Snow Canyon State Park

Camping

Is there camping at Snow Canyon and should I make a reservation?

• YES.  Camping is available year-round at the 38-unit campground; reservations are recommended during peak seasons and can be made by phoning 1-800-322-3770 or online at www.stateparks.utah.gov. Reservations can be made 48 hours to 4 months in advance online; Camping within 48 hours is walk up only.

Can I camp somewhere else in the park other than the campground?

• NO. Backcountry camping is not permitted in Snow Canyon.

Hiking

Why can’t I hike off-trail?

• Staying on the trail protects the park’s natural resources.  Off-trail hiking damages fragile desert plants, disrupts cryptobiotic crust that holds the sandy soils in place and can collapse burrows wildlife depend on for shelter from the hot desert sun. Additionally, footprints remain for a long time and encourage other visitors to hike off trail – this eventually leads to a network of illegal trails that damages resources and detracts from the beauty of the park. Staying on designated trails is also safer for visitors.
• An off-trail dog has a much higher chance of coming nose to nose with a venomous animal.

Why is Johnson Canyon closed seasonally?

• The closure protects sensitive wildlife and the habitat critical to the area. The closures occur during active feeding and breeding seasons.  Johnson Canyon is closed March 15th through September 14th except by ranger-guided hikes.

What animals can I see and where and when can they be seen?

• Spring and fall are the best seasons for viewing wildlife. Wildlife most commonly seen throughout the park are rock squirrels, antelope ground squirrels, desert cottontails, ravens, scrub jays, turkey vultures, whiptail lizards and side-blotched lizards. Less frequently seen wildlife residents are desert tortoises, Gila monsters, snakes, falcons and owls.

Where can I see a desert tortoise?

• Tortoises are occasionally encountered throughout the park. Spring and fall are the best seasons for encounters since tortoises are in underground burrows during summer and winter. Keep an eye on the roadway and follow the posted speed limit signs. Baby tortoises are small and can look like rocks!

There’s a tortoise in the road, what do I do?

It is unlawful to harass or collect tortoises, but if you see one crossing the road and can safely move it out of harm’s way, please follow these steps:

• Stop your car in a safe place.
• Slowly approach the tortoise, noting the direction of travel.
• Pick it up using both hands and hold it in its normal walking position, level to the ground.
• Carefully carry it across the road in the same direction, taking it at least 50 feet from the roadway.
• Report your observations to park staff.

Are there rattlesnakes in the park?

• There are 11 species of snakes in the park. Only two are venomous species: The Great Basin rattlesnake and Mojave sidewinder. Snake encounters in the canyon are rare. Snakes are typically just as afraid of people as most people are of them and will attempt to flee unless they feel threatened.

Can I rent bicycles in the park? NO, but there are multiple bike rental companies throughout St. George and Ivins.

Are e-bikes allowed? YES. All posted speed limits apply. Riders are encouraged to watch our online safety and etiquette video and follow seasonally posted signs.

More information about E-bikes in Utah.

Where can I ride my bike?

In the main canyon: Snow Canyon Drive; the paved Whiptail trail; and West Canyon.

In Paradise Canyon: All trails except for the interior portion of the Gila trail which is impassable to bikes.

Note: Bikes are not allowed on the Johnson Canyon trail.

Are dogs allowed in the park?
YES. Dogs are permitted on all park trails and in the campground.

At all times they must be:

• leashed (6ft max)
• in their owners control
• on designated, mapped trails
• all waste scooped, bagged and thrown away in a trash receptacle

Why do dogs have to stay on leash?

• Snow Canyon is a part of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, a conservation area for Mojave desert tortoises. The reserve and the park have a trail law, where people and pets need to stay on designated, mapped trails at all times. Off-leash dogs can disrupt habitat, vegetation and wildlife.
• Tortoises cannot differentiate between domestic dogs and coyotes. An off-leash dog sniffing around causes significant distress to an already vulnerable species.
• There are two types of rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, scorpions and spiders that call this canyon home. An off-leash dog has a much higher chance of coming nose to nose with a venomous animal.
• Rules and regulations are put in place after careful consideration. We strive to provide diverse recreation opportunities while balancing the goals of preserving the resource and keeping visitors safe.
• Safety of all our visitors (including the four-legged variety) is important to us. While this is a Utah State Park wide regulation, Washington County also has a leash law which we abide by.

Photographing Sunrises and Sunsets: Where is the best spot for photographing sunrises and sunsets?
The best place in the park is at the Snow Canyon Scenic Overlook off of SR-18. The overlook is located one mile south of the north exit of the park on the west side of SR-18.

Petroglyphs: There are several sites along the Gila Trail, however, it is an 8-mile roundtrip hike.

The best places to see petroglyphs are on Federal BLM lands: Interagency Office at 345 East Riverside Dr. (St. George).

Phone 435-688-3200 for more information.