Snow Canyon State Park

Snow Canyon State Park in Ivins, Utah

Snow Canyon State Park is one of Southern Utah's crown jewels, a 7,400-acre park of dramatic red and white Navajo sandstone formations, ancient lava flows, and pristine desert wilderness located just 10 minutes from downtown St. George in Ivins, Utah. Named after early Mormon pioneers Lorenzo and Erastus Snow (not for snowfall), this state park offers some of the most accessible and photogenic landscapes in the American Southwest.

Hiking Trails & Natural Features

Snow Canyon features 38 miles of hiking trails for all ability levels. The Petrified Dunes Trail (1 mile, easy) crosses surreal petrified sand dunes with panoramic canyon views. The Jenny's Canyon Trail (0.5 miles, easy) leads through a narrow slot canyon. The Lava Tubes Trail (1.5 miles, moderate) descends into ancient volcanic tubes. The Hidden Pinyon Trail (1.5 miles, moderate) showcases stunning views of the canyon's sandstone walls. For more challenge, the West Canyon Trail (7 miles) and Whiterocks Trail (3 miles) offer longer adventures through diverse terrain.

More Than Just Hiking

Beyond hiking, Snow Canyon offers world-class rock climbing, horseback riding along the Whiterocks Loop, and technical canyoneering routes. The park's campground features 33 sites nestled among lava rocks and sandstone, making it one of Utah's most scenic places to camp. Mountain biking is available on the paved road and the Whiterocks trail system. Wildlife watchers can spot desert tortoises (Utah's state reptile), roadrunners, and Gila monsters. Photographers flock to Snow Canyon for sunrise and sunset shots of the red rock illuminated against deep blue skies. Entry fee is $10 per vehicle — a fraction of the cost of visiting nearby Zion National Park with equally stunning scenery.