Snow Tubing & Winter Fun Near St. George, Utah

Brian Head Resort, located at 9,600 feet elevation just 90 minutes from St. George, operates one of Southern Utah's only dedicated snow tubing parks. The tubing hill features multiple lanes with conveyor-belt uphill transport, making it accessible for all ages and fitness levels. Tubes are provided — no equipment to rent or bring. Tickets are purchased in advance online or at the resort. Brian Head typically opens its tubing park from December through March depending on snow conditions. Perfect for families wanting a snow day without committing to full ski rentals.

Cedar Breaks National Monument sits at over 10,000 feet elevation near Cedar City and transforms into a winter wonderland from November through April. The area around the monument entrance and Rattlesnake Creek provides excellent natural sledding terrain accessible without formal resort infrastructure. Bring your own sleds, saucers, or foam sliders. The dramatic red and orange amphitheater walls capped in snow create one of the most visually stunning winter recreation backdrops in the American Southwest.

Duck Creek Village, a small mountain community at 8,400 feet elevation on the road between Cedar City and Zion, is a beloved winter destination for St. George families. The area's meadows and gentle slopes provide natural sledding terrain. Duck Creek also hosts snowmobile rentals, cross-country ski trails, and a rustic cabin rental scene that makes it ideal for winter weekend getaways. The village stores carry basic sledding equipment if you need to grab a sled on the way. Heavy snowfall occurs from November through March.

Cedar Breaks National Monument and the surrounding Dixie National Forest offer groomed and ungroomed cross-country skiing trails during winter months. The undulating terrain at elevation above 10,000 feet provides a challenging and scenically stunning Nordic skiing experience. The Brian Head area also maintains Nordic trails. Cross-country skiing is a more affordable alternative to downhill skiing that the whole family can enjoy — rental equipment is available at several shops in Cedar City and Brian Head.

Snowshoeing is one of the fastest-growing winter outdoor activities in Southern Utah, transforming summer hiking trails into peaceful winter expeditions. The trails around Brian Head, Duck Creek Village, and Navajo Lake offer excellent snowshoeing through pine and aspen forests. Cedar Breaks National Monument maintains designated snowshoe routes with spectacular views of the amphitheater. Snowshoe rentals are available at outdoor gear shops in Cedar City. Snowshoeing requires no prior experience and is accessible to hikers of all skill levels.

The contrast of snow against Southern Utah's red rock formations creates some of the most dramatic landscape photography opportunities anywhere in the American West. Zion National Park in winter offers snow-capped red cliffs reflecting in the Virgin River. Brian Head and Cedar Breaks provide alpine winter scenery. Pine Valley Mountains turn white against a blue desert sky. Many photography enthusiasts make special winter trips to capture the rare desert snowfall that transforms the familiar red rock landscape into an otherworldly winter scene.

Experienced outdoor enthusiasts pursue winter camping in the higher elevations surrounding St. George, using insulated sleeping systems and four-season tents to camp in snow conditions. Areas around Brian Head, Duck Creek, and the Pine Valley Wilderness offer winter camping opportunities in spectacular settings. This is a serious pursuit requiring specialized gear and preparation — not appropriate for beginners. Several local outdoor guide companies offer guided winter camping and survival skills courses for those wanting to learn proper cold-weather backcountry techniques.

One of Southern Utah's most appreciated features is the ability to drive from 70°F desert weather in St. George to full snow conditions at Brian Head or Duck Creek in 90 minutes. Family snow day trips are a beloved tradition among St. George families — pack sleds, warm clothes, and hot chocolate, make the 5,000-foot elevation gain, and spend the day playing in snow before returning to warm St. George sunshine. The contrast is dramatic and the drive up Highway 143 through Cedar City is scenic. No ski lift tickets or equipment rentals required for a classic snow day.

Where is the closest snow to St. George, Utah?

The closest reliable snow to St. George is found at Brian Head Resort and Cedar Breaks National Monument, both approximately 90 minutes north. Brian Head Resort sits at 9,600 feet elevation and typically has skiable snow from December through March, sometimes into April. Duck Creek Village at 8,400 feet elevation on the road between Cedar City and Zion is another reliable destination with natural snow play areas. The Pine Valley Mountains northwest of St. George also receive significant snowfall above 8,000 feet, though road access can be limited in winter. St. George itself at approximately 2,800 feet elevation receives snowfall only occasionally — typically once or twice per winter in light amounts that rarely accumulate.

What are the hours and prices for Brian Head Resort tubing?

