State Parks and Recreations Areas in Southern Utah

STATE PARKS & RECREATIONAL AREA

Snow Canyon State Park
435-628-2255

Snow is not what attracts 500,000 visitors annually to the warm, sunny, red rock marvels of this park, one of our best kept secrets and photographer's dream. Gigantic coral-colored, Navajo sandstone rocks mantled with lava, sprinkled with lush-looking blue-green sage, with white cliffs soaring in sharp contrast.

The park is known for it's large expanse of beautiful red sand dunes. There are over 15 miles of beautiful hiking trails. Cliffs for rappelling are featured throughout the park. Kids love to play in our large sand hill areas or hike through the dry creek beds.

Snow Canyon is approximately five miles long, with elevations ranging from 3,100 feet at the canyon floor to 5,024 feet on the upper cliffs. Snow Canyon is a geological paradise. Giant monoliths of weathered sandstone date back 170 million years. Recent lava flows may be viewed in several places. Smoldering lava encased the cliffs as it flowed southward down the canyon. Several lava tubes were formed, leaving deep caves to explore.

The ancient Anasazi culture inhabited the region between 200 and 1250 A.D. Petroglyphs, artifacts and structural remnants endure along with carved names and dates of early pioneer settlers. It was named for Lorenzo and Erastus Snow, prominent early pioneer leaders. The campground is open all year with tent sites, picnic areas, showers, toilets, water and dump site are available. Fee area. For reservations call 800-322-3770. Unreserved sites are on a first come first served basis.

Snow Canyon is located only seven miles north of St. George. Take Snow Canyon Parkway off Bluff Street in St. George.

Quail Creek State Park & Reservoir

Quail Creek Dam and Reservoir were completed in 1985. Fishing, jet-skiing, water-skiing, boating and swimming contribute to the park's popularity. Campsite, picnic facilities and restrooms are available. Located 11 miles northeast of St. George via I-15, Hurricane exit and left on Quail Creek Road.

For more information call 435-879-2378, or reservations call 800-322-3770

Red Cliffs Recreation Area
435-688-3246

Explore this beautiful red rock area north of Quail Creek, under the east slop of Pine Valley Mountain. It is 4.5 miles south of Leeds. Hike the one0mile trail to Anasazi ruins. Campsite and hiking areas are open all year.

Red Cliffs Desert Reserve
435-634-5759

This 61,000 acre scenic desert north of St George, Santa Clara, Washington and Hurricane cities is dedicated to the protection of the desert tortoise and other plant and wildlife species. Within the reserve are more than 130 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Hunting is allowed during prescribed seasons.

Pine Valley Mountain

Climb to 7,000 feet and find pine trees, streams, mountain trails and picnic area. Peaks are 10,000 feet high. Drive on Highway 18 north 25 miles to Central and then seven miles to Pine Valley.

Sand Hollow Reservoir

Located just 5.5 miles southwest of Hurricane is Sand Hollow. When full, the reservoir will hold 50,000-acre feet of water - 10,000 more than the existing Quail Creek Reservoir. When completed you will find an unique blend of water-based recreation, walking paths and adjacent off-road vehicle recreation.

Gunlock State Park & Reservoir

Gunlock Reservoir, an 240-acre reservoir, offers boating, swimming, fishing, limited camping and is located 15 miles northwest of St George near the town of Gunlock. Red rock, sand, and clear blue water await you.

Brian Head & Elk Meadows Ski & Summer Resorts
Brian Head: 435-677-2035 - Elk Meadows: 888-881-7669

Brian Head and Elk Meadows are southern Utah's two high alpine, year-round resorts, featuring exceptional downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Summer mountain biking is gaining popularity, peaking at the seasons end with the annual Mountain Biking Festival at Brian Head.

Brian Head is an hour and a half drive from St George and Elk Meadows is two hours away.

You can get to Brian Head by driving 79 miles Northeast of St George via I-15 to Cedar City,, Hwy 14 north to Hwy 148.

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St George Area Chamber of Commerce
97 E St George Blvd, St George, UT 84770
Phone: 435-628-1658