🌤 Weather at Snow Canyon State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39–85 °F | 64–102 °F | 35–92 °F | 28–59 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at St George, 6 mi away, elevation 2,857 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
The park itself ranges from about 3,020 to 4,810 ft in elevation — higher ground runs cooler than the figures above.
The name is misleading. Snow is rare here—this is southern Utah desert country, where red Navajo sandstone towers meet black basalt lava flows in a geological collision that spans 180 million years. The “Snow” honors Mormon pioneers Lorenzo and Erastus Snow, not winter weather. What you will find: some of the most accessible and spectacular red rock scenery in the American Southwest.
Welcome to Snow Canyon State Park, a 7,400-acre showcase of geological drama where ancient sand dunes turned to stone, volcanoes erupted just 27,000 years ago, and slot canyons carved impossible passages through the rock. Located just 11 miles from St. George—Utah’s warmest city—Snow Canyon offers year-round hiking, technical rock climbing, and lava tube exploration in a landscape that has doubled for the Old West in countless films.
What Makes Snow Canyon Special
Lava Tubes
Explore volcanic caves formed 27,000 years ago—bring a flashlight and crawl through ancient tunnels.
Petrified Dunes
Walk on 180-million-year-old sand dunes frozen in stone—swirling patterns in Navajo sandstone.
Jenny’s Canyon
A short, family-friendly slot canyon—narrow walls towering overhead.
Hollywood Location
Film location for Butch Cassidy, The Electric Horseman, and many more.
Geology: 180 Million Years in the Making
Snow Canyon is a geological layer cake. The oldest formations—red Navajo sandstone—began as vast Sahara-like sand dunes during the Jurassic period, 180 million years ago. These dunes petrified, leaving the dramatic cross-bedded patterns visible today. Then, just 27,000 years ago (a geological eyeblink), the Santa Clara Volcano erupted, sending black basalt lava flowing over the red rock—a striking contrast of ancient and recent.
| Geological Feature | Age/Details |
|---|---|
| 🏜️ Navajo Sandstone | ~180 million years old; ancient petrified dunes |
| 🌋 Basalt Lava Flows | ~27,000 years old; from Santa Clara Volcano |
| 🕳️ Lava Tubes | Volcanic caves formed as lava crusted over |
| 🏝️ Island in the Sky | Sandstone mesa surrounded by black lava |
| 💧 Slot Canyons | Flash-flood carved passages (Jenny’s Canyon) |
Lava Tubes
One of Snow Canyon’s most unique features is its accessible lava tubes—volcanic caves formed when the outer layer of flowing lava cooled while molten rock continued flowing underneath. When the lava drained, hollow tubes remained.
| Lava Tube Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Access | Lava Flow Trail (1.5 mi round trip) |
| 🔦 Requirements | Bring flashlight/headlamp—mandatory |
| 📏 Tube Entry | Requires crawling through narrow openings |
| ⚠️ Difficulty | Moderate; not for claustrophobic visitors |
| 🌡️ Temperature | Cool inside—welcome relief in summer |
🔦 Lava Tube Safety
Bring a reliable flashlight or headlamp—the caves are completely dark. Watch for loose rocks. Some sections require crawling on hands and knees. Not recommended for those uncomfortable in tight spaces.
Hiking Trails
Snow Canyon offers over 16 miles of trails ranging from short family walks to challenging summit hikes:
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🕳️ Jenny’s Canyon | 0.5 mi RT | Easy | Short slot canyon; family-friendly |
| 🌋 Lava Flow Trail | 1.5 mi RT | Moderate | Lava tubes; black basalt landscape |
| 🏜️ Petrified Dunes | 1.0 mi RT | Easy | Walk on ancient sand dunes; sunset views |
| 🏝️ Hidden Pinyon Trail | 1.5 mi RT | Moderate | Canyon views; desert flora |
| ⛰️ Johnson Arch Trail | 2.0 mi RT | Moderate | Natural sandstone arch |
| 🥾 West Canyon Trail | 7.4 mi RT | Strenuous | Full canyon traverse; all ecosystems |
| 🌅 Whiterocks Amphitheater | 1.0 mi RT | Easy | White sandstone formations; photogenic |
🌅 Sunset at Petrified Dunes
The Petrified Dunes Trail offers one of the park’s best sunset experiences. The swirling patterns in the sandstone glow warm orange as the sun sets behind the canyon walls. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset for optimal lighting.
