A Day in the St. George Area
St. George – Washington – Santa Clara – Ivins
From a vibrant sunrise over the city to desert vistas at sunset, this travel plan shows that adventure in St. George comes in many forms.
This itinerary highlights just one way to experience Greater Zion. The visitor guide offers additional ideas to shape your trip.
Play in Pioneer Park (Light Adventure)
Start your day with a sunrise hike at Pioneer Park in the heart of St. George. Early light illuminates towering red sandstone cliffs and overlooks of the valley below. Families can enjoy a self-guided interpretive tour, learning about the park’s geology, desert wildlife, and local history through informative displays along the trails.
Hike to an Elephant Arch (Higher Adventure)
Hike to Elephant Arch within the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. This roughly 4-mile round-trip trek through Bone Wash leads to a massive sandstone arch that resembles an elephant. The sandy trail passes colorful rock formations before reaching the shaded arch and its impressive desert backdrop.
Walk through history
Drive to St. George and explore Historic Downtown. Browse art galleries and locally owned shops, or follow the historic walking tour past landmarks that share the story of the city’s pioneer roots. (If you opt for the Elephant Arch hike, this might be an option for another day.)
Savor a well-deserved lunch
St. George's dining scene covers all the cravings — southwest flavors, Asian cuisine, and sit-down spots the whole family will love.
1. Snow Canyon State Park
Hike scenic trails, bike through red rock landscapes, or climb sandstone formations surrounded by lava flows and dunes.
2. Kayenta Art Village
Browse art galleries, discover desert sculptures, and meander peaceful trails in Kayenta Art Village.
3. Anasazi Petroglyph Trail
A short (wheelchair accessible) hike in Santa Clara leading to fascinating rock carvings created centuries ago by Indigenous peoples.
Dinner with a View
Finish the day with dinner at a restaurant offering panoramic desert and cliff views as the sun sets across the landscape. There are multiple options for picturesque meals. Check the link provided below the image.
Watch the stars onstage or in the sky
Cap off your day of adventure with a performance at Tuacahn Center for the Arts, where Broadway-style shows and concerts unfold beneath towering red cliffs and a star-filled sky.
If you’re not the theater type, you can take advantage of the incredible dark sky. Book a tour with a knowledgeable guide who can turn the stars into stories. Or grab a blanket, find a park, and lie beneath the twinkling sky.
Pro Tips
- One day in St. George is just not enough time. Plan a longer stay so you can visit the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm. Discover additional trails throughout the vast Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. Go mountain or road biking. Try rock climbing on desert sandstone. Enjoy a relaxing spa day. Tee off at one of the 10 golf courses within the St. George area, or explore Gunlock State Park.
- Gear rentals and tours are widely available, including hiking, biking, and canyoneering.
- Book lodging and activities early so you can spend less time organizing and more time exploring one of the most unforgettable landscapes in Greater Zion.
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