Welcome to Snow Canyon
So you only have 1-day to explore Snow Canyon State Park...
Don't worry, here is everything you need to know about exploring the must see areas of the park! Keep reading for a full itinerary & downloadable guide.
Entrance Fees
Utah Residents
- $15 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
- $10 per vehicle for seniors (65+)
- $3 per pedestrian or cyclist
Non-Residents
- $20 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
- $3 per pedestrian or cyclist
Annual Utah State Parks Pass
- $100 for residents, $150 for non-residents (unlimited entry to all Utah State Parks for one year)
You can enter from the North or South Entrance, we prefer entering from the South and exiting via the North then parking up at the Overlook to watch sunset before we head off to local dispersed camping spots.
For more detailed information on Snow Canyon State Park check out our other blog post.
Top 5 Hikes for a One-Day Visit
If you only have one day in Snow Canyon, consider:
1. Jenny’s Canyon – Quick & easy, out and back trail.
2. Snow Canyon Scenic Overlook – Quick & easy, rewarding views
3. Petrified Dunes Trail – Unique geological formations, loop trail, perfect for a lunch stop
4. Sand Dunes Trail – Sandstone Cliffs, Dunes & Picnic Area
5. Lava Tubes Trail – Fascinating volcanic remnants, loop trail, to speed things up you can just hike over to the first lava tube and not complete the full loop.
Jenny's Canyon
Jenny’s Canyon is one of Snow Canyon’s quickest and most rewarding trails—a short, family-friendly out-and-back that packs big scenery into a tiny distance. This 0.3-mile round-trip walk leads you along a sandy path to a narrow, dead-end slot canyon tucked into the base of the red cliffs. The slot itself is shallow but beautifully sculpted, with smooth walls that glow warm orange as the sun moves overhead. It’s an easy, low-effort adventure perfect for kids, first-time visitors, or anyone short on time but wanting that classic Utah canyon feel. Don’t skip the small overlook just to the right of the slot entrance for a wider view of the surrounding sandstone. Quick, scenic, and surprisingly photogenic—Jenny’s Canyon is a must-see stop in Snow Canyon State Park.
Petrified Dunes
The Petrified Dunes Trail is one of Snow Canyon’s most iconic hikes, offering the perfect blend of adventure and surreal desert beauty. Formed from ancient Navajo sandstone that once flowed like sand dunes, these rolling rock hills now create a maze of smooth, wavy formations you can climb, wander, and explore freely. The trail isn’t a strict single path—think of it more as a choose-your-own-adventure across sun-baked stone with panoramic views in every direction. It’s family-friendly, great for sunrise or golden hour, and a photographer’s dream thanks to the layered reds, oranges, and soft desert light. Whether you follow the marked route or scramble to your favorite viewpoint, this short but unforgettable trail showcases the very best of Snow Canyon’s otherworldly landscape.
Sand Dunes
The Sand Dunes Trail is one of Snow Canyon’s most playful stops—a soft, golden oasis tucked between towering red rock walls. This short, easy walk leads you straight onto a wide stretch of deep, powdery sand that feels like stepping into a mini desert within the canyon. It’s a favorite for families, photographers, and anyone who just wants to kick off their shoes and let the warm sand sink between their toes. The dunes are also an amazing picnic spot, with picnic tables conveniently located at the north end of the Sand Dunes parking area—perfect for lunch before or after exploring. Spread out a blanket, climb the hills, and enjoy the quiet sweep of red cliffs glowing around you. Whether you stay five minutes or an hour, the Sand Dunes Trail is a simple, joyful stop that captures Snow Canyon’s softer side.
Lava Tubes
The Lava Tubes Trail is a unique hike that showcases Snow Canyon’s ancient volcanic past, leading you across rugged black lava rock to a series of underground tube entrances formed by long-cooled lava flows. The full trail is about 2.3 miles round-trip, but if you’re keeping things short, you can simply walk out to the first lava tube entrance for a satisfying glimpse of the geology. If you choose to go inside, be prepared for a bit of scrambling—both climbing down into the tubes and back out again requires careful footing on uneven rock. Sturdy shoes and a good flashlight are essential. Whether you stay above ground or venture below, the Lava Tubes Trail offers a rare, adventurous look at Snow Canyon’s volcanic side.
Snow Canyon Scenic Overlook
The drive to the Snow Canyon Scenic Overlook follows a well-graded dirt road just outside the state park boundary, winding gently through red rock and sagebrush before ending at a wide pull-off surrounded by ancient lava flows. Road conditions are usually passable for most vehicles, though a little washboard is part of the charm. From the parking area, it’s a super short walk, just a few steps across firm, black lava rock—to reach the cliff’s edge where Snow Canyon opens up in a dramatic sweep of red and white sandstone. If you’re scared of heights, don’t worry… the view is almost just as good from the car window (and hey, no one has to know you didn’t go all the way to the edge!).
Itinerary
8:00 AM — Arrive at Snow Canyon (South Entrance)
Kick off your day at the south entrance, grab your park pass, and enjoy the cool morning desert air.
8:15 AM — Jenny’s Canyon Trail (30–45 min)
A warm-up stroll into a shallow slot canyon. Easy, scenic, and great for early-morning photography.
9:15 AM — Petrified Dunes Trail (1–1.25 hr)
Wander the rolling sandstone “dunes,” scramble for views, and explore freely across the slick-rock.
10:45 AM — Sand Dunes Trail (30–45 min)
Enjoy the soft, golden dunes tucked between red rock walls. Climb the little hills, take photos, and soak in the warm desert glow.
11:30 AM — Lunch at the Picnic Tables (30–45 min)
Eat at the picnic tables located at the north end of the Sand Dunes parking area, one of the best places in the park to relax mid-day.
12:15 PM — Visitor Center & Store (30 min)
Stop by for exhibits on geology and wildlife, grab a map, browse the small shop, and cool off before your afternoon hike.
12:45 PM — Lava Tubes Trail (1.5–2 hr)
Explore Snow Canyon’s volcanic side on this 2.3-mile round-trip trek. To keep it short, head only to the first lava tube entrance.
If you go inside, be ready to scramble in and out on uneven lava rock. Bring a flashlight and sturdy shoes.
2:30 PM — Rest, Water, and Scenic Pullouts (30 min)
Hydrate, refuel, and enjoy some easy roadside viewpoints while giving your legs a break.
3:00 PM — Snow Canyon Scenic Overlook (45–60 min)
Drive the well-graded dirt road to the overlook and take the short walk to the lava-rock cliff edge.
Scared of heights? No problem—the car window version of the view is perfectly acceptable (and honestly still gorgeous).
4:00 PM — Optional Extra Stops (Choose 1–2, ~1 hr total)
Use the golden afternoon light to visit:
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Whiptail Trail (easy paved walk)
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West Canyon Road (scenic gravel road stroll or drive)
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A return stop at Petrified Dunes for golden hour photos
5:00–5:30 PM — Sunset + Wrap-Up
In the winter months, grab you extra layer and venture to the edge of the lava cliff to enjoy the beautiful golden hour with views all through the valley.
In summer, enjoy a warm, lingering sunset lighting up the canyon before you wrap up your perfect desert day.
Please note if you are visiting in the summer months you will have more daylight and time to explore before heading up to the scenic lookout for sunset.
Let's wrap this up
Our recommendation is to enter from the South entrance and start with Jenny's Canyon, make your way up to the North entrance to exit and head to the Scenic Overlook to round out your day. The Overlook is a great spot for Sunset, before moving on to your next adventure.
Download the PDF Guide here!
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