St. George is located in southwestern Utah on the Arizona border, a hidden gem you have yet to explore. It's home to some of the best landscapes in the American West. From the Pine Valley Mountains to the Mohave Desert to Zion National Park, it isn't short of a destination for avid outdoors enthusiasts, families, and thrill seekers. With mild and mostly snow-free winters, it's a haven for climbers, hikers, bikers, golfers, and more. There are lots of activities in and around St. George that a wide range of visitors can indulge in.
Explore this guide to make the most of your visit to St. George, Utah, by discovering the top 20 activities for an unforgettable experience.
01 Explore Snow Canyon State Park
Located in the 62,000-acre Red Rocks Desert Reserve in Utah, Snow Canyon State Park is a hidden gem with various activities such as hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and horseback riding. It features a canyon carved out of the white and red sandstones of the Red Mountains. It offers diverse trails for both experienced and beginner hikers and bikers. If you're looking to explore in your car, take a drive on Snow Canyon Road to enjoy the stunning landscape. For avid campers, you are not left out. The park offers several RV sites and multi-use campsites. Experience camping in a serene environment surrounded by ancient lava flows and stunning red Navajo sandstone.
02 Visit the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area
The Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, just north of St. George, Utah, lies in a unique area that serves as a transition zone between the Mojave Desert, the Great Basin, and the Colorado Plateau. It was established by the U.S. Congress in the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 to ensure the protection of cultural, historical, natural, educational, ecological, and wildlife resources found in the area. The reserve is home to a variety of plants and animals, including exclusive species, and was created to protect the endangered desert tortoise and other wildlife that need preservation in the harsh environment. Also, with more than 130 miles of designated hiking and biking trails, you can hike or bike to the stunning red sandstone cliffs.
03 Enjoy the Views of Pioneer Park and Dixie Rock
Pioneer Park is a large natural playground consisting of sandstone cliffs, caves, slot canyons, and many other areas to explore. Pioneer Park's standout attraction is The Crack, a fascinating narrow split in the rock that stretches approximately 40 yards. It is a great destination for families looking to introduce kids to the excitement of canyoneering and the beauty of nature. The Crack, located just a short 33-mile hike from Pioneer Park, offers a kid-friendly experience with a quick and easy one-way trail that can be completed in under 30 minutes. Photographers looking to take panoramic photos of the city can hike up the large dome rock known as Dixie Rock. It offers stunning views of the city of St. George. It's a relatively short hike, so whole families can enjoy it.
04 Indulge in a variety of Hiking and Outdoor Activities
St. George offers endless outdoor and hiking opportunities for visitors interested in outdoor activities. You can hit one of the many hiking trails available for an unforgettable experience. Some of these include Scout Cave, Lava Tubes, Jenny Canyon, and Hidden Pinyon Trails. You can enjoy ATV rides on the sand dunes located a short drive off St. George or spend a day at the many lakes surrounding the city. If you're interested in watersports. You can rent boats and paddleboards at Snow Canyon State Park for a more relaxed and laid-back experience.
05 Enjoy Prehistory at St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm
The St. George dinosaur discovery site at Johnson Farm is a museum in St. George that preserves thousands of fossilized dinosaur footprints. Besides the fossils, you should check out the life-sized models of prehistoric animals and the fossil preparation lab. Dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages and families looking forward to learning and having fun would feel just at home being here by exploring the region's fascinating paleontological past on a guided tour.
06 Enjoy Art at Kayenta Art Village
Discover the artistic charm of Utah through a visit to the Kayenta Art Village. At the heart of the Kayenta community in Ivins, Kayenta Art Village is an enclave of art galleries, theatres, studios, gift and coffee shops, and restaurants. Here, you can enjoy photography events, pottery classes, yoga, fine arts, gourmet food, and coffee. Also, mark your calendar, as each October, the Kayenta Art Village hosts a popular three-day art festival that attracts art lovers and families. The event features a wide range of art, beautiful desert views, food vendors, a beer and wine garden, live music, and the renowned Xetava Café and Tapas Bar.
07 A Thrilling Theater Experience at Tuacahn Amphitheater
Tuacahn Amphitheater is a large open-air amphitheater located in St. George. The stage's rear is open to expose you to the stunning desert landscape and 1,500-foot red rock cliffs in Padre Canyon, leaving you with an unforgettable experience. Attendees can enjoy live animals, pyrotechnics, and possibly even a simulated flash flood for a magical evening under the stars.
08 Indulge in Outdoor Activities at Virgin River
The Virgin River flows out of Zion National Park and makes its way through St. George. You can observe the river from viewpoints along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. You can also go kayaking, fishing, tubing, and swimming in the river. The park offers numerous swimming holes for swimming, but only downstream near Springdale is tubing permitted. Additionally, the Virgin River Location is a haven for nature lovers, providing a wide range of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and camping. The hiking trails offer breathtaking views, ancient sites, and hidden waterfalls suitable for all skill levels. Mountain biking paths vary from easy to challenging, catering to riders of all abilities. Campers can opt for basic riverfront sites or fully-equipped campgrounds with facilities like picnic areas and fire pits, guaranteeing a memorable outdoor adventure for everyone.
09 A Day Visit at St. George Temple
St. George Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located in a city block close to the charming St. George's historic district. It is the oldest temple still in use by the church and was first established in Utah. You can take a walk in the beautifully manicured gardens, sit by the fountains, and enjoy the stunning views. If you are into architecture, marvel at the beautiful castellated Gothic-style construction of the temple.
