6 Incredible State Parks in Southern Utah

Southern Utah is a land of hyperbolic beauty and awe-inspiring desert scenery. Boasting glorious red rock formations and chiseled canyons, it is a destination that is at once dazzling, unique, and otherworldly. 

Utah’s national parks understandably get much of the attention. After all, they are among the most geologically fascinating areas in the United States.

But southern Utah’s beauty isn’t limited to the grandeur of Zion, the delicacy of Arches, or the ruggedness of Canyonlands. In the shadow of Utah’s national parks, a handful of state parks lie scattered about the rose-colored desert. 

While they may not boast the renown of the Mighty 5, Utah’s state parks are often no less impressive. 

 

MUST-VISIT SOUTHERN UTAH STATE PARKS

A bulk of Utah’s state parks can be found near the Arizona border—amidst a jumble of national parks, national monuments, and BLM land.

These parks showcase the state’s natural splendor and offer a plethora of recreation opportunities for hikers, mountain bikers, photographers, and adventurers.

 

In total, Utah has 43 state parks. An annual Utah state parks pass costs $75 for in-state residents and $150 for out-of-state travelers. Individual entrance fees generally range from $10-20 per vehicle. 

          
SNOW CANYON STATE PARK

Snow Canyon State Park is a 7,400-acre sampler of southwest Utah’s most famous land features. Within its canyon walls, it boasts easy access to hiking trails, subterranean lava tubes, narrow slot canyons, and shifting sand dunes. 

Though actual snow occasionally blankets the fiery landscape on chilly winter days, the park is not named after frozen precipitation. Snow Canyon got its name from Mormon pioneers Lorenzo and Erastus Snow. The area became a state park in 1958, and has since been a favorite destination among rock climbers and cyclists. 

Snow Canyon’s proximity to St George makes it a popular getaway destination in southern Utah. It is within arm’s reach of a mid-sized town, but feels worlds away from civilization. 

In Snow Canyon’s scenic valley, streaks of red and white sandstone swirl like melted ice cream. Along the park’s trails, ebony lava rock litters the landscape like charred logs in a blazing fire.

The 1.2-mile Petrified Dunes Trail showcases some of park’s most enticing landmarks. It features remarkable Navajo sandstone formations, subterranean tunnels, and jaw-dropping vistas over the canyon. 

Though it lies in the shadow of nearby Zion National Park, Snow Canyon holds its own among southern Utah’s epic red rock landscapes.

CORAL PINK SAND DUNES STATE PARK

Unlike some of Utah’s other state parks, there are no established hiking trails that criss-cross the warm-hued landscape. 

Instead—as with the coastal dunes in Oregon and White Sands in New Mexico—the area is best explored by simply meandering around the ever-shifting sand sea. 

We visited the coral-hued dunes at the crack of dawn, before they filled with ATVs and sand boarders. I’d read somewhere that the state park can be a noisy place to visit due to its popularity with dune buggies.

In the quiet of the morning hours, however, we found ourselves alone in the undulating red expanse. 

It was nothing short of magical. 

SAND HOLLOW STATE PARK

Sometimes, nature creates a display of epic proportions. Other times, it is humankind’s engineering over nature that puts on the most enticing of shows. 

At Sand Hollow State Park near St George, a human-made reservoir has created a recreational haven for water sports enthusiasts. In summer months, it provides an escape from the area’s searing heat. In winter, it is a place that allows for serenity and quiet contemplation.

I imagine that Sand Hollow looks like a mini version of Lake Powell, with its red rocks contrasting against clear blue water. 

Dan and I visited Sand Hollow following a vehicle breakdown that upended our plans. The small Utah state park was never part of our original American Southwest itinerary. 

But when we found ourselves stuck in St George and waiting for a vehicle fix, we reached out to a friend who was familiar with the area. He suggested we spend the remaining hours of our day at Sand Hollow. 

We heeded his advice and soaked in views over the lake at sunset—as a warm glow lit up the surrounding rocks in effervescent shades of orange and pink. 

Admittedly, Sand Hollow is best enjoyed in warmer months. It has a beach, a swimming area, and plenty of space for paddling or boating. When we visited, the temperatures were certainly too cold for taking a dip. 

Yet nevertheless, we enjoyed walking around the reservoir’s perimeter, photographing Sand Hollow’s rock islands, and watching the sunset as it illuminated the area’s red rock formations. 

