SOUTHERN UTAH’S RED ROCK CORRIDOR
Snow Canyon State Park
Exit on Bluff Street and head north of St. George to Snow Canyon State Park. Snow Canyon sits within a dramatic landscape shaped by ancient sand dunes that hardened into Navajo sandstone nearly 190 million years ago. Later volcanic activity sent lava flows across the canyon floor, creating the striking contrast of black basalt and red sandstone that visitors see today.
Walk the Petrified Dunes Trail, a 1.2 mile round trip hike across rolling sandstone formations with excellent views of the surrounding desert landscape. Also take time for Jenny’s Canyon, a short 0.5 mile round trip walk that leads into a narrow sandstone slot and is ideal for families and first time visitors.
After a long day of sightseeing and hiking, consider overnighting in St George before heading to Springdale early the next morning. If you plan to hike Angels Landing during your Zion visit, begin entering the permit lottery as soon as you arrive in town.
For a memorable local meal in St George, consider The Painted Pony Restaurant, a longtime favorite known for refined Southwestern cuisine and its historic setting in Ancestor Square.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park was first protected as Mukuntuweap National Monument in 1909 before being renamed Zion in 1919, becoming Utah’s first national park and one of the earliest preserved landscapes on the Colorado Plateau.
Enter Zion on Utah Highway 9 and begin with the Emerald Pools Trail system. The Lower Emerald Pool route is an approachable 1.2 mile round trip walk that delivers waterfalls, hanging gardens, and canyon views with relatively little effort.
Continue to the Riverside Walk, a scenic 2.2 mile round trip trail that follows the Virgin River deeper into Zion Canyon and leads to the gateway of The Narrows, where towering sandstone walls rise dramatically above the river.
Springdale offers plenty of lodging options, making it a comfortable base for exploring the park over multiple days.
A classic place to gather after a day in Zion is Oscar’s Cafe, a longtime Springdale favorite known for generous portions, Southwestern flavors, and patio views of the surrounding canyon walls.
More Adventures in Zion National Park
Angels Landing requires a permit, and the day before lottery offers valuable flexibility for travelers who stay multiple nights near the park. Permits are awarded after 4 pm on the day you apply, and applications are handled through Recreation.gov.
The full Angels Landing hike is approximately 5.4 miles round trip and climbs steeply through a series of switchbacks before reaching the famous chain section along a narrow sandstone ridge. If you do not secure a permit, an excellent alternative is Scout Lookout on the West Rim Trail, a 4 mile round trip hike that still provides dramatic views deep into Zion Canyon.
Leaving Zion along Utah Highway 9 toward Mount Carmel is one of the most scenic drives of the entire journey. Completed in 1930, the Zion Mount Carmel Highway was considered a major engineering achievement, connecting Zion to Bryce Canyon through a series of tunnels and dramatically expanding tourism across southern Utah. Travelers should be aware that large vehicles may require special escort through the historic Zion Mount Carmel Tunnel.
Observation Point and the Mount Carmel Corridor
If you are still feeling adventurous, consider hiking Observation Point via the East Mesa Trail. This 7.3 mile round trip route leads to one of the highest viewpoints in Zion National Park and offers an incredible perspective looking down into Zion Canyon. During winter months, snow may be present along the route.
Afterward, continue east along Utah Highway 9 through the Mount Carmel corridor until reaching Highway 89.
In nearby Mount Carmel Junction, the Thunderbird Restaurant has been serving travelers since the 1940s and is famous for its Navajo Taco, a regional specialty made with fry bread and traditional toppings that has become a classic stop for travelers exploring Zion, Kanab, and the surrounding canyon country.
From here, a short drive south leads to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, where winds have shaped vast dunes of soft pink sand at the edge of the Vermilion Cliffs. Visitors can explore the dunes on foot or simply enjoy the unique landscape.
Continue south to Kanab, where travelers will find a variety of lodging and dining options. The area also offers many additional adventures including hikes such as the Red Canyon Slot at Peekaboo Canyon, White Wave, the Kanab Dinosaur Tracks, the Little Hollywood Museum, and the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.
A memorable stop in Kanab is Rocking V Cafe, a beloved local restaurant known for its welcoming atmosphere, Southwestern inspired dishes, and reputation as a gathering place for travelers.
On the return toward Mount Carmel, consider stopping at two unusual roadside formations. The Sand Caves offer quick access to sculpted sandstone alcoves, while Belly of the Dragon provides a short walk through a tunnel carved beneath the highway that resembles the ribbed interior of a giant stone creature.
Leave No Trace
Please respect the natural environment by following Leave No Trace principles.
