Best Hikes in Snow Canyon State Park

Snow Canyon State Park is the lesser-known gem of Southern Utah hiking, overshadowed by its National Park neighbors Zion and Bryce Canyon. But don’t be fooled by this diamond in the rough – Snow Canyon has some of the most beautiful hiking in the state, and you won’t run into the crowds here like you will in many of the other southern Utah hiking destinations.

In this post, we’ll talk about the best hikes to do in Snow Canyon for adventure enthusiasts and ambitious hikers, how to get there, and what to expect.

Getting There

This beautiful desert retreat is located just outside of Saint George in the Ivins area of Utah. There is a $15 fee to enter the park, or you can purchase an annual Utah state park pass for $100 if you plan to visit other state parks throughout the year.

Parking: The lots are all well-marked throughout the park and typically have plenty of parking, especially on off-peak days.

Jenny’s Canyon Trail - .3 miles

Jenny’s Canyon Trail is located just inside Snow Canyon State Park and is an easy addition to any snow Canyon itinerary. At just .3 miles round trip, this tight slot is a great introduction to Southern Utah slots and is very family-friendly.

Lava Tube Trail - 2 miles

The Lava Tube Trail is UNREAL – like no other hike I’ve ever done. The trail is about .75 miles out and back above ground and about .25 miles underground. Photos don’t do this hike justice – the hike out to the tube is surrounded by stunning views of Snow Canyon State Park and the inside of the cave is made of sparkly rock that shimmers at every turn by light of a flashlight. Once you enter the cave, there are tight turns that open up at the end to a sparkly playground filled with boulders and pathways – perfect for a game of hide and seek.

Johnson Canyon Trail - 1.7 miles

Johnson Canyon Trail is what I envision as the perfect afternoon hike spent with friends and family. There’s a stunning arch and a fun box canyon at the end of the trail with plenty of shade along the way. It’s a nice simple stroll with great terrain and some fun caves if you get the itch to wander off trail a bit.

Overlook Trail - 5 miles

The Overlook Trail is just what it sounds like, a gorgeous overlook of Snow Canyon State Park. This trail is all about the destination. The hike is mostly shrubs and red sand, but the views at the end of the trail are the best in the park.

Petrified Dunes Trails - 1 mile

Endless rollers of petrified sandstone make up the Petrified Dunes Trail. This trail has some of the best views in the park and is a great hike for kids, as there’s many routes to take to get you to your destination. The trail is very exposed and best hiked from fall to early spring.

Any other favorite hikes or activities in Snow Canyon? Drop them in the comments!