Outdoor Activities & Adventures in St. George

Southern Utah is an outdoor paradise with year-round sunshine, stunning red rock landscapes, and trails, water, and adventure sports.

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Outdoor Businesses
376
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Activity Types
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Cities

Popular Outdoor Activities in St. George

Hiking

St. George offers hundreds of miles of trails from easy desert walks to challenging canyon scrambles. Snow Canyon State Park, Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, and the trails around Zion provide endless options for all skill levels.

Snow Canyon State ParkRed Cliffs Desert ReservePioneer ParkPadre Canyon
Difficulty: Easy to StrenuousBest: October-April (cooler months)

Mountain Biking

Southern Utah is a mountain biking destination. The JEM Trail, Gooseberry Mesa, and the Hurricane Rim trail system offer technical slickrock, flowy singletrack, and jaw-dropping views over the desert landscape.

JEM TrailGooseberry MesaHurricane RimBarrel Roll Trail
Difficulty: Intermediate to ExpertBest: March-May, September-November

Rock Climbing

Sandstone cliffs and basalt walls provide excellent climbing throughout the region. Snow Canyon, Chuckwalla Wall, and The Gallery offer sport climbing, while Zion provides big wall adventures.

Snow Canyon State ParkChuckwalla WallThe GalleryCougar Cliffs
Difficulty: Beginner to ExpertBest: October-April

Trail Running

Year-round trail running with mild winters makes St. George a runner's paradise. The area hosts the St. George Marathon and numerous trail running events. Popular routes include the Virgin River Trail and Red Hills Parkway.

Virgin River TrailRed Hills ParkwaySnow CanyonProspector Trail
Difficulty: Easy to StrenuousBest: Year-round

Golfing

With 14+ golf courses set among red rock landscapes, St. George is one of the top golf destinations in the American West. Play year-round with courses at every skill level and price point.

Sand Hollow ResortEntrada Golf CourseSunbrook Golf ClubThe Ledges
Difficulty: All LevelsBest: Year-round (spring & fall ideal)

Water Sports

Sand Hollow Reservoir, Quail Creek Reservoir, and the nearby Virgin River provide kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and fishing opportunities less than 30 minutes from downtown St. George.

Sand Hollow ReservoirQuail Creek ReservoirGunlock ReservoirVirgin River
Difficulty: All LevelsBest: May-September

ATV & Off-Roading

Thousands of acres of BLM land and dedicated OHV trails make Southern Utah a popular off-road destination. Sand Hollow OHV Area, Sand Mountain, and Warner Valley provide terrain for every skill level.

Sand Hollow OHV AreaSand MountainWarner ValleyCoral Pink Sand Dunes
Difficulty: Beginner to ExpertBest: Year-round (avoid summer midday)

Canyoneering & Rappelling

Southern Utah is the canyoneering capital of America. Technical slot canyons near Zion, Kanab, and the Kolob area offer rappelling, swimming, and scrambling through narrow sandstone corridors.

Zion NarrowsPine Creek CanyonKeyhole CanyonYankee Doodle Canyon
Difficulty: Moderate to ExpertBest: May-October (varies by canyon)
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All Outdoor & Recreation Businesses

Hotels & LodgingOpen Now (MDT)

Premier Zion National Park lodge in Springdale with 69 individually furnished rooms, offering stunning canyon views and ...

2400 Zion Park Boulevard, SpringdaleVisit Website
Arts & CultureClosed (MDT)

Premier outdoor amphitheater and performing arts center near Snow Canyon featuring Broadway musicals surrounded by 1,500...

1100 Tuacahn Drive, Ivins(435) 652-3200Visit Website
RecreationOpen Now (MDT)

A world-class 19-hole championship golf course carved into ancient black lava rock in Ivins, Utah. Home to the PGA TOUR.

250 S Weiskopf Wy, Ivins(435) 222-7830Visit Website
HealthcareClosed (MDT)

Comprehensive multi-specialty healthcare campus offering primary care, specialty services, urgent care, and diagnostic s...

2825 E. Mall Drive, St. George(435) 673-6131Visit Website
DessertsClosed (MDT)

Southern Utah's full-service cheesecake bakery featuring 100+ flavors of cheesecakes and signature Slice Creme.

