St George Area State Parks

The St George area is one of Utah’s most popular destinations for several reasons including:

• Mild winter weather
• Close to Zion and Grand Canyon national parks
• Great golf, hiking, biking and other activities
• Surrounded by state parks and recreation areas

Spring is perhaps the best time of year to visit St George because the season brings so many recreational opportunities. Some of the best options can be found at the area's four state parks. Three of the parks are well-know and very popular. The other is a favorite play spot for locals but is off the beaten path and so it doesn’t attract many travelers.

I was raised in St George and I’ve spent considerable time in these parks. Each one has its own unique attractions. I give my impressions of each one below.

Snow Canyon State Park: This is one of my favorite spots for hiking during spring, fall and winter. The name is a misnomer because the area seldom receives snow. The park includes a beautiful canyon with red rock formations and soft, clean sand, along with a very nice campground and picnic area. This park is one of Utah’s oldest and also one of our most popular. It is located along Hwy 18, just northwest of St George.

Quail Creek State Park: Quail Creek and Sand Hollow are twins, located in the same area just a few miles apart. Quail Creek also includes a reservoir that offers good fishing and great opportunity for boating and water sports. It doesn't have red rock coming down into the water, like you find at Sand Hollow, but it is scenic in its own right. It also offers a very nice developed campground.

Gunlock State Park: This lesser-known park is located west of St George, near the small town of Gunlock. It also offers a reservoir where you can boat, fish and engage in water spots. Gunlock has a primitive camping area with pit toilets. It has a paved boat ramp and it is seldom crowed. It is surrounded by classic desert scenery – cholla cactus and black lava rock against clear blue water, with the Pine Valley Mountains visible in the distance. The scenery is completely different than at other St George area parks.

Tuacahn Amphitheatre is located near the south entrance to Snow Canyon. Tuacahn is a popular venue for stage productions – they call it "Broadway in the Desert." The name "Tuacahn" comes from a Mayan word that supposedly means "Canyon of the Gods." Indeed, the scenery around the amphitheatre spectacular.

Popular golf courses and resorts can be found just south of snow canyon.

Sand Hollow State Park: This is Utah’s newest state park and it has already become very popular. I love it because it includes a reservoir where you will find excellent fishing for largemouth bass. The park also offers sand dunes and red rocks that extend down into the reservoir's sparkling blue water. ATVs and other off highway vehicles are allowed to operate on sand in some parts of the park. In addition to fishing, the reservoir is popular for boating and water sports. It has a very nice developed camping area. Sand Hollow is located off Hwy 9 just east of St George.

The new, award-winning Sand Hollow Golf Course is located near the turnoff to the State Park.

When you factor in Zion Park, the St George area offers more parks and recreational areas, with more variety, than perhaps anywhere else in the US. It's a great four-season playground.

Come on down. The weather is warm, the sand is warm and the water is cool. Right now is a perfect time to explore the area.

- Dave Webb

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