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Welcome to the ultimate guide on all things adventurous in and around St. George, Utah! Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, thrill-seeker, or simply looking for a weekend getaway filled with stunning landscapes and outdoor activities, this list has got you covered. From exploring majestic state parks to discovering hidden gems off the beaten path, there’s something here for everyone. So buckle up and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey and list of things to do in St. George Utah!
If you are looking for a tour, out of all the things to do in this article, i highly recommend doing an ATV tour near Sand Hollow Park! You can jump straight to the booking link here, but I talk more in detail below too.
MAP OF THINGS TO DO IN ST. GEORGE
Here is a map of my recommended things to do in and near St. George. They aren’t in any particular ranking order, so be sure to check out all the locations to see which interests you the most!
(1) – VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK
Valley of the Fire State Park is 1.5 hours from St. George, but I have it listed on here for two reasons:
1. If you are flying into Las Vegas, it’s right on the way when driving to St. George
2. It’s truly gorgeous!
Now let’s talk more about it. As you enter the park, you’ll be greeted by stunning red sandstone formations that seem to glow in the sunlight. The vibrant colors and unique rock formations make it a photographer’s paradise.
Take a hike along one of the many trails and immerse yourself in the natural beauty surrounding you. Don’t forget your camera – every corner turned offers a new picture-perfect moment waiting to be captured. For those seeking adventure, rock climbing opportunities abound within the park. Test your skills on challenging routes while enjoying breathtaking views from above.
As you wander through Valley of Fire State Park, keep an eye out for ancient petroglyphs etched into the rocks by early inhabitants. These fascinating remnants offer a glimpse into the history of this remarkable landscape. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful retreat into nature, Valley of Fire State Park promises an unforgettable experience unlike any other.
Distance from St. George: 90 miles, 1.5 hours
Tripadvisor Reviews & Photos: https://tripadvisor.tp.st/C4JhWC4a
WANT TO TAKE A GUIDED TOUR INSTEAD OF SELF EXPLORING? CHECK OUT THESE TOURS:
(2) – SAND HOLLOW STATE PARK
\With its stunning red rock landscape and crystal-clear waters, this park offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re into swimming, boating, or fishing, Sand Hollow’s reservoir provides the perfect setting for water-based adventures. The sandy beaches are ideal for sunbathing and picnicking on a warm summer day.
For those seeking more adrenaline-pumping experiences, the park boasts incredible off-roading opportunities with sand dunes that will challenge even the most seasoned drivers. ATV and UTV rentals are available nearby for those looking to explore the rugged terrain. Check out the ATV tours listed below or click here for the tour I recommend!
Sand Hollow State Park truly embodies the essence of Utah’s natural beauty and is a must-visit destination for anyone craving adventure in the great outdoors.
Distance from St. George: 13 miles, 25 minutes
Tripadvisor Reviews & Photos: https://tripadvisor.tp.st/4bPYvwLX
ATV Tours:
(3) – RED CLIFFS NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA
As you venture into this stunning desert landscape, you’ll be greeted by towering red rock cliffs, lush greenery, and unique wildlife. Keep an eye out for desert tortoises and other native species that call this area home.
The conservation area also boasts fascinating geological features like ancient lava flows and petrified sand dunes. It’s a paradise for geology enthusiasts looking to uncover the Earth’s history etched in stone.
For outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure, Red Cliffs offers opportunities for rock climbing, mountain biking, and even horseback riding. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply seeking solace in nature, this conservation area has something for everyone to enjoy. Here are two hikes I recommend:
Red Reef Trail: The full trail is about 5.7 miles long and involves class 2-3 hiking, but many people do the first mile of this trail and turn around. The first mile of the trail includes a relatively flat hike through towering red rock walls with a small rope/climbing area near the end. Learn more about it here: https://tripadvisor.tp.st/nuNrxygb
Yant Flats: Many people call the flats the “Candy Cliffs” for their vibrant and different shades of oranges. There are several different trails around the Yant Flats that vary in length and you can learn more about them here: https://tripadvisor.tp.st/oOaCJLrZ
Distance from St. George: The park is very large, so it depends which trail head you drive to, but generally less than 20 miles and under an hour from downtown St. George.
