Snow Canyon State Park
Discover Snow Canyon State Park's breathtaking red rock landscapes, unique lava fields, and diverse hiking trails. A hidden gem near Zion.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid heat & crowds
Snow Canyon State Park
Best Time
Avoid heat & crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Snow Canyon State Park's breathtaking red rock landscapes, unique lava fields, and diverse hiking trails. A hidden gem near Zion.
"It might not get the same hype as nearby Zion, but it’s every bit as magical in its own right."
Bring Water & Sun Protection
It gets extremely hot, especially in August. Bring lots of water and wear a hat! :droplet: :sunwithface:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be sandy, rocky, or uneven. Good hiking shoes are essential for exploring caves and lava fields. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scout Cave Trail
South Park entrance
Hike through lava fields to a unique cave with epic views. A must-do for its natural wonder.
+1
Petrified Dunes
Various locations
Walk across surreal, wave-like sandstone formations. Feels like a giant natural playground.
Lava Tubes
Various locations
Explore ancient, dark caverns. Bring a headlamp for a truly unique, discovery-like experience.
Jenny's Canyon
South Park entrance
A short, sweet hike leading to a cool, narrow slot canyon. Perfect for a quick adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Park Entry & Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Water & Sun Protection
It gets extremely hot, especially in August. Bring lots of water and wear a hat! :droplet: :sunwithface:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be sandy, rocky, or uneven. Good hiking shoes are essential for exploring caves and lava fields. :athletic_shoe:
Headlamps for Lava Tubes
Essential for exploring the dark lava tubes. Makes the experience much more immersive. :flashlight:
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking at trailheads is limited. Get there early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Water & Sun Protection
It gets extremely hot, especially in August. Bring lots of water and wear a hat! :droplet: :sunwithface:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be sandy, rocky, or uneven. Good hiking shoes are essential for exploring caves and lava fields. :athletic_shoe:
Headlamps for Lava Tubes
Essential for exploring the dark lava tubes. Makes the experience much more immersive. :flashlight:
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking at trailheads is limited. Get there early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot. :car:
Dog-Friendly Trails
Dogs are permitted on many trails, but always check park regulations and keep them leashed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Snow Canyon State Park's stunning red rock landscapes, unique geological features like lava tubes and petrified dunes, and its family-friendly atmosphere. Many appreciate that it's less crowded than nearby Zion National Park, offering a more relaxed experience. Some note that parking can be limited and the summer heat is intense.
"We had a marvelous time at Snow Canyons today. Did the Turtle walk, Jenny’s Canyon & Sand Dunes trails. So beautiful! Highly recommend visiting this State Park!"
Irene Estlund
"Nice little state park, there is a north and south entrance. $15 for Utah residents and $20 for non residents. You can drive through the whole park in like 10 minutes. Along the way you can do some short little hikes and there’s a few longer ones. Not much parking at all the stops though. Went in August it was extremely hot, maybe sure to bring lots of water and be prepared. Most trails we did were in the sand"
Alessandra Camargo
"Snow Canyon State Park absolutely blew us away. It might not get the same hype as nearby Zion, but it’s every bit as magical in its own right – and far less crowded. We spent the day exploring and could’ve easily stayed longer. This park is a gem for families, hikers, and anyone who loves red rock landscapes without the tourist traffic.
The hiking options here are fantastic. We tackled several trails and every single one had its own wow factor. Butterfly Trail led us to Butterfly Rock, which was such a fun, unexpected feature – our kids loved climbing around and pretending it was a secret base (because of course they did). The trail itself was manageable for all ages but still felt like a real adventure.
The Lava Tubes were a huge hit too. We brought headlamps and had so much fun exploring the dark caverns. It’s one of those experiences where you feel like you’re discovering something ancient and untouched. Just be sure to wear sturdy shoes – it’s a little rocky and uneven, but so worth it.
Then there’s the Petrified Dunes – easily one of the most beautiful and surreal landscapes we’ve ever hiked through. It’s like walking across frozen waves of stone. You can go off-trail here and scramble freely, which made it feel like a giant natural playground for the whole family. The views from the top were stunning, especially as the light shifted in the late afternoon.
We also checked out the Jenny’s Canyon trail (short and sweet with a cool little slot canyon), Hidden Pinyon, and the Whiptail Trail, which was a nice smooth walk to wind down the day. There’s just so much packed into this park, and the variety of terrain makes it easy to customize your visit whether you want a relaxing stroll or a full-on hike.
The park is beautifully maintained, and the facilities were clean and well placed. Even the drive through the canyon is scenic. Parking was easy at most trailheads, and we never felt rushed or overcrowded.
If you're anywhere near the St. George area or heading to Zion, carve out time for Snow Canyon. It’s a place you can explore all day or just drop in for a few quick hikes and still feel amazed. We'll definitely be back – this place is a new favorite."
