Our family of four recently crossed off a bucket list trip to Zion National Park. If you want a gorgeous spot to call home base while exploring Southern Utah, check out Settler’s Point RV Resort in Washington, UT. It’s just outside St. George, UT and only 15 minutes from Sand Hollow State Park and less than 40 miles from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. It’s a great place to relax when you’re not out exploring.
In addition to full hook up RV sites with beautiful landscaping we took full advantage of their pool and hot tub after long days out hiking. They have a playground, pickleball courts, and even a dog wash station on site if you travel with a furry family member. The huge clubhouse hosts a variety of planned activities along with board games, a library, and movie nights.
Our family especially loved the variety of food trucks that park on site throughout the week for those days that we didn’t want to cook. Make sure to inquire about current specials or extended stay rates.
There are so many amazing things to do in the area, but these are the top five during our stay. (NOTE: Always make sure to check local fees, regulations, and hours of operation for recreational areas, national parks, and state parks).
1. Hike Snow Canyon
If you are looking for incredible views, lava rock formations, wildflowers, and maybe even a desert tortoise or gila monster sighting, Snow Canyon State Park is for you. It encompasses 7,400 acres where the Mojave Desert, Great Basin Desert ,and Colorado Plateau meet. Located just minutes from the City of St George, it’s easily accessible.
At just a half mile round trip, Jenny’s Canyon is arguably one of the easiest and most unique trails in Snow Canyon. At the turnaround point, you’re rewarded with an other-worldly red rock slot canyon to explore. This hike is great for all ages and most abilities, but make sure to wear proper footwear for some uneven rock areas. It is dog friendly, but pets must be on a leash. Bring plenty of water and be prepared for hotter temperatures in the afternoon, especially in summer months. Entry fees range from $5 per $15 per vehicle depending on residency status.
2. Paddleboard Sand Hollow State Park
For a day of sun, sand, and water take a trip to Sand Hollow Reservoir, which has over 1,300 acres of water surface area for swimming, paddling, and boating. We brought our own paddle board and paddled out to Desert Pearl Island in the middle of the water where we explored the island and jumped from the rock formations into the cool clear water. It was the perfect way to keep cool in the warm Utah weather.
You’ll definitely want to bring snacks, lots of water, and a shady structure like a pop-up tent so you can set up for a picnic on the sandy shores. There is even a concessionaire on site with kayak and paddle board rentals or you can bring your own. It’s located 15 miles East of St George, UT, and 38 miles from Zion National Park. Entry fees vary from $15-$25 per vehicle depending on residency.
3. Take A UTV Ride
Southern Utah is a premiere place for off-road adventures. You can rent a UTV or take a tour with several different tour companies in the area. Experience the sand dunes of Sand Hollow State Park or take the more technical rock-crawling route that leads you to the iconic and unique natural rock formation dubbed the “Flintstone House” and the “Top of the World” for expansive valley views.
Getting out and exploring southern Utah by UTV takes you to places that you can’t otherwise see. Plus, it’s a rush to ride around in those decked-out sand buggies and rock crawlers. Make sure to book tours in advance and plan for a few hours of exploring.
4. eBike Zion National Park
Zion National Park is arguably one of the most breathtaking national parks with mountains and rock formations that seem to reach up and touch the sky almost like a something out of The Hobbit and Zion Canyon is one of the highlights of any visit.
If you visit Zion National Park between March and November, personal vehicles are not allowed to drive through the Canyon. There is a shuttle available with stops along the canyon at different trailheads, or you can bike or walk. We rented eBikes from one of the many rental locations in the directly adjacent town of Springdale, UT. This allowed us to explore the Canyon at our own pace and park directly next to the trailheads. One of our favorite spots was the Weeping Rock, where the groundwater has seeped into the rock and drips from above. You’ll hike on a paved trail where the wildflowers are abundant, and the view are incredible at every turn.
5. Explore Canyon Park
This location is great to travel to if you're a biker, have little ones, or looking for a dog-friendly adventure. If you want an easy to access spot that’s great for enjoying a hike or for bringing children, check out Canyon Park. It’s located less than a mile from Settler’s Point RV Resort in Washington, UT, just outside St George. This free community park has play structures, slides, a ninja course, and even a timed 40 yd dash to see how fast you are.
If the playground isn’t your speed, the trailhead for Hell Hole Trail begins at Canyon Park and you can enjoy miles of paved running and biking trails that twist and turn through the Utah landscape and along the Virgin River.
