Southern Utah's largest city, St. George sits amidst a stretch of red rock cliffs in the state's desert southwest. Many scenic hiking trails also provide views of wildlife such as chipmunks, buffalo, Mojave desert tortoise, desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, hawks, eagles, falcons and wild turkeys. St. George's winters are mild, allowing hikers to explore the trails year-round, although spring and fall are the best seasons to hike. Aside from hiking, other recreation in the area includes biking, climbing, golf, horseback riding, boating and fishing.
Natural Features
St. George is a hiker's paradise because of natural sights along its pathways and trails with panoramic viewpoints, alpine mountains, sand dunes, rock formations, canyons and streams. Hikers can choose from a variety of trails from the alpine wilderness of Pine Valley Mountain or the canyons of Snow Canyon State Park.
Signal Peak
Signal Peak from Pine Valley is a strenuous 11-mile loop trail just south of Pine Valley. Trail features include an incredible vista overlooking the vast expanse of southeastern Utah. The trail begins at the Browns Point trail head, accessible by driving past Pine Valley town toward the Pine Valley Campground.
Cinder Cone Trail
Cinder Cone Trail is another popular trail in St. George, according to the Utah Travel Guide. The loop trail spans 1.5 miles and, though short, is rated as strenuous. The trail features two cinder cones situated almost within the north and south boundaries of the Snow Canyon State Park. The trail is steep and has an elevation gain of more than 500 feet, with much of the surface consisting of bare lava rock. When hiking this trail, wear hiking boots for protection against sharp rock. Access to the trail head is on the east side of the road, a mile north Snow Canyon Drive.
Lava Flow Overlook Trail
The Lava Flow Overlook Trail is a 2-mile hiking trail with a difficulty level rating of moderate. Located in the Snow Canyon State Park, this trail offers a panoramic viewpoint of the West Canyon Overlook and petrified dunes. Access the trail head located about a mile south of the Snow Canyon Drive.
Butterfly Trail
Visit the 7,400-acre Snow Canyon State Park for its 16 miles of hiking trails that feature canyons, rock formations and sandstone cliffs. Hike the Butterfly Trail within the park; the trail has a moderate level rating and is a 2-mile loop trail that connects Petrified Dunes Trail and Snow Canyon Drive to the Lava Flow Overlook Trail. Meander through the trail's rugged terrain with features like lava tubes and a sandstone rock formation that looks like the shape of butterfly wings. The Butterfly Trail Junction can be accessed next to the Petrified Dunes trail head.
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