Snow Canyon State Park is a remarkable scenic and biologically diverse destination, and is located just 10 minutes north of St. George, Utah. Recently Equitrekking host Darley Newman joined local Snow Canyon horseback riding outfitter, Patty Arnett, on a ride in Utah’s Snow Canyon State Park. This magnificent state park would probably be a national park, if it weren’t in Utah, where we already have five national parks.
Many scenes from Hollywood movies were filmed among these beautiful landscapes of Snow Canyon State Park. Some of the films that were partially filmed here include The Electric Horseman, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and Jeremiah Johnson.
There are many opportunities for entertainment in the St. George and Zion National Park area. Below are a few samples of these options. Click here to view a list of entertainment venues.
Dixie State College Theater: The Celebrity Concert Series is one of many on-going cultural events available through Dixie State College. This series (CCS) has been operating for 50+ years and was formally organized in 1958 with Dr. Ron Garner as manager. Click here to view details.
Heritage Choir - St. George, Utah
Heritage Choir: The Heritage Choirs performs regularly in the St. George area and has traveled extensively around the world, recently returning from a trip to China. The emphasis of the Heritage Choir is on sacred hymns and anthems. The choir’s home is historic and picturesque St. George Tabernacle which was built by the early Mormon settlers. Rehearsals occur each Thursday from 6:30 PM and 9:00 PM and the public is invited. The full concert schedule is available on the St. George Heritage Choir web-site
.
O.C. Tanner Amphitheater: The O.C. Tanner Amphitheater, in Springdale, Utah is a magnificent setting for outdoor entertainment at Zion National Park . The amphitheater seats 2000 people, and sits below dramatic red cliffs that almost steal the show. During each summer Dixie State College offers a concert series that showcases musical productions from many genres, including Folk, Celtic, and Jazz. Regardless of the type of musical entertainment you enjoy the O. C. Tanner Amphitheater is a great option to consider during the summer season. More…
Southwest Symphony: Conducted by Maestro Gary Caldwell the Southwest Symphony performs regularly in southern Utah. Their host venue is the Cox Auditorium on the campus of Dixie State College. Caldwell has been the conductor of the Southwest Symphony Orchestra for the past twenty years and is in his thirtieth year as Director of Bands at Dixie State.. The Symphony often features guest conductors and performers. Click here.
St. George Musical Theater: This theatre arts organization has been operating in the St. George area for nearly 20 year. Throughout each year the St. George Musical Theater provides family friendly musicals & plays. Theatrical productions are at the Dixie State College Eccles Theater while a new permanent home is under construction.
Zion Canyon Theater
Zion Canyon Giant Screen Theater: The Zion Canyon Giant Screen Theater opened in 1994 to show the giant screen film ( IMAX ) “Zion Canyon: Treasure of the Gods.” The theater is located just outside the southwest entrance to Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah. This theater features the largest screen in Utah and one of the largest in the world, measuring 60 feet high and 82 feet across. Sound comes from an eight track digital Surround Sound system capable of 22,000 watts. The theater also offers Hollywood full-length feature films. Click here to learn more.
The Tuacahn Center for the Performing Arts is a non-profit arts organization situated in the mouth of Padre Canyon near Snow Canyon State Park. This facility operates a 2,000 seat amphitheater where outdoor musical productions are presented. The amphitheater sits below towering 1500 foot red sandstone cliffs. This year Tuacahn presents three great new musical productions; Tarzan, Cats and Crazy for you! - Click here to learn more.
2,000 seat Amphitheater at Tuacahn
The overall facility is 42,000 square feet and was completed in 1995. Along with the outdoor amphitheater, there is a 330 seat indoor theater, a dance studio, a black-box theater, a recital hall, a costume shop and scene shop, studios, classrooms, and a gift shop. Many of the facilities at Tuacahn are utilized for a private high school that is focused on the performing arts.
