A 7,400-acre park of red and white Navajo sandstone, ancient lava flows, and petrified dunes tucked into the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve just minutes from St. George. Its paved main road and network of short trails make dramatic desert scenery unusually accessible. The park frequently stands in for more crowded Zion with a fraction of the visitors.
| Category | State Park |
|---|---|
| Nearest town | St. George (Ivins) |
| Top activities | Hiking, Road cycling the paved canyon road, Rock climbing, Photography, Exploring lava tubes |
| Best time to visit | October-April; summer temperatures regularly top 100°F, so hike early morning in warm months. |
| Entrance fee | $10 per vehicle (up to 8 people); $5 per pedestrian/cyclist; $5 Utah senior vehicle rate. |
| Permits | None for day use; some trails in the surrounding Red Cliffs Desert Reserve have seasonal wildlife closures. |
Visitor tip: The Petrified Dunes and Butterfly Trail area glows at sunset - and unlike Zion, you can usually park right at the trailhead.
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