Couple your trip to Zion with a visit to St. George

There is no doubt that hiking The Narrows and scrambling up to Angels Landing are high on your list during your visit to Zion National Park. These iconic hikes make Zion one of the most unique National Parks in the country. Once you’re ready to move past the crowds in Zion, retreat to St. George and discover what this scenic, adventure-worthy destination has to offer.

When to visit?

Before you get too deep planning the nitty-gritty of your vacation to Utah, pick a season. Spring and Fall are the most ideal times to visit St. George. The weather is incredibly pleasant, meaning you can do just about everything–comfortably. A visit in the Spring is a particularly nice time as the desert wildflowers thrust into full bloom! The hike to Elephant Arch is a hidden gem. On this trail you can find a wide variety of blooming wildflowers in the Spring, making it a great place to practice your macro photography.

What to do

There is so much to explore around St. George. Within the city you’ll find plenty to discover in the way of art, shops, food, and museums. Just beyond, the city is surrounded by four state parks including Snow Canyon State Park, Quail Creek State Park, Sand Hollow State Park, and Gunlock State Park. Each Park is chock full of activities and stunning landscapes. You are likely going to find that you didn’t budget enough time for your trip, so choose wisely!

Adventure-seekers

Canyoneering is a great sport and St. George boasts some of the best in the state. Imagine rappelling down canyon walls and over waterfalls. New to the sport? No problem! Zion Adventure Company Biking is one of the best guide services in the area, bringing kids and adults alike deep into the Utah red canyons. Novices will find comfort with these guides who give them ownership of the adventure while helping build confidence. The opportunities for adventure are endless! Find yourself hiking, mountain biking, swimming, cliff jumping, paddleboarding, climbing, fishing, ATV touring, and so much more.

Take it down a notch

If you’re a golfer, choose from 10 courses, all of which are set in spectacular scenery. Just need to take a day and pamper yourself? Relax at one of the many day spas in the area or treat yourself at a luxury destination spa where you can reconnect with life.

Art & food

There is no shortage of culinary options when visiting St. George and Zion. Springdale, just outside of the National Park, features several independent, eclectic food options. During your stay in St. George, you will find diverse selections including Hawaiian, Mexican, Japanese, barbecue, and fine dining. There are numerous art galleries around St. George to enjoy. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in art, plan to attend the Kayenta Street Painting Festival during the last weekend of April. Additionally, there is a wide variety of art, history, and wildlife museums to visit in St. George. Performing arts is also a major attraction in the area, with four different venues for watching concerts and live theater. The Tuacahn Amphitheatre is one of most beautiful venues, set at the mouth of the Padre Canyon, adjacent to Snow Canyon State Park.

What are you waiting for?

Flights to Las Vegas are typically cheap, and St. George is only a 90-minute drive from the city. Take in the beauty of Zion National Park, then escape the crowds and explore one of the most beautiful areas of Utah—St. George. If you are planning a road trip that includes Utah, check out this itinerary for some great ideas; California & The Southwestern Desert Parks.  This story has been created in partnership with the St. George Area Tourism Office, Utah.