Best Hikes Near St. George, Utah: 15 Trails From Easy Walks to Epic Adventures (2026)

St. George, Utah sits at the crossroads of some of the most spectacular hiking terrain in the American Southwest. Within a 90-minute drive, you can access everything from flat, paved riverside paths to the most famous slot canyon hike in the world. With 300+ days of sunshine and mild winter temperatures, hiking near St. George is a year-round activity — making this one of the best trail running and hiking base camps in the country. Here are 15 of the best hikes near St. George, Utah, organized by difficulty.

Easy Hikes (Family-Friendly)

1. Pa'rus Trail — Zion National Park

Distance: 3.5 miles round trip | Elevation gain: 50 ft | Time: 1-2 hours

The Pa'rus Trail is Zion's most accessible hike — paved, flat, stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, and open to bikes and dogs (the only trail in Zion that allows both). It follows the Virgin River through the main canyon with postcard views of the Watchman and other iconic formations. Perfect for families, sunset walks, and anyone who wants to experience Zion without strenuous effort.

2. Petrified Dunes Trail — Snow Canyon State Park

Distance: 1 mile round trip | Elevation gain: Minimal | Time: 30-60 minutes

Walk across ancient petrified sand dunes at Snow Canyon State Park, just 10 minutes from St. George. The trail crosses surreal sandstone formations with panoramic views of the surrounding red and white canyon walls. Great for photography and sunset hikes. The undulating terrain is naturally fun for kids to explore.

3. Jenny's Canyon Trail — Snow Canyon State Park

Distance: 0.5 miles round trip | Elevation gain: Minimal | Time: 20-30 minutes

A short walk through a beautiful narrow slot canyon carved from red sandstone. The walls tower overhead as the trail squeezes through a natural corridor — giving you a taste of slot canyon hiking without any technical difficulty. One of the best quick hikes in Southern Utah and a perfect introduction for first-time desert hikers.

4. Canyon Overlook Trail — Zion National Park

Distance: 1 mile round trip | Elevation gain: 163 ft | Time: 30-60 minutes

One of the best views in Zion National Park for the least effort. This short trail starts near the east entrance tunnel and climbs to a stunning overlook of Pine Creek Canyon and the iconic Zion switchbacks. No shuttle required — drive directly to the trailhead. Arrive early to score one of the limited parking spots.

Moderate Hikes

5. Lava Tubes Trail — Snow Canyon State Park

Distance: 1.5 miles round trip | Elevation gain: 200 ft | Time: 1-1.5 hours

Descend into ancient volcanic lava tubes beneath the desert surface. Bring a headlamp or flashlight to explore the dark lava caves, then hike across black volcanic rock that contrasts dramatically with the surrounding red sandstone. This trail is a unique geological experience you won't find at any national park nearby.

6. Red Reef Trail — Red Cliffs National Conservation Area

Distance: 2 miles round trip | Elevation gain: 200 ft | Time: 1-2 hours

A mini-Narrows experience at Red Cliffs NCA, just 15 minutes from St. George. Follow a seasonal creek through a narrow sandstone slot canyon with water-carved walls — similar to Zion's famous Narrows but without the crowds, permits, or gear. Free to visit and perfect for a half-day adventure.

7. Toquerville Falls

Distance: 0.5 miles from parking | Elevation gain: 100 ft | Time: 1-2 hours (plus drive)

Toquerville Falls is a stunning double waterfall hidden in the hills above the tiny town of Toquerville, 20 minutes from St. George. The short trail from the parking area descends to a beautiful pool at the base of the falls. Note: The access road requires high-clearance (4WD recommended), and the falls flow strongest in spring after snowmelt. A true hidden gem of Southern Utah.

8. Timber Creek Overlook — Kolob Canyons

Distance: 1 mile round trip | Elevation gain: 100 ft | Time: 30-60 minutes

At the end of the Kolob Canyons scenic drive, this short trail delivers panoramic views across the finger canyons, Pine Valley Mountains, and on clear days all the way to the Arizona Strip. One of the most rewarding view-to-effort ratios in all of Zion National Park. Just 40 minutes north of St. George off I-15.

