Winding road through desert landscape leading to illuminated red rock cliffs near Zion National Park at golden hour sunset
State ParkFeaturedPopular

Snow Canyon State Park

Explore ancient lava tubes, petrified sand dunes, and vibrant red rock formations on scenic desert trails

(4,991)
$$$$Ivins, UT

About

Snow Canyon State Park delivers an unexpected geological wonderland just minutes from St. George. This 7,400-acre preserve showcases a dramatic collision of ancient and recent volcanic activity, where jet-black lava flows meet swirling Navajo sandstone in a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. The park's compact size makes it perfect for families and casual hikers who want maximum visual impact without committing to strenuous all-day adventures.

The trail system here reads like a greatest hits of southwestern geology. Visitors can scramble through narrow slot canyons, explore dark lava tubes formed by ancient volcanic flows, and climb atop petrified sand dunes that glow orange and pink in the changing light. The Jenny's Canyon trail leads through a narrow slot perfect for kids to explore, while the Petrified Dunes trail offers easy access to slickrock formations ideal for sunset photography. More adventurous visitors can tackle the Lava Flow trail, which crosses ancient basalt fields dotted with volcanic cones.

What sets Snow Canyon apart is its accessibility and variety packed into a relatively small area. Unlike the crowds at nearby national parks, this state park offers a more intimate experience with equally stunning scenery. The paved bike path winding through the canyon provides options for cyclists and wheelchair users, while numerous short trails make it easy to sample different landscapes in a single visit.

Located in Ivins, just 10 miles northwest of St. George, Snow Canyon serves as an excellent addition to any southern Utah itinerary. Many visitors use St. George as a base while exploring Zion National Park an hour away, and Snow Canyon makes for a perfect half-day excursion or sunset destination. The $10 entrance fee provides access to a desert playground that rivals its more famous neighbors, offering everything from technical canyoneering routes to family-friendly nature walks amid some of Utah's most photogenic red rock country.

What to See at Snow Canyon State Park

Snow Canyon preserves 7,400 acres of terrain where ancient lava flows meet swirling Navajo sandstone — two very different geological materials occupying the same compact space. The dark basalt lava fields contrast sharply with the warm reds and oranges of the sandstone, and the visual effect shifts throughout the day with the changing light. Accessible highlights include lava tube caves formed by historic volcanic flows, petrified sand dunes that take on a slickrock character and glow in the late afternoon, narrow slot canyon passages suited to exploration on foot, and a paved bike path that runs through the canyon and accommodates wheelchair users and cyclists. The trail system connects these different geological features across a relatively small area, making it possible to cover substantial variety in a half-day visit. A technical canyoneering route exists for more advanced visitors seeking a different level of challenge.

Visitor Tips

  • Sunset and late afternoon light on the petrified dunes and sandstone walls is among the most photogenic times to visit — the warm-toned rock takes on deeper color in the low-angle light.
  • The lava tube caves are cool and dark inside; bring a headlamp or flashlight to explore the interior properly rather than stopping at the entrance.
  • Summer temperatures in this part of Utah are significant even at Snow Canyon's modest elevation — early morning visits before the sun is fully overhead make the most of comfortable conditions, particularly for exposed trails.
  • Cell service can be limited within the canyon; download the park map and your navigation before arriving.

Planning Your Visit

Snow Canyon is located in Ivins, roughly 10 miles northwest of St. George, making it an easy addition to any southern Utah itinerary based in the St. George area. A half-day is sufficient to cover the main features at a relaxed pace; a full day works for those wanting to explore multiple trails. The park draws visitors who are using St. George as a base for Zion and other destinations in the region — it works well as an early morning or late afternoon stop to catch the best light on the canyon walls. The paved bike path provides access for visitors who cannot manage rough trail terrain. Check current road and trail conditions at the park before visiting.

