Snow Canyon State Park Petrified Sand Dunes — Attraction in Dammeron Valley

Just five miles north of St George, Utah the dramatic red rock scenery of Snow Canyon is often overlooked by those heading past in the direction of Zion National Park. We chose a family friendly 1.4 mile hike across the Petrified Dunes to explore the landscape as we also scrambled off-trail, over rocks and up and down ledges to investigate the curious geological features of this area.

Dramatic is not an understatement - the twists and turns, the crevices and the little nooks in the eroded red 180 million year old sandstone dunes have an otherworldy feel to them. Scattered around and protruding from the dunes' surface are dried peppercorn-like ironstone pebbles and stones sometimes refered to as moqui marbles - harder, metal-rich concretions that better withstand the erosion of time.

Be mindful that this area offers little in the way of shade - although we were able to find an occasional shady crevice from which to enjoy rest and a...

I really love this park as a local and have been coming here for years with my annual pass. There are things you can do for 15 minutes here, get lost for 2/4 hours, or even camp for days! So many great trails and so many places to get lost and away from peeps. All of the park attendants in their booths are always very nice to me. I’m really glad they allow dogs more officially now. As an owner myself, and having lived in places with more dog-accommodated areas, I struggle just a tad here and will warn others- there aren’t bags provided, & minimum trash cans. I bring my own bags, but others don’t - and - look around. Are we allowed to leave them tied up off to the side, and do the state park trucks pick them up? This is a truly sacred place, so I try my best. No one wants to walk around with a bag of feces though. Always clean up no-trace and be peaceful. Thank you. Love, a friendly local that...

This is a tough one to rate. The park itself, the scenery, hiking and biking are phenomenal. They deserve 5*+. But camping at the sites with water and electric facilities is absolutely horrible. There might be 5 feet between you and your neighbor. You're looking right into your neighbors trailer, as they are looking into yours. The spaces are very narrow and difficult to navigate. If you want any privacy at all do not reserve sites 1-14. Only small trailers (max 25' ) should consider those sites. The dry camp sites are well dispersed and preferable. There are two showers for men and two for women and they are kept clean. Biking is amazing ... just be aware of the many newbies on rental electric bikes, ride on the right, pass on the left. Be sure to go to Petrified Sand Dunes....