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!
6 Kid Friendly Hikes in Snow Canyon State Park
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.
It will take you half an hour to complete the hike, but it might take more time if you decide to take time to admire the Snow Canyon Sand Dunes on your way. It’s important that you know that this trail is closed between March 15 and June 1 for habitat protection so check with the local rangers before your trip to check the availability of the trail.
Distance from St George: 9.3 miles
Trail Length: 0.5 miles
Best Time: Morning, Afternoon & Evening
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 it one of the best hikes around St George for the summer months. As soon as you enter the canyon, kids and adults tend to be surprised by an incredible arch spanning 200ft, don’t forget to take some pictures!
If you’re planning to visit during late summer or spring time, the canyon has a lot of shade and cool places to get cool, that is why it’s such a great hike to do all year round. It’s a great place to take a rest and enjoy quality time with your family and friends, and it will only take 1 hour to hike it. This trail also has seasonal closures, so check the availability before you plan your trip.
Distance from St Goerge: 8.6 miles
Trail Length: 1.8 miles
Best Time: Morning & Afternoon
3. Whiterocks Amphitheater Trail
The next trial on our list is just under a mile long 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.
One of the best parts of this trail is the sand hills where kids can play, everyone loves it! This easy hike will take you between 45 minutes to an hour. Also, 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 best easy hikes near St George!
Distance from St Goerge: 11.6 miles
Trail Length: 0.4 miles
Best Time: Morning, Afternoon & Evening
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 the end, and the southern lot is a little more than a mile long. It is a great trail to teach your kids about the early religious history in the area.
The hike takes you to a canyon wall that was written on by early pioneers, in approximately 1881. 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. While hiking, enjoy the unique beauty of the rock formation and vegetation that surrounds the trail. It’s a sandy trail, so make sure to bring a good pair of shoes.
Distance from St Goerge: 10.0 miles
Trail Length: 1.2 miles or 0.2 miles (depending on the parking lot)
Best Time: Morning, Afternoon & Evening
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. It’s located in the heart of Snow Canyon State Park.
This is one of the most photographed hikes in the canyon because of its unique beauty, so it’s a great hike if you’re looking for one hike to get the full Snow Canyon experience. We recommend this trail to kids older than 5 because it has a moderate difficulty level.
Distance from St Goerge: 11.4 miles
Trail Length: 1.2 miles
Best Time: Morning, Afternoon
6. Scout Cave Trail
Last but certainly not least, this trail is a fan 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 can take you between 1 and 2 hours from start to finish. Depending on the temperature, it can be a little challenging for the younger ones.
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.
Distance from St Goerge: 8.6 miles
Trail Length: 3.5 miles
Best Time: Morning, Afternoon & Evening
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 who want to try more challenging hiking trails, check out this blog about the Best Hikes in Snow Canyon State Park.
