Towering sandstone bluffs, stunning desert views, and unique geology are all part of what makes up one of Utah's most tranquil parks. Snow Canyon State Park is an outdoor adventurist's paradise, featuring 7,400 acres of sandstone cliffs and a fragile desert environment. Located in the 62,000-acre Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, Snow Canyon State Park is a habitat to the federally-protected desert tortoise that you must see on your RV trip. You'll have countless opportunities for outdoor recreation in this colorful desert landscape. From hiking and photography to wildlife viewing and nature studies, Snow Canyon State Park offers a vast array of outdoor activities.
The sensational sandstone cliffs of Snow Canyon State Park are breathtaking. You will enjoy basking in the desert air while being surrounded by coyotes, leopard lizards, quail, and vegetation such as sand sage and desert willow. There are 13 sensitive species in the park that are protected by state and federal law.
Once you park your rig at Snow Canyon State Park you can journey out onto one of 13 trails dotted throughout the park, or simply soak in the beautiful views that surround you at the campground. RVers can rest easy at one of the 14 standard sites, or reconnect with nature at one of the 17 multi-use sites. The campground is open year-round, and temperatures are mild during all four seasons. So, there's never a bad time to aim the motorhome towards Snow Canyon State Park and unwind for a while.
Located in southwest Utah near the Nevada border, Snow Canyon State Park is a great place to visit if you're looking to be one with nature without going too far off the beaten path. The park is easy to access by RV or car, with its location eight miles north of St. George, Utah on State Route 18 -- just a hop, skip, and a jump away from major Interstate 15.
Once inside the park, local roads take you wherever you want to go, from the park entrance and Visitor Center to the campground and trails. There are no driving restrictions inside the park for RVs or trailers, but all visitors must abide by the 25 mph speed limit to avoid collisions with the park animals.
Walking in the area is to be done on specific trails due to the main road being used for vehicle traffic only. If you wish to just take a leisurely stroll, try out Jenny's Canyon, which is a half-mile, easy route with few slopes and steps. This trail is great for children and leads to a short, sculpted slot canyon.
There are several parking options for RVs and trailers, with 16 lots throughout the park. You are able to find spots at the Ranger Station, both park entrances, the Visitor Center, recreational facilities, and several trailhead locations.
Snow Canyon State Park features 24 pet-friendly campsites for tents and RVs year-round. Fourteen of these campsites provide access to electricity and water, while the others offer no hookups. Amenities at this campground include showers, comfort stations, and a dump station. Each site has a paved site, fire ring, and picnic table.
No matter where you stay inside the park, you'll be surrounded by beautiful views of red rock, cliffs, and sand. Some sites provide partial shade, while others offer no shade whatsoever. You will be close to the trails and recreational activities. Quiet hours should be observed from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. As long as your rig is 40 feet or less in length, you'll have no problem fitting in at this campground.
Campsites 1 to 14 are narrow and do not guarantee that you will be able to use your awnings or slide-outs. Reservations are available for individual campsites on a four-month rolling basis. You may stay up to 14 days at one time within any 30-day period, although this may be extended by the park manager.
Only unreserved campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis at Snow Canyon State Park.
If you want to learn more about the history of Snow Canyon State Park and the surrounding area, park your campervan at the Visitor Center and stroll around the exhibits inside. There is a wealth of knowledge to discover at the Visitor Center that will teach you all about the park's history, geology, and wildlife. Plus, if the rangers are available you can ask them any questions about the park or wildlife that call the area home.
If you want to learn more about the wildlife that lives in Snow Canyon State Park, then you'll enjoy a talk with a park ranger. Throughout the year the park holds various nature talks and programs. One of the popular ranger talks is the Great Horned Owl. Learn what they eat, where they live in the park and other fantastic information about them. This free talk will captivate your inner curiosity and show you all you didn't know about the Great Horned Owl, along with other animals of the park.
Snow Canyon Park is home to several species of birds, some of which are federally protected, so be sure to pack those binoculars in your Airstream. Some of the many birds you may encounter include Bewick's Wren, Gambel's Quail, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, and Roadrunners. Roadrunners are able to run up to 20 miles per hour and are the fastest flying birds, so keep a keen eye out for them. One popular trail that is only open from mid-September to mid-March is Johnson Canyon. This two-mile easy yet mildly rocky slope trail takes you to a canyon of willow and cottonwood where the birds migrate during the months the trail is closed.
If you couldn't snag a spot to camp at Snow Canyon State Park, don't fret. There are numerous alternative RV camping options just a stone's throw away from the park. The closest option is Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. Although nearby, this may not be the best option. To access the campground, guests and their vehicles must pass under two tunnels -- both with a maximum length and width limit of 12 feet. Other RV camping options in the area include Gunlock State Park to the west and Quail Creek State Park to the east. Both of these parks are under a half an hour drive from Snow Canyon and offer a few primitive RV campsites. Those looking for more options can head a bit further east and park at Zion National Park. Here visitors will find hundreds of RV- and trailer-friendly sites, some of which offer electrical hookups.
If you're camping with a crowd, Snow Canyon State Park offers two group campsites. The group sites are open year-round and reservations can be made up to four months in advance.
The Cottontail Group Site can accommodate up to 35 people and six vehicles. The sites are equipped with picnic tables, stand up grills, and a fire ring. Guests should be aware that this sandy area provides no shade whatsoever but does offer a spectacular view of the red cliffs surrounding the site.
The Quail Group Standard Site is a bit larger than the Cottontail Group Site and is able to accommodate up to 50 guests and 20 vehicles. There are picnic shelters, fire rings, and stand up grills available to guests, along with 30-amp electrical hookups. Restrooms and comfort stations can be found near both campsites.
Snow Canyon State Park is an excellent place to bring your bike and cruise out onto the desert trail. Once you park your pop-up you can cycle down the Whiptail Trail, which is an easy, level trail with some slopes, offering six miles of pavement along the canyon bottom. You'll be treated to incredible views of the famous red sandstone and sagebrush as you cycle along the path, just be aware of other hikers and bikers. This trail is accessible for all types of bikes and is also ADA-accessible. You may also cycle on West Canyon Road, and on any of the Paradise Canyon Trails.
For the avid equestrian or those who are looking to try something new, Snow Canyon State Park offers trail rides to add some adventure to your camping trip. All of the equipment is provided, including the horses. All you'll need are some comfortable clothes and a sense of adventure. Reservations are required for this amazing scenic and memorable event. If you want to know what trails are available for horseback riding, get in touch with one of the rangers or call the park ahead of time.
You will want to toss your good hiking boots into your Sprinter since there are 13 hiking trails to choose from at Snow Canyon State Park that range from easy to difficult. If you're just looking for an easy stroll or hike, check out Pioneer Names. This half-mile trail showcases pioneer names that have been written there since the 1880s. For a more difficult hike, cruise on over to Red Sands, which will take you through parts of Hidden Pinyon and mesmerizing sandstone cliffs. Dogs are only permitted on the West Canyon Road and Whiptail Trail.
