Snow Canyon State Park Travel Guide

 
by WinInZion
 
  •   Snow Canyon State Park
    by WinInZion
  • Jenny's Canyon - a wall at overlook
      Jenny's Canyon - a wall at overlook
    by WinInZion
  • Off 18 North, not in the Main Canyon
      Off 18 North, not in the Main Canyon
    by WinInZion
  • A wash just North of the N Entrance off 18.
      A wash just North of the N Entrance off...
    by WinInZion
  • View From Hidden Pinyon Trail
      View From Hidden Pinyon Trail
    by KimberlyAnn
 

Explore Snow Canyon State Park

Things to Do  

Jenny's Canyon

Jenny's Canyon, Snow Canyon State Park

 Segolily Says:  The one mile round trip hike into this small slot is closed at times due to its being prime desert tortoise habitat. It is dedicated to Jenny, a local woman who loved this little spot of heaven. It is a short hike, only about a mile long, but it can be very hot in the... 

Scenic Drive

Scenic Drive, Snow Canyon State Park

 Segolily Says:  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... 

Flowers and animals

Flowers and animals, Snow Canyon State Park

 Segolily Says:  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... 

White Rocks trail and amphitheater

White Rocks trail and amphitheater, Snow Canyon State Park

 Segolily Says:  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... 

Butterfly trail

Butterfly trail, Snow Canyon State Park

 Segolily Says:  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... 

Lava Overlook Trail

Lava Overlook Trail, Snow Canyon State Park

 Segolily Says:  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... 

West Canyon Road

West Canyon Road, Snow Canyon State Park

 Segolily Says:  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... 

Pioneer Registry

Pioneer Registry, Snow Canyon State Park

 Segolily Says:  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. 

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes, Snow Canyon State Park

 Segolily Says:  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... 

Johnson's Canyon

Johnson's Canyon, Snow Canyon State Park

 Segolily Says:  This is the only source of water in the canyon and is closed for part of the year to allow the desert animals a chance to get the water they need uninterrupted, since many of them are elusive and avoid human contact.Even during the time it is closed however you can take a... 

Restaurants  

Dinner at Red Mountain: Dinner at Red Mountain
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2 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

goingsolo 2750 reviews
Dinner at Red Mountain

Red Mountain Spa serves 3 meals a day, included in the price. Breakfast and lunch are buffets but dinner is a sit down meal.

Written Jun 12, 2004

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Transportation  

The Salt Lake International...
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1.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

aussie79 101 reviews

The Salt Lake International Airport is 29 miles from Snowbird Ski Resort. It takes approximately 40 minutes to get to the resort.
You will need some form of 4-wheel drive transportation. The last time I was there, we encountered avalanches on the road and had to take the long way! There are days chains are required to go up the mountain. Once you are up there, the best way up the mountain is on a chair lift or the tram.

Written Aug 24, 2002

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Warnings and Dangers  

Know These Rules Before You Hike

Know These Rules Before You Hike, Snow Canyon State Park

 KimberlyAnn Says:  1. Trail heads have designated parking areas, park only in these areas.2. Hike on designated trails only, do not bushwhack across the park or take short cuts cross country. 3. Dogs must be on a leash at all times, and are only permitted in the campground, on the West Canyon... 

Prevent forest fires or wildfires !!!

Prevent forest fires or wildfires !!!, Snow Canyon State Park

 Trekki Says:  Hope, the officials don’t mind that I place Smokey Bear here to warn of forest fires. But, during all my travels in US I was fascinated of the successful campaign of creating the bear as a “living figure” to give the message to prevent forest fires.So: wherever you are in... 

What to Pack  

Packing List
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aussie79 101 reviews

Luggage and bags: Your ski gear weighs so much, pack your personal stuff LIGHT!

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: hile skiing only wear one pair of socks. It seems odd to suggest this,
but actually I have found when I wear more than 1 pair, my feet will
get too hot, sweat, and then I'll be really cold. That is the worst.
Make sure to wear lots of layers if the temperature outside is less
than 25F. Anything warmer than 25F you can get away with only your
long underwear under your ski pants. A turtleneck is ideal while
skiing, it helps to avoid snow down your shirt if you fall.
Make sure your ski jacket has multiple zippers that open up (under the arms, chest, etc) Venthilation is very important while skiing. If you get too hot, again you will sweat. Sweating is bad because it freezes and then you are miserable.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Chapstick, sunblock, lotion. These 3 items are essential. You can actually get a sunburn while skiing so watch out. Windburn is also bad, so keep your moisturizer handy. If you have asthma, do not forget your inhaler. I usually forget mine in the car and then I have to hike back out for it and waste way too much precious skiing time.

Photo Equipment: If you are a good skiier, you can bring your good camera.....If not, bring a cheap disposable one that you will not cry over if you break it while falling. My uncle has perfected the art of skiing backwards while taking pictures of his kids. It's hard, but can be done.

Miscellaneous: Some other essentials: warm gloves, warm hat which covers your ears, and neck wrap or scarf, goggles (especially when it is snowing)or sunglasses (make sure you have a strap on your sunglasses or they will get lost when you fall). A waist pack (as dumb as they look, I know) is very helpful while skiing.

Written Aug 24, 2002

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Off The Beaten Path  

Zion National Park

Zion National Park, Snow Canyon State Park

 KimberlyAnn Says:  Of course, if you are in Snow Canyon, it is really you who are out of the way, and chances are you have been to Zion National Park already. If not, this popular National Park is about 53 miles northeast of Snow Canyon. Zion has spectacular sandstone cliffs and canyon... 

Cinder Cone - Outside Snow Canyon

Cinder Cone - Outside Snow Canyon, Snow Canyon State Park

 WinInZion Says:  There is a hike that is part of Snow Canyon yet located outside the main park. We found this in late April 2006 and did it on a fairly warm day. The trailhead is located on RT18, just before the turnoff for Diamond Valley. You park right on the hiway and look for a path of... 

Sports & Outdoors  

Technical Climbing
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3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

KimberlyAnn 1076 reviews
Snow Canyon State Park, Utah, in January

Technical climbing of over 170 designated routes is available in the park. See a ranger for a map of climbing areas and route information, as well as a list of seasonal closures. You may also email the park at snowcanyon@utah.gov for information on climbing in the park. If you are interested in taking climbing classes, or doing a climb with a guide, investigate Paragon Climbing. You may visit their web page listed below.

Updated Apr 4, 2011

Related to:
 National/State Park
 Mountain Climbing

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Favorites  

When to Visit the Park

When to Visit the Park, Snow Canyon State Park

 KimberlyAnn Says:  Hiking along the trails within the park may be enjoyed year round; however early spring and fall are particularly popular, as the weather is usually best then, allowing you avoid the hot summers. In the summer daytime temperatures can be too hot to enjoy the park fully,... 

Location of Snow Canyon

Location of Snow Canyon, Snow Canyon State Park

 Trekki Says:  It's said that Snow Canyon is not easy to find - however, it shouln't be that difficult.On the mapquest-made map you can clearly see how to get to there from Saint George:take the 18 (main road in western SGU) north, and simply wait to turn left at the sign. 

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Map of Snow Canyon State Park