Snow Canyon State Park

Snow Canyon State Park features red Navajo sandstone, capped by an overlay of black lava rock. Photography, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping are popular activities. Early spring and fall use of the park are especially appealing due to southern Utah's moderate climate. Two recent volcanic cones are found near the head of the canyon. This strikingly colorful canyon is 11 miles northwest of St. George. This is a desert park with extreme summer temperatures and little shade.

Location: Transported by wind more than 183 million years ago, tiny grains of quartzite sand covered much of what we now call Utah. These sand dunes, up to 2,500 feet thick, eventually were cemented into stone. Burnt orange to creamy white in color, Navajo sandstone, the predominant rock in the park, is what remains of the ancient desert sand sea. Over time, water has cut and shaped the sandstone to form canyons. Approximately 1.4 million years ago, and as recently as 27,000 years ago, nearby cinder cones erupted, causing lava to flow down these canyons, filling them with basalt. This redirected ancient waterways, eventually carving new canyons. Look up to see lava-capped ridges that were once canyon bottoms. Removal of rocks and minerals is prohibited.

Recreation: Located in the 62,000 acre Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, established to protect the federally listed desert tortoise and its habitat, the park offers opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Activities include hiking, nature studies, wildlife viewing, photography, camping, ranger talks and junior ranger programs. There are more than 18 miles of hiking trails, a three-mile paved walking/biking trail and over five miles of equestrian trails.

Nearby: The City of St. George Tuacahn