Day Trip: St. George, Utah

Location
Washington County, southwest Utah (Greater Zion)
Population
About 89,000 residents (Greater Zion tourism office)
Visitor center
111 E Tabernacle St; Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Snow Canyon SP
$20 per non-resident vehicle; open 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
Dinosaur site
2180 E Riverside Dr; daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; adults $10
To Zion
SunTran's Zion Route links St. George with Springdale (NPS)

About

St. George is the largest city in Washington County. The Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office calls it the eighth-largest city in Utah, with about 89,000 residents. The neighboring cities of Washington, Santa Clara and Ivins make up the wider St. George area. The tourism office says the area has become a popular retirement destination.

The city is a base for Snow Canyon State Park, 7,400 acres of lava flows and red Navajo sandstone. The park sits inside the 62,000-acre Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, which protects the federally listed desert tortoise. It opened to the public in 1962, ranges from 3,100 to 4,100 feet and has more than 38 miles of hiking trails. Films shot there include "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid."

In town, the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm preserves a 200-million-year-old Early Jurassic lake ecosystem, with fossil tracks, plants and fish skeletons.

What to expect

Greater Zion's suggested day in St. George starts with a sunrise hike in Pioneer Park, which has interpretive displays on geology and local history. Next comes historic downtown, with galleries, local shops and a walking tour of pioneer landmarks. Nearby are Kayenta Art Village in Ivins and a short, wheelchair-accessible petroglyph trail in Santa Clara. The day ends with a show at Tuacahn Center for the Arts beneath red cliffs.

At Snow Canyon, visitors hike, ride the three-mile paved Whiptail trail, or use over 15 miles of equestrian trails. E-bikes are allowed, and leashed dogs may use all trails. The 38-unit campground is open year-round. The park is an Urban Night Sky Place and offers seasonal ranger programs. There are no bike rentals in the park, but outfitters operate in St. George and Ivins.

Plan the trip

Good to know

  • Snow Canyon day use costs $20 per non-resident vehicle (up to 8 people) or $3 per pedestrian or cyclist.
  • Snow Canyon advises avoiding activity between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. in summer. July and August highs often top 105°F, so drink 32 ounces of water per person per hour.
  • Johnson Canyon trail closes from March 15 to September 14 to protect wildlife, except on ranger-guided hikes.
  • The Greater Zion Visitor Center is open weekdays only, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., inside the Washington County Administration Building. It also houses live desert animals, including a Gila monster.
  • The Dinosaur Discovery Site's last entry is at 4:30 p.m. Youth aged 5-17 pay $5, and young children are free.
  • Monsoon season, usually July through September, can bring heavy afternoon rain and flash floods.

Questions about St. George, Utah

How do I get from St. George to Zion National Park?

The Park Service says SunTran, the St. George bus service, runs a Zion Route linking St. George, Washington, Hurricane, La Verkin, Virgin and Springdale, so you can park in any of those towns and ride to the park. The NPS lists St. George Regional Airport as 49 miles from Zion. Parking inside Zion Canyon is limited.

How much does Snow Canyon State Park cost?

Non-residents pay $20 per vehicle for up to 8 people. Utah residents pay $15, or $10 for seniors 65 and up with a Utah license. Pedestrians and cyclists pay $3 each. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Campsites cost $40 a night, or $45 with water and electric hookups.

What are the Dinosaur Discovery Site's hours and prices?

The St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm, at 2180 East Riverside Drive, is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last entry at 4:30 p.m. Adults pay $10, youth aged 5 to 17 pay $5, and young children are free. There is also a $9 senior rate.

Where is the visitor center in St. George?

The Greater Zion Visitor Center is at 111 East Tabernacle Street, inside the Washington County Administration Building. It is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. It has free maps and trail guides, a large interactive 3D map of the region, and live desert animals, including tortoises and a Gila monster.

Can I see desert tortoises at Snow Canyon?

Sometimes. The park says tortoises turn up occasionally, mostly in spring and fall, because they stay in underground burrows during summer and winter. Watch the road and keep to the speed limits. Harassing or collecting a tortoise is unlawful. If one is crossing the road, the park explains how to carry it safely in its direction of travel.