Sands, Slickrock and Lava Tubes: Exploring Snow Canyon State Park From Head to Toe

Getting there from base camp

From Jellystone Park™ Zion in Hurricane:

• South Entrance (Ivins): about 22 miles, ~37 minutes via I-15, Red Hills Parkway and Snow Canyon Parkway.
• North Entrance (SR-18): about 25 miles, ~36 minutes.

These are free-flow, approximate estimates.

Pro move: enter at the south and exit at the north, or the other way around. Snow Canyon Drive runs the full length of the main canyon. Your day pass also covers the outside lots at Cinder Cone, Whiterocks, Gila, Snow Canyon Scenic Overlook and Chuckwalla.

The geology in one minute

You don't need a degree to read this canyon.

• Navajo sandstone: ancient wind-blown dunes turned to stone. Look for cross-bedding lines on the Petrified Dunes.
• Kayenta sandstone: you'll see it near the Scout Cave trail.
• Lava flows: the Lava Flow trail crosses a 27,000-year-old lava flow.
• Cinder Cone: an extinct volcano that helped shape the canyon and its black lava flows.
• Basalt-capped cliffs: these were once valley bottoms.
• Moqui marbles: small iron balls on the Petrified Dunes. Photograph them and leave them in place.

Key takeaway: in one morning you can walk on frozen dunes and then on lava. Few parks give kids that contrast so close together.

Family-friendly trails, from easiest to biggest payoff

Distances are round trip, from Utah State Parks' hiking page and September 2026 trail brochure.

Jenny's Canyon (0.5 mi, easy, about 20 min)

The official brochure calls it a "great children's trail." A sandy path and a dry wash lead to a short sculpted slot canyon. Watch for owls, ravens and peregrine falcons nesting in the slot.

Petrified Dunes (1.2 mi, moderate, about 40 min)

Navajo sandstone slickrock you can explore freely. Once you're on the rock, you may roam the sandstone. It's one of the park's designated scrambling areas. There's little shade.

Pioneer Names (0.5 mi, easy, about 20 min)

Pioneer names written in axle grease, dating back to 1881. It has the most shade of any hike in the park, plus a small arch.

Sand Dunes (0.5 mi, easy, about 15 min)

A giant red sandbox. Kids can roam the dunes freely. A small roadside lot gives quick access, and it's a good spot for a picnic.

Tortoise Walk (0.3 mi, easy, about 10 min)

ADA accessible. A wide, compacted path ends at a 4,200 lb granite tortoise sculpture. It's a great stroller option.

Lava Flow and the lava tubes (2.5 mi, moderate, about 1.5 hr)

The headline trail. It crosses uneven black lava rock to two lava tubes, at the 3rd and 4th education signs.

• Bring flashlights. No glow sticks.
• Wear sturdy shoes. Lava rock is sharp and uneven.
• Pair it with the Butterfly Trail (2 mi) for a sandstone staircase and the West Canyon Overlook.

Johnson Canyon (2 mi, easy, about 1 hr)

Closed every year March 15 to September 14 to protect wildlife, except on ranger-guided hikes. In the open season, it leads to Johnson's Arch, about 200 feet across. After steady rain, a waterfall may flow. Check current conditions before you go.

Cinder Cone (about 1.5–2 mi, difficult, about 2 hr)

For older kids and adults. Climb about 500 feet to the top of an extinct volcano on loose lava clinkers, with no shade.

Key takeaway: with young kids, do Jenny's Canyon, Sand Dunes and Petrified Dunes. With older kids, do the Lava Flow tubes and Cinder Cone.

Dark sky photography in Snow Canyon

Snow Canyon is a designated Urban Night Sky Place, just minutes from St. George.

How to plan a night shoot

• Mind the hours. Day-use hours end at 10 p.m. Plan your sunset-to-stars window inside that.
• Scout in daylight. The Petrified Dunes and the Sand Dunes give you clean silhouettes against the sky.
• Bring a red-light headlamp to protect your night vision, plus a tripod and layers. Desert nights cool fast.
• Check the moon. Shoot near the new moon for the Milky Way.

Base camp play: hike in the morning, rest through the heat of the day, then drive back for blue hour. You'll still be back at Jellystone Park™ Zion before the late campfire burns down.

Timing, heat and wildlife

• Summer: Utah State Parks advises avoiding hiking from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the hottest months, and says daytime temperatures in July and August frequently top 105°F. Carry 32 ounces of water per person, per hour. Hot ground is hard on paws and small hands.
• Spring and fall: this is the best desert tortoise viewing. Babies can look like rocks.
• Fall and winter: this is prime hiking weather, and Johnson Canyon is open from Sept 15 to Mar 14.
• Snakes: 11 species live in the park. Only two are venomous, the Great Basin rattlesnake and the Mojave sidewinder. Watch where you put your hands.

People also ask

Sources & official links

• Snow Canyon State Park (Utah State Parks) · Current conditions · Park fees
• Hiking · Know before you go · Trail guide & map (Sept 2026, PDF)

Facts were checked on November 10, 2026. Drive times are approximate and assume no traffic. This guide is published by Jellystone Park™ Zion and is not affiliated with Utah State Parks. Book now.