Southern Utah Location, St. GeorgeVisit Website
DessertsClosed (MDT)

Family-owned bakery in Hurricane featuring comfort foods, vegan and gluten-free options, signature cinnamon rolls, and i...

Hurricane Location, Hurricane(435) 467-4898Visit Website
Things to DoClosed (MDT)

National Park Service museum showcasing Zion's geological and human history with American Indian culture exhibits, pione...

1 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale(435) 772-3256Visit Website
LandscapingClosed (MDT)

Award-winning luxury landscape lighting specialists serving Salt Lake City and St. George with custom outdoor lighting d...

Multiple Locations, Midvale(801) 440-7647Visit Website
LandscapingClosed (MDT)

Luxury landscaping company with 40+ years experience serving Utah and surrounding states. Full-service landscape constru...

Multiple Utah Locations, Pleasant Grove(801) 763-8444Visit Website
TechnologyClosed (MDT)

Premier Southern Utah AV contractor specializing in smart home automation, home theaters, and audio solutions since foun...

Serving Southern Utah, Washington(928) 587-5396Visit Website

Audiovations

Verified
TechnologyClosed (MDT)

Audiovations installs home automation for houses in St. George, Washington, Hurricane and Cedar City: home theaters, out...

Serving St. George Area, St. George(435) 669-5066Visit Website

Simple Moves

Verified
Home ServicesOpen Now (MDT)

Award-winning St. George moving company with 15+ years experience and 350+ five-star reviews, serving Washington County ...

1594 Sweetgum Circle, St. George(435) 705-9241Visit Website
Home & GardenClosed (MDT)

Premier custom cabinetry and millwork company in St. George since 2003, specializing in kitchen design, doors, and archi...

316 E 1400 South, St. GeorgeVisit Website
ParksClosed (MDT)

Snow Canyon State Park in Ivins, Utah features stunning red and white Navajo sandstone cliffs, lava tubes, sand dunes, a...

1002 Snow Canyon Dr, Ivins(435) 628-2255Visit Website
Arts & EntertainmentClosed (MDT)

Tuacahn Amphitheatre in Ivins, Utah is an outdoor Broadway-style theater nestled in a red rock canyon, featuring profess...

1100 Tuacahn Dr, Ivins(800) 746-9882Visit Website
ParksClosed (MDT)

Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah is one of America's most visited national parks, featuring Angels Landing, The Na...

1 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale(435) 772-3256Visit Website
ParksClosed (MDT)

Bryce Canyon National Park in Southern Utah features the world's largest collection of hoodoos — towering red rock spire...

Highway 63, Bryce Canyon City(435) 834-5322Visit Website
HealthcareClosed (MDT)

Comprehensive orthopedic care specializing in joint replacement, sports medicine, and musculoskeletal treatments. Part o...

652 South Medical Center Drive, St. George(435) 251-3600Visit Website
DessertsClosed (MDT)

The St. George Nothing Bundt Cakes bakery has been at 15 S River Road, Suite 190, since fall 2019. It sells full bundt c...

15 S River Rd, Suite 190, St. George(435) 359-0684Visit Website
DessertsClosed (MDT)

Home bakery in Hurricane specializing in custom wedding cakes, celebration cakes, and dessert catering near Zion Nationa...

740 North 2840 West, Hurricane(801) 888-5630
Things to DoClosed (MDT)

Indoor trampoline park and family entertainment center with 70 trampolines, climbing walls, basketball, dodgeball, VR ex...

415 S. Dixie Dr., St. George(435) 319-8000Visit Website
LandscapingClosed (MDT)

Family-owned landscaping business with 25+ years experience serving Southern Utah. Design, installation, and maintenance...

376 Sunland Dr #7a, St. George(435) 656-2377Visit Website
Home ServicesClosed (MDT)

Permanent outdoor lighting specialists serving Southern Utah with architectural landscape lighting and seasonal decorati...

, St. GeorgeVisit Website
Things to DoClosed (MDT)

Pecan Valley Resort is a water park and vacation rental resort near Sand Hollow at 2431 S 5210 W, Hurricane, UT. Day pas...

2431 S 5210 W, Hurricane(435) 635-3101Visit Website

Outdoor Activities FAQ

What are the best outdoor activities in St. George, Utah?

