St. George serves as a gateway to some of the most spectacular landscapes in the United States and is the perfect starting point for exploring southern Utah. Its location near several national and state parks makes it the perfect place to embark on a vacation through Utah's red rock landscape and natural wonders. Let's take a quick look at the national parks you can visit from St. George, Utah:
Zion National Park
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Zion National Park, just about 40 miles northeast of St. George, is a must-visit for its impressive red rocks, stunning canyons, and family-friendly hiking trails. Highlights like the Narrows let you wander through the slimmest parts of Zion Canyon, while Angel's Landing provides amazing views from high up on a rock. Zion National Park was an amazing spot for our family trip, especially with my two teenage sons.
Bryce Canyon National Park
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Bryce Canyon National Park, situated roughly 140 miles northeast of St. George, stands out for its fascinating hoodoos – these are tall, thin spires of rock shaped by erosion. The park is home to various trails and viewpoints, making it easy for visitors, including families, to wander around and see the natural amphitheaters and maze-like terrain. It's a great place to discover and learn about these unique rock formations up close. After our visit to Zion National Park, we also included Bryce Canyon National Park in our family trip to Utah.
Capitol Reef National Park
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Capitol Reef National Park, about 190 miles northeast of St. George, is famous for its Waterpocket Fold – a fascinating, almost 100-mile long twist in the Earth's surface. This park is filled with cliffs, canyons, domes, and natural bridges, all part of this unique geological feature that stretches from near the Colorado River to Lake Powell.
The Grand Canyon North Rim
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The Grand Canyon North Rim, right near the Utah border and about 150 miles southeast of St. George, offers a less crowded experience than the South Rim. You'll get a different perspective of the canyon's vast beauty here. The North Rim is perfect for a quieter visit, with trails and viewpoints that let you take in the grandeur of this iconic natural wonder in a more relaxed setting. Keep in mind, the Grand Canyon North Rim isn't accessible during the winter months.
Beyond St. George, you can find more amazing places like Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park with their incredible red rock landscapes. Also, check out Kodachrome Basin for colorful rocks, Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell for water activities, and Monument Valley for iconic views. Each spot has its own unique charm and adventures, perfect for adding to your road trip.
Adventure Without the Effort
Embark on a Group Guided Tour with Everything Included
Let's take a closer look at an outstanding 6-day fully guided tour exploring Bryce Canyon & Zion Adventure, beginning and ending in St. George.
Bryce Canyon & Zion Adventure at a glance
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DURATION
6 days / 5 night HIGHLIGHTS • Snow Canyon Lava Flows Hike • Snow Canyon to St. George Bike Ride • Cedar Breaks Spectra Point Hike • Bryce Canyon Rim Trail Hike • Bryce Canyon National Park • Queens Garden, Peek-a-Boo & Wall Street Trails Hike • Red Canyon Bike Ride • Zion National Park • Zion Exploratory Hike • Canyoneering Slot Canyon Adventure |
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate TRIP START (ARRIVAL) St. George, Utah TRIP END (RETURN) St. George, Utah INCLUSIONS • Professional guides • Accommodation throughout your trip • Most meals • Activities mentioned in the itinerary • Any necessary equipment - all safe and well-maintained • All transportation from trip start to end • All gratuities for hotels, restaurants, and activities • Park and other entry fees 
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Bryce Canyon & Zion Adventure ~ Itinerary
This trip will take you to Utah's renowned national parks, Zion and Bryce Canyon. Though they're only 90 minutes apart, they offer completely different sights and experiences.
In Zion, you'll be amazed by the towering Zion Canyon and the serene Virgin River. Bryce Canyon will charm you with the unique Peek-a-Boo and Queens Garden trails. Plus, the excitement of canyoneering through breathtaking slot canyons awaits.
Everywhere you go, stunning vistas and exciting activities are ready to greet you. Make sure your hiking boots are tied tight and your camera is ready. This journey through Bryce & Zion is packed with memorable moments, from hiking in Zion National Park to discovering Bryce's spectacular trails, visiting Snow Canyon State Park, and the thrill of slot canyon canyoneering.
In Zion, you'll be amazed by the towering Zion Canyon and the serene Virgin River. Bryce Canyon will charm you with the unique Peek-a-Boo and Queens Garden trails. Plus, the excitement of canyoneering through breathtaking slot canyons awaits.
Everywhere you go, stunning vistas and exciting activities are ready to greet you. Make sure your hiking boots are tied tight and your camera is ready. This journey through Bryce & Zion is packed with memorable moments, from hiking in Zion National Park to discovering Bryce's spectacular trails, visiting Snow Canyon State Park, and the thrill of slot canyon canyoneering.
Day 1: Exploring Snow Canyon State Park by Hike and Bike
Today kicks off with your guides picking you up from your hotel in St. George and heading straight to Snow Canyon State Park for an exciting hike.
You'll be walking through landscapes filled with ancient lava flows and striking sandstone. This park is a beautiful showcase of red and white Navajo sandstone from the Red Mountains, alongside lava rocks from volcanic eruptions that happened between 1.4 million and 27,000 years ago!
After enjoying a nice lunch, we'll dive into an afternoon of biking. Your guides will give a quick overview before we start pedaling under the impressive red sandstone cliffs and past the unique black lava rocks.
The day ends as we reach our accommodation for the night, the Best Western Plus Abbey Inn in St. George, where comfortable rooms, a heated outdoor swimming pool, and a spa await you. It's the perfect spot to relax after a day filled with adventure.
• Hiking Distance: 5 miles (8 kilometers)
• Biking Distance: 14 miles (22 kilometers)
Today kicks off with your guides picking you up from your hotel in St. George and heading straight to Snow Canyon State Park for an exciting hike.
You'll be walking through landscapes filled with ancient lava flows and striking sandstone. This park is a beautiful showcase of red and white Navajo sandstone from the Red Mountains, alongside lava rocks from volcanic eruptions that happened between 1.4 million and 27,000 years ago!
After enjoying a nice lunch, we'll dive into an afternoon of biking. Your guides will give a quick overview before we start pedaling under the impressive red sandstone cliffs and past the unique black lava rocks.
The day ends as we reach our accommodation for the night, the Best Western Plus Abbey Inn in St. George, where comfortable rooms, a heated outdoor swimming pool, and a spa await you. It's the perfect spot to relax after a day filled with adventure.
• Hiking Distance: 5 miles (8 kilometers)
• Biking Distance: 14 miles (22 kilometers)
Day 2: Kayaking at Quail Creek and Hiking in Bryce Canyon
Start your day with a hearty breakfast, gearing up for an exciting kayaking session in Quail Creek State Park. You'll spend around 2 hours on the water, taking in the unique geology and history of the area.
Post-lunch, it's time to switch from paddles to hiking boots as we head to Bryce Canyon National Park. The Rim Trail Hike offers breathtaking views along the edge of Bryce Canyon, leading you to the Fairyland trailhead. Marvel at the ever-changing scenery, where a forest of orange, yellow, and white hoodoos stand tall from the canyon floor.
After a day full of exploration, we'll check into the Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, your cozy retreat for the next two nights, nestled amidst the park's iconic hoodoos. It's the perfect spot to unwind before we gather for dinner.
• Activities: Kayaking for 2 hours, Hiking for 2.5 miles (4 kilometers)
Start your day with a hearty breakfast, gearing up for an exciting kayaking session in Quail Creek State Park. You'll spend around 2 hours on the water, taking in the unique geology and history of the area.
Post-lunch, it's time to switch from paddles to hiking boots as we head to Bryce Canyon National Park. The Rim Trail Hike offers breathtaking views along the edge of Bryce Canyon, leading you to the Fairyland trailhead. Marvel at the ever-changing scenery, where a forest of orange, yellow, and white hoodoos stand tall from the canyon floor.
After a day full of exploration, we'll check into the Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, your cozy retreat for the next two nights, nestled amidst the park's iconic hoodoos. It's the perfect spot to unwind before we gather for dinner.
• Activities: Kayaking for 2 hours, Hiking for 2.5 miles (4 kilometers)
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Quail Creek State Park
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Snow Canyon State Park
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Day 3: Exploring Peek-a-Boo and Queens Garden Trails
It's an early start as we set off to hike the enchanting hoodoo formations along Bryce’s Queens Garden Trail. This path takes you down into the canyon, letting you meander through a natural rock garden filled with vibrant spires, cliffs, and amphitheaters.
The journey continues as the trail meets the Peek-a-Boo Trail, forming a figure-8 route. You’ll pass landmarks like the Wall of Windows and the Hindu Temples, and conclude with the ascent up Wall Street, a series of switchbacks that lead back to the rim.
After a rewarding day of hiking, you'll have time to relax and freshen up at the hotel before we all meet for dinner.
• Hiking Distance: Up to 8 miles (13 kilometers)
It's an early start as we set off to hike the enchanting hoodoo formations along Bryce’s Queens Garden Trail. This path takes you down into the canyon, letting you meander through a natural rock garden filled with vibrant spires, cliffs, and amphitheaters.
The journey continues as the trail meets the Peek-a-Boo Trail, forming a figure-8 route. You’ll pass landmarks like the Wall of Windows and the Hindu Temples, and conclude with the ascent up Wall Street, a series of switchbacks that lead back to the rim.
After a rewarding day of hiking, you'll have time to relax and freshen up at the hotel before we all meet for dinner.
