St. George to Ivins
An upscale desert community bordering Snow Canyon State Park, Ivins is home to the acclaimed Tuacahn Amphitheatre, the artistic Kayenta Village, the luxurious Red Mountain Resort, and some of the most stunning red rock scenery in Southern Utah — all just 15 minutes from St. George.
Snow Canyon Parkway (UT-18) or Red Hills Parkway
12 miles
Distance
15-20 min
Drive Time
northwest
Direction
Year-round (May-October for Tuacahn season)
Best Time
Driving from St. George to Ivins
Route: Snow Canyon Parkway (UT-18) or Red Hills Parkway
From St. George, head northwest on Snow Canyon Parkway (UT-18) or take Red Hills Parkway west and follow Tuacahn Drive. Both routes wind through the red rock foothills into the upscale community of Ivins, nestled at the southern entrance to Snow Canyon State Park.
About Ivins
Ivins, Utah is one of the most uniquely beautiful communities in the American Southwest. Nestled against the dramatic red rock cliffs at the southern entrance to Snow Canyon State Park, Ivins has cultivated an identity centered on art, culture, wellness, and upscale desert living. With a population of approximately 8,000 residents, the city maintains an intimate, exclusive feel while offering world-class attractions that draw visitors from across the country.
The crown jewel of Ivins is the Tuacahn Center for the Arts, a stunning 2,000-seat amphitheater carved into the red rock canyon at the mouth of Padre Canyon. From May through October, Tuacahn produces Broadway-quality musicals under the stars, with 800-foot canyon walls as a natural backdrop. Productions like Les Miserables, The Little Mermaid, and Newsies have made Tuacahn one of the most acclaimed outdoor theaters in America.
Kayenta Art Village, located at the edge of Ivins near the Tuacahn turnoff, is a one-of-a-kind desert arts community featuring galleries, restaurants, a sculpture garden, and artist studios. The Coyote Gulch Art Village hosts regular art walks, live music, and community events that celebrate the creative spirit of the desert Southwest. Nearby, Red Mountain Resort offers luxury wellness experiences including spa treatments, guided hiking, yoga retreats, and adventure packages set against a breathtaking red rock backdrop.
Gas Stops Along the Way
- No stops needed — Ivins is just 15 minutes from St. George
- Fill up in St. George — Ivins has limited gas stations
Weather & Climate
Ivins sits at approximately 3,100 feet elevation with a warm desert climate. Summer highs reach 100-110°F with mild winters of 45-60°F. Spring and fall are ideal at 60-85°F. Snow Canyon provides some afternoon shade but exposed areas are hot in summer. Less than 10 inches of annual rainfall.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round (May-October for Tuacahn season)
Tuacahn Broadway season runs May through October — this is the peak time to visit for theater lovers. Snow Canyon hiking is best October through April with ideal temperatures. Summer is hot (100-110°F) but Tuacahn evening shows provide a magical warm-weather experience. Winter is mild and uncrowded, perfect for spa visits and hiking.
Things to Do in Ivins
From outdoor adventures to dining, here is everything worth experiencing when you visit Ivins, Utah.
Snow Canyon State Park
Lava Tubes
$10 per vehicle (park entry)Explore ancient lava tubes formed by volcanic eruptions. The 200-foot-long tube requires scrambling over boulders at the entrance and is completely dark inside — bring a flashlight. A unique geological experience.
Bring a good headlamp or flashlight — the tube is pitch dark inside
Petrified Sand Dunes
$10 per vehicle (park entry)Ancient sand dunes that turned to stone over 200 million years ago. The rolling white sandstone formations glow orange and pink at sunset, creating one of the most photographed scenes in Southern Utah.
Jenny's Canyon
$10 per vehicle (park entry)A short 0.25-mile walk to a narrow slot canyon with towering walls. Easy enough for young children and seniors. Quick but unforgettable.
Scenic Drive
$10 per vehicleThe 6-mile scenic drive through Snow Canyon connects the south entrance (near Ivins) to Highway 18 on the north. Pull-offs and trailheads along the route offer easy access to viewpoints and short hikes.
Rock Climbing
$10 per vehicle (park entry)Snow Canyon offers excellent sandstone climbing routes throughout the park. Both sport and trad climbing on walls ranging from beginner-friendly to challenging.
Tuacahn Amphitheatre
Broadway Shows Under the Stars
$35-$95 per ticketTuacahn produces three to four full-scale Broadway musicals each season (May-October) in a 2,000-seat outdoor amphitheater with 800-foot red rock canyon walls as the backdrop. Productions rival professional Broadway touring companies.
Book season tickets early for the best seats — popular shows sell out weeks in advance
Saturday Market
Free admissionThe Tuacahn Saturday Market (seasonal) features local artisans, handmade crafts, food vendors, and live music. A popular weekend morning outing for locals and visitors.
