We love hiking and exploring Snow Canyon State Park near St. George, Utah. As a family, we’ve visited the park during all seasons of the year. Summer is hot. Winter is cool. Spring and fall are fabulous.

Here’s your guide to Snow Canyon State Park so you and your family can get the most out of your adventure in Utah.

While you’re in the area, you can also check out trails in Zion National Park or Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada.

Short Hikes in Snow Canyon State Park

One of the things I love about Snow Canyon State Park: There’s a hike for everyone. The park has a few short hikes that offer the young child a feeling of “I hiked the whole way!” Here’s a list of the hikes that are perfect for the beginning hiker:

1. Jenny’s Canyon: A short half-mile roundtrip trail, with some variety to keep kids interested. The trail is closed from March 15 to June 1, so spring isn’t the best time time to hike this one. If there’s a rainstorm, the trail may not be accessible either. There’s a dry wash you have to cross to access the slot canyon, but a rainstorm can turn the dry wash into an impassable river. But when conditions are right, let the kids explore the narrow canyon, climb around and enjoy the outdoors.
2. Pioneer Names: The trail walks you by a rock wall with pioneer names written in wagon Axel grease. One of the names dates back to 1881. There are two parking lots that provide access to the Pioneer Names. It’s only .2 miles roundtrip from the north parking lot and 1.2 miles roundtrip from the souther parking lot. The trail is sandy in some places, which can be a little more challenging – but still doable.

Great Hikes for Every Adventurer

There are a lot of longer hikes with varying degree of difficulty. The challenge is that many of the trails interconnect, making it a little more challenging to stick to one trail. I’ve hiked in Snow Canyon State Park many times, but every time I am looking specifically for the lava tubes, I can never seem to find them. But here’s a rundown of some great trails:

1. Butterfly Trail: If you are able to stay on the Butterfly Trail without ending up on one of the other trails that connects to this one, you’ll hike 1.2 miles roundtrip. There is an extra overlook portion to the West Canyon Overlook, which adds 0.8 miles roundtrip. The trail is listed as Moderate difficulty, likely because of the terrain and ups and downs of the trail. But it’s great for the entire family.
2. Hidden Pinyon Trail: Another great trail for families. It’s only 1.5 miles roundtrip and offers some amazing overlooks of Snow Canyon. There are a few steep sections of the trail, but nothing that would stop families from taking a hike.
3. Lava Flow Overlook Trail: My kids love this trail, mainly because of the lava tubes they get to climb in. However, it’s always the one I have the hardest time finding. The trail length is 2.5 miles roundtrip. It’s relatively flat, but there are some spots where you can climb down into a lava tube. The caves don’t go in very far, but far enough to be an adventure for the kids. Flashlights are good to have, especially if your child (or you) is afraid of the dark.
4. Petrified Dunes: There’s no need to stay on the trail for this one. Explorers can climb all over the Navajo sandstone while following the trail. You’re able to climb above the park to get some great viewpoints of Snow Canyon. The trail is 1.2 miles roundtrip, but if you decide to climb around on the rocks, that may add to the final mileage count.
5. Three Ponds Trail: We were excited for this hiking trail, but have decided to never hike it again. More than half of the trail is hiking in deep sand. Other portions have you climbing rocks (which the kids loved). At the end of the trail, we saw three mud puddles – not even ponds. Our kids were younger at the time, and while they made the full 3.5 miles roundtrip, it wasn’t super enjoyable. In the interest of full disclosure, that’s my take on this particular trail.

Play in the Sand Dunes

As a parent, it’s your choice on whether you play in the sand dunes before you hike, or after. You’ll also need to be prepared to have a thorough cleaning of your vehicle once you get back home. Sand will inevitably find its way to your vehicle from every shoe, pocket, or crevice.

Next to the sand dunes are a few picnic tables. It’s a great spot to pause for a lunch break. The adults can focus on lunch, while the kids focus on playing in the sand.

The sand dunes are located on the south end of Snow Canyon State Park.

Ride the Bike Trail

Stretching from each entrance of the park is a paved bike trail. But the direction you choose to bike makes a big difference on the difficulty level.

One time, we strapped our kids into the bike trailer and started at the south end of the park. However, the entire trail is uphill when you start at the south end. We put out bikes into the lowest gear and made our way north. But we didn’t make it even a fourth of the way up with bike trailers attached.

The paved biked trail does connect to other trails throughout the area. You can access a bike trail through the nearby cities and even in to St. George. But if you want to stay within Snow Canyon State Park and want a leisurely bike ride, start at the north end and ride south – because it’s all downhill from there.

The Details

Address: 1002 N. Snow Canyon Rd, Ivins, UT 84738

Cost: Day-use pass is $10 per vehicle for up to eight people. Camping is available for $20 (no hook-ups) per night; $25 per night with hook-ups. A Utah State Parks annual pass is a great option, allowing you access to all 43 state parks across Utah.

Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Website: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/snow-canyon/

Phone: (435) 628-2255

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