What to do in Greater Zion when it’s hot outside

We don’t know the specific desert this iconic song is referencing, but in our completely unbiased opinion, it was probably in Greater Zion. In our slightly more experience-based opinion, we know that deserts aren’t always rainbows and butterflies and classic throwback sing-along songs. They can be intensely hot, especially in the heat of a summer day. Here’s what to do and how you can beat Greater Zion desert heat before you can’t remember your name.

Trek to higher elevations

Greater Zion is well-known for the famed natural wonderland, Zion National Park (as you might have gathered from our name.) However, there is a lesser known but equally wondrous national treasure nearby. Enter: Pine Valley.

In stark contrast to the sprawling desert landscape that dominates most of Washington County, Pine Valley marks the beginning of Dixie National Forest, the largest National Forest in Utah and yet another item on the state’s long list of iconic outdoor country. With its lush woodlands, rushing rivers and mountain peaks reaching just beyond 10,000 feet in elevation, you will feel like you are in an entirely different state, or perhaps even on another planet, only a convenient 45-minute trip from the home base city of St. George.

Pine Valley is known for its serene recreation area, beautiful campsites, scenic hiking trails and, perhaps most importantly during summer months, temperatures averaging 16 degrees cooler than St. George’s summertime highs due to the increased elevation. With the air as crisp as the scent of the pines, you’ll breathe easy as you escape that scorching lowland temperatures.

Take a dip

When it’s so hot that it feels like everything is on fire, water is the best thing to put it out with. Luckily, Greater Zion has plenty of options to choose from.

For outdoor water recreation, consider exploring local state parks like Sand Hollow, Quail Creek, or Gunlock. All three are home to beautiful reservoirs with scenic views and several water-friendly activities like boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, beaching and more. (Pro tip: although Gunlock State Park has a smaller lake, it also has the coolest water temperatures due to altitude.) 

If man-made swimming options are more your speed, you can find almost anything you can think of in Greater Zion, including indoor pools, outdoor pools, recreational swimming, competitive swimming, indoor water parks and sun decks.

Treat yourself

Taking good care of yourself will prevent the heat from catching up with you. Hydrate, apply sun protection, and while you’re on a roll with the self-care, why not make a whole spa day out of it? As the saying goes: you can’t pour from an empty cup.

There are several day spas and destination spas in Greater Zion, offering everything from massages to facials to therapy sessions. Making space for self-care allows you to relax and reconnect with yourself, your loved ones, and your surroundings from the comfort of the shade and air conditioning. You will leave feeling rejuvenated, and your cup will runneth over – in a metaphorical and literal sense, as we’re serious about staying hydrated!

Think nocturnally

Long, hot desert days are usually followed by mild, refreshing desert nights. So, a day spent hiding from the heat isn’t necessarily a day wasted. Rather, it is the perfect opportunity to look at Greater Zion in a different light (or, sometimes, no light at all).

Zion National Park is a certified Dark Sky Park. With little to no light pollution, you can see some of the clearest views of the night sky in the world. Taking in the crystal-clear views of the galaxy while surrounded by the majesty of Zion National Park elevates stargazing to an entirely new level.

The nighttime activities don’t stop at Zion National Park, though. Local restaurants, bars, and breweries create more social evening ventures. Combined with the musicals, concerts, and musicals hosted by the Tuacahn Center for the Arts throughout the year, this makes for the perfect night out on the town. Rich in art, culture, and natural beauty, Greater Zion’s nightlife resonates with everyone from the social butterflies to the quiet wanderers.

No matter which category you fall into or what weather conditions are like, there is adventure to be had year-round in Greater Zion, the Land of Discovery.