Tuacahn is known for presenting professional large-scale musical theater productions as part of the annual “Broadway in the Desert” series. These Broadway style productions are presented in the amphitheater each summer and fall (generally June-October). Professional and local actors, directors, and designers are utilized for the three main-stage productions. During the holiday season the center also presents The Festival of Lights with a live nativity and many concerts are presented year-round.
Original Production of "Utah" at Tuacahn
History: Tuacahn was a concept developed by Utah playwright Doug Stewart, who is well-known as the creator of the musical “Saturday’s Warrior.” Stewart envisioned a place where the story of the founding of southern Utah could be told in dramatic form. Partnering with local businessman and philanthropist Hyrum Smith (well known lecturer and creator of the Franklin Planner), Stewart’s dream became a reality and the arts center opened in April 1995. The venue presented the outdoor musical drama “UTAH!” for several seasons before adopting the “Broadway in the Desert” format in 1999. Tuacahn’s on-going offerings of spectacular entertainment has made it a popular destination for visitors from throughout the world.
As visitors prepare to make a visit to the St. George or Zion National Park area, one of the first things to search for is a great place to stay.St. George, Utah and the communities near Zion National Park offer a variety of lodging options including bed and breakfasts, inns, motels, hotels, condos, vacation rentals and resorts.We’ll address some of the options for each of these below.
St. George Utah & Zion National Park Lodging
Bed & Breakfasts:St. George offers several bed and breakfasts options but the greater number of b&b’s is found in the Springdale and Rockville area near Zion National Park.Click here for a list.
Inns:There is one Inn of significance to mention in the St. George area, and it is located at the Entrada Country Club.Visitors to the Inn at Entrada have the unique option of having access to the Entrada Golf Course, and to the amenities at Entrada, such as the restaurant, fitness facilities, etc.
Motels:Both Zion National Park and St. George offer a wide range of motel options.Motels, of course, are generally defined as lodging operations that have access to their rooms from an outside entrance.
Hotels:Both St. George and Zion have some wonderful hotels.Many of these are conveniently located in areas near convention facilities, restaurants, shopping and other services.Prominent areas for St. George Utah hotels are in the downtown area, along Bluff Street and at major freeway Interchanges 4, 6, 8 and 10.In Hurricane, and Springdale you will also find hotels at convenient locations. Click here for a list.
Condos:There are condo rentals in many locations through the area.St. George condos are located in the Green Valley area, Southgate and in other areas.Click here for a list.
St. George Vacation Rentals:You’ll find vacation rentals in the form of condos or homes throughout the St. George and Zion National Park area.Click here for a list.
Resorts:St. George is well known for resort spas, in fact three of the top resort spas in the United States are found in St. George.Green Valley Resort Spa, Red Mountain Resort Spa and The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge.Fitness Ridge recently acquired the “Biggest Loser” moniker when they became America’s only fitness resort with official ties to the television show “Biggest Loser”.The Inn at Entrada also qualifies as a resort experience because of the setting and amenities that are offered.
Views of the Virgin River in Zion and and a Virgin River Overlook
The Virgin River is the water system that is responsible for carving some of the main canyons in Zion National Park. This river drainage contains some of the most dramatic landscapes in the America. Located in the southwest corner of Utah, the Virgin River provides valuable water resources and recreation opportunities for over 120,000 local residents. The Virgin River and its contributors are divided into three main drainages: the North Fork, the East Fork, and the Santa Clara River.
Viewers look down into the north fork of the Virgin River basin.
North Fork - Virgin River: The North Fork of the Virgin River begins at Navajo Lake and Kolob Reservoir and receives contributions from many drainage areas along the southwest Markagunt Plateau. The North Fork enters Zion National Park, forming the famous Zion Narrows which is popular for hiking. The East and North forks of the Virgin River come together outside of Zion National park, south of the town of Springdale. Once the North and East Forks of the Virgin meet the river continues on in a southwestern direction running through the towns of Rockville, Virgin, LaVerkin, and Hurricane. Along its path towards St. George are Sand Hollow and Quail Creek Reservoirs. These state parks are beautiful places for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Shadows show the course of the east fork of the Virgin River.
