Utah’s Snow Canyon State Park Petrified Sand Dunes

Nestled in the heart of Snow Canyon State Park just west of St. George, Utah and Zion National Park, the Petrified Sand Dunes are a stunning geological marvel. With swirling mounds of Navajo sandstone, these petrified sand dunes are one of southwest Utah’s hidden gems. This is one of our favorite escapes from the crowds in Zion National Park, and it is now dog-friendly (with dogs on a leash). Here is our guide to hiking and exploring Utah’s Snow Canyon State Park Petrified Sand Dunes, a must-see for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers.

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What Are the Snow Canyon State Park Petrified Sand Dunes?

Millions of years ago, the area now known as Snow Canyon State Park was covered in vast sand dunes. These sand dunes cemented over time, turning them into Navajo sandstone. What you see today are the wave-like mounds or rock formations, varying from reddish to orange/yellow and even white. The reddish color comes from the presence of iron oxide. For those interested in more detail on the geology of this area, we’d suggest reading the State of Utah’s publication on The Geology of Snow Canyon State Park.

How to Get to the Petrified Dunes Trail in Snow Canyon State Park

Snow Canyon State Park is just an 18-minute drive from St. George, Utah, and is a perfect stop for those exploring Zion National Park, which is typically just over an hour away. The park entrance fee is $10 per vehicle for Utah residents (free with the annual state park pass) and $15 for non-residents.

Located within Snow Canyon State Park, the Petrified Dunes Trailhead is easily accessible from the main park road. The main trailhead is on the right side of the road as you’re driving in. It shares a parking lot with the Butterfly Trail. There are no restrooms here, but you can find them at the Upper Galoot parking area. You also have the option to park in the Upper Galoot parking area for your hike. In this case, you’ll need to cross the road to get to the Petrified Dunes Trail.

Pro tip: If you arrive when no one is staffing the gate, there is a pay station just after the entry. You’ll need to pay via credit card if you don’t have an annual pass. Be sure to bring along a pen or pencil: you are required to put your receipt in an envelope, add your license plate number, and place this envelope in a slot at the pay station. Even if you pay, you can still get a parking ticket if you don’t deposit this envelope and receipt.

Hiking the Petrified Dunes Trail in Snow Canyon State Park

The Petrified Dunes Trail is a moderate 1.2-mile out-and-back route with some rock scrambling required. Starting from the Petrified Dunes/Butterfly Trail parking lot, head out on the trail and watch for a left turn to follow the Petrified Dunes Trail. The beginning of the trail is quite easy. It then ventures onto the sandstone, which is uneven and angled at times. There is an officially marked trail, but the open slick rock allows for some free exploration. This makes it a fun adventure, but also means that you will likely go more than the marked 1.2 miles. The slick rock reminded us of the variety of slick rock trails around Moab, especially those off Potash Road such as the trail to Corona Arch.

Be sure to bring a map or download the Alltrails map onto your phone. You may be in and out of cell range on this hike. While the trail is marked, there were a number of times when we realized we had ventured off the trail, and checked our map to get back on track.

The moderate trail heads over rolling mounds of slick rock. You’ll also walk through a short section of sand before the trail ends at an intersection of Petrified Dunes Trail and the trails to Hidden Pinyon Overlook and Red Sands. This gives you plenty of options to extend your hike. We contained straight past the intersection to hike up to the overlook before realizing the official trail had ended. Look for the lava on this stretch of the trail (the Lava Flow Trail is another great hike to do while in the park).

Pro Tip: Though it’s uneven, the slick rock feels quite grippy if you’re wearing shoes with good traction. Trail running shoes were perfect for our explorations here, though some prefer hiking boots. Be very cautious if it is raining, as slick rock can get quite slippery

Petrified Dunes Trail facts

• Distance: 1.2 miles roundtrip (2 km)
• Elevation gain: 229 ft. (70 m)
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Pets: Dogs must be leashed at all times

What to Expect on the Hike:

• Unique Rock Formations: The trail features rolling mounds of petrified sand dunes, creating an ever-changing landscape of ridges and valleys. The trail runs right over these dunes.
• Panoramic Views: Be sure to stop at the highest points of the dunes to enjoy beautiful views of Snow Canyon State Park’s red rock cliffs and lava fields.
• Sunset Photography: Sunset is the best time for photography, to take advantage of the fiery glow on the rocks. Regardless of when you visit, don’t forget your camera. The scenery is stunning.
• Heat: If you visit in the warmer months, be sure avoid hiking during the heat of the day, as this area can be dangerously hot. Regardless of time of the year, we enjoy hiking this area in the morning or late afternoon and evenings.
• Minimal Shade: Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat. Even in the winter months, the sun can beat down on you in the desert. We suggest wearing breathable, light-weight hiking pants and long sleeved shirts to protect you from the sun.

Our favorite hiking pants are the Coalatree Trailhead Adventure Pants. I wore these every day on a recent solo trek on the Fisherman’s Trail, though I had other hiking pants with me. Why? They’re water-resistant, anti-microbial, stink-proof, stain-proof, and breathable. They fold up into a pocket and they pack down small. They dry quickly, even in a humid environment like Portugal. Use our promo code COTRAVELS15 to get 15% off your first order.

Be sure to reference our Essential Day Hike Checklist to make sure you’re prepared for your hike.

Best Time to Visit Snow Canyon State Park Petrified Sand Dunes

While the petrified sand dunes of Snow Canyon State Park can be explored year-round, the best times to visit are fall through spring when temperatures are mild. Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F, making early morning or evening hikes more comfortable. Hiking during the heat of the day in the warmer months can be dangerous.

Other Things to Do in Snow Canyon State Park

If you have extra time, consider exploring more of Snow Canyon State Park. We’ve included links to the Alltrails maps for the hikes listed below..

• Jenny’s Canyon: A 1/2 mile easy hike to a slot canyon or overlook, perfect for a quick detour.
• Whiterocks Amphitheater: A moderate 4 mile hike to a unique light colored sandstone amphitheater.
• Lava Flow Trail: An easy 2.5 mile hike through ancient lava tubes and black basalt fields.
• Johnson Canyon Arch: This easy 2 mile trail leads to a picturesque red rock arch, with a seasonal pool. Note that this trail is closed March 15th-September 14th for habitat and wildlife protection.
• Snow Canyon Loop: Bike or e-bike the paved and scenic 18 mile Snow Canyon bike loop. You can bike to the path from a number of bike rental shops in St. George. This trail is also used by walkers and rollerbladers.

Looking for a place to stay near Snow Canyon State Park so that you have plenty of time to explore? Search for close-by accommodations below:

Snow Canyon Petrified Sand Dunes Wrap-Up

The Snow Canyon State Park petrified sand dunes provide a truly unique experience for those seeking incredible geology and beautiful landscapes. Whether you’re hiking, photographing, or simply taking in the views, this hidden gem in southern Utah is well worth the visit. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your camera, and get ready to explore one of Utah’s most underrated natural wonders! Don’t forget to stop and enjoy the view points along the way.

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