Let’s get one thing straight, if you’re staying at Settlers Point and haven’t yet explored Snow Canyon State Park, you’re doing yourself a massive disservice. I don’t say that lightly. While most people immediately set their sights on Zion (and hey, we love Zion), there’s something special about this under-the-radar gem just 20 minutes up the road from St. George. Snow Canyon feels like the best kind of secret, accessible, insanely scenic, and way less crowded than the places that hog all the headlines. In other words, it’s the ultimate day trip for anyone who enjoys epic landscapes with a side of peace and quiet.
Whether you’re hiking with your kids, photographing desert vistas, or just looking for a place to picnic that doesn’t involve fighting for parking with six tour buses, Snow Canyon has you covered. With lava tubes, petrified dunes, red rock trails, and even legit sand dunes, this park somehow fits everything we love about Southern Utah into one tight little package.
Getting There Is Easy, No Compass Required
Located just northwest of St. George, Snow Canyon State Park is almost unfairly convenient. From Settlers Point, you can be there in under 30 minutes without even needing to pack snacks for the drive (though let’s be honest, we’re bringing snacks anyway). The roads are paved, the signage is clear, and the entrance fee won’t require taking out a second mortgage: $10 for Utah residents, $15 for everyone else. Park hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, giving you plenty of daylight to roam.
Hikes That Don’t Feel Like Punishment
Let’s talk trails. Snow Canyon is packed with hiking options that strike that perfect balance between “wow, this is stunning” and “wow, I’m not dying.” If you’ve got kids, older adults, or just an aversion to uphill suffering, start with Jenny’s Canyon. It’s a short, shady slot canyon walk that feels like a choose-your-own-adventure book: quick, mysterious, and weirdly satisfying. The whole thing clocks in under half a mile round-trip and makes for a perfect leg-stretch if you’re short on time but big on views.
If you’re in the mood to level up without doing a full workout, check out the Petrified Dunes Trail. It’s a mile of rolling, wavy rock that looks like someone ironed a red velvet cake. It’s one of those hikes that gives you total freedom to explore, no fences, no signs telling you which rock you can or can’t climb. Just you, the sandstone, and whatever weird pose your friend insists on doing for Instagram.
For something with a little more terrain but still totally doable, hit the Butterfly Trail. It’s around 2 miles, looping past lava flow fields and scattered black rock that makes you feel like you’re walking on the set of a Star Wars film. You don’t need hiking poles or fancy gear, just decent shoes and a sense of adventure.
Lava Tubes and Sand Dunes? Yes, Please.
If you’re looking to impress your kids (or your inner child), Snow Canyon’s lava tubes are the real deal. These aren’t amusement park recreations, they’re actual tunnels formed by flowing lava that cooled on the surface while molten rock kept moving underground. You’ll find them off the Lava Flow Trail, and trust me, crawling into a cave that nature built out of fire is just as fun as it sounds. Bring a flashlight and a buddy, things get dark fast, and cell reception is basically nonexistent in there.
And for an experience that feels like a detour into the Sahara, make your way to the Sand Dunes area. It’s a short walk from the parking lot and one of the few places in the park where kids can run, dig, and roll around without you worrying they’re about to fall off a cliff. There’s something calming about sinking your toes into warm red sand while surrounded by rock formations straight out of a sci-fi movie.
What to Pack (Besides Snacks, Obviously)
Snow Canyon is relatively low-maintenance compared to other Utah parks, but there are a few essentials you should definitely have in tow. Water, always. Even short hikes in the desert sun can leave you feeling like a crusty cracker. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a good hat will go a long way toward keeping you from becoming lobster-colored by noon.
Wear closed-toed shoes with decent grip, especially if you’re planning to climb up rocks or explore lava tubes. Bring a flashlight or headlamp if you’re venturing underground, and maybe some wet wipes for the inevitable red-dust-everywhere situation. As for food, there are picnic areas with tables and shade, but don’t count on fancy concessions or food trucks. This isn’t Disneyland. Pack a cooler and pretend you’re on a gourmet desert expedition.
Photography, But Make It Magic Hour
If you’re into photography, or just want to look like you are on social media, Snow Canyon delivers big time. The Petrified Dunes are particularly photogenic during the golden hour, when the sunlight hits just right and turns everything a deeper, richer hue. You’ll feel like you’re walking through a Bob Ross painting with a better sky.
For wide-angle landscape shots, the Snow Canyon Overlook is your go-to. It’s easily accessible by car and offers one of the best vantage points in the area. Sunset here is next-level. Think long shadows, glowing cliffs, and maybe even a quiet moment of existential wonder (before your kids interrupt it with a fight over the last juice box).
Want to get artsy? Look for texture shots in the lava flows, macro shots of desert plants, or capture the motion of sand slipping between your fingers at the dunes. Pro tip: use a tripod and remote shutter for low-light situations, especially if you’re aiming for stargazing shots after dark.
Best Times to Visit (a.k.a. When Not to Roast Alive)
The sweet spot for visiting Snow Canyon is fall through spring. Summers can get brutally hot, with temperatures easily soaring above 100°F. If you’re visiting in June, plan your hikes early in the morning or closer to sunset. Trust me, no scenic view is worth heatstroke. The shoulder seasons, late March through early May, and mid-September through October, offer the best combo of manageable temps and gorgeous light.
As for weekdays versus weekends, try for a Tuesday or Wednesday if your schedule allows. You’ll avoid most of the crowds, and the vibe is just more chill. Weekends are still totally worth it, but things can get a little more parking-lot-circus during peak hours. Either way, get there early to snag a shady spot and make the most of your day.
What’s Nearby? Food and Fuel
After a few hours of hiking, you’re going to want food, and lots of it. Good news: you don’t have to go far. St. George has plenty of solid restaurant options just minutes from the park. If you’re craving something quick and satisfying, local favorites like Café Rio or Viva Chicken are perfect for refueling. If you want to clean up a little and do something nicer, Cliffside Restaurant offers great food with a killer view.
For something fast before or after your hike, Harmons Grocery just down the road has an excellent deli and grab-and-go meals. Load up on sandwiches, trail mix, or a massive cookie (you earned it). And if you’re heading back to Settlers Point, there’s nothing wrong with a sunset soak while scrolling through the ridiculous number of photos you just took of rocks that kind of look like bacon.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It? Absolutely.
Snow Canyon State Park might not have the name recognition of Zion or Bryce, but that’s exactly why it’s worth your time. You get the jaw-dropping red rock landscapes without the overwhelming crowds. You get the option to hike or simply enjoy the view from your car. And you get the chance to experience one of Southern Utah’s most underrated destinations, all without having to pack like you’re going on an Everest expedition.
So next time you’re staying at Settlers Point and wondering what to do with a free afternoon, skip the endless Google searches and point your car toward Snow Canyon. It’s scenic, it’s stress-free, and it’s right there, waiting for you to explore. Bring your camera. Bring your curiosity. And yes, definitely bring snacks.