East Fork - Virgin River: The headwaters of the East Fork originate in the southeast Markagunt Plateau near the junction of US Highway 89 and State Highway 14. After flowing through the towns of Glendale, Orderville and Mt. Carmel Junction the river turns west entering Parunaweap Canyon and Zion National Park. Within Parunaweap Canyon adventurous hikers and kayakers navigate “The Barracks” section, a remote narrow canyon which in places is less than 15 feet wide and 500 feet deep.
Santa Clara River Drainage: The Santa Clara River originates in the Pine Valley Mountains, flows towards the town of Santa Clara, and on south to St. George, meeting up with the Virgin River next to I-15 at about mile marker five. The Santa Clara River runs through Gunlock State Park and Reservoir a popular spot for fishing, camping, swimming and boating. The river generally runs only a few inches deep, ideal for skim boarding.
Virgin River Gorge: After the Santa Clara River joins the Virgin River the river then cuts through the rising Beaver Dam Mountains to create a spectacular Gorge reminiscent of the Grand Canyon with eroded, stepped cliffs and terraces of sandstone and limestone. The Virgin River Gorge is a spectacular place to enjoy many different activities including camping, hiking, rock climbing, and kayaking.
In the river itself, the threatened Woundfin minnow and Virgin River Spinedace struggles to survive. Desert bighorn sheep were historically present on the Arizona Strip. By the early 1900s desert bighorn were believed to be extirpated from the Virgin and Beaver Dam Mountains and Paria Canyon - Vermilion Cliffs areas. Small remnant populations were still extant in the Grand Wash Cliffs and Kanab Creek. Since the late 1970’s, Arizona Game and Fish Department and the BLM have been cooperatively working to re-introduce desert bighorn sheep to the Arizona Strip. Visitors might also spot an antelope, a mountain lion, wild turkey, peregrine falcon, or desert tortoise.
About 20 miles south of St. George, along I-15, is Cedar Pocket Campground. This recreation area with 75 camp and picnic sites is open year-round and is a gateway to one of the most remote areas of the United States.
Near the lower end of the gorge is some of the most challenging rock climbing in the United States. Climbers worldwide come to climb the legendary limestone in this narrow gorge. This area isn’t for the timid as routes average 5.12d.
Virgin River to Lake Mead: After leaving the Virgin River the river enters the Mojave Desert and flows past the towns of Beaver Dam and Littlefield, Arizona and then enters southern Nevada near the town of Mesquite. The river empties into the Colorado River at Lake Mead, approximately 40 miles east of Las Vegas.
– So you left the kids behind, or they flew the coop years ago. Get out and enjoy some activities or relax and pamper yourself. Here’s some things to do for couples in the St. George area.
St. George Utah Restaurant Dining
- Fine Dining. There are a large selection of restaurants in the St. George and Zion National Park area. St. George and Springdale, Utah are noted for some excellent dining options. Dining options can be found at this link – click here.
Massage - Spa Treatment - St. George, Utah
- Day Spas. You’ll be pleased with the large selection of day spas or multi-day resort spas in the St. George area. Get a spa treatment after a round of golf or an afternoon of shopping before you venture out for your dining or evening entertainment.
Tuacahn - Broadway Style Musical Productions
- Tuacahn and other theatrical options. The Broadway style theatrical musical productions at are a must-do at the Tuacahan Center for the Performing Arts. Check their calendar for concerts and other productions. In St. George there are other options such as; plays or concerts at Dixie State College, concerts at the Dixie Center, concerts or performances at the St. George Tabernacle and theatrical productions by the St. George Musical Theater. Click here for a list of options.