9. Pioneer Park — St. George

Distance: 1-3 miles (various loops) | Elevation gain: 200-400 ft | Time: 1-2 hours

Pioneer Park sits right in downtown St. George atop a volcanic cone, offering 360-degree views of the city, red cliffs, and Pine Valley Mountains without leaving town. Multiple trails wind through black lava rock formations, with routes ranging from easy walks to scrambles through small caves and crevices. It's the most accessible hike in the city — just park and go. Spectacular at sunset.

Challenging Hikes

10. Angels Landing — Zion National Park

Distance: 5.4 miles round trip | Elevation gain: 1,488 ft | Time: 3-5 hours | Permit required

One of the most famous hikes in America. Angels Landing climbs via Walter's Wiggles switchbacks to a narrow ridgeline with 1,500-foot drop-offs on both sides, using chain handholds for the final half-mile. The views from the summit are among the most spectacular in any national park. A permit is required (apply at recreation.gov) and slots fill up fast. Not for those with a fear of heights.

11. The Narrows — Zion National Park

Distance: Up to 10 miles round trip | Elevation gain: 334 ft | Time: 4-8 hours | Special gear needed

The Narrows is a one-of-a-kind experience — hiking upstream through the Virgin River at the bottom of a 2,000-foot-deep slot canyon. For much of the route, the river IS the trail. You'll wade through knee-to-waist-deep water between towering sandstone walls. Waterproof shoes (rentals available in Springdale), a hiking pole, and dry bags are essential. The bottom-up day hike starts at the Riverside Walk. Best done May-October (closed during flash flood risk).

12. Observation Point — Zion National Park

Distance: 8 miles round trip | Elevation gain: 2,148 ft | Time: 4-6 hours

Observation Point offers the highest viewpoint in Zion Canyon — even higher than Angels Landing — looking straight down into the canyon 2,100 feet below. The trail climbs through Echo Canyon with its dramatic narrow walls, passes through Hidden Canyon, and emerges at the rim for 360-degree views. Currently accessible via the East Mesa Trail (8 miles round trip from the east side) as the main trail from the canyon floor has been closed due to rockfall.

13. Whiterocks Trail — Snow Canyon State Park

Distance: 3 miles round trip | Elevation gain: 400 ft | Time: 2-3 hours

This trail in Snow Canyon leads to dramatic white Navajo sandstone formations that contrast with the surrounding red rock. The route crosses diverse terrain including volcanic rock, red sand dunes, and white cliffs. Excellent for photography and a quieter alternative to the more popular Snow Canyon trails.

14. Taylor Creek Trail — Kolob Canyons

Distance: 5 miles round trip | Elevation gain: 450 ft | Time: 3-4 hours

Follow the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek past two historic pioneer homesteads to the Double Arch Alcove — a massive sandstone amphitheater carved by water over millions of years. The trail crosses the creek multiple times (bring waterproof shoes in spring) and winds through a forested canyon that feels worlds away from the desert heat below. One of Zion's best-kept secrets.

15. Alpine Pond Trail — Cedar Breaks National Monument

Distance: 2 miles round trip | Elevation gain: 250 ft | Time: 1-2 hours

At 10,000+ feet elevation near Cedar Breaks, this trail passes through wildflower meadows and ancient Bristlecone Pine forests to a tranquil alpine pond. In late June through August, the meadows are carpeted with wildflowers. Temperatures here are 30-40°F cooler than St. George, making it a perfect summer escape. Open seasonally (late May through October).

Hiking Tips for St. George and Southern Utah

Water: Carry at least 1 liter per hour of hiking in the desert. Dehydration is the #1 cause of trail rescues in Southern Utah. Sun protection: Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sun-protective clothing — UV exposure is intense at these elevations. Timing: In summer, start hikes at dawn (before 7 AM) to beat the heat. Spring and fall are ideal hiking seasons with pleasant temperatures all day. Flash floods: Never hike in slot canyons or washes during rain or when storms are forecasted. Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash, stay on trails, and respect wildlife.

For more things to do in St. George, Utah beyond hiking, explore our guides to golf courses, hot springs, restaurants, and upcoming events.

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