Utah's Snow Canyon State Park

Snow Canyon is a magnificent and colorful canyon about 11 miles northwest of St. George, Utah, and features Red Navajo sandstone cliffs, both red and white, capped by an overlay of black lava rock. Two recent volcanic cones are found near the head of the canyon. Other geological features of the state park include extinct cinder cones, lava tubes, lava flows, and sand dunes.

It is located at 3200 feet elevation, encompasses 5738 acres, and has a 4 mile paved road accessible from Snow Canyon Parkway and Highway 18. Named after Lorenzo and Erastus Snow, early Utah leaders, Snow Canyon offers 16 miles of hiking trails, technical rock climbing, horseback riding, year-round camping, nature studies, wildlife viewing, and unending opportunities for photos.

One "must-do" hike is over the petrified sand dunes seen below. Check out the apparent undulating waves by clicking the photo...


Jenny's Canyon is a short but interesting slot canyon, named for a 17 year old known for her laughter and smile who dearly loved the beauty of the state park and the sense of freedom she felt there, but who tragically died at her young age.



The short Pioneer Names loop trail takes you alongside this high cliff face, and up high on an exposed rock face are engraved the names and dates of some early Utah pioneers (click to enlarge.)





Facilities include a 35-unit campground, modern rest rooms, hot showers, electric hookups, sewage disposal station, a covered group-use pavilion and overflow campground.

Directions: From I-15 Northbound: Take exit 6 (Bluff Street). Head north on Bluff Street to the intersection with Snow Canyon Parkway. Take a left onto Snow Canyon Parkway and proceed approximately 3.5 miles and take a right onto Snow Canyon Drive. Follow this road to the south entrance of the park.

From I-15 Southbound: Take exit 10 (Washington). Turn right off the ramp and take an immediate left at the light. Follow this road for approximately 5 miles to the intersection with Bluff Street/ SR-18. Proceed through the light and continue on Snow Canyon Parkway for approximately 3.5 miles and take a right onto Snow Canyon Drive. Follow this road to the south entrance of the park.