Lava Flow TrailHiking Difficulty
Easy
Equestrian DifficultyEasy
Length
2.50 mi
Trail Traffic
Light
Route Type
Connector
Highlights
Trail Surface
Slickrock
Accessibility
Suitability
Recommended Use
Hiking
Directions
The Lava Flow trail is located in Snow Canyon, so there is a small fee to explore the State Park.
From St. George, head north on Bluff Street and take exit to Red Hills Pkwy/Snow Canyon Pkwy. Turn left onto Snow Canyon Pkwy and travel 3.2 miles until you come to a traffic circle. Proceed straight through the circle and continue 0.7 miles. At the next traffic circle take the first exit onto Snow Canyon Dr. In 3.6 miles (after passing through the main gate) the parking lot for the Lava Flow Trailhead is located on the west side of Snow Canyon Road. The trailhead is signed “Petrified Dunes/Butterfly.” The trailhead features trash cans and parking for about a dozen cars. No restroom facilities are available.
Description
The Lava Flow Trail is an easy trail through black lava flows. Along the route there are several lava tubes which can be entered the path continues to an overlook with beautiful views of the whole area.
This trail is 2.5 miles round-trip that takes around 1-2 hours depending on time spent in lava tubes. There are no dogs allowed on this trail.
The trail is hard packed sand, gravel and lava rocks. On the way to the overlook there are multiple lava tubes to explore. The largest one is just before the trail drops down into the valley to join the West Canyon Road. This tube cuts over a hundred feet into the hillside, containing a large cathedral room within. You can travel to some 50 feet into this tube but you will need a powerful light, and watch your step while you are in the cave as the rocks are sharp and loose.
At the end of this trail there is a 100 foot high pyramidal shaped slickrock hill which can easily be ascended from the west side. From the summit you have an excellent overlook with fantastic views of the entire park.
Pictures
