St. George is surrounded by beautiful national parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon. Often when visiting, people’s trips are planned around visits to these main attractions. However, during the rest of your time here, there are so many other fun and beautiful activities to explore. At Freedom Vacation Rentals, we’ve compiled this list of our favorite outdoor activities in St. George that the whole family can enjoy. If you want a day to explore the beauty of St. George, without traveling to the surrounding areas, this is the perfect list for you!
1. Pioneer Park
One of the favorite parks for locals, Pioneer Park is a 52-acre adventure park located very close to downtown St. George. This beautiful red rock park offers easy hiking, rock climbing, slot canyons, small arches, a pioneer cabin, fire pits, barbecues, pavilions, picnic tables, an amphitheater, and a great view of the city from the famous Sugarloaf Dixie Rock. From this viewpoint, you can also see the White Dome, the backside of Zion National Park, and Arizona. Pioneer Park also is a gateway point for the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, offering many beautiful hikes. Pioneer Park is great for families of all ages to run around and explore. Visit in the evening, for one of the best spots to see the sunset over St. George.
Learn more and get directions to the park here.
2. Red Hills Desert Garden
Next to Pioneer Park, is an interactive desert garden. This facility showcases endangered species, water-efficient landscapes, and prehistoric tracks. The whole family can enjoy strolling through this paved garden, along the little creek, and viewing plants ranging from trees to cactus, agave, and more. View wildlife in the park including fish, birds, and lizards. Follow the signs around the garden, to see the prehistoric tracks and learn about the creatures that once roamed the area. With over 5,000 water-efficient plants, there is something in this garden for everyone!
Learn more and get directions to the garden here.
3. Snow Canyon State Park
St. George is lucky to be surrounded by four beautiful state parks. Snow Canyon is just one of the stunning parks. Locals often say this park would be a National Park if it were located anywhere else, because of its unique land formations and stunning views. When in the park, enjoy red- and white-colored sandstone cliffs, black lava rock formations, sand dunes, cinder cones, and a wide variety of land formations. With a road all throughout the park, it’s easy to drive through and make stops along the way, making it a great choice for families. Spend your time here hiking, biking, rock climbing, bouldering, horseback riding, ATV riding, and so much more.
Learn more and get directions to the park here.
4. Sand Hollow State Park
Our second nearby state park, Sand Hollow is a completely different experience from Snow Canyon. With a warm, red rock and sand backdrop, and striking blue waters, Sand Hollow is one of the most popular state parks in the area. A local favorite for swimming, the 1,322-acre reservoir here is warm and offers rentals for water activities including boating, standup paddleboarding, water sports, fishing, and more. Enjoy the surrounding sand dune areas for ATV riding, hiking, and biking. This park is perfect for having a picnic and spending the day in the water.
Learn more and get directions to the park here.
5. Quail Creek State Park
Just minutes away from Sand Hollow, Quail Creek State Park offers another reservoir for swimming, but in a completely different landscape. The picturesque mountain background, with rocky landscape and blue water, gives this reservoir a breathtaking view. This park has some of the warmest waters in the state and is a popular area for fishing as well. The maximum depth of Quail Creek can reach 120 feet, so the deeper water stays cool enough to sustain fish. Enjoy your time here hiking, fishing, diving, boating, ATV riding, and more.
Learn more and get directions to the park here.
6. Gunlock State Park
Last but not least of the local state parks, Gunlock State Park adjoins a 266-acre reservoir. There are no facilities at this park, so plan accordingly when visiting. This park offers hiking, swimming, boating, standup paddleboarding, and fishing. If you are lucky, there are sometimes waterfalls flowing in the springtime that you can hike right up to. People often swim, jump, and play in these falls and the pools they leave. The red rock scenery surrounding the park leaves you with exquisite views and the open park gives you the ability to explore as you wish.
Learn more and get directions to the park here.
7. Tonaquint Park and Thunder Junction All Abilities Park
As you drive into Tonaquint Park, you’ll notice the abundance of shade this park offers. A rare find in the desert climate of St. George, this park is a favorite for many. At this park, enjoy multiple playground areas, eight tennis courts, covered pavilions, barbeques, picnic tables, sand volleyball courts, a nature center, walking trails, and an adjacent community garden. Inside this quiet park, is the bustling Thunder Junction All Abilities Park. This fun dinosaur-themed park offers a splash pad, an ‘erupting’ volcano, a climbing wall, and wheelchair accessible playground equipment. There is also a train that runs on a 2,700-foot track all around the park. This park is perfect for the whole family and offers lots of entertaining features that will keep you busy all day long.
Learn more and get directions to the park here and here.
8. Historic Downtown
Enjoy your day in the heart of downtown St. George on a historic walking tour. This self-guided tour offers 26 different spots that ‘Stroll through History’. From art museums to courthouses and home tours, this historic journey gives a little of everything. During your tour, stop at some of the local downtown restaurants for a bite to eat, and enjoy the St. George Town Square. The town square area includes a splash pad, a lazy river, a splashing waterfall, and shaded pavilions. It also boasts a spectacular carousel and local artwork throughout the park. Many public events are hosted here, including the art festival, and First Night, so check around to see if anything is going on.