Concert & Event Series
Varies by eventBeyond the Broadway season, Tuacahn hosts concerts, holiday events, and special performances throughout the year. The Christmas in the Canyon event is a beloved holiday tradition.
Pre-Show Dining
$$-$$$Tuacahn offers pre-show dining options and concessions. Many visitors also dine at Kayenta or Xetava Gardens before heading to the show.
Kayenta Art Village
Coyote Gulch Art Village
Free to browseA collection of art galleries, artist studios, and shops built into the red rock landscape. Features pottery, painting, sculpture, jewelry, and mixed media from local and regional artists.
Xetava Gardens Cafe
$$Eclectic restaurant with a creative Mediterranean-inspired menu and a beautiful garden patio setting. The signature dishes, specialty coffee, and artistic atmosphere make it a destination dining experience.
Kayenta Sculpture Garden
FreeOutdoor sculpture installations throughout the Kayenta community featuring works by regional and national artists. Walking paths wind through the desert landscape past bronze and steel sculptures.
Art Walks & Events
Free-$Regular art walks, gallery openings, live music evenings, and community events bring the Kayenta Art Village to life. Check the Kayenta events calendar for upcoming gatherings.
Desert Rose Labyrinth
FreeA meditative walking labyrinth set in the desert landscape of Kayenta. A peaceful spot for contemplation and mindfulness amid the red rock scenery.
Red Mountain Resort
Luxury Spa & Wellness
$150-$400+ (treatments)Red Mountain Resort is a premier destination spa offering massages, facials, body treatments, and holistic wellness programs. Day spa packages are available for non-guests.
Guided Hiking Adventures
Included for resort guestsThe resort offers daily guided hikes through Snow Canyon State Park and the surrounding red rock landscape. Expert naturalist guides share insights about the geology, flora, and fauna of the region.
Yoga & Fitness Classes
Included for resort guestsDaily yoga sessions, fitness classes, and wellness workshops are offered in the resort's studios and outdoor spaces. Classes range from gentle stretching to challenging mountain yoga.
Adventure Packages
$300-$600+/night (all-inclusive)Multi-day packages combine spa treatments, guided hiking, yoga, healthy dining, and outdoor adventures like mountain biking and rock climbing. All-inclusive pricing simplifies the experience.
Residential & Living
Entrada at Snow Canyon
Homes from $500K-$3M+A premier gated golf community with a championship 18-hole Johnny Miller course set against the dramatic red rock cliffs near Snow Canyon. Custom homes and luxury estates with stunning views.
55+ Communities
Varies by communityIvins offers several active adult communities designed for retirees seeking an upscale desert lifestyle with access to world-class recreation, cultural attractions, and natural beauty.
Custom Home Neighborhoods
VariesIvins features some of the most distinctive residential architecture in Southern Utah, with custom homes designed to complement the red rock landscape. Many lots offer direct views of Snow Canyon.
Ivins City Park
FreeCommunity park with playground, sports courts, picnic areas, and open space. Hosts community gatherings and events throughout the year.
Travel Tips for the St. George to Ivins Drive
Book Tuacahn tickets well in advance — popular shows sell out weeks ahead, especially on weekends
Visit Kayenta Art Village and Xetava Gardens Cafe before a Tuacahn show for a complete cultural evening
Snow Canyon State Park fills its parking lots early on weekends — arrive before 9 AM in peak season
Red Mountain Resort offers day spa packages even if you are not an overnight guest — call ahead to book
The Entrada Golf Course is private but open for resort play — check availability with the clubhouse
Sunset from the Petrified Sand Dunes in Snow Canyon (accessed from Ivins side) is unforgettable — time your visit accordingly
Ivins has limited dining and shopping — plan meals at Kayenta or bring supplies from St. George
The drive through Ivins on Snow Canyon Parkway is scenic in itself with red rock views throughout
Frequently Asked Questions: St. George to Ivins
What are the best things to do in Ivins, Utah?
Ivins is home to Tuacahn Amphitheatre (Broadway under the stars), Kayenta Art Village (galleries and dining), Snow Canyon State Park (hiking and lava tubes), and Red Mountain Resort (luxury spa and wellness). The combination of art, culture, and natural beauty makes Ivins unique in Southern Utah.
What shows are at Tuacahn Amphitheatre?
Tuacahn produces three to four Broadway musicals each season from May through October. Past productions include Les Miserables, The Little Mermaid, Newsies, and Tarzan. The outdoor amphitheater seats 2,000 under the stars with towering red rock canyon walls as the backdrop.
What is there to do at Snow Canyon State Park?
