A peaceful desert reservoir tucked among sculpted sandstone hills and wide desert valleys filled with cliffrose and sagebrush.

Launch a kayak or paddleboard, take a relaxed boat ride, or cast a line for Rainbow Trout and crappie. The quiet morning atmosphere and open scenery make Gunlock a favorite for both locals and photographers.

Continue north to the small rural community of Veyo for lunch. Plan a stop at Veyo Pie: their homemade fruit pies have become a beloved southern Utah tradition and are well worth the stop.

After lunch, take a quick hike up the Cinder Cone near Veyo, a rugged volcanic remnant rising quietly from the high desert. The short but steady climb opens to sweeping views over Dammeron Valley and out toward the forested ridgelines of the Pine Valley Mountains.

From Veyo, climb into the cool mountain air of Dixie National Forest and the historic town of Pine Valley. In less than an hour, the landscape transforms dramatically from desert shrubs to stands of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and quaking aspen.

Stop at the beautifully preserved Pine Valley Chapel, built in 1868 and admired for its remarkable timber truss architecture. Just a few minutes away, Pine Valley Reservoir offers alpine scenery perfect for a lakeside walk, picnic, or fishing.

A longtime local favorite known for hearty steaks and mountain-town hospitality. They are open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day on Friday and Saturday from 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM. And they serve lunch ONLY on Saturdays 12:00 - 3:00 PM.

If you miss this window, you can always return to St. George for a wider selection of dining options.

Wrap up the day at Tuacahn Center for the Arts, where Broadway-style productions, concerts, and special events take the stage in a spectacular outdoor canyon amphitheater framed by soaring canyon walls.

If you’re in the mood for something more low-key, St. George also offers plenty of local venues where you can catch live music and unwind after a full day of exploring.