STATE & NATIONAL PARKS

Within minutes of downtown St. George Utah, you can find some of the best scenery in the country. With Southern Utah's mild climate, it is the ideal place for year-round camping, hiking, golfing, fishing and more.

GUNLOCK STATE PARK

435-680-0715 | https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/gunlock/

Located on Gunlock Road 15 miles northwest of St. George in scenic red rock country, Gunlock Reservoir's boating, water sports, quality bass and catfish attract visitors. A mild winter climate makes Gunlock State Park a year-round destination.

The name Gunlock is the same as the small farming community one mile to the north. William Haynes Hamblin (nicknamed Will or Bill), a Mormon pioneer born in Ohio, settled in the present area of the lake in 1857. Gunlock Will was a good hunter and sharpshooter and was skillful in repairing gunlocks, the firing mechanisms for muzzleloaders.

The county road to the park is the Old Spanish Trail used by horsemen and raiders from Sante Fe, New Mexico to Los Angeles from the 1820's until the goldfields became the destination after 1849 and a shorter route was taken.

Gunlock Reservoir dam was constructed in 1970 for irrigation water and flood control.

Opened to the public as a State park in 1970.

Park Elevation: 3,600 feet

Source from: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/gunlock/discover/

QUAIL CREEK STATE PARK

435-879-2378 | stateparks.utah.gov/parks/quail-creek/

Boasting some of the warmest waters in the state and a mild winter climate, Quail Creek lures boaters and anglers year-round. The Quail Creek Reservoir was completed in 1985 to provide irrigation and culinary water to the St. George area. Most of the water in the reservoir does not come from Quail Creek, but is diverted from the Virgin River and transported through a buried pipeline. Two dams form the reservoir. The main dam is an earth-fill embankment and the south dam is a roller compacted concrete dam constructed to replace the original earth-fill that failed in the early hours of New Year’s Day 1989.

The maximum depth of Quail Creek can reach 120 feet, so it is cold enough to sustain the stocked rainbow trout, bullhead catfish and crappie. Stocked largemouth bass and bluegill also thrive in the warmer upper layers of the reservoir.

Opened to the public as a state park in 1986.

Park Elevation: 3,300 feet

Surface Water Acreage: 600

Source from: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/quail-creek/ 

SAND HOLLOW STATE PARK

Photo by Cédric Frixon on Unsplash

435-680-0715 | stateparks.utah.gov/parks/sand-hollow/discover/

The sprawling 20,000-acre park, which rests mostly on USDI Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, rivals Utah’s two largest state parks – Wasatch Mountain and Antelope Island. Sand Hollow is already one of the most visited destinations in the Utah State Park system, with recreation opportunities for nearly every user from boaters to bike and OHV riders to equestrians.

A favorite destination for local off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts, Sand Mountain provides 6,000 acres of perfectly sculpted dunes. The red sand is an incredible backdrop for Sand Hollow Reservoir. At nearly twice the size of nearby Quail Creek Reservoir, Sand Hollow offers boating and other types of water recreation in a spectacular setting.

Sand Hollow is located approximately 15 miles east of St George and seven miles east of the I-15 Hurricane Exit. Visitors should exit I-15 at Exit 16 (Highway 9), travel east for about four miles and turn right on Sand Hollow Road, travel south for about three miles and turn left at the park entrance.

Opened to the public as a state park in 2003.

Park Elevation: 3,000 feet

Park Acreage: 20,000

Surface Water Acreage: 1,322

Sand Mountain OHV Acreage: 6,000

Source from: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/sand-hollow/discover/

SNOW CANYON STATE PARK

Photo by Joshua Gresham on Unsplash

435-628-2255 | stateparks.utah.gov/parks/snow-canyon/

Snow Canyon State Park is a 7,400-acre scenic park quietly tucked amid lava flows and soaring sandstone cliffs in a strikingly colorful and fragile desert environment. Majestic views and the subtle interplay of light, shadow and color dancing across canyon walls evoke strong emotional responses from visitors.

Located in the 62,000 acre Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, established to protect the federally listed desert tortoise and its habitat, the park offers opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Activities include hiking, nature studies, wildlife viewing, photography, camping, ranger talks and junior ranger programs. Snow Canyon State Park boasts more than 38 miles of hiking trails, including a three-mile paved walking/biking trail and over 15 miles of equestrian trails.

Opened to the public as a state park in 1962.

Park Elevation: 3,100 to 4,100 feet

Source from: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/snow-canyon/discover/

ZION NATIONAL PARK

Photo by Rich Martello on Unsplash

435-772-3256 | 800-869-6635 | 

Zion National Park is one of the most scenic destinations in the world!!! A geological wonder of mysterious slot canyons, towering sandstone walls and hanging gardens, Zion will stun and inspire you!   The Great White Throne, Court of the Patriarchs, Temple of Sinawava and Weeping Rock are just a few of the sights to see. Hiking is a must-do - both leisurely and vigorously. From Emerald Pools to Angels Landing - there is something for everyone.

To accommodate your visit, there are comfortable hotels and excellent restaurants in Springdale - at Zion's doorstep. Dubbed as Utah's Creative Capitol, there are an array of galleries, souvenir and art offerings. You will find the dining to be equally as creative - with top chefs offering high-end dining, fun coffee hubs and local favorite chocolate shops!

Source from:stgeorgechamber.com