Learn more and get directions to these activities here and here.
9. Paved Bike Paths and Spin Scooters
All major areas of the St. George City are connected by the city trail system. These trails are a great way to explore the area and see the natural beauty surrounding St. George. Walk the trail along the Virgin River, throughout the town, and by the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. If you are looking for something a little more fast-paced, try out the SPIN scooters located all around town. With over 30 different docking areas, you are sure to come across these scooters. Download the SPIN app on your phone, and unlock the scooters to go. They can be driven and parked anywhere in city limits, giving you a wide range of mobility.
Learn more and get directions to the bike paths here and here.
10. Tuacahn Center For The Arts
Last but not least, after a long day of outdoor physical activities, enjoy the evening watching a live performance. Nestled in the mountains of Snow Canyon, this open-air outdoor theater is home to many concerts, events, and theatre productions, including Broadway in the Canyon, showcasing Broadway tested musicals. Tuacahn’s beautiful rock backdrop turns into a starry sky as the night goes on, creating an awe-inspiring scene the whole time you are there. Also at this theater is the Saturday Market and a gift gallery. Around the holidays Tuacahn also hosts Christmas in the Canyon and a live nativity scene. Check out the show schedule online for all events, theater and concert performances.
Learn more and get directions to the theater here.
With so many outdoor activities to experience in St. George, there is something for everyone. Make the most of your stay at Freedom Vacation Rentals, by exploring these local attractions. Read our other blogs for more activities and information about the local area. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have, we are always happy to help you plan your stay. St. George is a great place for family vacations, and the outdoor activities will keep you busy the whole time you’re here!
Exploring Zion is a fun activity, but planning a trip there for a whole family can seem like a daunting task! Our staff at Freedom Vacation Rentals wants you to enjoy your trip here as much as possible, and not have to stress about planning, so we’ve compiled a list of the top family-friendly hikes in Zion for you! Whether your family is young, old, large, or small, these hikes are a great way to experience the beauty of Zion National Park for everyone involved.
1. Pa’rus Trail
Trail Length: 3.5 Miles
An easy, paved trail that runs along the Virgin River, this is the only hike in Zion that is dog-friendly. Play in the bubbling water, enjoy the wildflowers along the way and experience great views inside the park. With multiple stops along the way, this trail can be shorter if needed for your family. This is an easy, relaxing trail, making it a perfect warm-up or cool down for your trip to Zion.
2. Emerald Pools Trail
Trail Length: 1.2 Miles (round trip) to Lower Pools, 2 Miles (round trip) to Middle Pools, and 3 Miles (round trip) to Upper Pools
This three-in-one hike has the option to view one, two, or three glistening emerald pools. Start on the trail for the Lower Emerald Pool, which is a paved, stroller-friendly trail. View beautiful waterfalls and an emerald-colored pool after a short, easy walk. Follow the trail behind the falls and continue hiking up to reach the Middle Emerald Pool. This trail is steeper and longer than the lower pool trail, so it may not be suitable for all families. The final pool, The Upper Emerald Pool, is the hardest to get too, but worth the hike for adventurous families. This pool features a high waterfall cascading off of a cliff. All pools sparkle a glistening emerald green color, and the trails offer beautiful views of the park.
3. Weeping Rock Trail
Trail Length: 0.3 Miles
Short but steep, this trail is paved but may be too narrow for larger strollers. At the end of the trail is a large overhanging “weeping” rock that has dozens of small water streams trickling down it. Enjoy the cool streams of water, look at the unique moss and fern plant life, and enjoy the beautiful views of Zion this short hike offers.
4. Riverside Walk
Trail Length: 1.8 Miles
Stroller and wheelchair friendly, this paved path follows the Virgin River and is perfect for all skill levels. With shade along the way, plenty of wildlife, varied landscapes, and a spectacular waterfall at the end of the trail, this hike will not disappoint. Look out for deer, squirrels, turkeys, and birds while strolling along the river!
5. Canyon Overlook Trail
Trail Length: 1 Mile
This hike is an easy one-mile hike most kids and adults will find exciting. A favorite hike for many families, Canyon Overlook Trail is said to be one of the most breathtaking views of Zion Canyon. With only about 100 feet of elevation gain from bottom to top of the trail, you will be able to look down more than 2,200 feet into the Zion Canyon floor. Bring a pair of binoculars, as you may be able to spot a long horn sheep from across the canyon while you are looking out!
After a fun day of hiking and seeing the breathtaking views Zion National Park has to offer, make sure to check out some of the youth programs the park runs during the summer months. From the junior ranger program to an interactive nature center, there are activities the whole family will enjoy. Learn more about the programs offered and their times here.
Let us know if you and your family have tried any of these hikes, and what you thought about the beautiful views of Zion. Leave us a comment below, we always look forward to hearing from our guests!