Rock Climbing
Snow Canyon is a popular destination for technical rock climbing, with routes ranging from beginner-friendly to extremely challenging. The soft Navajo sandstone provides excellent friction but requires careful protection placement.
| Climbing Area | Details |
|---|---|
| 🧗 Main Areas | Pioneer Names, Black Rocks, The Circus |
| 📊 Routes | 100+ established routes; 5.5 to 5.13 |
| 🪨 Rock Type | Navajo sandstone—excellent friction |
| ⚠️ Permit | Free climbing permit required at entrance |
| 📅 Best Season | Fall through spring (too hot in summer) |
Entry Fees
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| 🚗 Utah Residents | $15/vehicle |
| 🚙 Non-Residents | $20/vehicle |
| 🚶 Walk-In/Bike | $5/person |
| 🏕️ Camping | From $25/night |
| ⏰ Hours | 6 AM – 10 PM daily |
Camping
Snow Canyon’s campground sits amid the red rocks with excellent stargazing and convenient trail access:
| Accommodation | Sites | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 🔌 Electric Sites | 14 | 50-amp hookups; RV-friendly |
| ⛺ Standard Sites | 17 | Tent and small RV; no hookups |
| 🏠 Group Site | 1 | Up to 30 people |
🌌 Stargazing
Snow Canyon offers excellent dark skies for stargazing. The campground is far enough from St. George to avoid major light pollution. Spring and fall offer the best conditions—clear skies and comfortable overnight temperatures.
When to Visit
🍂 Fall (September – November)
Best season. Comfortable hiking temperatures (60-80°F). Clear skies. Excellent for climbing and photography. Book camping early for weekends.
Best for: Hiking, climbing, photography
❄️ Winter (December – February)
Mild by Utah standards—often 40-60°F daytime. Occasional rain/light snow. Excellent hiking weather. Fewer crowds.
Best for: Solitude, mild weather hiking
🌸 Spring (March – May)
Excellent. Wildflowers in March-April. Warming temperatures. Most popular season—expect crowds on weekends.
Best for: Wildflowers, climbing, moderate temperatures
☀️ Summer (June – August)
Hot—often over 100°F. Hike early morning or evening only. Lava tubes offer cool relief. Swimming at nearby Sand Hollow Reservoir.
Best for: Very early morning hikes, lava tube exploration
Wildlife
| Species | Where/When | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🦎 Chuckwalla | Rocky areas; warm days | Large desert lizard—harmless |
| 🐢 Desert Tortoise | Throughout; spring | Threatened species—do not disturb |
| 🐍 Sidewinder Rattlesnake | Sandy areas; warm months | Venomous—watch where you step |
| 🦅 Golden Eagle | Canyon cliffs; year-round | Nesting on sandstone ledges |
| 🐰 Jackrabbit | Open areas; dawn/dusk | Common; impressive ears |
Hollywood History
Snow Canyon’s dramatic red rock landscape has appeared in numerous films and TV productions:
| Production | Year |
|---|---|
| 🎬 Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid | 1969 |
| 🎬 The Electric Horseman | 1979 |
| 🎬 Hondo | 1953 |
| 🎬 Jeremiah Johnson | 1972 |
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Address | 1002 Snow Canyon Dr, Ivins, UT 84738 |
| 📞 Phone | (435) 628-2255 |
| 📏 Size | 7,400 acres |
| 🌡️ Climate | Low desert; mild winters, hot summers |
| 🐕 Pets | Allowed on leash (not in lava tubes) |
Getting There
- 📍 From St. George: 11 miles northwest via Snow Canyon Parkway (~20 min)
- 📍 From Las Vegas: 120 miles northeast via I-15 (~2 hours)
- 📍 From Salt Lake City: 310 miles south via I-15 (~4.5 hours)
- 📍 From Zion National Park: 50 miles west (~1 hour)
Nearby Attractions
- 🏞️ Zion National Park: Utah’s most visited national park—50 miles east
- 🏊 Sand Hollow State Park: Reservoir swimming and OHV trails—15 miles south
- 🎰 St. George: Utah’s “Dixie”—dining, shopping, golf—11 miles
- 🌵 Red Cliffs Desert Reserve: Protected desert tortoise habitat—nearby
💒 Elopements at Snow Canyon
Red and white Navajo sandstone formations create a natural amphitheater for desert elopements. Snow Canyon’s slot canyons, lava tubes, and petrified sand dunes provide dramatic backdrops that rival more famous Southwest destinations — at a fraction of the crowds.
A Special Use Permit ($60 — $10 application + $50 permit fee) is required for wedding ceremonies. The park charges $10–$20 per vehicle for entry. Rules mirror other Utah state parks: no live flowers, no confetti, no amplified music. Contact the park at least 30 days in advance.
Read our complete State Park Wedding Planning Guide for more Utah elopement destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Snow Canyon if there’s rarely snow?
The park is named after Mormon pioneers Lorenzo and Erastus Snow, not the weather. Snow is rare in this low-desert area near St. George, where winter temperatures often reach 50-60°F.
Are the lava tubes safe to explore?
Yes, but with precautions. Bring a reliable flashlight—the caves are completely dark. Some sections require crawling through narrow openings. Not recommended for those uncomfortable in tight spaces or with mobility limitations.
Can I hike in summer?
Yes, but only very early morning or late evening. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F. The lava tubes provide cool relief (they stay around 60°F inside). Carry extra water and avoid midday hiking.
Is Snow Canyon as good as Zion?
Different experience! Snow Canyon offers accessible red rock beauty with far fewer crowds than Zion. For lava tubes and petrified dunes, Snow Canyon is unique. Many visitors combine both parks—they’re only an hour apart.
Do I need a permit for rock climbing?
Yes—a free climbing permit is required and available at the park entrance. This helps rangers track activity and ensures climbers receive safety information about the soft sandstone.
Is the park good for families with young children?
Excellent! Jenny’s Canyon (0.5 miles) and Petrified Dunes (1 mile) are perfect for young hikers. The lava tubes appeal to adventurous kids (with adult supervision and flashlights). The campground is family-friendly.
🏜️ Utah’s Hidden Red Rock Gem
While the crowds flock to Zion, those who know southern Utah whisper about Snow Canyon. Here, 180-million-year-old sand dunes frozen in red stone meet 27,000-year-old black lava flows in a geological collision that stops visitors in their tracks. Crawl through volcanic tubes. Walk on petrified dunes as the sunset paints them orange. Squeeze through slot canyons. This is accessible wilderness—just 11 miles from St. George, worlds away from the ordinary.
📍 Address: 1002 Snow Canyon Dr, Ivins, UT 84738
📞 Phone: (435) 628-2255
Explore More Utah State Parks
Snow Canyon State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Utah. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Utah guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Sand Hollow State Park (a short drive away) or Gunlock State Park (a short drive away).
⛺ Camping at Snow Canyon State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 38 sites — 38 sites including partial hookups, tent camping, hike-in, and group camping (breakdown by exact type not itemized on this page). |
|---|---|
| Reservations | ReserveAmerica; bookable 48 hours to 4 months in advance online, within 48 hours walk-up only. Park phone 435-628-2255. |
| Special sites | Park Office & Bookstore located within the campground. |
| Season notes | Campground located 2 miles into the park on Snow Canyon Drive, tucked into orange sandstone cliffs. Hours 6am-10pm daily. |
Camping questions about Snow Canyon State Park
Can you camp at Snow Canyon State Park?
Yes. Snow Canyon State Park has 38 campsites. 38 sites including partial hookups, tent camping, hike-in, and group camping (breakdown by exact type not itemized on this page).
How do you reserve a campsite at Snow Canyon State Park?
ReserveAmerica; bookable 48 hours to 4 months in advance online, within 48 hours walk-up only. Park phone 435-628-2255.
Source: stateparks.utah.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Snow Canyon State Park
Park policy: The park's own FAQ answers 'Are dogs allowed in the park?' with 'YES. Dogs are permitted on all park trails and in the campground,' on a leash of 6 feet or less and under owner control. Staff tie that strict leash rule to the Mojave desert tortoises of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, which cannot tell a loose dog from a coyote and can dehydrate themselves defensively when a dog approaches.
- Pets allowed?
- Leashed dogs allowed on every park trail and in the campground
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft maximum leash required at all times
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- No statewide beach ban; rules vary by park - dogs are prohibited on the beach at Antelope Island, while Jordanelle has a designated area where dogs may swim off-leash
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in cabins and yurts at most parks (confirm with the park before reserving); additional lodging pet fees may apply
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No pet fee at standard campsites; additional fees apply for pets in cabins, yurts and cottages
- Park-specific rules
- Snow Canyon is a designated trail park inside the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, so you and your dog must stay on mapped trails at all times - off-trail travel can collapse tortoise burrows. The park asks every dog owner to follow its B.A.R.K. Ranger code: bag waste, always leash, respect wildlife, know where you can go.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Park-specific restrictions such as Antelope Island's Frary Peak Trail and Deer Creek water areas
- Dogs & wildlife
- Dogs must stay on a leash under 6 feet at all times — the park warns that an approaching dog can cause a desert tortoise to release its water reserve in self-defense, which can dehydrate and kill the tortoise.
Are dogs allowed at Snow Canyon State Park?
Leashed dogs allowed on every park trail and in the campground.
Beyond that, Utah’s statewide rules apply.
Rules verified July 2026 via stateparks.utah.gov. More: Utah state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
🐻 Wildlife at Snow Canyon State Park: What to Watch For — and Watch Out For
Worth watching for: Snow Canyon sits inside the 62,000-acre Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, and its most notable residents are the federally protected Mojave desert tortoise and the Gila monster — though the park says the probability of seeing either is small, with spring and fall the best windows for tortoises and April–May days the likeliest time for Gila monsters. Thirteen sensitive species protected by state or federal law live in the park, including peregrine falcons, and more commonly spotted animals include coyotes, kit foxes, roadrunners, quail, leopard lizards, and gopher snakes.
Watch out for: The park warns of rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, and coyotes: keep your distance, never handle or feed wildlife, and remember that all wildlife here is protected. Off-trail hiking is prohibited, in part because off-trail travel can collapse tortoise burrows and trap animals underground. Heat is the bigger everyday risk — daytime temperatures in July and August frequently top 105 F on exposed trails — and the July–September monsoon season brings flash flood potential, so check weather warnings before you hike.
Are there venomous snakes at Snow Canyon State Park?
Yes — see above for where they occur in the park and how to behave. Sightings are a normal part of a healthy park; incidents are rare when visitors keep distance and store food properly.
Wildlife information verified July 2026 via stateparks.utah.gov.
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