Joan and I are usually able to share some time during her spring break vacation. Last year we hiked some miles on the Arizona Trail and we’d hoped to complete another section in 2024. However, Mother Nature had other ideas gifting Arizona a March Miracle, in the form of snow. From a logistics and weather perspective, we decided to explore the St George area especially since Joan hadn’t been previously.
We lucked out and got a walk-up campsite reservation at the park which made for a convenient location for starting our hikes.
I’d been to Snow Canyon State Canyon a couple times previously, but I didn’t mind returning. It’s a beautiful place with all the colorful rocks. Since I usually hike in front of Joan she got some photos of me showing perspective. This was on the Hidden Pinyon Trail.
It rained intermittently during the night but we awoke to a bluebird day with alpenlight color.
With two vehicles we were able to do a one-way hike, starting at Whiterocks Trailhead and ending at the campground. We took the detour to the Whiterocks Amphitheater and unlike my previous visit, there was plentiful water.
There are so many rock colors in this park.
We visited the lava tubes.
There were a few blooms including this mustard.
Red Mountain Wilderness
We backpacked to the rim of Snow Canyon for an overnight with views.
We hiked further along the rim the next morning.
Discovering Anderson’s Buttercup was a highlight.
We also found many Western Wallflowers.
Being near urban and touristy areas means limited dispersed camping opportunities especially when it’s wet and the roads become treacherous. This was a lucky find.
This area wasn’t ideal but it was convenient to our next trailhead.
We enjoyed this whirly cloud at sunset.
Resources:
Links:
- More Jaunts at Snow Canyon and Red Mountain
- More Utah Jaunts
Jan's Jaunts and Jabberings 