Snow Canyon Secrets: Pot Holes

The Secret of Snow Canyon When it Rains

For a normal person, waking up to rain on the day you planned to go for a hike would be huge disappointment. But when it rains down here in southern Utah, the landscape changes dramatically and magical things can happen if you know where to look. So the next time it rains here in Greater Zion, let us offer you a special hike: one of the coolest spots to see when it rains in Snow Canyon: Potholes!

Potholes? Doesn’t sound like much of a secret, or very interesting for that matter, but you couldn’t be more wrong! There is an amazing secret hiding in Snow Canyon that local photographers love, and it’s time to let you in on it. If you’re an out-of-towner, this can be a little trickier to plan as you can’t really control the weather. But if happenstance should smile in your favor, plan to hike the Petrified Sand Dunes Trail in Snow Canyon.

Red rock formations filled with rain water under darkened sky.


Here’s a tip for you: make your way out there as the rain is starting to let up and pass. The best results come when you get to see the sky to clear up a bit and bring in some sunshine while there is still plenty of water in the hollowed out potholes up on the dunes.

Black and white photo of pooled water on rock formations.


Winter or summer, it doesn’t really matter. It still makes for some fun photography and beautiful landscapes. It’s good enough to keep drawing locals back and certainly good enough to share with visitors.

Snow covered mountain peaks behind red rock formations.


Have you already got some awesome shots of these natural wonders in Snow Canyon? Post ‘em to our Facebook page, and share your experience with us. If you haven’t had this pleasure yet, make sure to add it to your list for your next trip out here!

Rainwater pooled on red rock formation with black bluffs in the distance.