Learn
Are you interested in learning more about Snow Canyon State Park? You’ve come to the right place! Below are videos, activities, and handouts to make your next visit spectacular.
Jr. Rangers
Are you interested in becoming a Snow Canyon Jr. Ranger? Stop by our Visitor Center and pick up a ROCKIN’ Jr. Ranger Activity Book to start your adventure!
- If you are ages 6-8, complete at least six activities. Older than 9, complete at least ten activities.
- Pick up one bag of litter (rangers can give you a plastic bag if needed).
Once you’re done, take your booklet to a park ranger at our Visitor Center to get sworn in as an official Jr. Ranger!
If you would like to print off your Jr. Ranger book at home, use this link: Snow Canyon ROCKIN Jr. Ranger Activity Book
Books and badges are a $1 donation each. Thank you for helping us fund this program!
Dark Sky Resources:
In 2025, Snow Canyon was designated an Urban Night Sky Place by DarkSky International! Being a short drive from St. George and the surrounding communities allows us to connect visitors with a invaluable resource – the night sky. Astronomy events and other evening programs are offered seasonally; see our Events tab for schedule. Learn more about dark skies below:
- What is Light Pollution?
- Utah State Parks are Ideal for Stargazing
- Wild Areas Need Natural Darkness
- Bring Dark Skies Home
- Find an International Dark Sky Place
- What’s Up in the Night Sky Tonight?
Find more resources on Dark Skies under the Publications tab.
Rocky Rendezvous – Geology in Snow Canyon
Tag along with one of our Park Naturalists to learn more about rock types and geology in Snow Canyon State Park.
Our backyard in Southern Utah is considered one of the most unique landscapes in the world – the desert. Sandstone is the foundation of many types of desert landforms, such as arches, plateaus, and sand dunes. Once you can learn to interpret the natural forces that shape these landforms, you will be able to better appreciate this dry landscape, even down to the rocks.
This program was based on previous 2nd grade Utah Core Curriculum standards.
Rocky Rendezvous 2nd Grade Program Outline
Identification Guides
Animal Checklist
Snow Canyon is home to many different desert adapted species. During a day of exploration, visitors may see a Mojave Desert species like the Gila monster as well as a Great Basin species like the Great Basin rattlesnake! Keep your eyes open, stay on trails, and follow the posted speed limits for your best chance of seeing critters. Use the link below to download the guide:
Reptiles, Amphibians, & Mammals of Snow Canyon State Park Checklist
Plants of Snow Canyon
The park has a diversity of plants, with over 190 documented species occurring within the canyon. Elevation, temperature, and ecoregion overlap contribute to our wonderful flora. Use the link below to download the guide:
Plants of Snow Canyon State Park Checklist
Nature’s Bounty
To live in this region, earliest inhabitants of the area learned to use the natural resources available to them. From West Canyon Road, learn to identify a few of the canyon’s native plants and some of their traditional uses. Use link below to download the guide:
West Canyon Road Plant Guide – Nature’s Bounty
Activities
Write a Ranger
Do you have questions about Snow Canyon that you would like to ask a ranger? You can send it the old fashion way through the mail! This program allows families, groups, classrooms, and individuals to write a park ranger here at Snow Canyon State Park. This opportunity is designed to be flexible and fun for people of all ages and abilities!
- Write a letter including your name, age, and state/country. You may also include interests, questions, or specific things you want to learn about the park or local area
- Address your letter to the address below.
- Please include a self addressed and stamped envelope with your letter so the rangers can write you back!
Snow Canyon Naturalist
1002 Snow Canyon Dr.
Ivins, UT 84738
A ranger will read your letter and send one back in your provided self addressed and stamped envelope within a couple of weeks. Please keep in mind that this may vary based on mailing times. Happy writing!
Sand Dunes Bingo
Visit the Sand Dunes area and see how many features you can find. Four in a row is Bingo! Use link below to download the activity:
Sand Dunes Bingo Printable Activity
Make a ‘Big Dipper Star Clock’
(handout from Big Dipper Star Clock 2006, Astronomy From the Ground Up)
You don’t need a watch to tell what time it is at night as long as you can find the Big Dipper. Long before digital watches or even grandfather clocks, people used the sky to tell time at night. Follow their example and build a star clock that you can use to tell time by the stars. Use link below to download the activity:
Big Dipper Star Clock Printable Activity
Campfire Recipes!
Looking to spice up your next campfire cookout? Check out these yummy recipes before your next trip! Remember to follow current fire regulations and always put your fire out completely (drown, stir, repeat).