ashenSt. George, Utah, is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise with a variety of activities to explore. The site is dedicated to adventure travel so that’s where we’ll be focusing on. Located in Southwestern Utah, the things to do in St George covers almost every area of interest for an adventure traveler. Stick with us as we take you canyoneering, rock climbing and kayaking across this splendid landscape.
Hiking in Zion National Park
Hiking in Zion National Park is an unforgettable experience, with its dramatic cliffs, narrow canyons, and stunning vistas. Check out these hikes that you can enjoy at Zion National Park. You can start with Angels Landing which is a 5.4 mile round trip. One of the most famous hikes in Zion, Angels Landing offers breathtaking views but also demands a head for heights. The last half-mile involves a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs on either side. Chains are bolted into the rock to help hikers with the ascent. This is only recommended for the seasoned folks due to the difficulty. The views are worth the climb. Next, you can try out The Narrows which is a unique hike where you wade through the Virgin River, flanked by towering canyon walls. The round trip is about 9.4 miles and categorized as moderate to strenuous.
If you are a beginner, definitely try Riverside Walk which is an easy, scenic walk along the Virgin River. The paved path leads to the start of The Narrows, and you can enjoy views of hanging gardens and towering cliffs along the way. Another easy to moderate hike is the Emerald Pools. This is a family-friendly hike consisting of a series of pools and waterfalls. The trail can be adjusted to fit your schedule, with options to visit the Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools. The scenery is lush and serene, especially after rain.
Rock Climbing in Snow Canyon State Park
Rock climbing in Snow Canyon State Park is a thrilling experience, offering climbers of all skill levels the chance to tackle unique sandstone formations in a stunning desert setting. Known for its striking red and white Navajo sandstone cliffs, the park offers a variety of climbing routes, including sport climbing, traditional climbing, and bouldering. The best time to climb in Snow Canyon is in the spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. Definitely not the scorching Summer. A few popular climbing areas are Island in the Sky, The Circus Wall, The Sand Dunes and The Pioneer Names. Island in the Sky is the best one for both beginners and experts because the climbs here are well-bolted.
It offers a range of sport routes on solid sandstone. For those into bouldering, The Sand Dunes area offers a variety of challenges on soft sandstone. The bouldering is such that it offers plenty of opportunities for dynamic moves and creative problem-solving. The Circus Wall on the other hand is only for the seasoned climber. The routes are steep and technical, with some requiring strong finger strength and endurance. The area is well-known for its high-quality rock and scenic views. If you are a total newbie, better to hire a local guide. You can also camp in the park at a cost of around $15-$20/night.
Canyoneering in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve
Canyoneering in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve offers an adventurous and immersive experience in Southern Utah’s unique desert landscape. The Reserve, located near St. George, is known for its striking red rock formations, narrow slot canyons, and diverse wildlife. The Reserve features a mix of scenic desert landscapes, including colorful sandstone cliffs, slot canyons, and rugged terrain. Canyoneering here isn’t just bouldering or climbing rocks, it also involves scrambling, rappelling, and sometimes swimming. Some popular routes are Red Reef Canyon, Babylon Arch and the Virgin River, Leprechaun Canyon and Rock Canyon. Red Reef Canyon is one of the most accessible canyoneering routes in the Reserve and the ideal one for beginners and intermediates. The hike starts along the Red Reef Trail and leads into a narrow slot canyon with small waterfalls, pools, and rock obstacles.
You’ll encounter sections where you’ll need to climb, wade through water, and possibly rappel down short drops. It is a 3.5 km route and the best time to visit is the off season(Oct-Mid March). Next you can try Babylon Arch and the Virgin River. This 2.2 mile route takes you through the scenic Babylon area, where you’ll explore slot canyons, natural arches, and the banks of the Virgin River. The canyoneering involves navigating tight squeezes, downclimbs, and possibly rappels, depending on water levels. If you have a 4 wheel drive, you can get to the camping area and then hike the rest 1.5 miles. The trail is rocky and non uniform.
