Pioneer Names – Snow Canyon State Park

PIONEER NAMES – SNOW CANYON STATE PARK

PIONEER NAMES TRAIL – Snow Canyon State Park

Difficulty Level: Easy

Distance: 1.2 miles round-trip

TRAIL SUMMARY

The Pioneer Names Trail in Snow Canyon State Park is a short and fun little hike from the main road. It is a crescent shaped trail that passes by, among other things, a canyon wall that was written on by early St George settlers as early as 1881. The names were written in wagon axle grease and has remained protected by the arch that it sits under. Early Mormon Pioneers would often picnic in the canyon, and these writings were likely left by members of picnic parties and/or cattle ranchers. Hikers on this trail can now enjoy the beauty of the unique rock formations and the surrounding vegetation, or clip into the climbing hooks and scale the canyon walls. There are two trail heads for this trail. The north trail head is much closer to the Pioneer Names, but it is a short hike from either trail head, and easily passable by people of all ages. The trail is sandy in some places, so proper footwear is advised. Enjoy this beautiful hike and soak in some history too!

Difficulty Level
Easy
Round Trip Length
1.2 miles round trip from south parking lot
.2 miles round trip from north parking lot to pioneer names
Average Hike Time
.5 hours
GPS Coordinates
37°11’45.5″N 113°38’43.7″W
Property Management
Snow Canyon State Park
Distance from St George
10 Miles (20 minutes driving)
Restroom Facilities
Facilities located at park office / visitor center
Hikers Allowed
Yes
Dogs Allowed
No
Bikers Allowed
No
Equestrian Allowed
No
Hike Type
Day Hike
Best Time of Year to Hike
Spring, Fall, Winter
Best Time of Day to Hike
Morning, Late Afternoon
Group Limit
No Limit
Permit Information
No Permit Required
Cost
Entry Fees: $6 per vehicle (up to eight people); $3 per vehicle (up to eight people) Utah seniors 62 and older; $4 pedestrian/cyclists (up to eight people); $2 per person commercial use or vehicles with nine or more people

Camping Fees: Non-hookup sites: $20 per night; Hookup Sites (W&E): $25 per night. Extra vehicle fees (one extra vehicle per site permitted): $10 (non-hookups) or $13 (hookups). Group Day Use: Lower Galoot Day Use Area: $60 (Reservation / Permit required)

Group Overnight Camping: Cottontail Group Campground: $3 per person + refundable cleaning deposit at park (25 people min – 35 max – 10 vehicles max). Quail Group Campground: $3 per person + refundable cleaning deposit at park (25 people min – 55 max – 20 vehicles max)
Water Sources Available
No water available. 1 water bottle per person recommended.
Camp Sites
No camping available on hike, but in designated Park Campground
Trail Conditions
Sandy single track
Sun Exposure
Partial sun exposure on trail. Some shade from trees and rocks depending on time of day.

TOP 5 HIKE HIGHLIGHTS

Close to St George
Family Friendly
Short Hike
Beautiful Views
Local Historical Site

WHAT’S NEARBY

Places to Stay

Places to Eat

Shopping / Trail Gear

DIRECTIONS TO TRAIL HEAD

Get Directions to Trailhead. From St George, head north on Bluff Street and take exit to Red Hills Pkwy/Snow Canyon Pkwy. Turn left onto Snow Canyon Pkwy and travel 3.2 miles until you come to a traffic circle. Proceed through the circle and continue 0.7 miles. At the next traffic circle take the first exit onto Snow Canyon Dr. In 1.5 miles (after passing through the main gate) the trail head will be on your right.