St. George offers hiking (Snow Canyon, Red Cliffs), mountain biking (JEM Trail, Gooseberry Mesa), rock climbing, golfing (14+ courses), water sports at Sand Hollow and Quail Creek Reservoirs, ATV riding, canyoneering, trail running, and horseback riding. The mild climate allows outdoor activities year-round.

What are the best hiking trails near St. George?

Top hiking trails include the Petrified Dunes Trail and Jenny's Canyon in Snow Canyon State Park, the Red Reef Trail in Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, Pioneer Park trails downtown, Padre Canyon, and the countless trails in nearby Zion National Park (45 minutes away). October through April offers the best hiking weather.

Is St. George good for mountain biking?

St. George is one of the top mountain biking destinations in the American West. The JEM Trail, Gooseberry Mesa (world-famous slickrock), Hurricane Rim, Barrel Roll Trail, and Zen Trail offer terrain from beginner-friendly to expert-only. The NICA high school mountain biking league is also very active in the area.

Where can I go kayaking near St. George?

Sand Hollow Reservoir (20 minutes) and Quail Creek Reservoir (15 minutes) are the primary kayaking and paddleboarding spots. Gunlock Reservoir offers a quieter alternative. Rentals are available at multiple locations. The Virgin River provides a unique river kayaking experience in spring.

How many golf courses are in St. George?

St. George and the surrounding area has 14+ golf courses including Sand Hollow Resort, Entrada Golf Course, Sunbrook Golf Club, The Ledges, Coral Canyon, Bloomington Country Club, Sky Mountain, and Copper Rock in Hurricane. Year-round play is possible thanks to the mild climate.

When is the best time for outdoor activities in St. George?

October through April is ideal for hiking, biking, climbing, and trail running with temperatures between 50-75°F. Summer (June-August) exceeds 100°F — start outdoor activities before 8 AM or try water sports instead. Golfing is excellent year-round, with spring and fall being the most comfortable.

Where are the best off-road trails near Zion National Park?

The Sand Hollow State Park OHV area in Hurricane is a popular off-road destination near Zion, offering thousands of acres of sand dunes and desert trails for ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes. Warner Valley south of St. George provides challenging 4x4 trails through scenic desert terrain. The Hurricane Cliffs trail system offers technical Jeep trails with stunning views. Several rental companies in St. George and Hurricane offer ATV and UTV rentals with guided tour options for visitors.

Are there natural hot springs near St. George Utah?

Yes. The historic La Verkin (Pah Tempe) Hot Springs along the Virgin River near LaVerkin are listed as permanently closed, but Zion Canyon Hot Springs in La Verkin offers a developed hot springs experience with multiple soaking pools near the Zion corridor. Meadow Hot Springs (about 3 hours north) is another popular natural springs destination.

Can you go skydiving near Zion National Park?

Skydive Zion operates out of the Hurricane area, offering tandem skydiving experiences with incredible views of Zion National Park, the red rock desert, and the surrounding canyon country during freefall and parachute descent. Jumps typically take place at 13,000 feet with approximately 60 seconds of freefall. No prior experience is needed for tandem jumps — you are securely attached to a certified instructor. Advance reservations are recommended, especially during peak tourist season.

Outdoor Activities in St. George, Utah

St. George, Utah is a well-known outdoor recreation destination in the American West. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, stunning red rock landscapes, and proximity to two national parks, Southern Utah offers year-round outdoor adventures for every skill level and interest.

The region boasts mountain biking on trails like Gooseberry Mesa and the JEM Trail, rock climbing in Snow Canyon State Park and the sandstone walls near Zion, and over 14 golf courses set against dramatic desert backdrops. Water sports enthusiasts enjoy Sand Hollow and Quail Creek Reservoirs for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.

Whether you are a serious athlete training for the St. George Marathon, a family looking for an easy nature hike in Snow Canyon, or an adventure seeker wanting to canyoneer through a narrow slot canyon, Southern Utah delivers outdoor experiences just minutes from town.

Popular Outdoor Activities:

  • •Hiking trails and guided hikes
  • •Mountain biking and road cycling
  • •Rock climbing and bouldering
  • •Golf courses and driving ranges
  • •Kayaking and paddleboarding
  • •ATV and off-road adventures
  • •Canyoneering and rappelling
  • •Trail running and road running
  • •Horseback riding
  • •Zip lining and aerial adventures

Top Outdoor Locations:

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