Snow Canyon State Park Things to Do

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There is one road that goes through the park. Even if you don't get out of the car (but you will) the short 3 mile drive is scenic and worth the detour.

If you enter from the south you will pass into a valley rimmed by red sandstone cliffs. Climbing up the valley you pass flows of lava, small slot canyons, sand dunes, rock hills and habitat for the desert tortoise and eventually just outside the canyon and park the remains of the cinder cones that provided the lava flows.

It is a beautiful place. Not big enough to compete with the nearby National Parks, but just as wonderful in its own smaller way.

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There is more than just geology here.

There are plenty of desert plants. Adapted to the harsh conditions of hot summer days, cold winter nights and very little water the plants are typical of the Great Basin and Mohave desert ecosystems of which Snow Canyon is a part.

There are the animals and birds. The Desert Tortoise is an endangered species. They are elusive, but can be glimpsed once in awhile. The road runner, desert hare, gambel quail, fox, numerous lizards and more leave their mark if you can't see them.

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You can get to this trail from hwy 18 outside the park. While most of the park is composed of the red Entrada sandstone, at the north end of the park the white Navajo sandstone crops up.

Similar to what is found further east in Zions the white sandstone has crosshatches of petrified sand dunes. The trail leads to a small natural amphitheater. There was a small waterpocket, and old dam, and quiet.

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This is one of my favorite parts of the park. Nothing huge or incredible to see, it is a quiet little stroll through the desert. You are surrounded by huge sand sage, grasses and petrified dunes, the trail is easy to follow and mostly sandy except when it crosses the rock dunes.

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I like to start here and walk down canyon to the Butterfly trail making around a 2 mile hike. This works if you can do a shuttle.

The Lava trail takes off across the top of the old lava flow. There are great views of the canyon and numerous lava features including an old collapsed lava tunnel.

You can continue on to the West Canyon trail, hike up to the White Rocks trail or take a short detour to the top of a sandstone hill for even better views of the incredible scenery.

If you continue to the Butterfly trail you are heading downhill.

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This is a fairly level dirt road (400 ft gain) off limits to motor vehicles. In the mornings you'll see runners and bikers taking this 4 mile scenic trail for fun and exercise. Hikers are not as common, but it is another great way to enjoy this canyon. It intersects with several of the other hikes and can be made into a longer hike and tour of the rest of the park.

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This short trail takes you past a small arch along a sandstone cliff, past tangles of mesquite and creosote to a panel of names that some pioneers made.

It is a nice desert stroll. Look for animal trails, wildflowers and listen for bird calls.

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There is plenty of sand in the canyon. A finely textured, soft coral colored sand. At one point it has gathered into dunes. It is a great place for the kids to play. Not in the hot summer time though then the sand is too hot to touch.
There is a picnic area where we ate breakfast. This area is one reason why I love picnics. It allows you to stop and just enjoy for a short time.