If you’re planning a trip to St. George, Utah, you’re in luck because there are four stunning national parks nearby. These parks offer breathtaking landscapes, unique geological formations, and opportunities for outdoor adventures.
In addition to the national parks, there are also several state parks in the area that are worth exploring. Get ready to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Southern Utah on your next trip.
The Best State & National Parks Near St. George Utah
One of many reasons to visit St. George Utah is the national parks. Southern Utah is home to 5 national parks and several of these national parks are near St. George.
Along with amazing red rocks, and close proximity to several national parks, St. George is also located near several State Parks that are worth visiting.
Growing up in Utah I visited St. George numerous times growing up. Jared and I even lived in St. George for a couple of months when we were first married.
If you haven’t been to St. George and the Southern Utah area it’s worth planning a trip. St. George is just a 4 hour drive from Salt Lake City and 2 hours from Las Vegas.
There are many fun things to do in St. George including exploring some awesome national and state parks.
While there aren’t any national parks located in St. George Utah there are several national parks within driving distance. Visiting these National parks is a great day trip when visiting southern Utah.
Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks
The “Mighty 5” as southern Utah’s national parks are often referred to attract thousands of visitors each year from all around the world. Visiting all the mighty 5 national parks would make for a really fun road trip.
Pro Tip: If you’re driving from Northern Utah to St. George you can make a pit stop at Kolob Canyons which is part of the northwest corner of Zion National Park. This area has a 5 mile scenic drive with soaring red cliffs, narrow box canyons, and more.
Kolob Canyon is just one of the awesome places you can stop when driving from Provo to St. George.
What National Parks Are Near St. George Utah
Southern Utah is home to 5 national parks, 4 of these popular national parks are located within a 3 1/2 hour drive of St. George. With only a short drive to these parks, they are a great place to visit when you next visit St. George.
Pro Tip: If you’re visiting multiple national parks during the year a great way to save is getting a National Parks Pass. If you have a 4th grader they can get a free National Parks Pass!
Zion National Park
When searching for St. George Utah national parks one of the first national parks you will most likely find is Zion National Park.
Zion national park is the closest national park to St. George. It’s only a short 45-minute drive to reach this popular park. (It’s one of the top 10 most visited national parks in the united states.)
Zion national park has hiking trails of various lengths and difficulty levels so everyone can enjoy this park. Angels Landing and the Narrows are two of several well-known hiking trails in the park. Hiking the Narrows trail gives you the unique experience of hiking through the virgin river.
During the summer months taking a shuttle through the park is required (you can get tickets online or at the visitors center). During the less busy winter months, you can drive your own car through the park to the various trails.
If hiking isn’t your thing you can always take a scenic drive through the national park. Plus you definitely don’t want to miss driving through the tunnel in Zions. It’s definitely worth experiencing at least once!
Related Post: 50+ Things to do in Utah (Free Printable Bucket List)
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon national park is the next closest park to St. George. This park is about a 2 hour and 15-minute drive from St. George.
Bryce Canyon is known for its unique rock formations. The rock spires throughout the park are called hoodoos. There are various hiking trails in this park allowing you to enjoy the splendor of the red rocks.
Grand Canyon National Park
While the Grand Canyon is a national park near St. George Utah it’s not located in Utah. It’s located in Arizona.
The Grand Canyon is a very well-known and popular national park with its deep canyon. This park is located 3 hours away from St. George.
The most popular place to visit at the Grand Canyon is the south rim. This side of the Grand Canyon is almost always busy with people visiting year-round.
The north rim of the Grand Canyon is located closer to St. George but is only open seasonally. The north rim is less popular for tourists and offers a less crowded experience when visiting the Grand Canyon.
Pro tip: If you fly into Las Vegas you can visit the Grand Canyon on your way to St. George. First, visit the south side then drive around the canyon and visit the north side. Just be prepared it’s a long drive. 11 hours total from Vegas to the south side, around to the north side then on to St. George.
Related Post: Pioneer Park St. George Utah
Capitol Reef National Park
The final official National Park near St. George is Capitol Reef. This national park is a 3 and 1/2 hour drive from St. George. Capitol Reef is a perfect place to visit for the whole family. You will find ranger-led programs, mountain biking trails, hiking, and more at this park.
