Snow Canyon Lava Caves
St. George, Utah
Address: | 1002 Snow Canyon Dr, Ivins, UT 84738, USA |
GPS: |
37°13'20.3"N 113°38'30.6"W Maps | Directions |
State: | Utah |
Trail Length: | 2.50 miles |
Trail Type: | Out & Back |
Hike Difficulty: | Intermediate |
Trails/Routes: | 0.7 mi |
Restrooms Trails Rocks Fall Colors State Park Pet Friendly Bicycles
Cave and Hike
These caves are located in Snow Canyon State Park near Dammeron Valley in Utah and it's one of the most unique places in southern Utah. Years ago, lava flowed through these caves until it froze until formed into a tunnel, so the volcano has been inactive since. The trail is filled with lava rocks, sand and gravel, and there are several lava tubes which can be entered, so wearing closed toe shoes and using good balance will make the trip to the caves easier. The largest cave is before the trail drops into the valley to connect to West Canyon Road. To the south of this point, there's a pyramidal shaped slick rock hill, which you can easily go up from the west side. You will need to carefully climb to the hike into the cave that starts with a fairly large opening. Once you get into the cave, there will be a small opening where the hike downward begins. You will hike through a confining space with some low ducking areas, until finally you will reach a large room; which is the ending of the cave.
The cave also features historical artifacts and geological features and you can learn about this cave's past by visiting one or all of the five Native American petroglyph sites. The petroglyph trail has a round trip of 5 miles, moderate difficulty hiking level and the average hiking time is 2-3 hours.There are 5 petroglyph sites:
- By the campground:
It's on the edge of the campground, on the sandstone cliff adjacent to the last camping spot. It is easy to find. The images are old and faded, many covered with patina, but well worth seeing. Courtesy of redrockadventure.com
- The Crack:
On the east side of the park, just SW of The Ledges golf course and development. A parking area and corridor that provides access to the park can be found at the end 4200 N Street (a St George city street just south of The Ledges). From that parking area, hike west into the park and then follow a trail that appears and disappears at times, working your way down into the canyon. Wander a bit and you will find the slot. It is a fun family hike. Many of the images are faded and difficult to see, but well worth hunting down. Courtesy of redrockadventure.com
- Main Slot:
Above that crack, the main canyon narrows and there is a dryfall. Above it, in a deep slot, there are many interesting rock art images. Courtesy of redrockadventure.com
- Top of Canyon:
Near the top of that same canyon there is a dark panel with perhaps the best images in Snow Canyon. Courtesy of redrockadventure.com
- The Ledge:
Some call this panel "Newspaper Rock." It is just north of the canyon mentioned above and is a prominent boulder with extensive rock art figures on its north side. It is located due west from The Ledges and it is up on top of the ridge, not down in the canyon. The best access comes from using the corridor described above.Courtesy of redrockadventure.com
Things to remember: Bring flashlights and extra batteries. No littering or graffiti in and around the caves, both are illegal and if done, the caves will be closed temporarily until they are clean. Be respectful and responsible. To return to the parking area, make a loop return on the White rocks Trail or return to the parking lot on the same trail.
More Information
Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read MoreDirections
From St. George, Utah
- Head south on S 700 E (92 ft)
- Turn right at the 1st cross street onto E 700 SPass by Arby's (on the left in 1.0 mi)(1.0 mi)
- Turn right onto Bluff St (2.0 mi)
- Slight right to stay on Bluff St (0.6 mi)
- Keep right to continue on State Rd 18 N (0.4 mi)
- Merge onto UT-18 N/
Bluff St Continue to follow UT-18 N(7.1 mi) - Turn left onto Snow Canyon DrToll roadDestination will be on the right(0.8 mi)
From I-15 Northbound:
Take exit 6 (Bluff Street). Go north on Bluff Street to the intersection with Snow Canyon Parkway. Turn left onto Snow Canyon Parkway and proceed approximately 3.5 miles and turn right onto Snow Canyon Drive. Follow this road to the south entrance of the park.
From I-15 Southbound:
Take exit 10 (Washington). Turn right off the ramp then an immediate left at the light. Follow this road for approximately 5 miles to the intersection with Bluff Street/ SR-18. Proceed through the light and continue on Snow Canyon Parkway for approximately 3.5 miles and turn right onto Snow Canyon Drive. Follow this road to the south entrance of the park.
Courtesy of stateparks.utah.gov
Trails
Distance ?
0.7 milesElevation Gain ?
-143 feetReal Ascent ?
38 feetReal Descent ?
181 feetAvg Grade (-2°)
-4%Grade (-13° to 8°)
-24% to 14%Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.
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