.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Johnson Canyon Trail is generally considered an easy to moderate hike, around 2 miles round trip. It features some rocky sections and lava tubes, but is manageable for most skill levels.
Highlights include a natural arch, unique lava fields that feel otherworldly, and beautiful canyon views.
Absolutely! It's a popular family-friendly hike, approximately 1.7 miles round trip, with stunning views and an arch.
The hike is about 2 miles round trip and typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on your pace and how long you stop to enjoy the scenery.
Expect a mix of sandy paths, lava rock fields, and some rocky sections. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and late afternoon offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, with the golden hour casting a beautiful glow on the red rocks.
Capture unique perspectives of the natural arch, the alien-like lava fields, and sweeping canyon vistas. The contrast of colors is stunning.
The natural arch itself is a prime photo spot, as are various points along the trail offering expansive views of the canyon.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes, while a telephoto can isolate details in the rock formations. Don't forget a polarizing filter for vibrant skies.
While less common, keep an eye out for desert flora and fauna. Early morning or late evening might increase chances of spotting wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, as shade is limited. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are recommended due to the rocky terrain. Consider visiting during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning, to make the hike more comfortable for everyone. The visual appeal of the desert landscape and the sense of exploration make this a memorable outing for families.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Focusing on this trail as a primary activity allows you to experience a significant natural wonder without the expense of guided tours or more elaborate excursions. It's a great way to get a taste of Utah's unique desert landscapes on a budget.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive landscapes and consider a polarizing filter to enhance the sky. The contrast between the dark lava rock and the red sandstone provides a visually dynamic scene. Don't forget to capture the details of the unique geological features.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Seasonal Closures
During this closure period, the only way to experience the trail is through official ranger-guided hikes. These guided tours offer a unique opportunity to learn about the area's natural history and geology while ensuring minimal impact on the environment. It's highly recommended to check the Snow Canyon State Park's official website or contact them directly for the schedule and availability of these guided hikes. Planning your visit outside of these dates will allow for unrestricted access to the full trail.
This closure highlights the park's commitment to conservation. Visitors who plan their trips during the open season (September 15 to March 14) can enjoy the trail's full beauty without these restrictions. Always verify current conditions and access information before your visit.
Navigating the Unique Terrain
Beyond the lava fields, expect a mix of sandy paths and rocky sections. The trail is well-marked, often with lava rocks delineating the path, but the uneven surfaces require attention. Hikers recommend wearing sturdy hiking shoes with good grip to navigate these areas comfortably and safely. While the overall hike is considered relatively easy to moderate, these rocky segments, including some man-made stairs and natural rock scrambles, can get the blood pumping.
This diverse topography makes Johnson Canyon Trail an engaging hike. It's not just a walk; it's an exploration of geological wonders. The relatively flat out-and-back nature of the main trail, combined with these interesting features, makes it a rewarding experience for a wide range of visitors.
Photography Opportunities
The lava fields present a unique photographic challenge and reward. Their stark, alien-like appearance contrasts beautifully with the softer textures of the canyon walls and the vibrant hues of desert flora. Experimenting with different angles and lighting can yield truly striking images that convey the trail's otherworldly feel.
For the best photographic results, aim for the golden hours – shortly after sunrise or before sunset. During these times, the low-angled sun casts long shadows and bathes the red rocks in a warm, ethereal glow, enhancing the colors and textures. The sweeping canyon views are also spectacular during these periods, offering panoramic shots that showcase the vastness and beauty of Snow Canyon State Park.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit