Snow Canyon State Park Guide in St. George, Utah

Prepare to be captivated by the rugged beauty of Southern Utah with Snow Canyon State Park.

This state park is located just north of St. George. Tucked between sandstone rock formations. Snow Canyon is a one of a kind place to visit that seems to get looked over as visitors mostly come to the area to visit Zion National Park.

The main focus of this photo is the white and orange sandstone rock formation. There is dry grass all over the foreground of this photo with the rock formation tall and standing up towards the sky. There are white clouds above the rocks in the clear blue sky.

I will be deep diving into this hidden gem, uncovering its scenic trails, sandstone cliffs, and unique geological features.

From lava caves, to sand dunes, to camping, Snow Canyon has a little something for everyone to enjoy. Discover why this park is a must-visit destination for all outdoor adventurers visiting Southern Utah.

Table of Contents:

About Snow Canyon State Park
Best Hikes
Sand Dunes
Petrified Sand Dunes
Scenic Overlook
Best Times to Visit
Camping

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About Snow Canyon State Park

As you venture into Snow Canyon State Park, you’ll be greeted by a landscape unlike any other. Towering sandstone cliffs, sculpted by millions of years of wind and water, create a gorgeous backdrop for your adventures.

The park’s extensive network of trails invites exploration, from leisurely strolls to challenging hikes that lead to panoramic vistas.

A photo taken at Snow Canyon State Park in St. George part of southern Utah. The main focus of this photo is the huge orange sandstone rock formation. The rock has a bunch of texture on it and you can see that some of the rocks are banded with white and orange stripes. In the foreground of the rocks there is several dry green plants and white dry grass. Above the orange rock there is a clear blue sky and white fluffy clouds.

There is an entry fee that is charged per vehicle (this includes up to 8 people) for admission. This fee is valid for the entire day so I suggest arriving early in the day to get the most bang for your buck.

The following fees are charged:

Utah residents: $10 per car (65+ seniors: $5)
Out of state resident: $15 per car
Cyclist/ on foot: $5 (includes 4 people)

You are able to pay your day use fee either in person at the gate or online ahead of time. You will also receive a map of the park when you arrive which is very helpful in finding your way around and picking out which activities you want to do.

There are two main entrances you can drive in from. The north entrance enters from route 18 and the south entrance is on N Snow Canyon Dr.

Best Hikes at Snow Canyon State Park

Lava Tubes Via Lava Flow Trail

Mileage: 2.3 miles round trip
Conditions: Rocky, sandy, flat but climbing required to get into lava tubes
Parking: Parking lot at trailhead

One of the most unique aspects in Snow Canyon State Park are the lava caves.

The Lava Flow Trail takes you to all the different lava tubes in the park that you can view.

The trek begins through a rocky and grassy field with beautiful views of the sandstone rocks in the park. This trail doesn’t gain much elevation at all so it’s perfect if you want a more simple hike or are short on time.

The foreground of this photo is composed of black lava rock on the ground with tan colored grass scattered between the rocks. In the background you can see the tall impressive orange sandstone rock formations shooting high in the sky. The rocks look striped in some spots with white, light, and dark orange bands.

There are three lava tubes you can access from this trail. If you choose to explore the inside either a headlamp or some kind of flashlight is recommended so you can easily maneuver your way through the underground rocky tunnels.

Lava Cave #1 at Snow Canyon

The first lava cave looks more like a big, rocky hole in the ground. You can walk right up to the edge of it, but it’s not very convenient to get inside of.

I definitely wouldn’t recommend climbing inside especially if you’re doing this hike on your own. But from the top you can still see how deep the impressive lava tube is.

A photo taken of lava cave #1 on the Lava Tubes Trail at Snow Canyon State Park in St. George which is part of southern Utah. The main focus of this photo is my boyfriend who is standing right at the entrance of the lava tube. The lava tube looks like a big black hole in the ground surrounded by rocks. There is a small ledge next to the hole that my boyfriend is standing on and he is looking down into the hole. On the top layer of ground there are several large lava rocks scattered around with dead and dry looking grass in between them all. — First lava cave at Snow Canyon State Park

Lava Cave #2 at Snow Canyon

The second lava cave is also quite difficult to get into so we went up to it as far as we could, took some photos and were on our way to the next.

The main focus of the photo is lava cave #2 which is located in the ground at the park. The entrance is composed of black lava rock with dry grass all over the top and in between the rocks. Above the ground you can see the orange sandstone rocks shooting out of the ground. The sky is covered with gray clouds in this photo. — Second lava cave in Snow Canyon State Park

This cave is more hidden, it’s not as obvious as the first one. You can see its entrance from the trail and as you get closer you’ll see a small opening that leads you deeper into the cave.

Another photo taken of lava cave #2 on the Lava Tube Trail at Snow Canyon State Park in St. George which is part of southern Utah. This photo is a close up image of the small cave deep in the ground. The hole is black and surrounded by tan and black colored rock. — Second lava cave in Snow Canyon State Park

Lava Cave #3 at Snow Canyon

The third lava cave is the most exciting out of them all! This cave is the easiest to enter and you can hike quite a ways into it.

You can see this cave from the trail and will be required to climb down some lava rocks to get to the deeper sections of the tube.

This may not be doable for everyone but we did see families with young children all exploring the tube.

A photo taken of lava cave #3 on the Lava Tube Trail at Snow Canyon State Park in St. George which is part of southern Utah. The main focus of this picture is a photo of me beginning to climb down to the entrance of the lava cave. I am wearing a black jacket and colorful patchwork pants. I am stepping carefully around lava rock as I am making my way down to a large opening in the ground amidst the rocky terrain. The rocks are all dark brown, black, tan, and orange in color. — Third lava cave at Snow Canyon State Park

Once you get down the rocks, you’ll need to get out your light source because as you hike further into the cave, it will get pitch black.

It probably took us 10 minutes to get from the very top to the very end. It’s a fun and unique experience, you won’t want to miss it.

Another photo taken at lava cave #3 on the Lava Tubes Trail at Snow Canyon State Park in St. George which is part of southern Utah. The main focus of the photo is me standing at the base of the lava cave. There are thousands of brown, dusty rocks surrounding me as I enter the dark hole to the cave. I am wearing a black jacket and colorful patchwork pants. — Third lava cave at Snow Canyon State Park

Plus if you’re at the park on a hot day, the temperatures in the cave are always at least 10-20 degrees cooler than above ground temps.

Jenny’s Canyon Trail

Mileage: 0.3 miles
Conditions: Flat, sandy
Parking: Small parking lot at trailhead

This short hike leads you to one of the most impressive slot canyons in the park: Jenny’s Canyon. This is a popular trail for families and just about everyone who visits so it does seem to be crowded most of the time.

The path is mostly flat with easy terrain making it perfect for people of all ages and abilities. This hike only takes about 10 or 15 minutes so it’s great if you’re short on time. This is a must do in the park!

Scout Cave Trail

Mileage: 4.5 miles
Conditions: Rocky, stairs, no shade
Parking: Parking lot at trailhead

The Scout Cave Trail is an out and back hike that will take you through the sandstone formations, and into a canyon. Plus, there’s a cave on the way. What more could you want from a trail?

There are petrified sand dunes in the foreground of the photo with a large orange sandstone and black lava rock formation in the background.

This hike starts out relatively flat but you’ll find that there are a few sections of steep inclines later down on the trail.

There will even be a “staircase” which is known as the most difficult part of this trail. On a hot day this part will definitely get to you!

Luckily, at the top of the stairs will be the cave. This small opening in the sandstone rock will give you sanctuary from the sun. I’d recommend taking a quick break here in the cave, get some water, snacks and take in the views.

The cave is approximately 1.5 miles in.

