Snow Canyon State Park is home to some of the most unusual and incredible landscapes you will discover in Southern Utah. Yet somehow, despite its incredible natural beauty, Snow Canyon is one of the more underrated and unknown destinations in the American Southwest!
The entrance to the park is located less than 30 minutes from the beautiful city of St. George. Explorers will discover a variety of short trails that lead to all manner of desert treasures. These include slot canyons, sand dunes, petroglyphs, and even petrified dunes.
This comprehensive guide to Snow Canyon State Park will detail everything you need to know for your first visit to the park. This includes the best trails and hikes, entry fees, camping, photography recommendations, and more.
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🗺 About Snow Canyon State Park
How much time for Snow Canyon State Park?
Most first-time visitors of Snow Canyon State Park will be popping by for a short day trip from St George on their way to, or from, Zion National Park.
There is more than enough to see in Snow Canyon to consider staying overnight in the campground, but most of the top sights can be explored within an afternoon.
Snow Canyon State Park Entry Fee
The entry fee to Snow Canyon State Park is $15 per vehicle (accurate as of February 2023).
Snow Canyon Hours of Operation
Technically, all trails in Snow Canyon State Park are closed after 10pm and do not reopen until 6am. However, there is no gated entry and the road through the park remains open 24/7.
All hiking trails can still be accessed even though you are not allowed to be out on them after dark.
Top 10 Best Things to Do in Snow Canyon State Park
- Petrified Sand Dunes
- Jenny’s Slot Canyon
- Snow Canyon Sand Dunes
- Snow Canyon Lava Tubes
- Petroglyphs Slot Canyon
- Butterfly Trail
- Lava Flow Trail
- Petrified Sand Dunes Trail
- Gila Trail
- Johnson Canyon Arch
Quick Facts About Snow Canyon State Park
- Location: Southern Utah
- Established: 1958
- Size: 7,400 acres
- Annual Visitors: 499,195 (2019-20), 796,051 (2020-21)
- Hours: 6am-10pm daily
- Entrance Fee: $15 per vehicle (up to 8 people), $5 pedestrian/cyclist, $150 annual day use pass for Utah State Parks Pass.
Utah residents: $10 per vehicle, $100 annual Utah States Park Pass.
*Prices accurate as of February 2023
🗺 Maps of Snow Canyon State Park
You will find useful maps for your visit to Snow Canyon State Park below.
Snow Canyon State Park Trail Map
Below is the official park map showing the hiking trails within the park. You can find a downloadable version of this map on the Snow Canyon State Park website.
Interactive Google Map of Snow Canyon State Park
We’ve also put together an interactive Google Map of Snow Canyon State Park, featuring all of the sights and places we mention within this blog post. Click here or on the image below to open the map in a new tab.
📸 Best Things to Do in Snow Canyon State Park
The landscapes of Snow Canyon State Park are more diverse and astounding than those you will find in most of the country’s national parks. While this is not a popular opinion, we actually preferred the photography opportunities here than in neighboring Zion National Park.
Below is a list of the places you absolutely must see on your adventure through the park.
1. Petrified Sand Dunes
The absolute highlight and the primary reason you have to visit Snow Canyon State Park is to explore the incredible Petrified Sand Dunes. Walking amongst the sandstone, the surrounding scenery is sure to blow your mind and fill up your camera’s memory card.
The braided, twisting stone flows like water throughout this section of the park and appears as if someone just flash froze a river of sand. Tiger-striped rock decorates the distant hills, adding even more eye-candy to an already world-class landscape photography destination.
2. Jenny’s Canyon
Slot canyons are a fascinating desert marvel that appear throughout the Southwest region of the US. There are many in Utah and Arizona, but most are difficult to get to or require guides. In fact, southern Utah has the highest density of slot canyons in the world with over 1000.
While Jenny’s Canyon may not hold quite the grandeur of the famous Antelope Slot Canyons, it is absolutely worth the short half-mile hike.
