Fodor's InFocus Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks by Fodor's Travel Guides

Author:Fodor's Travel Guides [Fodor’s Travel Guides]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fodor's Travel
Published: 2021-06-15T00:00:00+00:00

HRed Cliffs Desert Reserve

NATURE PRESERVE | Encompassing the convergence of the Mojave, Great Basin, and Colorado Plateau desert zones, this pristine 62,000-acre tract of red-rock wilderness begins several miles north of St. George and was established in 2009 to protect the habitat of the desert tortoise. However, countless other flora and fauna—including gila monsters and chuckwallas—thrive in this unique transition zone that can be accessed through miles of designated hiking, mountain-biking, and horseback-riding trails. The best way to start your adventure is by visiting the reserve’s contemporary visitor center (open weekdays only) in downtown St. George, where you’ll find live animals, interactive exhibits, and staff who can advise you on hikes and other ways to visit. You can pick up trail maps here or download detailed PDF maps from the reserve website. The trail sections closest to St. George include City Creek and Paradise Canyon. Although it adjoins the reserve and is part of the same ecosystem, popular Snow Canyon State Park is administered separately. E Visitor Center, 10 N. 100 E P 435/634–5759 w www.redcliffsdesertreserve.com.

HRed Hills Desert Garden

GARDEN | Opened in 2015 as the state’s first botanic garden devoted to desert conservation, Red Hills is a beautiful spot for a peaceful stroll as well as a great place to learn about water-efficient plants. More than 5,000 of them—including fragrant mesquite trees, prickly pear cactus, blue agave, Joshua trees, weeping yucca, and desert willows—thrive here, along with a meandering stream that’s stocked with desert suckers, Virgin River chub, and other native species. Paths also lead past a number of boulders that preserve the tracks of dinosaurs that roamed here some 200 million years ago. The garden adjoins rugged Pioneer Park, a 52-acre expanse of rock-climbing and hiking terrain, with barbecue pits, picnic pavilions and tables, and both short and long trails. E 375 E. Red Hills Pkwy. P 435/673–3617 w www.redhillsdesertgarden.com.

HSnow Canyon State Park

NATIONAL/STATE PARK | Named not for winter weather but after a pair of pioneering Utahans named Snow, this gem of a state park—about 10 miles north of St. George—is filled with natural wonders. Hiking trails lead to lava cones, sand dunes, cactus gardens, and high-contrast vistas. From the campground you can scramble up huge sandstone mounds and overlook the entire valley. Park staff lead occasional guided hikes. E 1002 Snow Canyon Dr., Ivins P 435/628–2255 w stateparks.utah.gov/parks/snow-canyon A $15 per vehicle for nonresidents, $10 for Utah residents.

St. George Art Museum

MUSEUM | FAMILY | The downtown centerpiece of St. George’s growing art scene occupies an attractively reimagined former sugar-beet warehouse. The permanent collection celebrates the works of mostly regionally based potters, photographers, and painters, many of them depicting the region’s spectacular landscapes. Rotating exhibits highlight local history and lore and showcase emerging contemporary talents. There’s also a Family Discovery Center, with materials for kids to create their own works. E 47 E. 200 N P 435/627–4525 w www.sgcity.org/artmuseum A $5 C Closed Sun.

St. George Children’s Museum

MUSEUM | FAMILY | Located next to Town Square Park and the downtown

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