• Hiking Distance: Up to 8 miles (13 kilometers)
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Day 4: Biking Through Bryce and Hiking in Zion
This morning, we'll leave Bryce Canyon National Park behind and start the day with a scenic bike ride through Dixie National Forest's Red Canyon. Enjoy the view of towering red cliffs and patches of pine forests as we pedal through.
After biking, we'll head to Zion National Park. The drive itself offers a preview of the stunning canyon walls and cliffs you're about to explore more closely. Once we arrive, we're off to hike in Zion Canyon, where you'll be treated to spectacular views of the canyon's high walls, the Virgin River, and green trails.
After a day full of adventure, we'll check into Springhill Suites, located just a mile from Zion's entrance, where you can relax and have the evening to yourself.
• Biking Distance: 12 miles (20 kilometers)
• Hiking Distance: 3 miles (4.8 kilometers)
This morning, we'll leave Bryce Canyon National Park behind and start the day with a scenic bike ride through Dixie National Forest's Red Canyon. Enjoy the view of towering red cliffs and patches of pine forests as we pedal through.
After biking, we'll head to Zion National Park. The drive itself offers a preview of the stunning canyon walls and cliffs you're about to explore more closely. Once we arrive, we're off to hike in Zion Canyon, where you'll be treated to spectacular views of the canyon's high walls, the Virgin River, and green trails.
After a day full of adventure, we'll check into Springhill Suites, located just a mile from Zion's entrance, where you can relax and have the evening to yourself.
• Biking Distance: 12 miles (20 kilometers)
• Hiking Distance: 3 miles (4.8 kilometers)
Dixie National Forest's Red Canyon
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Peek-a-Boo Trail loop
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Day 5: Slot Canyon Canyoneering Adventure
Dive into an exciting adventure today by trying canyoneering in a sandstone slot canyon. With expert guides leading you, you'll rappel down the stunning, water-shaped rock formations. This activity is beginner-friendly, so don't worry if it's your first time; you'll have all the equipment and support you need.
After the thrill of canyoneering, you'll have the afternoon to unwind or continue exploring Zion National Park at your own pace using the shuttle system.
Dive into an exciting adventure today by trying canyoneering in a sandstone slot canyon. With expert guides leading you, you'll rappel down the stunning, water-shaped rock formations. This activity is beginner-friendly, so don't worry if it's your first time; you'll have all the equipment and support you need.
After the thrill of canyoneering, you'll have the afternoon to unwind or continue exploring Zion National Park at your own pace using the shuttle system.
Day 6: Final Explorations in Zion
On the final day, we'll make the most of our morning by exploring more of Zion. After soaking up the last bits of beauty, we'll head back to St. George. Here, it's time to say our goodbyes, whether you're heading home or off to your next adventure.
On the final day, we'll make the most of our morning by exploring more of Zion. After soaking up the last bits of beauty, we'll head back to St. George. Here, it's time to say our goodbyes, whether you're heading home or off to your next adventure.
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And don't forget Utah’s state parks & other attractions
Don't overlook the state parks and oter attractions in the surrounding area near St. George, either. This area, known as Greater Zion, is home to four state parks, all within about a 20-minute drive from St. George, offering a diverse array of landscapes and activities.
You've got the clear waters of Quail Creek Reservoir for water enthusiasts and the vast 16,000-acre Sand Mountain for off-highway vehicle (OHV) adventures. Essentially, there's an outdoor activity for every interest here.
The variety of recreational opportunities in this region is hard to beat. Thanks to the area's mild climate, activities like camping, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and fishing are enjoyable year-round.
The water sports season at the three reservoirs stretches from early spring into the fall, making it easy to find something to do no matter when you visit.
Whether you're seeking a leisurely day out or an adrenaline-fueled excursion, the diverse terrain around St. George offers the perfect backdrop for both relaxing and adventurous pursuits.
You've got the clear waters of Quail Creek Reservoir for water enthusiasts and the vast 16,000-acre Sand Mountain for off-highway vehicle (OHV) adventures. Essentially, there's an outdoor activity for every interest here.
The variety of recreational opportunities in this region is hard to beat. Thanks to the area's mild climate, activities like camping, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and fishing are enjoyable year-round.
The water sports season at the three reservoirs stretches from early spring into the fall, making it easy to find something to do no matter when you visit.
Whether you're seeking a leisurely day out or an adrenaline-fueled excursion, the diverse terrain around St. George offers the perfect backdrop for both relaxing and adventurous pursuits.
Quail Creek State Park
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Quail Creek State Park, located in Utah, is a great spot for anyone who loves water activities. You can go boating, fishing, swimming, and paddleboarding in the park's beautiful reservoir. It's also a nice place for a picnic or just enjoying the view, making it ideal for a family day out. Only about 13 miles northeast of St. George, getting to Quail Creek State Park is easy and quick, perfect for a great day trip.