Tripadvisor Reviews & Photos: https://tripadvisor.tp.st/Ctl2KYzd
(4) – SNOW CANYON STATE PARK
Snow Canyon State Park is a 7400 acre park that offers a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. One popular option is rock climbing, with unique formations providing exciting challenges for climbers of all levels. For those looking to relax, there are numerous picnic spots throughout the park where you can unwind and take in the stunning scenery.
If you’re into wildlife watching, keep an eye out for the diverse range of animals that call Snow Canyon home. Birdwatchers will especially love spotting different species flying overhead or perched on branches. Mountain biking is another fantastic way to explore the park’s rugged terrain and experience adrenaline-pumping thrills as you navigate through winding trails.
For a more leisurely experience, consider taking a scenic drive through the park to soak in the breathtaking views at your own pace. Don’t forget your camera – there are plenty of photo opportunities waiting around every corner!
There are more than 38 miles of hiking trails, 3 miles of paved biking trails and 15 miles of equestrian trails. My favorite hill in the park is Jenny’s Canyon. It’s a short (0.5 mile) hike with an amazing view of a slot canyon. Check out my full guide on the Jenny’s Canyon Hike here!
Distance from St. George: 12 miles, 15 minutes
Tripadvisor Reviews & Photos: https://tripadvisor.tp.st/hUgPdkYm
(5) – GUNLOCK STATE PARK
Just over 30 minutes from St. George lies the beautiful Gunlock State Park. At this park you can fish, boat, kayak, swim and more on the Gunlock Reservoir. During certain times of the year, you can also view the popular Gunlock Falls!
Gunlock Falls are seasonal and generally only run in spring, but the catch is that they aren’t always active every year. Check out the state park’s website for the up to date waterfall conditions. If the falls are active, it’s a 1.2 mile (out-and-back) hike to visit them.
Distance from St. George: 20 miles, 35 minutes
Tripadvisor Reviews & Photos: https://tripadvisor.tp.st/xC9GxLQh
(6) – THE VORTEX (THE BOWL)
Camelback Trail leads to a gorgeous 50-foot sandstone bowl that looks like a vortex. Some call this “the Vortex” and some call it “the Bowl” so you may see it referred to as both of those terms.
Hiking to the Vortex involves a moderately challenging 2.3 mile out-and-back hike. It’s not stroller accessible and involves rocky terrain.
The trail doesn’t only lead to the Vortex, but it also has amazing sights along the way such as lava flows and beautifully colored sandstone rocks. The trail itself is well travelled, but make sure to follow the cairns (piles of rocks) to stay on track.
Distance from St. George: 24 miles, 35 minutes
Tripadvisor Reviews & Photos: https://tripadvisor.tp.st/rbCv9i7A
(7) – ZION NATIONAL PARK – SOUTH/MAIN ENTRANCE
If you’re heading to St. George, you probably already know that Zion National Park in nearby. I won’t go into all the details about Zion here, but here are my biggest takeaways for you to know:
• The South Entrance is right by the town of Springdale and it’s the most popular entrance.
• You can’t drive through much of the park – instead you have to take the shuttle, a tour or bike into the park.
• There are many hikes suited for all levels! Emerald Pools Trail, Angels Landing, The Narrows are all well-known hikes.
When we visited Zion National Park, we biked into the canyon and soaked in the views with the wind in our hair. To read more details on our southwestern U.S. road trip, check out my blog here!
Distance from St. George: 42 miles, 1 hour
Tripadvisor Reviews & Photos: https://tripadvisor.tp.st/IMN4EcT1
Check out these guided Zion National Park tours:
(8) – ZION NATIONAL PARK – KOLOB TERRACE ROAD (MIDDLE ENTRANCE)
I like to call this a “hidden gem” of Zion because when we went in May, I think we maybe saw 3-4 other cars the whole drive.
Kolob Terrace Road is about 25 miles long and takes 50 minutes to drive it fully one-way. There are several hiking trails along the way, but overall it’s a scenic drive. The full road is generally accessible May-September, but is dependent on weather. It also winds in and out of the park, so you do see a lot of rural ranch-style homes along the drive too.
