Go ahead, and take that deep breath when you first see the contrasting red rock and green trees that surround St. George, Utah. The visual power of the cliff-walled city is almost reason enough to visit, but there is much to do when coming to the capital of Utah's Dixie region. You'll be able to experience the area on your feet, on your bike, in your boots and in your car. Whatever things you'll do in St. George, it's the reds and greens you'll remember.
Take a Hike
Take in the variety of trails offered in St. George. Even without going to nearby Zion or Bryce National Parks, the plateaus and mesas are dotted with trails for easy walks or challenging hikes. Snow Canyon State Park and the Red Cliffs Desert Preserve are two nearby locations where trails are formally developed. Surrounding Dixie National Forest and Bureau of Land Management public lands also host trail and hiking opportunities.
Zion National Park
Step into the icy Virgin River with your watertight dry suit, and hike one of the few National Park trails situated in a river. More than a mere fording, this famous trek through the "sandstone Yosemite" takes you for nearly a mile in the water between two towering rock cliffs and away from the crowds. It's one of the most challenging things to do in St. George with river depths sometimes reaching waist high.
Bike a Cliff
Challenge yourself to bike the cliffs of St. George. Inspirational views and breathtaking challenges await your ride into the red rock. Even with the city a safely close distance, the trails take you away from civilization and into the desert. Whipping through canyons and mesas will get the adrenaline flowing, and resting will allow for a visual feast. There are four major trails in St. George: Gooseberry Mesa, overlooking Zion National Park; Snow Canyon State Park with trails for multiple skill levels; and the Barrel Roll and Green Valley trails.
Natural and Human History
See natural and human evolution in the various nature preserves and archaeological sites in St. George. Petroglyph messages left by ancient indigenous peoples mark many sacred locations in the sandstone. The highest sandstone cliffs in the world, St. George claims more species of vegetation than the State of Hawaii. This land has a visible Jurassic history with fossils and remnants of life before humans traversed its lands and Europeans arrived in the Western Hemisphere.
Ironman
Test your endurance and strength in the annual internationally sanctioned Ironman competition held the first week of May every year in St. George. Taking advantage of the good spring weather and visually unique setting, the Ironman competition has drawn over 1,300 competitors for the grueling eight-hour run, ride and swim triathlon.
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