One of Utah's Best Parks Is Just 40 Minutes from Zion-and It Has Red Cliffs, Black Lava Tubes, and Stunning Desert Views

"Some five million people visit Zion National Park each year, but there's an equally beguiling if lesser-known option a mere 40-minute drive away. At Snow Canyon State Park, red sandstone cliffs rise dramatically from undulating petrified dunes and jet-black dried lava flows, providing an otherworldly habitat for tortoises, roadrunners, and peregrine falcons. "Snow Canyon offers a different kind of beauty than Zion,""

"You'll naturally want to get out and about here-whether it's on foot, two wheels, or four hooves. Hiking highlights include the Three Ponds Trail, a 3.5-mile wander through a narrow canyon that's pocketed with sandstone potholes, and the 2.5-mile Lava Flow Trail that traverses black volcanic rock and leads to two lava tubes (essentially, vertical caves ripe for exploring). There are scrambling areas, canyoneering spots, and 170 designated climbing routes,"

Snow Canyon State Park sits about a 40-minute drive from Zion and showcases red sandstone cliffs, petrified dunes, and jet-black lava flows that support tortoises, roadrunners, and peregrine falcons. The park is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and earned Urban Night Sky Place status from DarkSky International in December 2025, making it well suited for dusk-to-night stargazing. Vehicle entry is $20 for nonresidents and $15 for Utah residents. Trails include Three Ponds (3.5 miles) and Lava Flow (2.5 miles) with lava tubes; the park also offers scrambling, canyoneering, 170 climbing routes, biking, equestrian routes, and strong photo opportunities.

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