Things to Do in St. George

Outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, family fun, and year-round activities β€” St. George has something for every kind of traveler.

πŸ₯Ύ Hiking & Trail Running

St. George is a hiker's paradise with trails ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry routes. The mild winter climate means you can hike year-round.

Top Local Hikes

  • Pioneer Park Trail β€” Right in town! Explore slot canyons, a pioneer cabin, and the "Boy Scout Cave" behind the iconic St. George sign
  • Red Reef Trail β€” A family favorite in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve with a small waterfall and dinosaur footprints
  • Babylon Arch β€” Moderate 4-mile hike to a massive natural arch with panoramic views
  • Yant Flat / Candy Cliffs β€” 3-mile hike to colorful swirling sandstone formations that look like a candy store
  • Red Mountains Trail β€” 3.5-mile loop through Red Cliffs Reserve with incredible views of the Pine Valley Mountains
  • Chuckwalla Trail β€” 6-mile out-and-back through Petrified Dunes in Snow Canyon

πŸ„ Boating & Water Sports

Two major reservoirs within 20 minutes of downtown offer warm water and stunning red rock backdrops.

Sand Hollow Reservoir

The place for motorized water sports. Jet skiing, wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing. Boat rentals available at the marina. The warm water (one of Utah's warmest reservoirs) makes for a long swimming season from May through September.

Quail Creek Reservoir

Calmer waters ideal for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing. Quieter than Sand Hollow with beautiful views of the Pine Valley Mountains.

Rentals: Both parks have nearby outfitters offering kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis, and pontoon boats. Book ahead on summer weekends.

πŸš™ OHV & Off-Road Adventures

Sand Hollow's Sand Mountain is one of the premier OHV destinations in the West β€” 10,000 acres of red sand dunes open to ATVs, dirt bikes, side-by-sides, and 4x4s. No permit needed beyond the state park entry fee.

St. George also hosts major off-road events like Trail Hero and the 4x4 Jamboree, which draw enthusiasts from across the country.

Rentals: Several outfitters in the Hurricane/St. George area rent side-by-sides (UTVs), dirt bikes, and ATVs by the half-day or full-day. They'll deliver to the Sand Hollow sand dunes.

⚠️ Tip: Sand can be unforgiving. Bring a face covering/goggles, plenty of water, and tire pressure gauges (drop to 15-20 PSI for sand driving). Ride with a buddy and stick to designated areas.

🏌️ Golf β€” Year-Round

With over 300 days of sunshine, St. George is a premier golf destination. The area boasts more than a dozen golf courses ranging from municipal to championship-level designs.

Top Courses:

  • The Ledges β€” Stunning course carved through lava rock with views of Snow Canyon
  • Sand Hollow Golf Course β€” Championship course with red sand dunes as hazards
  • Coral Canyon β€” Links-style course with views of Zion National Park in the distance
  • Sunbrook Golf Club β€” 27 holes through black volcanic rock and red sandstone
  • Green Spring Golf Course β€” Executive course great for beginners and quick rounds
  • St. George Golf Club β€” Affordable municipal course with excellent conditions

Most courses are open year-round. Winter (Dec-Feb) offers the lowest rates and occasional frost delays. Book tee times online in advance during peak spring and fall seasons.

πŸ›οΈ Historic Downtown & Culture

St. George's historic downtown offers a charming mix of pioneer history, art, and modern dining. The tree-lined streets are walkable and packed with character. At the heart of the city stands the St. George LDS Temple β€” the oldest operating LDS temple in the world (completed 1877), beautifully lit at night and visible from across the city.

Don't Miss

  • Historic St. George LDS Temple β€” The oldest operating LDS temple in the world (1877), beautifully lit at night. The iconic white spire and angel Moroni statue are visible from miles around
  • Brigham Young Winter Home β€” Historic house museum where BY himself wintered
  • St. George Children's Museum β€” Interactive exhibits for kids, right on Main Street
  • Rosenbruch World Wildlife Museum β€” Over 300 animal species from six continents in stunning dioramas
  • St. George Art Museum β€” Rotating exhibits featuring local and regional artists
  • Western Sky Aviation Museum β€” Vintage aircraft and aviation history at the municipal airport
  • Red Cliffs Desert Reserve Visitor Center β€” Learn about the local ecosystem, petroglyphs, and desert tortoise habitat

🎭 Tuacahn Amphitheater

Set in a breathtaking red rock box canyon, Tuacahn Amphitheater is one of the most spectacular outdoor performance venues in America. The 1,900-seat amphitheater hosts Broadway-caliber musicals and concerts from April through October.

Past productions have included The Lion King, Les MisΓ©rables, Mamma Mia!, and Newsies. The combination of world-class performances and the natural red rock backdrop β€” with stars overhead β€” makes for an unforgettable evening.

Tip: Shows sell out months in advance, especially during summer. Book tickets as early as possible. Bring a jacket β€” desert evenings cool down even in July.

tuacahn.org β†’

πŸ§— Rock Climbing & Mountain Biking

Rock Climbing: Snow Canyon State Park is a top climbing destination with over 400 routes on Navajo sandstone. Popular areas include the West Temple, Island in the Sky, and the Black Rocks. The area is known for its crack climbing and face routes ranging from 5.6 to 5.13+. Climbing gear can be rented at local outfitters.

Mountain Biking: St. George has become a mountain biking destination in its own right. The Bearclaw Poppy Trail is a 13-mile flow trail with sweeping views. Gooseberry Mesa (40 min away) is world-renowned for its slickrock riding. The Red Reef Trail and Multiple-use trails in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve offer intermediate options.

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦ Family-Friendly Activities