Park Amenities

Pet Friendly
Free Parking
Accepts Credit Cards

Reviews (4,991)

See all on Google
4.8

4,991 reviews

Write a review
Adam S
Adam S

2 months ago

Snow Canyon State Park, Utah – An Unforgettable Experience Snow Canyon State Park completely exceeded my expectations. The combination of towering red and white sandstone cliffs, ancient lava flows, and sweeping desert scenery makes it one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. One of the highlights of my trip was Jenny’s Canyon Trail. It’s a short, easy hike, but the narrow sandstone canyon is absolutely breathtaking and unlike anything I’d experienced before. The Petrified Dunes were equally incredible—the massive waves of ancient sandstone are both fascinating and beautiful, with views that seem to stretch forever. This wasn’t just a beautiful park; it was an unforgettable, almost soul-changing visual experience. Every turn revealed another incredible landscape, and I found myself stopping constantly just to take it all in. The peaceful atmosphere made it easy to appreciate the beauty without feeling rushed. If you’re visiting southern Utah, Snow Canyon State Park is an absolute must-see. Whether you’re hiking, taking photos, or simply enjoying the scenery, it’s a place that will stay with you long after you’ve left. I can’t recommend it highly enough. This trip we didn’t have time to see everything, but now we have another reason of many to come back!

Pamela Hardy
Pamela Hardy

4 months ago

Took a bike ride through the canyon. Gorgeous scenery. Perfect weather in April. We parked at Tawa Ponds trailhead and ride from there. We have e bikes and the ride was quite easy using only about 10% better. We turned around at the end of the trail…I want to say it was at the beginning of Tortoise trail maybe…there were picnic tables and bathrooms available there. Brought a picnic lunch and ate at the end of the trail before heading back. It was about 18 miles total. Enjoy the ride!!!

Lea Baer
Lea Baer

6 months ago

If your are near St. George, Utah Snow Canyon is a must visit. We started with the Jenny's Canyon trail. The small slot canyon is worth the short walk, a great trail for the young and the old. We then chose to do the trail that merges multiple locations into one with the Butterfly, Lava Flow Overlook, West Canyon, and the Petrified Dunes. I will say that the majority of the hike was more easy than moderate. Once you reached the Petrified Dunes though it became more difficult. We spent a very nice day exploring, the only issue was the lack of restrooms along this entire stretch of trails. It did show a restroom on the map, but we were told they had recently made some changes so the maps were not accurate. Lots of varied and beautiful scenery, worth a visit.

Sgt Grossy
Sgt Grossy

3 months ago

This place is so beautiful. You get sand dunes, petrified sand dunes, lava tubes, a tiny slot Canyon (more on that) and the Turtle Walk that highlights the local and endangered tortoise population. Word of warning about Jenny's Canyon. Some YouTube videos will lead you to believe it's right off the parking lot, it is not. It isn't a killer hike but it was more than I was lead to believe. They will also say the canyon itself is 20 to 30 minutes of slot canyon. It is not. You can walk the entirety of the canyon and back in 3 minutes. That isn't to say it's not worth checking out, because it is, just don't believe some of the YouTube videos. All in all this is such a beautiful place. I highly recommend visiting if you are near here. Just be aware that, like St George itself, you will face multiple roundabouts enroute. I left at 0530 out of St George on a Sunday and encountered almost no traffic. So if you're intimidated by roundabouts, leave early, go through a few traffic free, and get your confidence up.

tom mason
tom mason

3 months ago

Nature did an amazing job of arranging rocks and mountains in a really awesome way from an ancient volcanic eruption. The Utah Parks and Recreation had regular places where you can park your vehicle with little signs telling you about the trails available and the scenic areas in front. The road wound around through so that you really didn't have to get out of the car if you didn't want to, yet you could still see everything. Just not up close and personal

Powered by Google

Nearby

Pioneer Park
Featured
St. George

Pioneer Park

Red rock playground with scenic trails, unique formations, and panoramic desert views

(3,926)
$$$$
Alamo Rent A Car
St. George

Alamo Rent A Car

Reliable car rentals with friendly service and competitive rates for exploring southern Utah.

(73)
$$$$
Anasazi Steakhouse
St. George

Anasazi Steakhouse

Cook your own premium steaks and seafood on volcanic hot stones while enjoying craft cocktails and fondue.

(1,773)
$$$$
Avis Car Rental
St. George

Avis Car Rental

Car rentals with luxury vehicles, electric options, and SUVs for your southern Utah adventure.

(41)
$$$$
Best Western Coral Hills
St. George

Best Western Coral Hills

Relaxed hotel with indoor and outdoor pools, waterfall feature, and complimentary breakfast buffet.

(2,372)
$$$$