Ryan Shary
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Snow Canyon State Park is located near St. George, Utah, about an hour from Zion National Park. You can drive directly to the park entrances. The park has a north and south entrance, and you can drive through the entire park in about 10 minutes, with many stops for short hikes. +1
Yes, Snow Canyon State Park is about 45 minutes to an hour away from Zion National Park, making it a great addition to a Southern Utah itinerary.
Absolutely! Snow Canyon State Park features a paved bike path that runs through the canyon, offering a scenic way to explore the park and get close to the canyon walls.
Parking is available at most trailheads, but it can be limited, especially during peak times and on weekends. Arriving early is recommended.
You can drive through the park, but hiking is the best way to experience its unique landscapes. There are also paved paths for biking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically $10 for Utah residents and $15 for out-of-state visitors. Some sources mention $15 for Utah residents and $20 for non-residents, so it's good to check the official park website for current pricing.
Advance booking is generally not required for Snow Canyon State Park, but it's always a good idea to check the official Utah State Parks website for any updates or special advisories, especially during busy seasons.
Snow Canyon State Park is typically open year-round from dawn to dusk. However, it's always best to verify current operating hours on the official Utah State Parks website before your visit.
The entrance fee covers access to the park and most trails. There are no additional fees for individual trails within the park.
Snow Canyon State Park is a Utah State Park, and the America the Beautiful Pass is for National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands. Therefore, it is not valid for entry into Snow Canyon State Park.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular hikes include Scout Cave Trail (moderate, 4.4 miles round trip), Petrified Dunes (off-trail scrambling), Lava Tubes (bring headlamps), and Jenny's Canyon (short, slot canyon). The Gila Trail offers longer options with petroglyphs. +3
Yes, Snow Canyon is a gem for families! Trails like Butterfly Trail are manageable for kids, and the Lava Tubes and Petrified Dunes offer unique, engaging experiences. It's less crowded than Zion, making it more relaxed.
Dogs are permitted in Snow Canyon State Park, but they must be on a leash at all times. They are allowed on most trails, including Scout Cave Trail.
While not guaranteed, you might spot desert wildlife like lizards, birds, and possibly larger mammals. Keep a respectful distance.
Yes, Snow Canyon is known for its interesting caves, including the popular Scout Cave and the Lava Tubes. Remember to bring a headlamp for the Lava Tubes! +1
📸 📸 Photography
The red rock formations, slot canyons, lava fields, and Petrified Dunes offer incredible photographic opportunities. The overlooks provide panoramic views, especially during golden hour.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. The golden hour before sunset is particularly stunning.
Drone usage is typically restricted in Utah State Parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check the official park regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes, while a zoom lens can be useful for details. A tripod can help with low-light conditions in caves or during sunrise/sunset.
The Snow Canyon Overlook offers fantastic panoramic views. Many trailheads also provide unique perspectives of the canyon walls and rock formations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Visit in the morning to beat the heat, bring plenty of water, and wear sturdy shoes. The park's paved bike path is also a great way to see the scenery with younger children.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Outdoor Enthusiasts
+1Don't miss the Petrified Dunes for off-trail exploration and scrambling. Remember to pack plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy hiking boots, as conditions can be rugged and hot. The park's diverse geology ensures a visually stunning and physically engaging experience.
📸 Photographers
+1Key advice: Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best light. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a tripod for low-light conditions in caves. The park's relative lack of crowds compared to nearby national parks also makes for a more peaceful photography experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Snow Canyon's Unique Geology
+1The park's diverse terrain also includes striking slot canyons, such as Jenny's Canyon, where narrow passages carved by water create dramatic light and shadow effects. The Scout Cave Trail leads to a large, open cave formed by lava flows, offering both a unique geological feature and stunning views. These formations make Snow Canyon a photographer's and nature lover's paradise.
Understanding the geology enhances the appreciation for the park's beauty. The contrast between the smooth, sculpted sandstone and the rough, porous lava rock tells a story of millions of years of geological processes. This makes every hike an educational journey through Utah's dynamic landscape.
Hiking Trails for Every Adventurer
+1Families and those seeking shorter excursions will love Jenny's Canyon, a quick and rewarding hike into a narrow slot canyon, and the Butterfly Trail, which leads to a fun rock formation perfect for scrambling. The Petrified Dunes offer an opportunity for off-trail exploration and scrambling across surreal sandstone formations, providing a sense of freedom and discovery.
For those looking for a longer trek, sections of the Gila Trail are accessible, offering over 7 miles of diverse scenery, including slot canyons and potential petroglyph sightings. Remember to wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and be prepared for the sun, as many trails offer limited shade.
Visiting Snow Canyon with Family
The Petrified Dunes are like a giant natural playground, allowing kids to scramble and explore freely across the unique sandstone formations. Even shorter hikes like Jenny's Canyon provide a sense of adventure with its slot canyon features. The park's well-maintained facilities and scenic paved bike path also contribute to a comfortable family outing.
Key tips for families: Visit early to avoid the heat, bring ample water and snacks, and ensure everyone wears appropriate footwear. The park's manageable size and variety of activities make it easy to tailor a visit to your family's energy levels and interests.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit