Snow Canyon State Park Things to Do

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Hidden Pinyon Trail is rated moderate, and is one and a half miles long. You walk over rocky slopes and natural rocks along a path that is sandy, sometimes to the point that it is almost similar to walking on a beach. The description of this trail stated that there were drop offs, but I thought the drop-offs were pretty mild. This is a self-guided nature trail and is a good introduction to the geological features of the park, as well as the native plants that live in the park’s desert environment. The trail is shaped something like a balloon, with the first part like the string, followed by a loop (the balloon part), leading back to the string like part of the trail, then back to the parking area. Hidden Pinyon may be our favorite hike in the park. The rock formations, mountains,and colors were beautiful. The trail is called Hidden Pinyon because near the end there is a sign that there is a hdden pinyon tree present, can you find it? My husband didn’t see it, but I spotted it. But the tree isn’t the reason to hike this trail, rather it’s the beauty of the area.

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Not much to say about this awesome park. Spend a nite in St George and a day at Snow Canyon

There are several easy hikes here. I've done Johnson Arch, Three Ponds and played on the petrified dunes and in the Lava beds

Johnson Arch trail is outside the south entrance in the parking area. This is a must do and it's flat and easy. Ask the ranger on duty if you can't find it.

A real nice walk is to park at Upper Galoot and just walk back into the hills. I've been in this area several times and I like the solitude and the rock formations. This is easy and has never been crowded when I've been there.

Three Ponds is a little more difficult. You'll be walking in a stream bed and it's exposed and sandy. I like this when the weather is cool, I would not do it in the Summer.

Just parking in any of the areas and walking around is a lot of fun. Spectacular scenery in any direction. Enjoy!

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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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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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Johnson Canyon is one of the trails within the park that is only open seasonally. Usually this trail is open from November 15 to March 1 only. An easy, two miles trail, with some rocky slopes and steps. This trail winds through ancient lava flows and red sandstone rocks to a sheltered canyon, and an arch spanning 200 feet, which can can seen high up on one of the red rock walls.

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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.

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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.

Are the trails groomed?

* To get all the above information call either the main switchboard at Snowbird, our main number - open 24 hrs a day, 365 days a year: 933-2222 from Salt Lake City, Utah or 1-801-742-2222 elsewhere.

* Or call the updated current weather/ski line: 1 (801) 933-2100 (toll free from Salt Lake City)

The base elevation where the Lodges are is 8000 Feet

The Elevation at the top of the mountain, where the tram is, is: 11000 feet.