Lake Powell
Lake Powell is not officially a state park or national park. It is part of the Colorado River located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which makes it kind of a national park.
Located in Southern Utah and stretching into Northern Arizona is Lake Powell Reservoir. The Arizona side of Lake Powell (Wahweap) is about 2 and 1/2 hours from St. George. The Utah side of the lake (Bullfrog) is 5 and 1/2 hours from St. George driving up north through Hanksville.
Each year growing up my family would spend a week at Lake Powell staying on a houseboat and enjoying time on the lake boating and doing water activities.
State Parks In and Around St. George Utah
The greater St. George area has several state parks as well as numerous community parks that are a fun way to explore the area and enjoy getting outside.
Sand Hollow
Sand Hollow State Park is only a 30-minute drive from St. George located near Hurricane, UT.
Many people love visiting Sand Hollow for a variety of water sports. When I was growing up we often went to sand hallow with extended family to go boating.
Related post: Things to do in St. George Utah
Snow Canyon
Just 15 minutes from St. George in Ivins, Utah is Snow Canyon State Park. This state park is one of my favorites to visit when we are in southern Utah.
Snow Canyon is filled with fun popular hikes for the whole family. Plus you will find narrow slot canyons to explore.
Gunlock State Park
Located about 30 minutes northwest of St. George Gunlock state park is a great place to boat, fish, and swim.
Quail Creek
Located in Hurricane Utah Quail Creek state park is a short 20-minute drive from St. George. This state park has some of the warmest waters in the state and has mild winter temperatures making it a great place to visit year-round.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes
Just over an hour away from St. George is Utah’s Coral Pink Sand Dunes state park. This park has unique pink-hued sand dunes right alongside red sandstone cliffs.
There are so many recreation areas and historic sites in the greater St. George area the hardest part is deciding the best way to enjoy the natural beauty of the red canyons.
No matter which national park or state park you decide to visit you are in for an awesome experience seeing some of Utah’s beautiful landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What national parks are in St. George?
None, there aren’t any national parks located in St. George. There are 4 within driving distance. Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, and Capitol Reef National parks are less than 4 hours from St. George.
The closest national park to st. George is Zions National Park located just 45 minutes away from St. George.
How far is St. George from the national parks?
St George is located within 3 1/2 hours of 4 different national parks.
- Zions national park is just 45 minutes from St. George.
- Bryce Canyon national park is 2 hours and 15 minutes from St. George.
- Grand Canyon national park’s north rim is 3 hours from the st. George area.
- Capitol reef national park is a 3 1/2 hour drive northeast of St. George.
The other 2 national parks in Utah are located further away from st. George and wouldn’t make sense to visit as a day trip.
Arches national park is located about 5 hours away from St. George and Canyonlands National Park is about 5 1/2 hours away.
If you’re traveling between Provo and St. George to visit any of these national parks here are some fun places to stop on your drive.
10 Places to Stop Between Provo and St. George Utah
The drive between Provo and St. George isn’t overly long and it’s filled with fun places for a quick little stop.
Rowley’s Red Barn
Santaquin
The Rowley’s Red Barn is located just off the freeway in Santaquin and a fun place to stop for farm-fresh food and country fun.
Stop at the Red barn for homemade ice cream, pastries, and fresh farm produce.
Don’t forget to check and see if any fun events or activities are happening at the Red Barn before you stop.
Good to Know:
Address: 901 South 300 West, Santaquin, Utah 84655
Cove Fort
Beaver
Cove Fort is located halfway between Beaver and Fillmore, it was an important way station for travelers, the Pony Express and the telegraph from 1867 through the early 1880’s.
Today you can tour cove fort and learn about the families who lived there and how thy provided for the needs of travelers.
Before visiting be sure to check the website for updated information and special events.
Good to Know
Address: Highway 161se, Beaver, UT 84713
Continue Reading 10 Places To Stop Between Provo and St. George Utah.
Want to learn more about Utah? This Utah unit study is a great way to learn fun facts and information about the state.
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