Zion Flute Festival – A Celebration of the Native American Flute and Art

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Day Trips To Scenic Beauty

Take our Historic Downtown Tour, enjoy a concert, see a play, visit our art museums, visit our new wildlife museum, go see our "real" dinosaur tracks or visit the Visitor's Center at the St. George Temple and more.

Anasazi Indian Village State Park
435-335-7308

Visitors to the Anasazi Indian Village State Park will go back in time to 1050 A.D. when the Fremont and Kayenta Anasazi occupied the area. An estimated 200 people once lived at the site, making it one of the largest Anasazi communities west of the Colorado River.

Anasazi Indian Village State Park is located in Boulder on Scenic byway 12. It is open daily all year.

Capitol Reef National Park
435-425-3791

Covering over 240,000 acres, the park is remarkably formed by red sandstone cliffs, domes and spires. Early Native Americans referred to this area as the "Land of the Sleeping Rainbow" Explore Waterpocket Fold, the 186-mile-long, 3-mile-wide buckle in the earth's crust which began to form over 65 million years ago. The contours of Waterpocket Fold catch pools of rainwater throughout the year.

Located east of Torrey on Utah 24.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
435-648-2800

This 3,700 acre recreational site features awesome, coral-colored sand. The erosions form soft hills perfect for relaxing, walking and some areas for off-road vehicles. The sand dunes provide a wide range of recreational opportunities including camping, hiking and photography. With nearby camping facilities, showers for washing off the sand and paved bike routes, it is a great place to spend some time.

Located on Sand Dunes Road just off Hwy 89 30 miles west of Kanab and is open year round.

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
435-826-4466

Hike past large specimens of petrified wood and dinosaur fossils at Escalante Petrified Forest. It is located one mile west of the town of Escalante on Scenic Byway 12, Interpretive hiking trails wind through the park provide information about the colorful mineralized wood and bones. The park's modern campground is open all year. All services are located in Escalante.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
435-826-5499

The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a vast area of sandstone canyons, plateaus, unique rock formations and cliffs. Almost two million acres of desert became a national monument in September 1996.

Most of the roads inside the monument are dirt roads that are impassable when wet, and some require four-wheel drive vehicles. No services are available inside the monument. Call the Interagency Office in Escalante for current information.

Kodachrome Basin State Park
435-679-8562

Located nine miles south of Cannonville, just off Scenic Byway 12, Kodachrome Basin State Park is open all year. Temperatures are comfortable in the early spring and the late fall in this semi-desert climate. Cacti and other wildflowers bloom in the spring and winter brings a little snow that caps the spires, making the colors even more intense.

Unique spires and chimneys called sand pipe intrusions jut up from the valley floor creating surrealistic settings at Kodachrome Basin. Their colors change during the day seeming to glow at sunrise and sunset.

A campground with hot showers and rest rooms make camping enjoyable at Kodachrome Basin.

Kolob Canyon
435-772-3256

Kolob Canyon, part of Zion's National Park, is located along the western edge of Zion National Park. the visitor center is accessible from Interstate 15, Exit 22, 20 minutes north of St George. You can hike trails, view wildlife and take photographs of the massive red rock formations of the Kolob Fingers from pullouts along a five-mile paved road. Drive time from St George is abut 20 minutes.

Lake Powell

Lake Powell, formed by Glen Canyon Dam, is the second largest man-made lake in North America. The lake has 1,960 miles of shoreline, which is greater than the length of the entire U S west coast. The crystal blue lake, surrounded by red sandstone cliffs, is known to be an artists' dream. Lake Powell is 250-square miles of unsurpassed water recreation. Visitors come from all over the world to enjoy water skiing, jet skiing, boating, swimming and fishing in the warm waters. Also boat tours, river trips, scenic flights are offered. You can find nearby hotel and dining accommodations.

Located 90 miles east of Kanabvia Hwy 89.

North Rim of the Grand Canyon
800-869-6635

The North Rim features pine and aspen forests of the 640,000 acre Kaibab Plateau. You will find viewpoints of the Grand Canyon higher than that on the South Rim. Magnificent views from the lodge. Located 45 miles south of Jacob Lake. Drive time from St George is appoximately 3 hours.

Pipe Spring Monument

This desert oasis was declared a national monument in 1923 as a "memorial of western pioneer life". It is located on the Kaibab Indian Reservation and they operate the nearby campground. The Monument is an easy 25 mile drive southwest of Kanab via U.S. Highway 89A and Arizona Highway 389. Tours of Winsor Castle are provided daily on the hour and half hour, all year long. During the summer, rangers give "living history" demonstrations, bringing historic pioneer and Indian traditions to life. Visitors are welcome to tour the orchard and garden, historic out-buildings, and a scenic half-mile Ridge Trail at their own pace. A visitor center and museum shared by the National Park Service and the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians offers an extensive array of high quality exhibits on Southern Paiute and pioneer culture and history. Pipe Spring also lies on the recently designated Old Spanish National Historic Trail. More information on the Monument is available on the internet at http://www.nps.gov/pisp/.

