Snow Canyon State Park

Snow Canyon State Park | Angie Payne

Weather: Mostly Cloudy, 48F

View Map Visit Website

On the borders of ecosystems, eras and civilizations, you’ll find some of the most remarkable travel destinations. Snow Canyon State Park is one such place. Located at the edge of the Mojave Desert, Great Basin and Colorado Plateau, Snow Canyon State Park explodes with dramatic geology perfect for outdoor adventure — and photo opportunities. Contrary to its name, Snow Canyon State Park stuns visitors with vibrant orange rock formations, petrified dunes, and unexpected pockets of water. The park gets its name from Erastus Snow, a key Mormon pioneer, and only occasionally receives dustings of snow.

Snow Canyon’s Navajo sandstone cliffs share the same history and geology as Zion National Park to the east. Cut by water and sculpted by wind and time, they may make you wonder why it isn't a national park.

As recently as 27,000 years ago, lava flows exerted their powerful force, reshaping the canyons and creating the park’s distinctive landscapes. The blend of Navajo sandstone cliffs, petrified sand dunes and broad lava fields make this terrain a fantastic playground for adventurous travelers and families looking to give kids an outlet to expend some of their boundless energy.

Travel Responsibly Utah State Parks

Things to Do

Biking

Snow Canyon is a popular destination among road cyclists. Snow Canyon Loop is the area's most famous ride, a paved 18-mile trail with scenic views.
Hiking

Visitors can explore the vast network of hiking trails in Snow Canyon State Park. There are numerous main canyon and side canyon options. Many hiking trails are ideal for families with children because of the park’s flat canyon floor.
Rock Climbing

The attraction of numerous bolted routes throughout the canyon lures rock climbers of all skill levels. The Circus and adjacent Aftershock wall are the most popular, with routes from 5.7 through 5.10.
Sand Dunes/Rock Hopping

Kids love playing on the park’s dunes off the main road or scrambling on the boulders across the canyon floor.
Wildlife Viewing

The park provides unique wildlife viewing at dawn and dusk when coyotes, kit foxes, quail and roadrunners come out to feed. The protected desert tortoises, peregrine falcons and Gila monsters are harder to find. The park is also connected to the larger Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, a unique national conservation area that protects sensitive habitats and endangered species.

Entry Fee & Camping

A day-use pass or Annual Utah State Park Pass is required for entry and can be purchased in person or online. For non-residents, entry costs $15.00 per vehicle and $5.00 for pedestrians or cyclists.

The campground at Snow Canyon State Park includes 14 RV sites with water and electrical hook-ups and 17 multi-use campsites. Pets are only allowed at the campground on West Canyon Road and Whiptail Trail. Advance camping reservations are recommended. Outside the park, St. George offers many campsites of choice.

Reserve a campsite

Base Camp St. George

Snow Canyon State Park is just 10 miles from nearby St. George, Utah’s warm-weather haven for people of all ages and interests. St. George offers a wide range of local dining and accommodations and is a great base camp for visitors to Zion National Park and multiple scenic state parks. Within the town, you can experience championship golfing or relax at a world-class health and fitness spa.

Things to do in St. George