KODACHROME BASIN STATE PARK

When the National Geographic Society traveled to the photogenic basin south in Bryce in 1948, its members found themselves struck by the area’s colorful sandstone chimneys. They named the area Kodachrome Flat, after the brand of Kodak film known for its vibrant color rendition.

Kodachrome Basin State Park lies 26 miles southeast of Bryce Canyon National Park, along Utah’s achingly beautiful Highway 12. The park is most renowned for its dozens of delicate sandstone chimneys— some nearly 170ft tall—that reach toward Utah’s cloudless skies.

Dan and I spent a morning in Kodachrome Basin, following our sunrise visit to Bryce. With limited time in the area, we chose to hike the scenic Angel’s Palace Trail for aerial views over the park’s unique landforms. 

Angel’s Palace is among the most beautiful short hikes in Kodachrome State Park. Other popular trails include the 1.5 mile Grand Parade and the 3 mile Panorama Trail. 

Following our scenic walk, Dan and I continued along a spur road, to Chimney Rock. 

The towering rock column is one of the top places to visit in Kodachrome Basin. It is the tallest of the park’s 67 chimneys.

Notice how small Dan looks in comparison. 

Kodachrome Basin has more of these rock spires than anywhere else in the world. So far, geologists are unsure about how the chimneys formed. Differing theories suggest that the columns are either remnants of ancient springs, or pathways created by earthquakes.

With my own limited geology knowledge, I really can’t say what causes the area to look the way it does. 

One thing is for sure, though; Kodachrome Basin certainly  lives up to its name. 

GOBLIN VALLEY STATE PARK

Goblin Valley State Park is an iconic landscape in southern Utah that lies just north of Capitol Reef National Park’s Cathedral District. Aptly named for its thousands of goblin-like formations, the unique state park looks like the backdrop to a magical fantasy novel.

Though a few trails lead down to the valley floor, the area is best enjoyed when wandering aimlessly. 

Goblin Valley’s stunted hoodoos formed as a result of eroding sandstone. In some spots, the rock formations are close together and produce a maze-like playground ideal for exploration.

I presume that Goblin Valley would be a fantastic place to bring kids. I can only imagine how much I would have loved scrambling around the park as a child. 

Dan and I only had about half an hour to explore the Goblin Valley. Shortened winter daylight hours and an unexpected number of photo stops along Highway 12 meant that we had limited time to hike through the area’s peculiar hoodoos. 

Still, we enjoyed our short visit to Goblin Valley State Park. The otherworldly landscape of melting stone mushrooms is playfully photogenic and just plain fun. 

DEAD HORSE POINT STATE PARK

Dead Horse Point State Park overlooks a scenic U-shaped bend in the Colorado River. Located just off Highway 313, the park boasts views of rugged canyon walls and the distant snow-draped La Sal Mountains.

The tiny state park packs a lot of punch. In addition to being one of Utah’s most photographed landmarks, Dead Horse Point has been the setting for numerous movies—including parts of Mission Impossible II, Need for Speed, and Thelma & Louise. 

The park got its name from local legend. According to folklore, cowboys once used the land as a natural corral for wild mustangs. In the inhospitable and rugged terrain, the horses often died of thirst and exposure. 

Dan and I chose to visit the state park at sunrise, as a warm glow drenched the cliffs and revealed nuanced layers of rock. Sunrise is one of the most beautiful times to visit Dead Horse Point. I hear sunset can be equally enchanting. 

I’m not entirely sure why Dead Horse Point State Park isn’t a part of Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky district. The state park lies only a few miles from the national park’s entrance. Scenery-wise, it is also quite similar.

Nonetheless, the state park is well worth shelling out an extra $20 to visit. It is among the most beautiful state parks in Utah and should not be missed when traveling around the American Southwest. 

 

*****

When it comes to dramatic geology, southern Utah is well endowed. Its chiseled red rock landscapes house a dizzying assortment of stunning scenic areas and sweeping vistas. 

Almost every Utah road trip includes visits to the Mighty 5. And for good reason. Utah’s national parks are among the most spectacular in the world. 

But travelers with a little bit more time would be remiss to skip the oft-overlooked state parks. 

Because the state parks in Utah are far more deserving than the recognition they often receive.

And with their flaming red rock, delicate spires and weathered canyons, the dazzling red rock areas are nothing if not unique. 

 

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