If you love these natural marvels as much as we do, be sure to check out our Utah Slot Canyons Comprehensive Guide and learn more about all the canyons you can visit nearby!
READ NEXT:
THE 50 BEST SLOT CANYONS IN UTAH
3. Snow Canyon Sand Dunes
The sand dunes of Snow Canyon are not the large sweeping dunes that beckon photographers to visit, but they add a bit of intrigue to the otherwise craggily, orange scenery.
They are visible from the scenic drive and while a hike is available, it is not necessary.
4. Snow Canyon Lava Tubes
Whether you need to escape the hot desert sun or just want to do some underground exploring, the Snow Canyon Lava Tubes are worthy of an appearance on your park bucket list.
The lava tubes are not very deep, but the hike to them is beautiful whether you arrive via Butterfly Trail or Lava Flow Trail. Just make sure to bring a flashlight and a light jacket as the tube is very dark and quite chilly!
5. Petroglyphs Slot Canyon
Another slot canyon, but this one comes with the bonus of ancient drawings! Petroglyphs Slot Canyon is far narrower and less colorful than Jenny’s Canyon but is equally, if not more, impressive.
Be warned that finding this little treasure has become quite complicated in recent years as the once-easy access has been cut off due to crossing through private land. The official trail access goes through the Gila Trail in Snow Canyon State Park, but is an 8-mile roundtrip hike! There are other options still, but they vary in terms of legality.
🥾 Best Snow Canyon Hikes & Trails
As much as we would love to discuss every trail possible, there are 28 in total and we know as travelers ourselves that most visitors only have the time and interest in the best of the best. Below are the best and most popular hikes to do in Snow Canyon State Park on a 1-2 day visit.
6. Butterfly Trail
Distance: 2 miles roundtrip
The Butterfly Trail has it all! In just a little over one mile of hiking, you will encounter petrified sand dunes, lava flows, and a lava tube at the end.
Be ready for an exposed hike throughout as well as a bit of elevation change.
7. Lava Flow Trail
Distance: 2.5 mile roundtrip
As the name suggests, the Lava Flow Trail will have you traversing through a field of lava from a volcanic eruption more than 27,000 years ago!
This short hike provides beautiful panoramic views across the canyon before delivering you to three lava tubes. You’ll find many informative signs along the trail. Make sure you pack a flashlight as the lava tubes are dark.
8. Petrified Sand Dunes Trail
Distance: 1.4 miles roundtrip
Without a doubt, the Petrified Sand Dunes Trail is the best hike in all of Snow Canyon State Park. It is short, easy, and the visual rewards are incredible.
The trail to the dunes is well-marked and easy to find. There is only a minor elevation gain as it meanders up the sandstone hills.
Once you’ve hit the sandstone, the trail becomes trickier to follow but is no longer really necessary. Simply walk up the hills and you will be able to see the car park from there. Additionally, you can and should hike anywhere your heart guides you as long as you remain on sandstone. Do not shortcut through the softer and more delicate surfaces as the desert needs a lot of time to repair.
You can start this trail from Upper Galoot or the next parking lot just north.
9. Jenny’s Canyon Trail
Distance: 0.5 mile roundtrip
This is one of the shortest but sweetest hikes in Snow Canyon. Ok, the walk itself isn’t the most scenic and is entirely exposed to the harsh desert sun, but it is very short.
Be prepared to walk on extremely soft sand for about a quarter mile before you run into the rock wall. From there, turn left and follow the trail as it leads over a bit of rock. You will soon encounter a slot canyon with colorful walls and sponge-like textures in the rock.
If you see petroglyphs, don’t get too excited. These were drawn recently by someone with a rock and a sense of humor, but carry no historical significance.
Discover the best slot canyons in the world:
25 Epic Slot Canyons and Things to Do in Page, AZ
10. Gila Trail
Distance: 15.8 miles – one small section intersects with the old Petroglyph Slot Canyon trail.
The Gila Trail is a long and strenuous 15.8-mile trail that starts near the entrance and follows the rim of the Snow Canyon plateau. You can expect well-marked trails, outstanding views, and very tired legs on the Gila Trail.