Near the end of the road is Lava Point Overlook. The overlook is 7890ft above sea level and It’s known as one of the place places in Zion to watch the sunset. At this viewpoint, you can see valleys and distant cliffs. Unfortunately, when we went it was snowing, so our view was pretty non-existent (see picture below.) In the summer though, you shouldn’t have to worry about that. There is also Lava Point Campground nearby.
A little past Lava Point Overlook is the Kolob Reservoir. The reservoir is just outside of Zion National Park. It’s known for fishing and camping. This is the very end of Kolob Terrance Road and there is not outlet road so you will have to drive back the way you came in (which isn’t a bad thing because it’s beautiful!)
Distance from St. George: 27 miles and 40 minutes to the start of Kolob Terrance Rd. Then, the full Kolob Terrace Rd is about 25 miles long and it’ll take 50 minutes to drive it fully one-way.
Tripadvisor Reviews & Photos: https://tripadvisor.tp.st/mldukYEz
(9) – ZION NATIONAL PARK – KOLOB CANYONS (NORTH ENTRANCE)
Upon entering the northern-most entrance of Zion National Park, you will find yourself on Kolob Canyons Road. This road is about 5 miles long and takes 10 minutes to drive one-way.
There are several vehicle pull-outs to take pictures of the gorgeous canyons along the way. Aside from driving, there are 3 hiking trails that stem off the road.
The easiest/shortest is the Timber Creek Overlook Trail, which is 1 mile round trip. This trail follows a ridge to offer views of Timber Creek, Kolob Terrace, and the Pine Valley Mountains. The other trails are Taylor Creek Trail (5 miles) and Kolob Arch via La Verkin Creek Trail (14 miles.)
Whether you make this a quick or long sop, I highly recommend checking the Kolob Canyons out!
Distance from St. George: 34 miles & 35 minutes to the entrance. Then, the full Kolob Canyons Rd is about 5 miles long and takes 10 minutes to drive one-way.
Tripadvisor Reviews & Photos: https://tripadvisor.tp.st/AYquqDay
Check out these Zion National Park tours:
(10) – KANARRA FALLS
If you are looking for majestic slot canyons and breathtaking waterfalls, the Kanarra Falls hike is meant for you! The trail is 4 miles out-and-back and is rated moderate to strenuous dependent on the time of year/conditions. The thing is, if you reach a point where you’re not comfortable, you can always turn around and go back.
One caveat to this trail is that it requires a permit. 200 permits are issued a day and they do sell out, so it’s generally smart to book in advance. The admission is $15 per person and tickets can be bought at https://kanarrafalls.com. For pictures of Kanarra Falls and the picturesque ladder along the hike, click here!
Distance from St. George: 40 miles, 40 minutes
Tripadvisor Reviews & Photos: https://tripadvisor.tp.st/PvAT6vFH
(11) – LION’S MOUTH CAVE
This next thing on this list of “Things to do in St. George Utah” is a relatively short hike about an hour away from St. George. It’s called the Lion’s Mouth Cave Trail and is a 0.8 mile (out-and-back) hike that is family friendly.
Along the trail, you will find petroglyphs, lizards and it ends with a elevated view in which you can see Cedar City! This trail is only 25 minutes from Cedar City too.
Distance from St. George: 58 miles, 1 hour
Tripadvisor Reviews & Photos: https://tripadvisor.tp.st/KNb6MQN4
(12) – CEDAR BREAKS NATIONAL MONUMENT
Cedar Breaks National Monument is a stunning natural wonder located in southwestern Utah. The park boasts a breathtaking amphitheater filled with vibrant hues of red, orange, and purple rock formations that stretch for miles. The towering hoodoos and spires carved by centuries of erosion create a landscape unlike any other in the world.
Hiking trails wind through forests of ancient bristlecone pines, offering glimpses of wildflowers and wildlife along the way. Whether exploring on foot or simply taking in the panoramic views from one of the overlooks, Cedar Breaks National Monument is sure to leave an indelible impression on all who visit.
