Top 10 Unmissable Outdoor Adventures in Southern Utah
Southern Utah is an adventurer's dream, featuring national and state parks with stunning landscapes and one-of-a-kind outdoor activities. If you get the chance for an adventure vacation here, seize it.
We partnered with Visit St. George and Travel Mindset to experience the region's premier outdoor pursuits. Using St. George as your basecamp provides easy access to these 10 exceptional adventures.
Explore Snow Canyon State Park
Just 15 minutes north of St. George, Snow Canyon State Park sits within the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve—a haven for desert tortoises, peregrine falcons, and Gila monsters. Wildlife enthusiasts will love its diverse desert ecosystem.
Visit Zion National Park
Hiking aficionados must visit Zion National Park. Iconic Angels Landing offers a thrilling 5-mile trek from paved paths to sheer cliffside drops. Don't miss the Narrows, hiking up the Virgin River canyon.
Hike in Kolob Canyons
Part of Zion but far less crowded, Kolob Canyons delivers solitary wilderness trails showcasing untouched terrain—ideal for hikers seeking peace away from tourist crowds.
Experience a Wellness Retreat
St. George shines for wellness, with resorts like Red Mountain Resort and Green Valley Spa leveraging breathtaking views for fitness, weight loss, and holistic goals. Enjoy guided hikes, custom nutrition, canyon-view yoga, and massages.
I stayed at Red Mountain Resort, where meals were deliciously healthy, and its proximity to Snow Canyon made exploration seamless.
Kayak in Sand Hollow State Park
Sand Hollow's warm reservoir boasts sandy beaches and striking red rock cliffs—perfect for kayaking. Capture the vivid lake-and-cliff contrast with your camera.
Take a Guided Canyoneering Trip
Canyoneering blends hiking, swimming, rappelling, and climbing. Experts from Zion Adventure Company guide you through iconic slots for fresh perspectives.
Go Backpacking
The BLM lists 130+ trails near St. George; Zion alone has 90 miles of backpacking routes. Secure permits in advance from the ranger station.
Camp in the Parks
Immerse fully in nature at Zion, Snow Canyon, or Sand Hollow's camping sites—the ultimate adventure recharge.
Visit Toquerville Falls
After a 6-mile dirt road drive on Zion's Kolob side, Toquerville Falls' sandstone terraces provide serene swimming and sunbathing—a hidden gem.
Go Skydiving
See St. George anew via skydiving: master dives and tricks with pros while soaring over canyons and peaks.
For more travel inspiration, visit these resources:
How to Survive a Long-Haul Flight
9 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Venice, Italy
What to Pack on a Road Trip
Havasu Falls Travel Guide & Packing Tips
10 Genius Camping Hacks Every Camper Should Know
Packing List for Overnight Kayaking Trips
5 Amazing Places to Camp in California
The Ultimate Guide to Camping in California’s Channel Islands
The Best Places to Camp in Big Sur
