Sand Dunes at Snow Canyon State Park
Snow Canyon State Park
Red Navajo sandstone, capped by an overlay of black lava rock, makes photography, hiking, biking and camping in Snow Canyon State Park a double treat. Contrary to its name, at an elevation of 3,200 feet, winter visitors will rarely find any snow at this 7,400-acre desert park. 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 photographic opportunities galore. Early spring and fall use of the park is especially appealing due to southern Utah’s moderate winter climate. Two recent volcanic cones are found near the head of the canyon.
All of this is set against a stunning backdrop of towering sandstone cliffs in red and white, and peaks and valleys of jumbled black lava rock interspersed with serpentine sandy washes.
Snow Canyon Near St. George, Utah
Created in 1958, Snow Canyon has a long history of human use. Anasazi Indians inhabited the region from A.D. 200 to 1250, utilizing the canyon for hunting and gathering. Paiute Indians used the canyon from A.D. 1200 to the mid-1800s. Mormon pioneers discovered Snow Canyon in the 1850’s while searching for lost cattle. Modern-day the canyon has been the site of Hollywood films such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Electric Horseman, and Jeremiah Johnson. Originally called Dixie State Park, it was later renamed for Lorenzo and Erastus Snow, prominent pioneering Utah leaders.
Park Hours:
Year-Round – 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Holiday Closures: None
Day Visits:
$6 Per Vehicle (up to 8 people)
$3 Per Vehicle with a Utah senior 62+
For updated information regarding facilities contact Utah State Parks at:
(435) 628-2255
Utah State Parks Website