We do not expect many readers to attempt this hike, nor did we, but it is on here because part of the Gila Trail intersects with non-traditional trails to the Petroglyph Slot Canyon.
Most hikers will only cover the stretch from the north entrance parking lot to the Snow Canyon Overlook, or will bisect it to reach the slot canyon.
11. Johnson Canyon Arch Trail
Distance: 1.7 miles roundtrip
*CLOSED SEASONALLY from March 15 – September 15 for tortoise conservation.*
You will be able to see the Johnson Arch from the trailhead, but the hike is still worth doing if time permits. This little trail is flat and easy but is only open in the autumn and winter months.
The trail will pass through lava fields and end at a 200ft arch.
🏃♀️ Other Hikes in Snow Canyon
- Pioneer Names (0.4 mile roundtrip) – Quick hike to see where pioneers wrote their names using axel grease. This includes Erastus Snow, for whom the park has been named.
- Three Ponds Trail (3.2 mile roundtrip) – Moderately short but challenging hike through deep sand and steep slopes. Ends at the mouth of a canyon where eroded holes often hold water, forming the small ponds for which the trail is named.
- Scout Cave Trail (4.4 mile roundtrip) – Located near the entrance to the park, this hike leads through lava fields and sandstone to a small cave.
- Whiterocks Ampitheater Trail (0.9 mile roundtrip) – Easy stroll to a section of white rock nestled amongst the reds and oranges of the rest of Snow Canyon State Park.
- Hidden Pinyon Trail (1 mile roundtrip) – An easy walk through the desert into the heart of Snow Canyon.
- Cinder Cone Trail (1.7 mile roundtrip) – This trail leads to the remnants of a volcano. Neat view from the ground but best enjoyed with a drone.
📝 Planning Your Visit to Snow Canyon State Park
The following section answers many of the questions you may have when planning your visit to Snow Canyon State Park. If you are considering spending only 1 or 2 days exploring, you will want to make sure you already have a well-crafted itinerary to ensure you see everything during your visit.
Best Time to Visit Snow Canyon State Park
The best time to visit Snow Canyon State Park is about an hour after sunrise. Prior to that, the sun will still be hiding behind the mountains and the colors will be muted.
Once the sun has cleared the ridge, you will be gifted with beautiful morning light that shines onto much of the park, including the Petrified Sand Dunes. The temperatures will also be cooler and the trails less crowded.
Evening golden hour into sunset is a great time to visit as well, but much of the more popular scenery will be in shadow at the day’s end.
Be aware that while Snow Canyon is technically open for traffic to drive through after dark, all of the parking areas close at 10pm.
How Many Days to Spend in Snow Canyon State Park
The casual visitor will only need one big day to see most of what they come to see. The majority of the hikes and popular attractions are short walks, so much can be seen with a well-planned day trip to Snow Canyon.
With that said, I recommend staying overnight in the reasonably-priced campground for those who are interested in photography and have the time.
With a second day in the park, you give yourself a lot more time to hike some of the longer trails and two cracks at sunrise/sunset.
Where to Stay / Camping in Snow Canyon State Park
There is a campground in Snow Canyon State Park with 14 spaces for RVs with water and electric hook-ups and 17 tent sites. Both have access to the restrooms and showers as well.
The campground is located just 2-3 minutes away from Petrified Sand Dunes, making it a great option for those wanting to catch early light at the dunes. We stayed one night there and found the self-pay easy to use, the facilities very clean, and the setting was beautiful! The photo above was taken at the campground exit, giving you some idea of what you can expect to see on your way out.
You can find current rates and make reservations by visiting the Utah State Parks website here.
Where to Stay in St George
St George is the nearest city to Snow Canyon and has a myriad of options for all budgets and accommodation types.
We stayed one night at the Ramada by Wyndham for only $60 in the summer of 2021, which seemed a fantastic rate for what was provided (including a nice buffet breakfast.)