For other options - visit our AtoZion.com web-site (links below):
- Laser tag and mini-golf and fun centers. Fun centers such as Laser Mania and Fiesta Fun Center offer game rooms, and a variety of activities for any age, but teenagers will enjoy these locations as much as anyone. Go carts, batting cages miniature golf, laser tag, bumper boats and other activities may be found at fun centers such as these. (click here)
Shopping - St. George, Utah
- Shopping: Anyone interested in shopping will find plenty of options in St. George with boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, outlets and a mall. Take your pick for an afternoon of St. George shopping. Click here for a list of shopping options.
- Golf: This is no secret in St. George. Choose from 12 different courses all within a short drive of the place you live or are staying. Rates and degrees of difficulty are very diverse and should satisfy any level of golf play.
- Lakes / Reservoirs: There are three lakes/reservoirs in the St. George area and each is well suited for water-sports of all types. Water temperatures are warmer, for longer periods of time, in the St. George area because of the clear skies and lower elevations. These reservoirs are great places to swim, boat, jet-ski or fish.
- Skim Boarding: Grab a skim-board and head on down to the Virgin River for some great skim boarding. This activity, usually done at a beach, is especially good here because of the sandy river bottoms. The Virgin and Santa Clara rivers have locations where this activity is well suited.
- Swimming / Hydro-tubes: There are three locations in St. George with a swimming pool and hydro-tube; the Washington City Recreation Center, Sand Hollow Aquatic Center and St. George City Pool. (Click here)
- Guided Tours: You may just be a hero to your older children by taking them on a guided adventure. See the list below for ideas.
A. ATV - Take a tour on the nearby Hurricane Sand Dunes or numerous other locations in this region of outdoor adventure (click here)
B. Horseback - Outfitters in Zion National Park and Snow Canyon State Park offer horseback riding opportunities on a daily basis. (click here)
C. Rock Climbing / Canyoneering / Rappelling / Zip Line - Outfitters in the St. George and Zion National Park area offer opportunities to combine these activities in one experience or to do one or the other. Canyoneering adventures can be handled by people of most any age. (click here)
D. Aerial Tours - Jump into a helicopter and soar above the massive scenic formations that make this region famous. After one of these experiences, anyone will walk away with a greater appreciation of the grandeur of this region. (click here)
Mountain Biking - St. George Utah
E. Mountain Biking - St. George is fast becoming one of the more popular mountain biking destinations in the west. There are 40+ different trails in this area to choose from. You can rent mountain bikes or even hire a guide to take you out for a mountain bike adventure. (click here)
A family or someone with young children that is visiting St. George and Zion National Park, will be wondering what are the best things to do with children? Below are some suggestions. Check this blog to see options for things to do with teenagers, and things to do for couples or adults.
Young Family
- Walking / Hiking Trails: St. George has over 50+ miles of paved walking/biking trails. Many of these trails connect to each other while others take follow their own course along scenic byways. The paved trails offer a smooth and safe experience, while the more adventurous may choose any one of literally hundreds of places to hike. A very popular hiking destination, close to St. George, is Snow Canyon State Park, but there are trails in every direction from St. George.
Washington City Recreation Center
- Washington City Recreation Center / Sand Hollow Recreation Center / St. George City Pool: Water enthusiasts will enjoy the year-round activities of the Sand Hollow and Washington City recreation centers. Hydrotubes, and water-toys are available at both facilities. Washington City recreation center also offers a climbing wall, work-out facilities, basketball/volleyball courts, gymnastics and more. In summer the outdoor St. George City Pool also offers a hydotube and pool.
- Ice Skating Rink: This past winter (2009-2010) an ice rink called the Dixie Igloo. The ice-rink is housed in a structure in the downtown St. George area (west end of the city square). Ice skating is available only during winter months.
Fishing Ponds
- Fishing ponds: St. George city has several local ponds that are stocked with fish. Two of these ponds are located at the Canyons Softball complex.