Snow Canyon offers hiking (Petrified Dunes, Jenny's Canyon, Red Mountain), lava tube exploration, rock climbing, horseback riding, camping, and stunning scenic drives. The park features dramatic red and white sandstone cliffs, black lava flows, and hidden slot canyons — all just 15 minutes from St. George.
What is Kayenta Art Village?
Kayenta is a desert art community in Ivins featuring multiple galleries, artist studios, the Xetava Gardens Cafe restaurant, a sculpture garden, and the Desert Rose Labyrinth. Regular art walks and events celebrate the creative spirit of the Southwest. Free to visit and explore.
What are the best restaurants in Ivins?
Xetava Gardens Cafe in Kayenta is the standout dining destination with creative Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and a garden patio. Red Mountain Resort offers upscale dining. Tuacahn has pre-show dining options. For more variety, St. George is just 15 minutes away.
What is it like living in Ivins, Utah?
Ivins offers an upscale, quiet desert lifestyle with stunning natural beauty. Gated communities like Entrada at Snow Canyon feature luxury homes with red rock views. The city attracts retirees, artists, and outdoor enthusiasts who want proximity to Snow Canyon, Tuacahn, and a strong arts culture while being just minutes from St. George amenities.
Nearby Destinations from Ivins
Snow Canyon State Park
St. George's backyard national park-quality gem. Just 15 minutes from downtown, Snow Canyon features dramatic red and white sandstone cliffs, ancient lava flows, slot canyons, sand dunes, and world-class hiking — rivaling Zion without the crowds.
Santa Clara
A charming historic Swiss settlement along the Santa Clara River, this small town preserves Southern Utah's pioneer heritage while offering river trail access, Snow Canyon proximity, the Jacob Hamblin Home, and the beloved annual Swiss Days festival — all just 12 minutes from St. George.
Zion National Park
The crown jewel of Southern Utah and one of America's most visited national parks is just 45 minutes from St. George. Towering 2,000-foot sandstone cliffs, world-famous hikes, and the emerald Virgin River make Zion an absolute must-visit.
Springdale
Springdale is the charming gateway town to Zion National Park, offering art galleries, excellent restaurants, adventure outfitters, and scenic lodging steps from one of America's most visited national parks. A destination in its own right, not just a pit stop.
Complete Guide: Driving from St. George to Ivins
St. George to Ivins — 12 miles, 15-20 min Drive
Ivins, Utah is one of the most uniquely beautiful communities in the American Southwest. Nestled against the dramatic red rock cliffs at the southern entrance to Snow Canyon State Park, Ivins has cultivated an identity centered on art, culture, wellness, and upscale desert living. With a population of approximately 8,000 residents, the city maintains an intimate, exclusive feel while offering world-class attractions that draw visitors from across the country.
The route from St. George, Utah to Ivins, Utah covers 12 miles and takes approximately 15-20 min via Snow Canyon Parkway (UT-18) or Red Hills Parkway. From St. George, head northwest on Snow Canyon Parkway (UT-18) or take Red Hills Parkway west and follow Tuacahn Drive. Both routes wind through the red rock foothills into the upscale community of Ivins, nestled at the southern entrance to Snow Canyon State Park.
Things to Do in Ivins
Snow Canyon State Park: Lava Tubes, Petrified Sand Dunes, Jenny's Canyon. Tuacahn Amphitheatre: Broadway Shows Under the Stars, Saturday Market, Concert & Event Series. Kayenta Art Village: Coyote Gulch Art Village, Xetava Gardens Cafe, Kayenta Sculpture Garden. Red Mountain Resort: Luxury Spa & Wellness, Guided Hiking Adventures, Yoga & Fitness Classes. Residential & Living: Entrada at Snow Canyon, 55+ Communities, Custom Home Neighborhoods.
Best Time to Visit Ivins
Tuacahn Broadway season runs May through October — this is the peak time to visit for theater lovers. Snow Canyon hiking is best October through April with ideal temperatures. Summer is hot (100-110°F) but Tuacahn evening shows provide a magical warm-weather experience. Winter is mild and uncrowded, perfect for spa visits and hiking.
Travel Tips
Book Tuacahn tickets well in advance — popular shows sell out weeks ahead, especially on weekends. Visit Kayenta Art Village and Xetava Gardens Cafe before a Tuacahn show for a complete cultural evening. Snow Canyon State Park fills its parking lots early on weekends — arrive before 9 AM in peak season. Red Mountain Resort offers day spa packages even if you are not an overnight guest — call ahead to book.
For more things to do near St. George, explore our Things to Do guide, browse the Events Calendar, or discover local businesses in the St. George Business Directory. Check out all road trip destinations from St. George including Snow Canyon State Park, Santa Clara, Zion National Park.