10 Experience Ultimate Relaxation At the Historic Downtown St. George
Historic Downtown is in the center of the city, with banners marking the district as a great visitor hub to explore a wide range of dining options, shopping opportunities, accommodations, and popular attractions. The vibrant downtown boasts civic sculptures and meticulously preserved historical buildings. These historical structures include the library, courthouse, children's museum, and tabernacle. Downtown St. George is filled with a variety of different restaurants, each offering different foods. From Asian food to Mexican food, pizzas, and Southern Utah's best cuisine, you will find a lot of delicious places to eat in the heart of all the action. For a tasty and one-of-a-kind dessert experience, make sure to visit Sweet Rolled Tacos or Zeppes, beloved by locals.
11 Explore Silver Reef Ghost Town
Silver Reef is a ghost town in Washington County, Utah. Situated 18 miles north of St. George, the ghost town features a historic museum showcasing various displays and artifacts for visitors to explore. It was established when John Kemple discovered silver in a sandstone formation. Several mining operations happened in the town, but they did not last long. Fire disasters, labor disputes in the mines, and the decline in the price of silver led to the decline of the town. Besides exploring the ghost town, visitors can also explore the surrounding red-rock country. Birdwatching, hunting, backpacking, biking, and fishing are some of the activities available.
12 Take Your Children to St. George Children's Museum
The St. George Children's Museum is a nonprofit children's museum in St. George. It looks to provide engaging and vibrant activities that invite children and families to discover, imagine, and create. Each exhibit is designed to expand young people through exploration and active engagement. In addition to exhibits, they offer year-round classes in music, storytelling, language, and science.
13 Visit Sand Hollow State Park
Sand Hollow State Park is located near St. George in southwest Utah. It is famous for its red sand beaches, stunning red rock formations, and a large reservoir spanning 1,322 acres. The park offers a wide range of activities suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The water reservoir is a popular destination for swimming and water sports due to its warm waters from May to September. It also attracts fishing enthusiasts for its abundant catches and ATV riders for its open sand dunes and technical trails.
14 Enjoy a Day in Zion National Park
Zion National Park is located in southwest Utah, near Springdale. Explore its breathtaking views, stunning canyons, and towering cliffs to enjoy the best landscapes Utah has to offer. Zion National Park is known for its vast canyon, with Zion Canyon being the main attraction. The canyon is around 2,000 feet deep and provides an unforgettable hiking experience for hikers. It is also home to multiple species of birds, mammals, and reptiles, making it a great location for a scenic drive-through.
15 Climbing at Moe's Valley Bouldering
Moe's Valley is a sandstone bouldering area located a few minutes west of St. George, Utah. It provides a great stop for climbers passing through St. George. With lots of fun, moderate, and easily accessible climbing, it should be on the list for every climber visiting St. George. Moe's Valley is a hidden gem for climbers, with routes suitable for all levels of expertise. There is no fee to visit the location as long as visitors maintain cleanliness and carry out their trash. To ensure well-kept trails, local climbers organize an annual bouldering competition and trail maintenance event. It is important to stay on designated paths to protect the desert ecosystem.
16 An Afternoon Chill Out at the Red Hills Desert Garden
Red Hills Desert Garden is a Xeriscaped botanical garden in St. George, covering almost 5 acres. It is renowned for its collection of rare plants and preserved fossil tracks in a water-conserving landscape. It was established with the aim of educating visitors about irrigation systems and proper watering techniques. It showcases a variety of water-efficient plants, a stream with native and endangered fish, a replica slot canyon, and prehistoric dinosaur tracks that are 200 million years old. Furthermore, it provides free admission, and visitors can take a relaxing stroll.
17 Camping at Quail Creek State Park
Quail Creek is a state park in Utah featuring a 600-acre reservoir. It is available for both day visitors and overnight guests. It offers guests a wide range of activities, such as boating, fishing, camping, and paddleboarding on the calm Quail Creek Reservoir. Known for its warm waters, the reservoir attracts visitors all year round. It also offers year-round camping with views of Utah's stunning red-rock country. Its proximity to Zion National Park makes it an ideal choice for an excursion before or after exploring the wonders of Zion Park.
18 Hike to the Bowl, Also Known As the Vortex
The Vortex is a unique bowl-like formation high on a sandstone mountain east of Gunlock, Utah. The entire hike to the vortex is littered with unique rock formations, making it a stunning climb. A red sandstone staircase helps you climb to where the Vortex is located. For hikers looking for a moderate challenge with a rewarding journey, it is definitely worth a try. It is also a popular birding destination, and you can enjoy watching different birds while hiking up the trail.
19 Enjoy a Day at Thunder Junction All Abilities Park
Thunder Junction All Abilities Park is a wonderful destination suitable for visitors of all ages, offering a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone. It was specifically planned, designed, and constructed to provide opportunities for the special needs communities living within Southern Utah. Its ground is covered with soft, durable padding, making accessibility easier for visitors in wheelchairs. However, it provides opportunities for the whole family and not only for special-needs individuals. It boasts a captivating dinosaur-themed environment, offering wheelchair-accessible playground equipment, a climbing wall, a splash pad, and a quarter-scale train on a 2700-foot track. Additionally, don't miss the water play areas in the park for a fun experience.
20 Go Biking at St. Georges Major Trails
St. George offers numerous different experiences for bikers of all skill levels. From trail rides, cross-country, technicals, and downhills to family bike paths, It also has a variety of landscapes to ride through. Low desert, red rock, slick rock mesa tops, aspen-lined lakes, and flower-covered meadows will ensure you have an exciting time riding around St. George. You will also find bike rentals in town, so there is no need to worry if you can't carry your own bike. Some of the best trails to hit include the Mayor's Loop, the Virgin River Trail, and the Santa Clara Trail.
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