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Visitors from around the world, many photographers and hikers, are drawn to Snow Canyon's spectacular landscape, a rugged mix of red sandstone, black lava flows, sand dunes, and two recent volcanic cones near the head of the canyon.
The canyon is named for Mormon pioneers Lorenzo and Erastus Snow, not for the winters, which are quite mild. Spring and fall, when wildflowers bloom, are the most comfortable times to visit this desert park in southern Utah.
Ten trails - the longest is about 3.5 miles one-way - lead hikers along the canyon floor amid 500-foot canyon walls.
Trails are easy to strenuous and offer about 16 miles of hiking in all. Hikers can explore lava tubes, where Native Americans once took shelter, on the short Lava Flow Overlook Trail.
Mountain biking is permitted on Whiptail Trail and West Canyon Trail; otherwise biking is limited to the scenic road through the park.
Over 100 technical rock climbing routes are established in the park. A permit is required and may be obtained at the ranger station.
Falcons, vultures, red-tailed hawk, finches and hummingbirds make their homes in the canyon. Lizards are everywhere, and sightings of both the rare chuckwalla, a large lava lizard, and the black-and-orange patterned Gila monster, the only venomous lizard in the United States, have been reported.
The federally protected desert tortoise also lives here, along with many other species including the desert kit fox, black-tailed jackrabbit, golden eagle, Gambrel's quail and a variety of snakes.
Outdoor Activities |
