Road Trip Itinerary- Southwestern Utah

Looking to get outdoors, but just don’t know where to go? Here is the first of many trip itineraries we are providing to help you explore Utah and enjoy Utah’s state parks.

I-15 Corridor:

Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum- Fillmore
Frontier Homestead State Park Museum – Cedar City
Sand Hollow State Park – Hurricane
Snow Canyon State Park – Ivins

Day One:
Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum is Utah’s oldest existing governmental building. In anticipation of Utah’s statehood, early pioneer Brigham Young directed construction of the building as the state’s capitol. Only the south wing was ever completed. The existing portion was finished in time for the December 1855 meeting of the Territorial Legislature, which was the only full session held in the old statehouse. In December 1858, the seat of government was returned to Salt Lake City.

Walk through the museum and take a glimpse into Utah’s history.  Enjoy photos, antiques and historical items from the late 19^th century. Two restored pioneer cabins and an 1867 stone schoolhouse are also located on the grounds.  Enjoy a picnic on the lawn and walk through the All-American Rose Society Garden.

Further along I-15 is Frontier Homestead State Park Museum.  The museum tells the story of development in Iron County when in the 1850s, Brigham Young sent Mormon missionaries here to mine and process iron. Museum displays include horse-drawn vehicles used from 1850 to 1920 and a collection of pioneer artifacts. An iron industry exhibit features the only known remaining artifact from the original foundry – the town bell.

In addition to the permanent collections, changing special exhibits highlight artists from the local region, as well as rarely seen artifacts from the museum’s collections. Other items of interest include historic buildings, Paiute native camp, sawmill and replica blast furnace. Spend the night in Cedar City or continue to a campsite at Sand Hollow State Park in Hurricane.

Day Two:
With its warm, blue waters and red sandstone landscape, Sand Hollow State Park provides recreation opportunities for nearly every visitor from boaters and off-highway vehicle(OHV) riders, to triathletes. Boat and fish on Sand Hollow Reservoir, explore the dunes of Sand Mountain on an OHV, then RV or tent camp in one of several campgrounds.

Westside Campground offers full hook-ups of water, sewer and electricity, barbeques, firepits, tables and cabanas at each site. Restrooms and showers are available.

Sand Pit is the OHV accessible campground located along the south short of the reservoir. The 30-site campground has six sites with water and electrical hook-ups and five large group sites. Restrooms and showers are available.

Primitive camping is available along the east and south shores. Picnic tables and pit toilets are available.

Day Three:
Snow Canyon State Park is quietly tucked amid lava flows and soaring sandstone cliffs in a strikingly colorful and fragile desert environment. Visitors marvel at majestic views and the subtle interplay of light, shadow and color dancing across canyon walls.

Located in the 62,000 acre Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, established to protect the federally listed desert tortoise and its habitat, the park offers opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Activities include hiking, nature studies, wildlife viewing, photography, camping, ranger talks and junior ranger programs. Snow Canyon offers more than 38 miles of hiking trails, a three-mile paved walking/biking trail, technical rock climbing and more than 15 miles of equestrian trails.

Spend the night in one of 14 RV sites with water and electrical hook-ups or choose from 17 multi-use sites with restrooms and showers. Join the park naturalist for an evening hike or stargazing program. Due to the popularity of the park, camping reservations are highly recommended.

Road Trip Tips:

• Bring water and snacks
• Create a new playlist for your iPod
• Carry a map, emergency kit and blanket
• Take a few surprises for the kids- new books, puzzles, etc.
• Tell someone where you’re going, route and when you plan to return