Snow Canyon is one of Utah’s hidden gems. Located just outside St. George this stunning canyon has lava flows, navajo sandstone, and sand dunes all accessible by incredible trails.
The best part is that there are tons of kid friendly hikes in snow canyon! In this article we want to talk about some of the best ones for your next family trip!
1.Jenny’s Canyon Trail
This is one of our favorite trails for kids in the canyon. It’s a very short trail with easy access from the road. At just under half a mile this trail takes you to a slot canyon where limited climbing is available and an overlook to see some of the sand dunes in the area.
This trail is closed in the spring for habitat protection so check with the local rangers before your trip to check the availability of the trail.
2.Johnson Canyon Trail
Passing through stream beds, lava flows, and a beautiful canyon this 1.8 mile trail is a must see. The canyon is more shaded than many of the other hikes, making one of the best hikes around St George for the summer months.
At the end of your hike you will run into a massive arch spanning more than 200 feet! It’s a great place to take a rest and enjoy quality time with your family and friends. This trail also has seasonal closures, so check the availability before you plan your trip.
3.Whiterocks Amphitheater Trail
The next trail on our list is just under a mile in length and provides an excellent view of the red and white sand hills that line the canyon. This is a perfect hike for families with small children because it is short enough to carry them, and still provides spectacular views.
If you are looking to add a bit more excitement to the hike, many of the ridges are accessible and can be hiked to get a better view of the area. This is one of the easy hikes near st george!
4.Pioneer Names Trail
This trail is accessible from two different parking lots. From the north lot it is less than a quarter mile to reach the end, and the southern lot is a little more than a mile longer. It is a great trail to teach your kids about the history in the area.
The hike takes you to a canyon wall that was written on by early pioneers. The axle grease writing has been preserved by an arch that hangs over it, and provides a reminder of the early settlers in the area.
5.Petrified Dunes Trail
Another one of our favorite kid friendly hikes in Snow Canyon, this trail offers some of the best views in the park. The hiking trail is relatively well marked, but you’ll definitely want to wander around and explore the unique formations in the area.
This is one of the most photographed hikes in the canyon and it sits right in the center, so it’s a great hike if you’re looking for one hike to get the full Snow Canyon experience.
6.Scout Cave
Last but certainly not least, this trail is a favorite for a lot of people in the area. This is the longest trail on our list so make sure your kids can comfortably hike for a couple of hours before planning this trip.
It is 4.4 miles long with a little bit of elevation change, so be ready for a challenging hike and bring a lot of water! When you arrive at the cave you will have to scramble up a few rocks where you can then enter and find a little shade and incredible views of the canyon.
These are just some of the amazing kid friendly hikes in snow canyon! Hiking is a great way to stay active and enjoy the beauty of the area, and Snow Canyon State Park is a great place to do it. Come check it out on your next family vacation!
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PS: For all of our hiking lovers and want to try more challenging hiking trails, check this blog about the Best Hikes in Snow Canyon State Park.
