Tucked away in southwestern Utah near the border of neighboring Arizona, St. George is where breathtaking landscapes converge. Parts of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert are situated in St. George, which is also adjacent to the Pine Valley Mountains. With such diverse geological areas, the city naturally serves as a prominent destination for scenic hikes and nature trails. Book a stay at one of many St. George vacation rentals such as rustic cottages, luxury townhouses, or spacious, modern condos today. Set out on these incredible hiking trails perfect for families with kids in St. George, Utah.
1. Lava Flow Overlook Trail
For awe-inspiring panoramic views of vistas and rock formations, venture onto the 2-mile round trip Lava Flow Overlook Trail. Even though it is a moderately challenging path, the trail is well-worth the slight difficulty since it allows hikers to catch a spectacular glimpse of the Petrified Dunes and canyon.
2. Temple Quarry Trail
An approximately 2.5-mile round trip hike, the Temple Quarry Trail is easy as the way is mostly flat. However, there are some stairs at the beginning as well as the middle of the trail. Those who hike on Temple Quarry Trail should look forward to seeing small, beautiful lava rocks and a wide, sweeping view of the city.
3. Petrified Dunes Trail
Although only a one-mile round trip hike, the Petrified Dunes Trail is rated as moderately difficult because some parts of it consists of rough, rugged terrain, which were created by mountains of sand that used to flow through the area. The trail is known for its stunning Navajo sandstone. The Upper and Lower Galoots is just north of the trailhead featuring areas designated for picnics.
4. Hidden Pinyon Trail
Ideal for families with older children who enjoy a moderate challenge, the Hidden Pinyon Trail, which is below the Petrified Dunes, offers a somewhat strenuous 1.5-mile hike. The trail itself is sandy, as well as rocky and uneven. Above the West Canyon bluff is the Hidden Pinyon Overlook boasting magnificent views of the bottom of the canyon.
5. Johnson Canyon Trail
Starting off at the mouth of Snow Canyon State Park is the Johnson Canyon Trail. The trail is considered relatively short and easy on account of it only being a two-mile round trip. Despite its quaint size, Johnson Canyon Trail boasts impressive sights like black lava flows, a natural spring, and the iconic red rocks that region is renowned for. The trek concludes with a lovely arch spanning 200 feet.
6. Whiptail Trail
While Whiptail Trail is a 6-mile round trip hike, the journey is smooth and straightforward on account of the paved path. Following the bottom of Snow Canyon State Park, Whiptail Trail ultimately leads to a picnic area and substantial sandstone island that children enjoy playing on.
7. Three Ponds Trail
Three Ponds Trail is situated south of the Hidden Pinyon Overlook Trail, and north of the Petrified Dunes Trail. Spanning 3.5 miles as a round trip, Three Ponds Trail begins in the middle of Snow Canyon State Park and connects to several other major trails. The level of difficulty is moderate, so be sure to pack plenty of snacks and water. The end of Three Ponds Trail is an enclosure of towering, 400-foot canyon walls.
8. Chuckwalla Trail
In proximity to residential areas, the Chuckwalla Trail in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve remains a popular hike for locals. Without venturing too far from your vacation rental, you can easily hike on the Chuckwalla Trail as it is less than a mile in length. Continue onto connecting trails like the Halfway Wash, Paradise rim, Turtle Wall, and Beck Hill trails to tack on a few more miles on the overall expedition. Along the trails, visitors can expect to see wildlife like hawks, roadrunners, eagles, and cottontail rabbits, as well as rock formations, vistas, and arches.
9. Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site
Just south of St. George, the historic Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site lies on the Arizona Strip. This easy, 1-mile trail is perfect for a short day hike since the path is small and has spectacular views. The trail wraps around hundreds of boulders and sandstone that are covered in ancient rock carvings that date back thousands of years. Observe well-preserved remnants of history on your quick jaunt.
10. Cinder Cone Trail
Rated as relatively strenuous, the Cinder Cone Trail is a steep, 1.5-mile round trip hike with bare lava rock, as well as an abrupt elevation that swiftly climbs to 500 feet. However, the resilience is a fair trade-off, considering the trail’s name derives from the fact that it leads to the rim of gorgeous cinder cones. Within Snow Canyon State Park’s boundaries are two cinder cones. Moreover, as a fragment of the Santa Clara Volcano, these cinder cones produced the lava flow that covers the majority of the area. It is recommended that visitors wear sturdy hiking boots and pants while trekking on this trail. There is also a small area along the path where hikers can step aside to catch their breath.