Scenic Byway 12

This 120-mile long Highway 12 Scenic Byway winds through the heart of Bryce Canyon Country, including the newly designated Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The paved route has been chosen one of the top ten scenic byways in North American by Car and Driver Magazine.

The wide range of beautiful scenery and recreational opportunities that surround the route make Scenic Byway 12 unique. Colorful canyons, desert slick rock, cool clear lakes, and forest covered mountains rising to 9600 feet above sea level are all within a few hours drive. Take time to explore this incredible route.

Local State Parks

Discover Snow Canyon State Park, Red Cliffs Recreation Area, Sand Hollow, Quail Creek & Gunlock Reservoirs or Pine Valley Mountain.

Snow Canyon State Park
435-628-2255

Snow is not what attracts 500,000 visitors annually to the warm, sunny, red rock marvels of this park, one of our best kept secrets and photographer's dream. Gigantic coral-colored, Navajo sandstone rocks mantled with lava, sprinkled with lush-looking blue-green sage, with white cliffs soaring in sharp contrast.

The park is known for it's large expanse of beautiful red sand dunes. There are over 15 miles of beautiful hiking trails. Cliffs for rappelling are featured throughout the park. Kids love to play in our large sand hill areas or hike through the dry creek beds.

Snow Canyon is approximately five miles long, with elevations ranging from 3,100 feet at the canyon floor to 5,024 feet on the upper cliffs. Snow Canyon is a geological paradise. Giant monoliths of weathered sandstone date back 170 million years. Recent lava flows may be viewed in several places. Smoldering lava encased the cliffs as it flowed southward down the canyon. Several lava tubes were formed, leaving deep caves to explore.

The ancient Anasazi culture inhabited the region between 200 and 1250 A.D. Petroglyphs, artifacts and structural remnants endure along with carved names and dates of early pioneer settlers. It was named for Lorenzo and Erastus Snow, prominent early pioneer leaders. The campground is open all year with tent sites, picnic areas, showers, toilets, water and dump site are available. Fee area. For reservations call 800-322-3770. Unreserved sites are on a first come first served basis.

Snow Canyon is located only seven miles north of St. George. Take Snow Canyon Parkway off Bluff Street in St. George.

Quail Creek State Park & Reservoir

Quail Creek Dam and Reservoir were completed in 1985. Fishing, jet-skiing, water-skiing, boating and swimming contribute to the park's popularity. Campsite, picnic facilities and restrooms are available. Located 11 miles northeast of St. George via I-15, Hurricane exit and left on Quail Creek Road.

For more information call 435-879-2378, or reservations call 800-322-3770

Red Cliffs Recreation Area
435-688-3246

Explore this beautiful red rock area north of Quail Creek, under the east slop of Pine Valley Mountain. It is 4.5 miles south of Leeds. Hike the one0mile trail to Anasazi ruins. Campsite and hiking areas are open all year.

Red Cliffs Desert Reserve
435-634-5759

This 61,000 acre scenic desert north of St George, Santa Clara, Washington and Hurricane cities is dedicated to the protection of the desert tortoise and other plant and wildlife species. Within the reserve are more than 130 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Hunting is allowed during prescribed seasons.

Pine Valley Mountain

Climb to 7,000 feet and find pine trees, streams, mountain trails and picnic area. Peaks are 10,000 feet high. Drive on Highway 18 north 25 miles to Central and then seven miles to Pine Valley.

Sand Hollow Reservoir

Located just 5.5 miles southwest of Hurricane is Sand Hollow. When full, the reservoir will hold 50,000-acre feet of water - 10,000 more than the existing Quail Creek Reservoir. When completed you will find an unique blend of water-based recreation, walking paths and adjacent off-road vehicle recreation.

Gunlock State Park & Reservoir

Gunlock Reservoir, an 240-acre reservoir, offers boating, swimming, fishing, limited camping and is located 15 miles northwest of St George near the town of Gunlock. Red rock, sand, and clear blue water await you.

Brian Head & Elk Meadows Ski & Summer Resorts
Brian Head: 435-677-2035 - Elk Meadows: 888-881-7669

Brian Head and Elk Meadows are southern Utah's two high alpine, year-round resorts, featuring exceptional downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Summer mountain biking is gaining popularity, peaking at the seasons end with the annual Mountain Biking Festival at Brian Head.