However, it is always best to do a bit of price hunting and find the right deal for you. Browse current rates and reviews for accommodation in St George here.
📖 More Utah & US Southwest Guides
The two of us work very hard to create these free travel guides to help you plan your dream vacation. If you think we’ve done a good job and would like to say thanks, please consider clicking the donate button below 🙂
Chances are, you have discovered Snow Canyon State Park as part of a Southwest road trip through Utah and the bordering states.
If you found value and/or inspiration in this guide, you may want to load some of our other guides to nearby destinations:
- 35+ Incredible THINGS TO DO IN ST GEORGE
- All the Best UTAH SLOT CANYONS
- 25 INCREDIBLE THINGS TO DO IN KANAB, UT
- 50 Incredible CANYONS IN THE US for Every Southwest Road Trip
- All of the BEST THINGS TO DO IN PAGE, AZ
- Zion to Bryce Canyon Road Trip Guide
- The Windows Section – Arches National Park
- Grand Canyon North Rim
- Ultimate Guide to Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas
🙋 FAQs About Snow Canyon State Park
Find the answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding visits to Snow Canyon State Park.
Is Snow Canyon State Park worth visiting?
Snow Canyon is one of the most beautiful parks in all of Utah and is among the most overlooked destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and landscape photographers.
This small state park offers a wide variety of geological marvels and otherworldly landscapes that are definitely worth visiting.
What are the best things to see in Snow Canyon?
What is Snow Canyon known for?
The Petrified Sand Dunes are the best thing to see in the park, particularly at sunset. Other noteworthy stops include Jenny’s Canyon, Petroglyphs Slot Canyon, and the lava tubes.
It is also famous for the major Hollywood films that have been shot here, including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid among others.
Where can I watch sunset in Snow Canyon?
Because you are within a canyon, you will not be able to see the sun cross the horizon from most places in the park. The best destination is the Snow Canyon Overlook as this presents the highest vantage point.
Petrified Sand Dunes are also a great place to watch the colors change in the sky, though you will lose sight of the sun before it has actually set.
Why is it called Snow Canyon?
The park and canyon derives it name not from the climate as many think, but from an early pioneer named Erastus Snow whose name has been painted in axle grease and can still be seen today on the Pioneer Names trail.
💬 Final Thoughts on Snow Canyon State Park
The two of us work very hard to create these free travel guides to help you plan your dream vacation. If you think we’ve done a good job and would like to say thanks, please consider clicking the donate button below 🙂
As you can tell from the photos, Snow Canyon State Park is one of the most incredible places to visit in Southern Utah. Despite being an absolute visual marvel, we only stumbled across this treasure while looking for things to do in St George! Luckily, the fact that you are reading this means you won’t miss it!
As always, we like to end our guides by asking for your feedback.
If there is anything you have discovered to be inaccurate, confusing, or out of date, please let us know in the comments below!
Likewise, it puts a smile on our faces to read “thank-yous” and kind words if you have found this helpful.
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Dear Sophie & Adam,
Just found you incredible website. God bless you both for sharing this information rich site for all of us to explore. The quality & ease of use of this site is nothing short of spectacular. You are so kind to do this fine work & share it so freely. I wish you the best in your endeavors. And again, God bless you both!
Ken
P.S. I don’t expect a response or any comment. Please spend your time doing what you do so exceptionally well.
You are absolutely wonderful Ken! It is not often we receive such thoughtful words and that truly mean the world. We are currently fighting off sleep in an airport and reading this comment put a large smile on two weary faces 🙂 Thank you so much!
Hi! Excuse my questions:
– is it possible to visit Snow Canyon State park next April 2023?
– Is it possible to get to Petroglyphs Slot Canyon?
I will appreciate the information!
Snow Canyon is open year-round Carlos so yes, April is a fine time to visit! Getting to petroglyphs slot canyon is very difficult to do and is not available by tour. The only legal access is about 8-9 miles of hiking. There is a much shorter way but to to legal reasons, we cannot disclose more information than that.