St George, Utah: Better than Zion?

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St George, Utah

Alright, time for an unpopular opinion...

We think St. George and its surrounding state parks are just as breathtaking as Zion National Park and dare we say, maybe even better!

Sure, Zion boasts epic landscapes, but it also comes with shuttle lines, crowded trails, and parking challenges. But St. George offers beautiful hikes, slot canyons, epic mountain biking, vibrant art scenes, and awesome ATV adventures without the crowds.

We planned a trip to St George as a backdrop for our annual Someday Crew gathering. We loved it there! So keep reading because we're prove that the beauty of Utah goes way beyond the national park boundaries.

St George: small Parks & big views

St George City Parks

Wanna hike or mountain bike with a view. St George has many city parks with excellent hiking and biking trails and free parking. Check out the city's Parks and Trails Explorer for details.

The hike Angie and I took when we first arrived started at Brooks Nature Park, a small neighborhood city park. But the views from this hike was anything but ordinary!

Pioneer Park

Pioneer Park is proof that you don’t have to go to Zion National Park to explore a slot canyon or wade in waist deep water!

The St. George Narrows is a fun, narrow slot canyon. It is a short, easy hike, but a very narrow slot. The slot is a hundred yards long and 20-30 feet deep, but it is only 1-2′ wide at its tightest points! So if you go you will have to suck it in!

Inside the park is also one of the most popular hikes in St George with panoramic views of the city; Climbing the Sugarloaf also known as Dixie Rock is an easy hike. It’s open 24/7 so it’s a perfect place for a sunrise or sunset overlooking St George

Red Cliffs Desert Reserve

Red Cliffs Desert Reserve is a sprawling 60,000 acres which also includes the national conservation area. You will find jaw dropping scenery and protected species of wildlife seldom seen elsewhere.

There are over 130 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails just waiting for you. Check out the trail map to find the best trail for you!

St George Surrounding Area

Snow Canyon State Park

Just 10 minutes north of St. George lies Snow Canyon State Park. This park is a red rock wonderland perfect for hiking, biking, and even exploring lava tubes. This state park has over 38 miles of trails with an average rating of 4.5 on alltrails.

Don't miss Jenny's Canyon, a short and slot canyon hike that’s only a half mile long and perfect for everyone.

Whiptail trail is an easy paved walking/biking trail. It spans through most of the park and is a great way to see a variety of scenery including lava flows and ridges and sandstone cliffs. Several of the parks trails connect to the paved path. Whiptail extends outside the park and through St George. Dogs are permitted on this trail.

Gunlock State Park

About 15 miles northwest of St. George, Gunlock State Park offers a serene reservoir perfect for boating and fishing. But the real standout feature is the red rock waterfall.

The waterfall is actually dam spillway that releases excess water from the reservoir. Most dams have ugly, concrete spillways. Not only is this one beautiful, but very rare. When the reservoir fills to a high level usually due to spring runoff or winter thaws, water spills over the dam and cascades down the cliffside rocks, creating the beautiful waterfalls. You can check out the website to see if the water is flowing before you head to the park.

This park also has several hiking trails, cottage rentals and a campground! The campground has 30 sites with electric and water for $20-35 per night.

Sand Hollow State Park

Located about 15 miles east of St. George, Sand Hollow State Park is an adventure lover's paradise. This is the place for dazzlin red rock formations, red sand beaches and a 1,322 acre reservoir. Enjoy water activities like paddleboarding and cliff jumping, or rent an ATV to explore the nearby sand dunes. Rentals are available for any of these activities.

You can also hit up one of their trails while in the park for a hike or bike ride.

This park offers 4 campgrounds with 130 sites for $30-$75 per night depending on the season and hookups.

St George Art Scene

St. George's art scene is vibrant and colorful, with murals adorning buildings throughout downtown and art on almost every corner. Even the utility boxes are beautiful! While we were visiting they had an event downtown and many of the artists were sitting with their art installations. So we could ask them questions about their piece.

St George installs 25 art pieces each year throughout the city. So its always fresh, new and beautiful. Download a map of the outdoor sculpture gallery so you know what to look for.

You can take a leisurely walk through town and discover pieces like the murals and installations on nearly every corner and street!

Off-Road Adventures

For a unique perspective of the area, we took a Zion Jeep Tour. This ride allowed us to tour the surrounding areas of Zion, offering panoramic views and access to lesser-known spots that most visitors don't get to see.

We got to see old volcanos, ancient rock art and several breathtaking overlooks. it was an experience that combined fun & adventure with the rich history of the area. So, if you're looking to explore the hidden treasures near Zion without the crowds, we highly recommend Zion jeep tours!

St. George, Utah, offers a diverse array of activities and sights that cater to all interests. Whether you're exploring state parks, indulging in local cuisine, or embarking on off-road adventures, this destination promises unforgettable experiences beyond the boundaries of Zion National Park.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is about an hour's drive away and yes offers breathtaking landscapes with Angles Landing and the Narrows which are both amazing. Many people come to St George as a place to sleep as they explore Zion as it’s much cheaper to stay far from the park. We aren’t saying don’t go to Zion. What we are saying is St George is just as worthy. So schedule time to explore St George. There will be less crowds but just as much beauty!

Why St George

You will come to St George for the views, stay for the vibes, and leave with a camera full of memories. We certainly did!

Meet Stacy! Stacy and her husband, Phil, are a wanderlust couple who have been roaming the great USA for an epic 7 years! They ditched the daily grind to embark on thrilling adventures and inspire fellow dreamers to chase their travel dreams. Curious about how they do it? Check out their awesome YouTube channel, Today is Someday, where they're spilling all the secrets to living a life on the move. Get ready to pack your bags and join them on this incredible journey.