Gunlock State Park
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Gunlock State Park is a hidden gem located in Utah, offering a peaceful escape with its beautiful reservoir and scenic surroundings. During the summer months it's a fantastic spot for anyone looking to spend some time on the water, whether it's fishing, kayaking, or just enjoying a leisurely swim. The park also has some great spots for picnics and hiking, making it a perfect day trip for families or anyone wanting to take a break from the hustle and bustle. Situated about 15 miles northwest of St. George, it's easily accessible for a quick getaway or a lazy afternoon by the water.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
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Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in Utah is a standout spot known for its incredible coral-pink sand dunes. These dunes come from the erosion of Navajo sandstone, giving the sand a unique pink color. The park is perfect for all kinds of fun, like sandboarding, off-roading, and hiking, making it great for adventure lovers and families looking for a fun day out. Just about 60 miles east of St. George, it's not too far for a visit.
Gunlock State Park
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Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
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Sand Hollow State Park
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Sand Hollow State Park, located in Utah, is well-known for its vibrant blue reservoir and striking red sandstone surroundings. It's a fantastic place for activities like boating, fishing, swimming, and exploring on ATVs. The park is also equipped with camping spots, making it ideal for a weekend adventure or a night under the stars. It's conveniently situated about 15 miles east of St. George, making it an easy drive for a quick escape or a leisurely weekend.
Snow Canyon State Park
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Snow Canyon State Park in Utah is a real outdoor playground, packed with cool lava flows, dramatic sandstone cliffs, and even ancient lava tubes. Whether you're up for a hike, fancy some rock climbing, or just want to spot some local wildlife, this park has got you covered. It's only about 11 miles northwest of St. George, so getting there is easy.
Red Cliffs National Conservation
Red Cliffs National Conservation Area is a beautiful outdoor spot really close to St. George, just about 20 minutes away. It's famous for its stunning red cliffs and canyons that are perfect for hiking, watching birds, or having a picnic. It's a great place for both families looking for a fun day out and individuals seeking some quiet time in nature.
Hurricane Valley
Hurricane Valley sits right in the heart of Greater Zion, nestled between St. George and Zion National Park. In the towns of Hurricane, La Verkin, Toquerville, Leeds, and Apple Valley, you'll notice a cozy small-town feel amid the stunning red rock scenery. There's also a great selection of places to eat, from cafes offering a quick coffee and pastry to spots with hearty, home-style meals. As well as outdoor activities and beautiful landscapes, there's a rich layer of history to explore, including historic buildings, markers, parks, and a museum.
Field Notes & Mooseful Information
Does St. George have an airport?
St. George Regional Airport (SGU). Although it is a small airport, St. George Airport has a selection of flights to US cities, including Dallas, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, and Los Angeles and can be a great option for travelers connecting from international flights in these cities.
Other regional airports in the St. George area includes Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC).
Las Vegas, the closest major airport. The city's international airport provides numerous flights with major US and international airlines to destinations across the US, Canada, and Europe.
Other regional airports in the St. George area includes Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC).
Las Vegas, the closest major airport. The city's international airport provides numerous flights with major US and international airlines to destinations across the US, Canada, and Europe.
When is the best time to visit St. George, Utah
The best times to visit St. George, Utah, are spring and fall. These seasons offer ideal weather for enjoying the outdoors, including exploring the nearby Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks.
While spring and fall are highly recommended for their pleasant temperatures and reduced crowds, visiting in other seasons presents its own unique beauty and experiences, making any time a great time to explore this scenic region.
While spring and fall are highly recommended for their pleasant temperatures and reduced crowds, visiting in other seasons presents its own unique beauty and experiences, making any time a great time to explore this scenic region.
When planning a visit to Utah's national parks, it's good to keep a few things in mind to make the most of your trip.
Make use of the shuttle service in Zion National Park as a convenient way to get around. Don't skip the National Park Service visitor center — they're treasure troves of information and the best way to find out about scenic drives, ranger-led activities, and practical advice like which hiking trails are open or closed and the best parking lots for easy access to the trails and viewpoints.
Make use of the shuttle service in Zion National Park as a convenient way to get around. Don't skip the National Park Service visitor center — they're treasure troves of information and the best way to find out about scenic drives, ranger-led activities, and practical advice like which hiking trails are open or closed and the best parking lots for easy access to the trails and viewpoints.
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Rob is an experienced independent travel consultant and travel content creator.
His love for travel started as a child, playing travel agent with his grandparents using holiday brochures from the local travel agency. Fast forward over 40 years, and Rob has turned this passion into a career, dedicating his time to helping others plan their dream vacations. He says his happy place is in a cozy cabin by a lake in Oregon, sitting at the bar of a honky-tonk on Broadway in Nashville, or closer to home walking and cycling in the Peak District National Park. |
