The No-Stress Guide to Visiting Snow Canyon State Park
Quick answer: Snow Canyon State Park is a stunning red-rock park near Ivins and St. George, Utah, open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The day-use fee is $20 per vehicle for non-residents and $15 for Utah residents (or $3 per pedestrian or cyclist). It offers hiking, biking, climbing, camping, and scenic drives across 7,400 acres of sandstone cliffs, lava fields, and sand dunes. The easiest way to see the whole park is by e-bike on the paved trail. Plan to arrive early in summer and bring plenty of water.
Snow Canyon State Park is one of southern Utah's most beautiful and accessible outdoor destinations. Located just minutes from St. George near the town of Ivins, it delivers Zion-quality scenery with a fraction of the crowds. This complete visitor guide covers everything you need to know before you go: entrance fees, hours, what to bring, where to stay, and how to make the most of your visit.
The Basics
Here's what to know at a glance before your visit:
Location: Near Ivins and St. George, in Washington County, southern Utah
Size: Roughly 7,400 acres of red and white sandstone, lava fields, and sand dunes
Hours: Open daily, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Entrance fee: $20 per vehicle for non-residents, $15 for Utah residents, $3 per cyclist or pedestrian
Top activities: Hiking, e-biking, rock climbing, camping, and photography
Pets: Allowed on leash in some areas, restricted on certain trails to protect wildlife
Distance from St. George: About 11 miles, or a 20-minute drive
Snow Canyon State Park 2026
How Much Is the Entrance Fee?
Snow Canyon State Park charges a day-use fee that varies by residency and how you enter. Here's the full breakdown:
Day-Use Fees
Utah residents: $15 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
Utah seniors 65+ (with UT license): $10 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
Non-residents: $20 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
Pedestrians or cyclists: $3 per person
Commercial vehicles or groups of 9+: $4 per person
If you're riding in on an e-bike rather than driving, you pay just the $3 cyclist rate, a nice perk for two-wheeled visitors.
Camping Fees
Non-hookup sites: $40 per night
Hookup sites (water & electric): $45 per night
Extra vehicle: $20 per night (one extra vehicle per site permitted)
Group Camping
Cottontail Group Campground: $175 per night (35 people max)
Quail Group Campground: $200 per night (50 people max)
Group Day-Use (Lower Galoot Area)
$150 for up to 3 hours, plus $50 per additional hour
Reservation and permit required (contact the park to arrange)
If you plan to visit multiple Utah state parks, an annual Utah State Parks pass can save money.
What Are the Hours?
Snow Canyon State Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. For questions or to confirm anything before your visit, you can reach the park at 435-628-2255. For the most comfortable experience, plan to arrive early in the morning, especially in summer when temperatures climb quickly.
How to Get There
Snow Canyon is about 20 minutes from St. George and just minutes from Ivins. The park is easy to reach by car, and unlike some larger parks, there's no shuttle, so you can drive right in and park near the trailheads. This makes it one of the most convenient red-rock destinations in the region.
What to Do in Snow Canyon State Park
The park packs a remarkable variety of activities into a compact, accessible area:
E-biking: Ride the paved trail through the heart of the park, the easiest and most scenic way to see it all.
Hiking: Explore the Petrified Dunes, Jenny's Canyon slot canyon, lava tubes, and more.
Rock climbing: Hundreds of bolted routes on the red Navajo sandstone.
Photography: Stunning red and white rock, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Camping: Stay overnight inside the park for stargazing and early-morning quiet.
If you only have a couple of hours, riding the paved trail by e-bike lets you experience the most without overheating.
👉 Want the easiest way to see the park?Reserve an e-bike with Snow Canyon Rentals and ride straight in.
What to Bring
Snow Canyon sits in a hot, dry desert environment, so come prepared:
Plenty of water. Hydration is essential, especially in warmer months.
Sun protection. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat go a long way.
Sturdy shoes. Good footwear helps on sandstone and in the lava tubes.
A flashlight or headlamp. Useful if you plan to explore the lava tubes.
Layers. Mornings and winter days can be cool, even when afternoons are warm.
Where to Stay
You have two great options:
Camp inside the park. The Snow Canyon Campground offers tent and RV sites with restrooms and showers, letting you wake up surrounded by red rock.
Stay in St. George or Ivins. Just minutes away, both offer hotels, resorts, and dining, making for an easy base while you explore the park by day.
Tips for Visiting Snow Canyon State Park
Go early in summer. Beat the heat and the midday glare by arriving in the morning.
Visit in spring or fall for the most comfortable temperatures overall.
Catch golden hour. Sunrise and sunset light makes the red and white rock glow.
Respect the wildlife. The park protects the threatened desert tortoise, so observe from a distance and stay on trails.
Consider an e-bike. It's the easiest way to cover the full park without exhausting yourself in the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Snow Canyon State Park?
The day-use fee is $20 per vehicle for non-residents and $15 per vehicle for Utah residents (up to 8 people), or $10 for Utah seniors 65+. Pedestrians and cyclists pay $3 per person. Camping starts at $40 per night, and annual Utah State Parks passes are also available.
What are Snow Canyon State Park's hours?
Snow Canyon State Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Arriving early is recommended in summer to beat the heat. You can reach the park directly at 435-628-2255 with any questions.
Is Snow Canyon State Park worth visiting?
Yes. Snow Canyon offers stunning red and white sandstone scenery, lava tubes, slot canyons, and great hiking and biking, all with far smaller crowds than nearby Zion and easy access just 20 minutes from St. George.
Do you need a reservation for Snow Canyon State Park?
No reservation is required for day-use entry. You simply pay the vehicle fee at the entrance. Camping sites, however, may require reservations, especially in peak season.
Are dogs allowed in Snow Canyon State Park?
Dogs are allowed on leash in certain areas of the park, but they are restricted on some trails to protect wildlife like the desert tortoise. Check current pet rules before bringing your dog.
What is the best way to see Snow Canyon State Park?
Riding the paved trail by e-bike is the easiest and most scenic way to experience the whole park, especially in warm weather. You cover far more ground than hiking, with much less effort and no heat exhaustion.
How long should I spend at Snow Canyon State Park?
You can see the highlights in about two hours via an e-bike ride or scenic exploration. A half to full day lets you add hiking, climbing, lava tubes, and a sunset photo session.
The Bottom Line
Snow Canyon State Park delivers world-class red-rock scenery with easy access, low cost, and far fewer crowds than Utah's bigger parks. Plan ahead with water and sun protection, visit in the cooler parts of the day, and give yourself time to take in the views.
The easiest way to experience it all? Ride it. Reserve your Snow Canyon e-bike rental here and explore the canyon the way locals do: cool, easy, and covering far more ground than you ever could on foot.