Many people turn around here but if you continue just another quarter mile or so, you will find the canyon. This is another beautiful spot on this trail that you won’t want to miss.

Johnson Canyon Trail

Mileage: 1.7 miles
Conditions: Rocky, flat, no shade
Parking: Parking lot at trailhead (same trailhead for the Scout Cave Trail)

The Johnson Canyon Trail is another short and sweet hike that leads you to a natural sandstone arch while giving you gorgeous views along the way.

You aren’t able to get very close to the arch, but you do get a great viewpoint of it to snap a quick photo.

This trail is popular with visitors due to it’s flat and relatively easy terrain. This is a great hike to do if you’re filling your day in the park with shorter mileage and easy-level hikes.

Pioneer Names Trail

Mileage: 0.4 miles
Conditions: Flat, sandy
Parking: Small Parking lot at trailhead

One last hike I want to include in this list is the Pioneer Names Trail.

This hike is quite unique because its main feature is a set of names written on the rock by a few of the first settlers of St. George. The names are painted on with axle grease and all have dates from the late 1800s.

Along with viewing the names, you will be able to witness some beautiful arches and rock formations perfect for photo ops.

A photo taken of me at the Pioneer Names Trail at Snow Canyon State Park in St. George which is part of southern Utah. I have my back to the camera and am walking underneath this orange sandstone arch. There is moss growing on the rocks and orange sand on the ground that I am walking on. The rock above me is filled with naturally made holes in the rock.

This trail would be suitable for people of all ages. It’s another perfect trail to do if you don’t have much time in the park.

Attractions at Snow Canyon State Park

In addition to beautiful hiking trails, the park offers a few other unique attractions which I will outline below.

Sand Dunes at Snow Canyon

The sand dunes were another one of my favorite places to explore in the park.

Although these dunes don’t match up to the ones you’d find at the Great Sand Dunes or White Sands National Park, we still had fun hiking in the sand and taking in the views.

As a bonus, walking in the sand gives you quite a workout!

You can see the orange sand as part of the sand dunes in the foreground of this photo with the parks iconic orange sandstone rock formations on both sides of the photo and in the background. There are dry green plants growing out of the sand. You can see that rain is starting to come in because the rock formations in the background are starting to look hazy and there are gray clouds in the sky of this photo.

I will say if you’re looking to sand board or sled down some steep dunes, this isn’t the place.

Unfortunately the sand is more flat and not very dune-like. There are a few inclines but nothing you’re really able to slide down.

Another photo taken at the sand dunes at Snow Canyon State Park in St. George which is part of southern Utah. Here you can see the orange sand begin to create little hills (dunes) and there are sled tracks coming down the hill along with hundreds of footprints. In the background there are very tall orange sandstone formations. The sky is full of grey clouds.

There is no designated trail across the sand so you’re free to wander as you please. Prepare to have quite a bit of red sand in your car after your adventures.

Due to the nature of the dunes, this is a wonderful place for kids to play in the sand. We saw a few families with young children who brought sand toys for digging and building with the sand.

The orange sand in this image looks completely flat with hundreds of footprints all over the sand. There are huge sandstone rock formations on both sides of the sand with green plants growing at the base of them both. The sky at the horizon looks clear with distant blue mountains but the rest of the sky is dark grey.

If you’re coming from the north entrance the dunes will be on your right side around the halfway point through the park. You should be able to see them from the side of the road.

Petrified Sand Dunes at Snow Canyon

If you want to see what the above sand dunes could look like millions and millions of years from now (if they are naturally preserved), you will discover that while exploring the petrified sand dunes.

You can find these just about all over the park, but there are a few in particular that you’re easily able to get out and climb on.

A photo of me taken on the petrified sand dunes at Snow Canyon State Park in St. George which is part of southern Utah. I am standing on the solid rock with my arms in the air and smiling. The petrified sand dunes have a stair-like pattern going all the way up to the top. Behind me there are more sandstone rock formations. The sky is blue with a few white fluffy clouds.

