Petrified Dunes TrailHiking Difficulty
Easy
Length
0.62 mi
Trail Traffic
Light
Route Type
Out and Back
Highlights
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 roundabout. Proceed straight through the circle and continue 0.7 miles. At the next roundabout take the first exit onto Snow Canyon Dr. In 3.6 miles (after passing through the main gate) pull into the Upper Galoot Parking area on the right. The trail head is across the street. The trailhead features trash cans and parking for about a dozen cars. Restroom facilities are available.
Description
The Petrified Dunes lie right in the heart of Snow Canyon State Park. These incredible once-flowing mountains of sand that are now rolling mounds of petrified Navajo Sandstone are fun for hikers of all ages. A short trail leads into the dunes. Once you reach the petrified dunes, there is no established trail; which leaves you free to wander wherever you want to go. This hike provides some of the most incredible views in the park, and is one of the most photographed places in the area!
The half-mile trail goes down through the Petrified Dunes, exploring the mounds and crevices of sandstone. The Petrified Dunes rise more than 300 feet above the surrounding canyon floor, creating a playground of upraised sandstone. Be sure to bring plenty of water and have sun protection, since these trails are extremely hot during most of the year. There are no shade trees on the dunes, just cacti, yucca and small shrubs. The best times of day to hike are in the early morning and early evening when the sun is lowest in the sky. You can meet up with the Three Ponds Trail, Butterfly Trail, Hidden Pinyon Trail, Red Sands Trail, or loop back to the start of the Petrified Dunes trailhead. The petrified sand dunes hike offered gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and lava fields.
Pictures
