Snow Canyon State Park getting more popular as southern Utah destination: What to know
When winter snows cap the Navajo red and white sandstone cliffs of Snow Canyon State Park, it makes for a memorable image.
Located near Ivins, the park has enticed more than 800,000 visitors a year, and it is well-traveled each winter – for the most part, if there is snow it stays on top of the park’s prominent peaks.
Here are four things to know about this southern Utah park.
Snow Canyon is for hiking, rock climbing and more
The park is busier than it used to be. There were about 300,000 visitors per year at the end of the 2000s.
In any season, the park offers myriad activities, from hiking to biking to horseback riding. The 3-mile Whiptail Trail is paved and runs along the canyon floor. It’s one of the more popular trails for biking in the St. George area. Mountain biking is also accessible on West Canyon Road toward the south end of the park.
The park has 16 miles of hiking trails, about 180 technical rock climbing routes and horseback riding trails. Opportunities are available for park visitors to experience rock climbing or trail ride on horseback with a guide.
Snow Canyon's lava beds available to tour
The black lava beds offer a stunning contrast against the red and white sandstone. Tours through the two lava tubes are available, and there are new exhibits at the park headquarters in the campground. Exhibits include the plants, wildlife, geology and human history of Snow Canyon.
Snow Canyon is home to desert tortoises, other wildlife
The geologic formations of Snow Canyon can’t be understated, and neither can the wildlife. Only in Snow Canyon can you find the mixture of desert tortoises, gila monsters, coyotes and kit foxes.
Year-round, the park offers educational opportunities through the scorpion programs, guest speakers, star gazing and more. A calendar of events for the park can be found at www.stateparks.utah.gov/parks/snow-canyon.
If you go: Park admission fees
With daily admission fees, park visitors also may purchase annual passes that gain them access into not only Snow Canyon but all state parks. For an annual fee it’s $125 for Utah residents and $65 for Utah residents 62 years old or old. For others, it is $175. Visitors going through the park can also purchase a day pass for $10, which is only good at Snow Canyon. Day passes can be purchased online. Visit Snow Canyon online for more information.
This article originally appeared on St. George Spectrum & Daily News: Snow Canyon State Park getting more popular