You can explore the petrified sand dunes on the Petrified Dunes Trail which is a quick 1.2 mile hike to the dunes and back. This trail will lead you through lava rock fields to the massive petrified dunes where you are then free to explore wherever you please.

Another place that you can easily climb on the dunes is at a parking area located on the left side of the road if you’re coming from the north entrance. This parking lot is called the Upper Galoot Picnic Area and here you’ll find restrooms, picnic tables, BBQ grills, and a huge petrified sand dune to climb up!

Another photo of the petrified sand dunes at Snow Canyon State Park in St. George which is part of southern Utah. The dunes have a stair-like pattern all the way up to the top. In this photo you can't even see the top or the other side of the dune because I took this photo from the very bottom so it just looks like the rock meets the sky. The rock is all orange in color.

Climbing up these massive petrified dunes isn’t challenging because you get good traction on the rocks. You also get the most amazing views from the top!

I am sitting with my feet out in front of me looking at the view of the park in front of me. I am sitting on top of a large sandstone rock and below me on the ground you can see a road going through the park and the iconic sandstone formations scattered around the park.

Scenic Overlook

If you’re getting tired of hiking or just want to see a beautiful viewpoint that this park has to offer, you can take a drive to the only overlook in the park.

The promptly named, Snow Canyon Scenic Overlook, is located near the south entrance and gives you incredible elevated views of the entire park.

From here you can see the main road cut through the park along with various trails and the campgrounds.

A photo of a scenic viewpoint taken at Snow Canyon State Park in St. George which is part of southern Utah. Here you can see a road that goes through the park on the ground right at the base of a huge orange sandstone mountain. The sandstone is banded with orange, black, and white stripes. There are desert- like green plants growing at the base of the mountain. The sky is clear blue with white fluffy clouds.

Best Times to Visit Snow Canyon

Winter, Spring & Fall

The park is open year round but any season besides the summer would all be the best times to visit.

Southern Utah gets very hot in the summer months. Temperatures can easily reach the high 90s°F and into triple digits.

So, if you want to spend most of your time on the trails at Snow Canyon, I’d suggest coming anytime after or before summer.

I visited the park in late November and the weather was very pleasant.

Here you can see me walking on a sandy trail surrounded by lava rock and desert grass and plants. Behind me and further down on the trail you can see the iconic sandstone rock formations of the park shooting up into the sky. I am turning around at the camera with a big smile on my face.

Snow Canyon State Park Campground

Snow Canyon State Park has gorgeous campgrounds that are suitable for both RV and tent camping.

There are 14 RV sites that have water and electrical hookups along with another 17 sites for tent or car camping. Each of these sites are guaranteed to have jaw dropping views of the surrounding sandstone rock formations.

For the RV hook up sites, prices run at $45 per night or $315 per week.
For the tent camping sites, prices run at $40 per night or $280 per week.

The park offers several other amenities such as showers, flush toilets, potable water, and firepits. The campgrounds are open year round.

Group Sites

If you’re traveling with a group of friends or family and are interested in camping, this park has you covered. Snow canyon offers 2 different group campground areas.

The Cottontail Group Campground is just a standard tent campsite. Prices run for $175 per night with a maximum of 35 people staying at the site.

The Quail Group Campground is for RV’s which includes electrical and water hookups. Prices run for $200 per night and you are allowed to have a maximum of 50 people staying at your site.

You can click here to view and reserve a campsite at Snow Canyon.

A photo taken at Snow Canyon State Park in St. George which is part of southern Utah. Here you can see a large orange sandstone rock formation with several natural holes formed in it. There is orange sand on the ground at the base of the rock with several desert plants growing out of the sand.

That concludes my complete guide on Snow Canyon State Park in southern Utah. I hope you were able to take some useful information from this article and put it towards planning your trip to this beautiful State Park.

Thank you for reading!

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Snow Canyon State Park Guide in St. George, Utah

About Snow Canyon State Park