Hidden Gem: Turtle Wall

An Incredible Hike Right Outside of St. George

Many times, the build up to an adventure is half the fun. But not always. It would be nice if sometines you could just walk out your front door and have the adventure waiting for you, like a loyal dog. Not a lot of fuss, planning or travel time. Just a simple, straight-forward chance to explore and meditate on your day. For those reasons, Turtle Wall is a gem of a hike.

Turtle Wall is more than just convenient though. It’s convenience coupled with quality. Just as you feel like you’re leaving St. George on Bluff Street, you see the trail head in a pull-off to the left. It’s so fast and easy to access that you have no excuses to not get out and stretch your legs.

As soon as you hit the trail, you’ll realize that Turtle Wall is a melting pot of outdoor adventure. You’ll cross paths with multiple other hikers, mountain bikers, people enjoying picnics and you migt even get to watch some rock climbers enjoy some sport climbing.

The trail is easy to follow, and within a mile, you’ll reach the impressively large sandstone formation that resembles a turtle. The trail takes you up on its back like some massive, super slow steed. From there to the midpoint of the hike is mostly slick rock, which explains all of the enthusiastic mountain bikers.

The only point of interest that tops the turtle monument was the view from the top of the mesa. Right before the trail loops back towards your starting point is an amazing view of the entrance to Snow Canyon and nearly a bird’s eye view of Ivins. There is actually a trail that keeps going from here to Snow Canyon, including the Scout Caves, but you can save that for another day.

If you plan your hike for the afternoon, the hike back features a fantastic mixture of falling shadows and amber light from the setting sun. Wild rabbits and wild flowers can be found scattered throughout the empty space. It truly is a tranquil hike that offers beauty and wonder, and it’s right in Greater Zion’s backyard.

On your next trip to Zion country, you may want a more convenient hike right in St. George. This is that hike. Make sure to add it to your list.