LOOK BEFORE YOU BOOK. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO.: Visit stateparks.utah.gov to learn current conditions, fire restrictions, and other important information for each individual state park. Refunds are not given for changing park conditions such as changing water levels or fire bans.
Attention: As of March 18th All Reservations that extend beyond The Furthest Arrival Date Must Wait 21 Days Before Changes Can Be Made
*** Site Availability Information ***: All campsites and yurts are available for reservation on a four-month rolling basis. For example, on January 10 individual sites are available for reservation through May 10. You can book a maximum of 13 days beyond the last date of the reservation window. For more information please contact our Reservation Call Center at 800-322-3770 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) Monday through Friday. The call center is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
ATTENTION - PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDANCE: Utah State Parks remain open to all visitors at this time. Visitors must adhere to local or state coronavirus health mandates when applicable. Visit coronavirus.utah.gov for up-to-date information.
PARK CLOSURE WILL IMPACT CAMPING and DAY USE ACCESS:
Please note the following closure in conjunction with the Ironman 70.3 St. George being held in May 2024:
CLOSURE : Saturday, May 4, 2024: Snow Canyon Drive through Snow Canyon State Park will be closed between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to accommodate the cycling portion of the Ironman 70.3 St. George North American Championship. Campers will need to leave the campground by 7:50a.m.; otherwise you will not be allowed to exit the campground and access Snow Canyon Drive until after 3:30 p.m. Day use visitors and incoming campers will not be able to access the park until after 3:30p.m. This closure includes the paved Whiptail Trail.
Parking is limited within Snow Canyon State Park for spectators hoping to view runners participating in the St. George Marathon. Parking is limited to 200 vehicles. Vehicles with a ticket will be directed to park along Snow Canyon Drive in the canyon. Hiking is involved to reach the viewing area and can range anywhere from 1/2-mile to 3-miles round-trip. Spectators should be prepared to hike uphill in exposed conditions.
The Island in the Sky is an eroded sandstone butte located in the middle of Snow Canyon State Park. Steep walled on nearly every side, the top of the formation is accessible via a system of ledges, dihedrals and ramps on both the north and south tips. Once the top of the formation is attained it is traversed by an intricate and confusing series of drainages, bowls, parks, slots, ledges, and ramps. There is no easily discernable pathway through what is by definition a labyrinth of stone. There are several points which a rope and belay may be prudent. If you attempt this route you should have a good head for heights, comfort with exposure and understanding of the delicate nature of sandstone and its frictioning characteristics. This formation has been traversed by local desert rats for over 30 years or more, but has also seen its share of epics, nights spent out, and rescues. Give yourself adequate time, bring extra supplies, water and headlamps. If you are uncertain of the route, partner with someone who has hiked this area before or hire a guide.
Please note: Each permit is good for up to six people.
Arch Canyon is a major drainage for the west side of Highway 18 from the Ledges golf course south to the Gold Diamond ranches. The area is a maze of brief slot canyons, eroded monoliths, isolated basalt flows and innumerable small cliffs descending into Johnson Canyon in Snow Canyon State Park. The canyon system itself is comprised of several pour offs into pool areas interrupted by basalt boulders and open sand washes in between. The canyon is capable of holding water in deep pools throughout the year, necessitating deep wading at a minimum and potential short swims. As the season permits travel only during the late fall and winter, hypothermia is a significant risk, and all participants should be prepared with wet/dry suits and dry bags for additional clothes. Each rappel is progressively longer, culminating in a spectacular 200 foot drop into the very head of Johnson Canyon.
This hike requires the following gear:
Harness
Rappel device
Wet/dry suit
Dry Bags
400 feet of rope
Arch Canyon has 6 rappels of progressively increasing length. The anchor systems are 1/2 inch X 6 inch glue in bolts, or 1/2 inch x 3/34 inch Rawls or equivalent, with chains. Anchors in the canyon are new and placed in winter of 2010/11
Please note: Each permit is good for up to six people.