Brian Head is an hour and a half drive from St George and Elk Meadows is two hours away.

You can get to Brian Head by driving 79 miles Northeast of St George via I-15 to Cedar City,, Hwy 14 north to Hwy 148.

Hiking in Washington County, Utah

Enjoy our walking and hiking trails or swim in our giant pool at Sand Hollow Aquatic Center. Enjoy water sports at Quail and Gunlock Lakes. Maybe you would rather play tennis, go for a bike ride or just enjoy yourselves at our entertainment centers, etc.

National Parks & Monuments

Information and links to Zion National Park, Bryce National Park, Snow Canyon, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument & more.

Zion National Park
800-869-6635 - 435-772-3256

Web: www.nps.gov/zion E-mail: ZION_park_information@nps.gov

(Drive time from St George approximately 50 minutes or 43 miles)

Of all the national parks in the West, Zion is the most intimate and one of the most scenic destinations in Southern Utah. Zion National Park is located 43 miles northeast of St. George (about a 50-minute drive). While most people think of Zion as towering sandstone walls and monoliths, it is also rivers, swamps, riparian areas, pine forests, sandstone deserts, natural bridges, ancient dwelling places and habitat for an amazing variety of plants and animals.

Hiking trails are abundant where you can discover the beauty. On your trip to Zion National Park, you'll discover beauty and many scenic wonders prompting many "oohs and aahs" every mile of your adventure.

Excellent accommodations, campgrounds, restaurants, and shopping facilities are available near to Utah's Zion National Park in the nearby town of Springdale. The park is open all year and each season has it's own special scenery. See Park officials for entry fee options.

Shuttle service is available from early April through October both in the park and in Springdale. Private vehicles are not allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive when the shuttle is in operation. Zion-Mount Carmel Highway 9 through the park is open to private vehicles all year, connecting Springdale to Bryce Canyon, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and Kanab. The Visitor Center has information on shuttle operation, weather conditions, back country permits, reservations for the lodge, maps and other publications.

To get there, take I-15 north to the Hurricane exit (Exit 16) go east to Hurricane on State Route 9 and continue through Hurricane and LaVerkin and follow the signs through Virgin, Rockville and Springdale to the park. For reservations, call 888-297-2757 or log on to www.zionlodge.com.

How to Use the Shuttles

The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is accessible by shuttle bus only. It's easy - just follow these three steps. Park - Parking at the visitor center is full between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm daily. To avoid parking hassles, you can leave your car in the town of Springdale and ride the free town shuttle to the park. Ride - Free buses run from 5:45 am to 11:00 pm, as often as every six minutes. Pets are not allowed.

Kolob Canyon
435-586-9548

(Drive time from St George approximately 30 minutes or 35 miles)

Kolob Canyon is located along the western edge of Zion National Park. From St. George, travel north about 35 miles on I-15 to Exit 40 (about a 30-minute drive) and drive to the visitor center. From the visitor center, drive the 5 miles on a paved road to view the massive red rock formations of the Kolob Fingers from pullouts along the road. You can hike trails, view wildlife and photograph along the scenic drive. Lava Point, in Kolob’s high country, has exceptional views of the Cedar Breaks area, the Pink Cliffs, the Zion Canyon Narrows and the towering monoliths of Zion Canyon. There is a $20 park entry fee for single vehicle entry.

Bryce Canyon National Park
800-444-6689 - 435-834-5322
www.nps.gov/brca - www.brycecanyoncountry.com

(Drive time from St George approximately 2 hours or 125 miles)

The Paiute Indians called it "red rocks standing like men in a bowl-shaped canyon." Unlike Zion where you look up at the cliffs, at Bryce Canyon National Park you look down upon miles of exquisitely carved pinnacles and spires. Set on a high plateau, the pine-covered rim of Bryce Canyon catches the clean cool breezes of a mountain setting. The red, pink and orange colors of the intricately eroded limestone "hoodoos" constantly change with the sun, making the magical landscape come alive. Best to view in the early morning or about sunset to see the light and shadow play. Open all year, there is a $20 private vehicle entry fee.

From St. George, drive north on I-15 to Cedar City and head east on state Route 14 to U.S. Highway 89, drive north to the junction of state Route 12 and head east 17 miles to state Route 63. Travel south four miles to the park entrance.

For reservations, call 888-297-2757 or log on to www.brycecanyonlodge.com

Cedar Breaks National Monument
435-586-9451.
www.nps.gov/cebr
(Drive time from St George approximately 1 hour or 73 miles)

Awesome views of color greet you at Cedar Breaks National Monument. The great natural rock amphitheater of Cedar Breaks National Monument is a spectacle of gigantic proportions. Enjoy the trails leading around the rim and through the forest. The region's bristlecone pines date back 1,600 years/

The park can be reached from St. George via I-15, 50 miles to Cedar City. From Cedar City, travel east 20 miles on state Route 14, then 4 miles north on state Highway 148. Driving time is about one and one-half hours. Enjoy the trails leading around the rim late May/early June until mid-October. There is a $4 per person entry fee. Children age 15 and under are free. There is no charge if you are just driving through.