Admission to the park is $25 per vehicle and it’s important to note that Cedar Breaks National Monument is always open, but access and services vary by season. The main road, Hwy. 148, is typically only open to passenger vehicles June-October.Although there are snowmobile trails in the winter. In the summer, temperatures are generally 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit cooler at Cedar Breaks than surrounding parks.
We went in May and Hwy 148 was still shut down, so we were only able stop at the North Point Overlook off Hwy 143. Unfortunately, it was really windy and cold, so we didn’t stay for very long!
Click here to see the park map.
Distance from St. George: 75-85 miles dependent on route, 1.5 hours
Tripadvisor Reviews & Photos: https://tripadvisor.tp.st/8WuIbkVu
(13) – THE BELLY OF THE DRAGON
The Belly of the Dragon is a unique and fascinating carved tunnel located 16 miles north of Kanab, Utah. Originally designed as a water culvert under Hwy 89, this cave-like structure now serves as an intriguing hiking destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The hike is 0.5 miles out-and-back and is an easy, family-friendly adventure. However, it is important to note that hiking should be avoided during rainy conditions to prevent accidents or injuries.
Despite its unique beauty, this hidden gem is free to visit and hike. With its intriguing history and awe-inspiring design, the Belly of the Dragon is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who venture through its null confines.
Distance from St. George: 77 miles, 1 hour and 40 minutes
Tripadvisor Reviews & Photos: https://tripadvisor.tp.st/NFVzbJtd
(14) – KANAB SAND CAVES
Also located off Hwy. 89 and just 5 miles north of Kanab, Utah are the Kanab Sand Caves. These caves were formed as a result of man-made mining activities in the area, which have since ceased, leaving behind an intriguing network of sand caves to be explored.
The Kanab Sand Caves offer a unique and quick hiking experience, with the trail spanning a short 0.5 miles round trip. There is no cost for accessing the Kanab Sand Caves, which makes it an accessible and affordable outdoor adventure for all visitors.
Distance from St. George: 86 miles, 1.5 hours
Tripadvisor Reviews & Photos: https://tripadvisor.tp.st/A1dnTPZ2
(15) – RED CANYON
Nestled within the expansive Dixie National Forest, Red Canyon boasts a landscape characterized by its unique hoodoo formations, towering red cliffs, and vibrant pink soil. The area is dotted with majestic ponderosa pines that add to the natural beauty of this less popular version of Bryce National Park.
What sets Red Canyon apart from its more famous counterpart is not only its stunning scenery and lower amount of visitors, but also the fact that there is no fee required for entry. As visitors traverse through this picturesque terrain, they are treated to panoramic views and opportunities for outdoor recreation amidst a tranquil setting untouched by commercialism.
Distance from St. George: 127 miles, 2 hours
Tripadvisor Reviews & Photos: https://tripadvisor.tp.st/6Exi4LXL
(16) – BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Bryce Canyon National Park is honestly one of my favorite national parks. The hoodoos (columns of weathered rocks) are just so incredible to look at and you can even hike amongst them!
What I also love about Bryce is how much you can see by just pulling over on the road. You don’t have to hike far to see all these beautiful views. The main road in the park is about 18 miles long. Upon entering, you’ll relieve a park map showing you all the pull over/stopping points – there are over 10!
If you’re looking for a quick & easy hike, I’d recommend Mossy Cave on the north end of the park. It’s 0.8 miles and runs along a stream leading to a cave with dripping mosses in the summertime and icicles in the wintertime. Otherwise, if you want to hike through the hoodoos, Queen’s Garden is the easiest trail that descends into the Bryce Amphitheater. It’s a 1.8 mile hike (out-and-back) to the Queen Victoria hoodoo. There are many more to choose from too!
Overall, Bryce is a great stop whether you want to spend 1 hour or 5+ hours.
Distance from St. George: 141 miles, 2 hours and 15 minutes
Tripadvisor Reviews & Photos: https://tripadvisor.tp.st/LGWjeKTG
CHECK OUT THESE TOURS AT OR NEAR BRYCE CANYON:
This blog post may contain affiliate links, which are at no cost to you. It just helps support me so I can continue to put out free content for you like this! Thank you for your support!