Brian Head Resort's tubing park typically operates on weekends and holidays from approximately 10 AM to 4 PM during the winter season, with hours varying based on snow conditions and staffing. Tubing tickets are typically sold in two-hour sessions. Prices generally run $25 to $35 per person for a two-hour session, with discounts for children under 7 or 8 years old. Tickets are available at the resort or online through the Brian Head Resort website. Hours and prices change seasonally and year to year — always check the official Brian Head Resort website or call the resort directly for current season information before making the drive from St. George.

What should I wear for snow tubing and sledding near St. George?

Dressing properly is the most important preparation for a snow day trip from St. George. At 9,600 feet elevation, Brian Head temperatures are typically 20 to 30°F colder than St. George — if St. George is 65°F, expect 35-45°F at Brian Head. Layer your clothing starting with a moisture-wicking base layer next to your skin, followed by an insulating mid-layer like fleece or down, topped with a waterproof and windproof outer shell. Waterproof snow pants are essential as tubing and sledding involve sitting in snow. Waterproof boots with warm insulation, gloves or mittens, and a warm hat covering your ears are critical. Sunscreen at elevation in winter snow is important as UV radiation increases significantly with altitude and snow reflection.

What are the road conditions and chain requirements driving to Brian Head?

The drive to Brian Head from St. George follows Interstate 15 north to Cedar City, then Highway 143 east to the resort — approximately 90 miles. Highway 143 through the mountains to Brian Head is a mountain road that regularly requires 4WD or AWD with snow tires during winter months, or chains on 2WD vehicles. The Utah Department of Transportation posts real-time road condition updates at udottraffic.utah.gov and through the UDOT mobile app. Always check road conditions before departing St. George, as storms can close Highway 143 temporarily. A winter storm kit including jumper cables, blankets, water, and chains is recommended for mountain driving from November through March.

Do I need chains to drive to Cedar Breaks or Duck Creek in winter?

Yes, chain requirements and 4WD requirements apply frequently on the roads to Cedar Breaks National Monument (Highway 148) and Duck Creek Village (Highway 14 east of Cedar City) during winter storms. Both routes gain significant elevation and are treated mountain roads subject to chain controls and closures. UDOT posts chain controls at udottraffic.utah.gov when conditions require. Highway 14 to Duck Creek is generally more accessible than the road to Cedar Breaks, which sits at over 10,000 feet. Pack chains even if you have 4WD, as some Utah chain control laws require them regardless of drivetrain during specific storm conditions. The drive on a clear day is spectacular with snow-covered ponderosa pine forests.

What are the best months to visit Brian Head and Cedar Breaks for snow?

December through February are the peak winter months for reliable deep snow at Brian Head and Cedar Breaks. January typically delivers the deepest snowpack across the entire Southern Utah mountain corridor. November and March can be excellent but snowfall is less predictable. Brian Head Resort normally opens for skiing and tubing in late November or early December depending on snow conditions. Cedar Breaks National Monument typically closes its road to vehicle traffic from November through May, though snowshoers and cross-country skiers can access the area. April and May bring spring skiing conditions at Brian Head with warmer temperatures and corn snow. Duck Creek Village typically has accessible roads and snow from December through late March.

One of Southern Utah's most remarkable geographic features is the dramatic elevation change that allows St. George residents and visitors to experience both 70°F desert warmth and deep mountain snow within the same day. Brian Head Resort, located 90 minutes north of St. George at 9,600 feet elevation in the Dixie National Forest, is the region's primary destination for structured snow tubing. The Brian Head snow tubing park operates dedicated lanes with a conveyor-belt uplift system, making it accessible and enjoyable for children, adults, and seniors alike — no skiing or athletic ability required. December through February deliver the most consistent snowpack, with January typically producing the deepest base. The resort's reliable snowmaking capabilities supplement natural snowfall during lighter snow years, extending the tubing season. Reserving tubing tickets online in advance is strongly recommended, particularly for weekend visits and holiday periods when demand significantly exceeds capacity.

Beyond Brian Head's structured tubing park, the mountain communities of Cedar Breaks National Monument and Duck Creek Village offer a more natural and free-form winter recreation experience. Cedar Breaks, perched above 10,000 feet, transforms into a spectacular snow-covered amphitheater accessible via snowshoes and cross-country skis when the road closes to vehicles in winter. The natural terrain around Duck Creek Village provides informal sledding slopes and snowshoeing routes through old-growth pine forest at a lower cost than resort facilities. The complete Southern Utah winter experience includes the quintessential family snow day road trip from warm St. George to the snowy mountains — an elevation gain of nearly 7,000 feet in 90 minutes that takes you from cactus and red rock to snow-frosted ponderosa pines and frozen lake shores. Winter photography during these mountain excursions yields stunning images of red and orange canyon country draped in white snow, a combination found in few places on earth.