Saint George, Utah is known for its temperate climate that allows for year-round hiking. This city is conveniently located at the edge of Zion National Park. The area has nearly limitless hiking possibilities and trails range in difficulty from easy to advanced.
Taylor Creek
The Middle Fork of Taylor Creek is a moderate out-and-back 5.2-mile hike into Kolob Canyon. This hike rises less than 500 feet in elevation. The hike features red stone and an abundance of greenery. The peak of the hike is at the Double Arch Alcove. Here hikers will find a large recess that was dug into the canyon stone by running water. The alcove is nearly as big as a cave and features stained, algae-covered stonewalls. Above the alcove is a large framing arch. The trailhead for the Taylor Creek hike can be found on Kolob Canyons Road past the Visitor's Center.
Hidden Pinyon Trail
The short 1.4-mile hiking loop around Saint George on the Hidden Pinyon Trail is an ideal location to take children for a hike. This hike, which is described as mildly strenuous, features plenty of rocks for children to scramble upon and an overlook of Snow Canyon State Park. The trailhead for the Hidden Pinyon Trail is on the west side of Snow Canyon Drive near the campground.
Cinder Cone Trail
One of the most advance hikes around Saint George is the Cinder Cone Trail. The top of the trail is on the rim of one of the area's cinder cones. These cones are part of the Santa Clara Volcano. This short 1 1/2-mile round trip hike is described as strenuous, with elevation gaining over 500 feet in the first three-quarter mile. The trail consists of lava rock and hikers are advised to wear boots and long pants to avoid injury.
Bulldog Knolls
Six miles outside of Saint George in the town of Shivwits is Bulldog Knolls. From the peak of Bulldog Knolls, hikers have views overlooking the lower Great Basin Desert. This six-mile hike has an elevation of 920 feet, climbs to 3,366 feet above sea level and is considered a moderate hike.
Three Ponds Trail
For an easy out-and-back hike, head to the Three Ponds Trail near Saint George. This four-mile hike is best during the fall through the spring. The trail is well marked and features few rocky ridges. The entire hike gains less than 150 feet of elevation. Appropriately named, the Three Ponds Trail ends with three ponds. The first and largest one is at the base of a wide sandstone rock while the other two are sunken into the sandstone.
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