There is no shortage of adventure when you stay at Sand Hollow Resort! These eight stunning hikes are a must-do during your next Southern Utah vacation. Explore one of the most unique desert landscapes in the world by hiking near waterfalls, lava tubes, and 1,500-foot rock formations.
All within a scenic afternoon drive, these hikes range from easy to challenging and are all unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.
1. Red Reef | Red Cliffs Recreation Area
Source: Utah Travel Industry Website
Level: Easy, 1.4 miles
Only 20 minutes from the resort, the Red Reef trailhead begins at the Red Cliffs Recreation Area campground and leads into a canyon beside a small stream. As you hike, the canyon narrows until it opens up to reveal a beautiful little waterfall. Hikers can play in the water or venture up past the waterfall deeper into the canyon, making it fun for the whole family!
2. Cinder Cone | St. George, Utah
Source: Hike St. George
Level: Moderate, 1.9 miles
This short, steep hike climbs 500 feet in elevation up some lava rock to the top of one of Southern Utah’s ancient volcanoes. Enjoy beautiful views of Snow Canyon and Dammeron Valley from the summit, and even venture to see rock structures built inside the crater. Be careful on the hike back down, as it is slippery and can get a bit dicey.
3. Kanarra Falls | Kannarraville, Utah
Level: Moderate, 4.8 miles
Take a peaceful hike through Kanarra Creek and in a slot canyon to reach the iconic Kanarra Falls. The trail to the first waterfall is mostly even ground, though you’ll have to wade through the water and depend on handmade wooden ladders, ropes bolted to the canyon, and other people’s slings to reach the second waterfall.
The hike is limited to 150 people per day, and it is recommended you purchase tickets online ahead of your trip. Permits to the trail are $12 per person.
4. Lava Flow Overlook | Snow Canyon State Park
Source: Hike St. George
Level: Moderate, 2.5 miles
This trail, nestled in the heart of St. George’s pride, Snow Canyon State Park, takes you past three natural lava tubes that you can cave and explore! The tubes, educational signs, and park plant life guide you to the end of the trail, which boasts a grand overlook of the park just past the last lava tube.
Take a Sand Hollow Resort chartered local excursion to the State Park and make sure to hit up this fantastic hike.
5. Angels Landing | Zion National Park
Source: National Park Service
Level: Strenuous, 5.4 miles
This wouldn’t be a Southern Utah hiking list if we didn’t include the famous Angels Landing! This hike is quite strenuous, and not for the faint of heart. Take a Sand Hollow Resort excursion to Zion National Park and climb the steep paved switchbacks to Scout’s Lookout, which provides a fantastic view of the canyon. Young children and people with a fear of heights are advised to end their journey at this point. However, if you’re up for a challenge, climb a narrow path along the edge of the cliff to reach the glorious point of Angels Landing.
6. Children’s Forest at the Kiln | Dixie National Forest
Source: Hike St. George
Level: Easy, 0.6 miles
Stroll through Dixie National Forest to a large 1800s kiln used to produce charcoal for the Silver Reef mines. This is a great trail for kids, and they’ll love exploring the kiln, the perfect size for small children to play around in!
7. Riverside Walk | Zion National Park
Source: National Park Service
Level: Easy, 2.2 miles
The Riverside Walk, formerly known as the Gateway to the Narrows, is a paved trail that follows the Virgin River up a narrow canyon to the mouth of the Narrows gorge. It’s a great, accessible stroll along the river that carved the Zion Canyon. If you’re not afraid to get your feet wet, you can continue on to the Narrows, a 10-mile round trip hike.
8. Lower Pine Creek Falls | Zion National Park
Source: Hike St. George
Level: Moderate, 0.7 miles
This secluded hike to a 15-foot waterfall and beachy pond is something of a secret gem amid the tourist hotspot Zion National Park! One of the rare hikes unadvertised by the National Park, the trail is less defined than others but well worth some stream-hopping and a little climbing to get to the falls.
The next time you stay at Sand Hollow Resort be sure to give these hikes a try!