- Rosenbruch Wildlife Museum / Dinosaur Tracks Site: These and other museum sites make for an interesting one to two hour excursion for family members of any age. Youngsters especially will be intrigued by the Rosenbruch Wildlife Museum.
- Veyo Pool - Creek / Picnic / Pool / Climbing: Go north of town just 20 minutes on Bluff Street past Snow Canyon State Park and you’ll come to the quaint town of Veyo Visitors will enjoy the lava canyon where a small pool, burger grill are located. The Santa Clara River runs through this shaded canyon and there are climbing routes on the canyon walls.
Horseback Riding - Snow Canyon State Park
- Guided Activities: Even young-ones will enjoy some of these activities. Local guides provide horseback riding, ATV tours, rock climbing, canyoneering or guided hikes and much more. Talk to our guides and outfitters to determine any age limitations. (click here)
Grafton is a historic ghost town just south of Zion National Park and located along the Virgin River. The modern day town nearest Grafton, is Rockville. Grafton was first settled in 1859 and was located just one mile west of its present town site. In January of 1862 the town was completely washed away by a flood on the Virgin River. Settlers rebuilt the town a mile further up stream at its present site.
Gravestone of young teenager killed in uprisings
There were many log houses, a post office, a church, a school, and a community hall. The town was deserted in 1866 due to Indian attacks and resettled once the threat had subsided.
Said to be the most photographed ghost town in the West, it has been featured as a location in several films, including 1929’s “In Old Arizona” and the classic “Butch Cassidy and the Sandance Kid”, filmed in 1969 and starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman. If you are familiar with the movie “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” you may remember the scene where Newman is riding a bicycle while the music of B.J. Thomas serenades he and Katherine Ross (Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head). This was part of the scenes that were filmed at Grafton.
Directions: To get to Grafton Ghost town you will drive to the town of Rockville and look for a road labelled “Bride Road” at the east end of town (south side of street). Turn on this road and go south across the old iron bridge. Follow the road to the right as it turns west and becomes a dirt road. Travel this direction for a couple of miles until you see the Grafton cemetery on the left. The road to the old Grafton town site curves right (north) toward the Virgin River (just a few hundred yards). Park your car and wander around the old school house and through the old cemetery.
Ever since the new freeway was opened through the Virgin River Gorge, travelers simply don’t travel very much to Las Vegas via old highway 91. This state road, that goes west through the quaint city of Santa Clara, comes to a fork near the base of Utah hill. Go left at the fork, and you would continue toward Las Vegas, turn right and you will go north to Gunlock State Park. The reservoir, tucked away about 15 miles northwest of St. George, is a hidden secret.
Water Skiing on Gunlock State Park
Gunlock State Park is a scenic 600-acre park is a great place for boating, swimming and for other water sport enthusiasts to enjoy some of the warmest water temperatures in Utah. The reservoir, built in 1970 and fed by the Santa Clara River, also provides excellent fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish. The banks of the reservoir are lined with pine and juniper trees, with a backdrop of red and pink Navajo sandstone cliffs to the west and ancient lava beds to the east. With heavy spring snow-melt and rains, you may find water flowing over the southwest corner of the reservoir and then cascading across the red rock formations below. This is quite a spectacular site and the best opportunities to see this are usually between March and April. It really depends on the weather conditions. Also found in this area are a wide array of ancient Native American writings. Click here to read more.
The town of Gunlock - Just 1 mile north of the Gunlock State Park
The park is named for “Gunlock Will” (William Haynes Hamblin), a Mormon pioneer and expert marksman who settled in the area in the mid-1800s. The road to the park was once known as the Old Spanish Trail and was traversed from New Mexico to California by adventurers in search of gold.
Southern Utah’s sunny, dry climate allows the park to remain open year-round, although spring and fall entertain the most visitors. There is a day-use fee ($5.00 in 2010) for this state park, which includes the boat launch and limited facilities, including a covered pavilion and vault toilets. Primitive camping is available ($10 per night in 2010).