The advanced climbers can try the Leprechaun Canyon. The canyon features a series of tight slots, tricky downclimbs, and challenging rappels. The hike gets narrower and narrower as you progress. It’ll take at least 2 hours to complete and also make sure to bring a headlamp. Rock Canyon is another choice if you don’t want to risk hiking in narrow areas. But it provides plenty of challenges, including a few exciting rappels and the scenery is spectacular, with colorful rock walls and views of the surrounding desert.
Kayaking or Paddleboarding on Quail Creek State Park
Kayaking or paddle boarding on Quail Creek State Park offers a serene and scenic experience in Southern Utah’s desert landscape. Quail Creek Reservoir, the centerpiece of the park, provides a perfect setting for water-based activities, with its clear, warm waters and stunning surroundings. Quail Creek State Park is located just 15 minutes northeast of St. George, Utah. The park is centered around the Quail Creek Reservoir, a 600-acre lake with calm waters ideal for various water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and swimming. The park is known for its year-round warm temperatures and is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. If you don’t have your own kayak or paddleboard, you can rent them at the park or from nearby outfitters in St. George or Hurricane.
Rental shops often provide all necessary gear, including life jackets and paddles. Perhaps the best views in St George are experienced while kayaking/ paddle boarding here. As you paddle across the reservoir, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding red rock cliffs, distant mountains, and the vast desert landscape. The contrast between the blue water and the red sandstone formations is especially striking. You can also fish, explore hidden coves and witness the area’s wildlife. There is a day-use fee to enter Quail Creek State Park. The fee is typically around $15 per vehicle. The warm, clear waters of the reservoir are perfect for swimming. There’s a designated swimming area near the main beach where you can cool off after paddling.
Paragliding at Hurricane Ridge & Rappelling at Dixie Rock
Paragliding at Hurricane Ridge offers an exhilarating experience, combining the thrill of flight with breathtaking views of Southern Utah’s stunning landscape. Located near Hurricane, Utah, Hurricane Ridge is a popular spot for paragliding due to its favorable winds, open launch sites, and panoramic vistas. There are three launch sites namely West Rim Launch, North Rim Launch and South Rim Launch. Hurricane Ridge is known for its strong thermals and consistent ridge lift, which are crucial for gaining altitude and extending flight time. The best seasons for paragliding at Hurricane Ridge are spring and fall, when the weather is mild. Make sure to bring your paragliding and safety gear.
Rappelling at Dixie Rock, also known as the Dixie Sugarloaf or simply “The Rock,” is a popular outdoor activity in St. George, Utah. Located in Pioneer Park, just off Red Hills Parkway, this iconic red rock formation is a favorite among locals and visitors alike for its accessibility, scenic views, and the thrill of rappelling down its sandstone cliffs. The cliffs of Dixie Rock vary in height, with the most popular rappelling spots ranging from 30 to 80 feet. These heights make it an excellent place for those new to rappelling, and for others looking to practice their skills. The sandstone provides good friction, and the routes are typically straightforward, with natural ledges and cracks to help guide your descent. Bring along your rappelling gear and consider hiring a guide if you are an amateur.
Summary
These are just a handful of places we deemed to be the most enjoyable and engaging of all the locations in St George. You can also take a hot air balloon ride, go mountain biking on Gooseberry Mesa and go off-roading in a good four wheel drive. What else do you need to know when heading off to a full-on adventure travel like this?
- Always check the weather before heading out, as rain can make canyoneering dangerous.
- Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Dehydration is the last thing you want to face.
- Some areas in the Reserve may require permits for canyoneering, so be sure to check local regulations before heading out.
- Bring a detailed map or GPS device, as some routes can be challenging to navigate. The canyons can be disorienting, getting lost is easy without proper guidance.
- Bring along the appropriate gear, clothing and other accessories as mentioned before. Ex: the right shoes, sunscreen etc.
- Last but not least, always follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the fragile desert environment.
