Our Trail Rating
If you’re looking for an impressive hike that offers a breathtaking view of Snow Canyon State Park without the crowds, the Red Mountain Trail to Snow Canyon Overlook is an excellent option. Just 30 minutes north of St. George, this trail serves up a combination of rugged terrain, scenic beauty, and a rewarding panoramic view of one of Utah’s most stunning landscapes.
Starting the Adventure to the Snow Canyon Overlook
The trail begins from a large parking lot off SR 18, a short distance past an extinct black cinder cone volcano. The gravel lot can handle a couple dozen cars or trucks and has plenty of room for several horse trailers. Additionally, the vault toilet is a welcome sight for some, given that there aren’t many options along the trail.
About Snow Canyon State Park
- Park created in 1959, and named after Mormon pioneers Lorenzo and Erastus Snow
- 7,400 acres of sandstone cliffs and ancient lava flows
- Sits adjacent to a cinder cone volcano that erupted 1.4 million years ago
- Located at the intersection of the Mojave Desert, The Great Basin and the Colorado Plateau
- Snow Canyon State Park averages 7.5 inches of rain per year.
- Site of several well-known movies, including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and Jeremiah Johnson
The Red Mountain Trail starts with a rocky path that immediately sets the tone for the journey ahead. The first part of the hike requires you to navigate through random rocks stuck in the dirt and sand, so be prepared for a bit of a challenge right off the bat. It can be tough on the feet and ankles, especially if you’re not used to rocky terrain, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
As you push forward, the rocky path gradually transitions to deep sand in certain sections. While these sandy patches offer a nice change of pace, they also require more effort to navigate, but they’re all part of the adventure!
Some say the trail is a bit boring. I tend to disagree. The landscape varies from cedar trees and juniper bushes to prickly pear cacti and bright green manzanitas. You can see the mountains above Snow Canyon State Park in front of you, and the massive Pine View Mountain behind you. And once you spend some time in the desert, you come to appreciate this unique ecosystem.
Two Routes, Two Experiences on the Red Mountain Trail
One of the great things about the Red Mountain Trail is that you have options for how far you want to go. Most people choose the shorter route, which ends at a lookout point with spectacular views of Snow Canyon State Park. It’s a perfect spot to pause, take in the landscape, and snap a few photos. If you choose this option, your out-and-back distance will probably be about 4 miles.
However, if you’re up for a bit more of an adventure, you can continue along the trail that follows the western rim of Snow Canyon. This longer route offers a more secluded experience, with fewer people and a chance to explore different views of the park. I chose the extended path and found my own quiet lookout point, where I could enjoy the scenery in peace, far from the crowds.
If you do this longer version of the out-and-back trail, your distance will be somewhere in the 12-to-13-mile range. That’s a challenge! I didn’t have the time to tackle all of it, so I did some bushwhacking and found my own private lookout spot a mile or two past the turnoff to the first, popular viewpoint.
The view overlooking Snow Canyon reminded me of Angel’s Landing, but without the chains and steep drop-offs on either side. And definitely without all the people!
The Perks of the Red Mountain Trail
- Breathtaking Views The main draw of this hike is the incredible view you’ll get of Snow Canyon State Park. From high above, you get a unique perspective of the park’s stunning red rock formations and desert landscape. It’s a great way to see the area from a vantage point that’s hard to match.
- Easy Access from St. George The drive from downtown St. George is only 25 to 30 minutes. Just follow SR 18 until you see the sign pointing to the Red Mountain Trailhead.
- A Less Crowded Angel’s Landing If you’ve ever dreamed of hiking Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park but don’t want to deal with the dangerous sections or the overwhelming crowds, this trail is a great alternative. It offers similar views and a comparable experience without the same level of difficulty or danger.
- Restrooms at the Trailhead There’s a vault toilet at the trailhead, which is a nice touch after the drive and before you hit the trail. While not luxurious, it’s functional and appreciated.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
As with any hike, there are a few things to consider before you go.
- Rocky and Tough Terrain The first half of the trail is very rocky, which can be hard on your feet and ankles. It’s definitely not the easiest hike in that regard, so make sure to bring proper footwear and take your time.
- Equestrians Share the Trail This trail is also popular with equestrians, so keep an eye out for horses as you hike. It’s not a huge issue, but it’s something to be aware of, especially if you’re not used to sharing the trail with horseback riders.
- Can Get Crowded Although this trail is less crowded than some other hikes in the area, it’s becoming more popular, especially on weekends. You may encounter some noise and busyness along the way, which can detract from the peaceful experience that the trail offers.
Final Thoughts and a Pro Tip
Whether you’re looking for a short hike with a fantastic viewpoint or a longer, more secluded adventure along the western rim, the Red Mountain Trail has something for everyone. The views alone are worth the effort, and the combination of rocky and sandy terrain makes for an interesting and varied hiking experience.
I give this one a 4-star rating – if for nothing else than the darn, annoying rocks for the first mile of the trail. Pro tip: I avoided the rocks on my way back to the truck, opting to take what I later found out to be the Juniper Trail. It’s still rocky, but nothing like the main trail!
Photos of Snow Canyon Overlook on the Red Mountain Trail
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