North Rim of the Grand Canyon
800-869-6635
928-638-7888
http://www.nps.gov.grca

(Drive time from St George to the North Rim is approximately 3 hours or 180 miles)

The North Rim features the pine and aspen forest of the 540,000 acre Kaibab Plateau. You will find viewpoints of the Grand Canyon higher than that on the South Rim. Viewpoints of the North Rim are higher than on the South Rim. Highway 67 is closed in winter south of Jacob Lake.

To reach the park from St. George, travel northeast on I-15 to the Hurricane exit (Exit 16) and head east on state Route 9 to Hurricane. Then take state Route 59 (which turns into state Route 389 once you reach the Arizona State line) east to Fredonia, Ariz. In Fredonia, turn right onto U.S. Highway 89A and head south to Jacob Lake, Ariz. At Jacob Lake, travel south 45 miles on state Route 67 to the North Rim. Driving time from St. George is about 3 hours or 180 miles.

Open mid-May to mid-October, the National Park service operates a visitor center, bookstore, back country permit reservations, campground and ranger programs. Call 800-365-2267 to make advance reservations for the North Rim Campground.

Xanterra Parks & Resorts 888-297-2757 (303-297-2757) http://www.grandcanyonnorthrim.com Xanterra Operations, 888-297-2757 (303-297-2757), a private concessionaire, offers lodging, camper services, groceries and a service station

Outdoor Recreation

Information and links to Zion National Park, Bryce National Park, Snow Canyon, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument & more.

Yes, there is lots more to do......

With an average 300 days a year of sunshine, plus top-rated facilities and attractions, the St George area is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The City of St George currently has 25 parks encompassing 210 acres.

Ten highly acclaimed public and private golf courses offer great variety and value. The Sand Hollow Aquatic Center, The Canyon Softball Complex and the Tonaquint Tennis Center are send-to-none. The 35 miles of paved, walking/biking trails are the model and envy of municipalities across the country. They connect neighborhoods, parks, riparian corridors, picturesque desertscapes and the town center.

Two urban ponds make fishing for the young and old within commuting distance. The St George Recreation Department offers a wide variety of year-round programming to promote an active and healthy lifestyle. There is a neighborhood park or paved walking path within one half mile of every resident in St George, Also, Washington County is the home to the Huntsman World Senior Games and the St George Marathon.

Walking, Biking & Hiking Trails

People come from all over the world just to hike and take in the breathtaking scenery. There are trails for every age level and experience. If you prefer a guided tour with a resident-expert, try on of Ranger Bart Anderson's free hikes at 10:00 am Saturday mornings, October through April and every other week during the summer. Call the Chamber office for a complete schedule of Ranger Bart's hikes. more

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is an exceptional sport and perfect for year-round cycling adventures. Biking enthusiasts come from everywhere to experience Southern Utah's rugged terrain and varied topography. Maps can be found at local bike shops, library or the Bureau of Land Management, 345 E Riverside Dr., St George, UT 84770 or 435-688-3200.

Swim

Swim at Sand Hollow Aquatic Center. It features a three-lane pool, indoor water-slide, two diving boards, family looker rooms, and multi-play unit. (634-5938). Other pools such as the Dixie College Nautical Center (652-7989), St George City Pool (634-5867), Hurricane City Pool (635-0256) and the Veyo City Pool (574-2300) are, also, available to help you cool off and/or exercise.

Tennis

Play at the Tonaquint Park Tennis Courts.. Local high schools also have tennis courts.

Water Sports

Quail and Gunlock are wonderful places to take your boat, water ski, etc. and enjoy the water.

Horseback Riding

You can see the beauty via horseback riding at Zion National Park.

The Canyons Softball Complex

The Complex is situated on 38 acres and includes seven ball fields, two concession buildings, on play ground, two pavilions and a fishing pond. 435-634-5860

Entertainment Centers

Fiesta Fun-Family Fun Center where you'll find something for everyone. There is a driving range, min-golf, batting cages, a Soft Play center, go-karts, video arcade, bumper boats and the "Back Porch Cafe." 435-628-1818

St George Recreation Center is located at 285 So 400 East, St George or call 435-634-5860. You will find racquetball courts, fitness center, gymnasium, hobby and craft center and game rooms and more.

Movies Choose from our five movie theaters - or choose to see the latest I-Max film in Springdale