When it comes to winter adventures in Utah many people immediately think of the ski resorts around Park City but with the powder comes crowds and high prices. What if I told you that if you set your sights a little further south you can find some of the most stunning landscapes in the US with near constant sunshine and have it all to yourself? Let me introduce you to St. George, Utah.
This post is sponsored by iExplore in partnership with Visit St. George but as always all opinions are my own. Photo Credit-Visit St. George
Weather
As the gateway to Zion National Park St. George draws huge crowds in the summer months but come winter you can enjoy the red rocks of southern Utah with barely another soul in sight. The weather in the winter is moderately cool with highs in the 50s and 60s most days (perfect hiking temperature if you ask me) though evening temps can be a bit chilly with temperatures dipping into the 30s after the sun goes down(be sure to pack a jacket). St. George also boasts over 300 days of sunshine per year making it an especially great outdoor destination in the winter.
Photo Credit-Joe Newman
Zion National Park/Utah State Parks
I first fell in love with Zion National Park 10 years ago when I was living in Las Vegas for a summer internship during grad school. I was immediately smitten with the red sandstone cliffs and spent several weekends exploring some of the more popular hikes like Angel’s Landing and the Subway; I would love to return to see how different Zion is in the winter. In addition to hiking other popular adventures in Zion National Park include canyoneering, jeep tours and mountain biking.
Read more about canyoneering in Zion National Park
Photo Credit-Joe Newman
Aside from Zion National Park St. George is blessed with several other state parks and natural reserves that are just as stunning. A mere 20 minutes from downtown St. George, Snow Canyon State Park offers easy hiking among stunning red rocks and sand dunes. Red Cliffs Desert Reserve serves up the best of the southwest; with dramatic rock formations,arches and petroglyphs. At Yant Flant Cliffs you’ll find a sweeping geologic rock formation similar to Arizona’s iconic Wave (with no crowds or permit needed).
Photo Credit-Joe Newman
Golf
If your outdoor adventure veers more toward the greens and tees variety then St. George is the place for you. St. George has ten courses to choose from ranging from gentle green links to challenging holes carved among lava fields. Add in year round sunshine and St. George is truly a golfer’s paradise.
Photo Credit-Visit St. George
Museums
Museums are always a great winter activity and St. George has some great options for families and history buffs alike. For a day of Jurassic fun head to the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Center where you can view actual fossilized dinosaur tracks and learn about these prehistoric creatures with interactive exhibits. The McQuarrie Memorial Museum, also known as the Pioneer Museum, tells the story of the Mormon pioneers who settled in St. George in the mid 18th century. Art lovers should check out the St. George Art Museum, which houses a diverse collection of art featuring local and regional artists.
Spas
If wellness and relaxation are more your speed then check in to one of St. George’s destination spas. Taking inspiration from the beautiful natural environment several destination spas offer everything from complete fitness and nutrition programs to luxurious massages and spa treatments. No matter what you choose you will definitely leave St. George feeling renewed and restored.
Where to Stay in St. George, Utah
- Amira Resort and Spa
- Red Mountain Resort
- The Desert Thistle Bed & Breakfast
- Inn on the Cliff
MikesRoadTrip says
I enjoyed reading this piece. I have a friend who lives in St. George and have been meaning to visit. Hope to make it there soon. 😉
Brianna says
You can’t go wrong with a trip to St. George, I think you would love it!
Cynthia | What A Girl Eats says
I’ve driven through St. George a hundred times. We used to stop there on our way to Aspen. I’ve always wanted to stay more than over-night. I remember it being such an All-American little town! I’ve never been to Zion, so there’s another reason to visit!
Brianna says
Zion is a must visit but St. George has so many great reasons to visit.
Jessica says
Nature & spas! Sign me up. My former boss is from Utah and he always raved about the natural beauty. St George looks like the perfect getaway.
Brianna says
Adventure by day and pampering at night all in beautiful surroundings, does it get any better?
Chasa Fulkerson says
I would love to visit Utah. I would really love to do some hiking there!
Brianna says
Zion has some of the best hiking on the planet!
Tamara says
This had me looking up flight prices to Vegas for our March break.
Brianna says
Spring break would be a perfect time to visit!
Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net) says
Rob half of Rob+Ann here. Oh boy, do I miss those beautiful mountains! Growing up in the Four Corners area, I visited St. George pretty often. But it’s been a long time since I’ve been back, and Ann has yet to discover this area. This was a great reminder of why we need to fix that! 🙂
Brianna says
Sounds like you are overdue for a return trip!
Lauren says
I’ve never heard of St. George before, although I really want to make it to Utah. This sounds like the perfect place, especially in the winter! I hate hiking when I’m too hot, and those temps sound ideal. I’d love to go!
Brianna says
This one of the prettiest and most unique places in the US, you would love it!
Brian - EatWorkTravel says
Ah, Zion National Park is high on our list to visit! Sounds like St. George is the perfect spot to stay to explore it and who can beat 300 days of sunshine! Had not considered a winter visit but sounds like it may be the best option for us!
Brianna says
It’s really popular in the summer so winter really is a great time to visit.
Christina | Christina's Cucina says
We’ve stopped in St George, but never stayed there. Looks like we’ve been missing out!
Brianna says
Definitely worth more than a stopover.
Jenna says
This is the kind of winter trip I would love! The nature is stunning! Because I live in CA, I’m used to relatively nice weather in winter, so I enjoy visiting places where I can still be outdoors.
Brianna says
Jenna, Zion would be perfect for your adventurous family.
Jenn and Ed Coleman says
St George in the winter would be pretty alright. I’ll admit my pucker factor was tested when I saw a recent Instagram video of somebody hiking Angel’s Landing in the snow. That place was scary enough with firm footing. Have Zion to ourselves without having to fight long lines on the shuttle buses would be reason enough to visit. The temples have a majestic grandeur that gets lost with all of the throngs of summer visitors.
Brianna says
I saw that video too, those hikers are way braver than I.
melody pittman says
St. George looks lovely! I will head to Utah sometime in 2018 to complete a bucket list travel item but not sure where yet. Those parks are so amazing so hoping to check them out for sure!
Brianna says
St. George is in one of the most uniquely beautiful areas in the US, you would love it!
Kristin says
I am such a huge fan of St. George—I’ve been twice in the last 18 months and hope to go again in 2018! But one thing I’ve yet to do is hike the Narrows (and visit in winter), so that’s definitely on the agenda for my next visit.
Brianna says
The Narrows is an awesome hike, I’m hoping to go back and do it again this year.
Medha says
I am all for visiting a place when the crowds are less. St George looks amazing, your pictures inspire my wanderlust. To be honest, I live really far away for me to consider a visit to Utah but maybe I will combine it with other cities during a longer trip. Would you have any suggestions as to where else I can go, not too far, and make a good 2-week trip out of it? My husband and I love hiking, nature, beaches and great food 🙂
Brianna says
You could fly into Las Vegas and spend two weeks exploring the Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce National Parks to name a few.
Indrani says
Some excellent reasons to get to St George Utah. The Pioneer Museum sounds good; I may head there first if I am there ever. The chance of sighting fossilized dinosaur tracks is exciting me. Hope to get there some day.
Brianna says
Make sure to get out and explore the national and state parks too.
Kate says
Utah was definitely a place that wasn’t on my radar until now. The views alone sell it as a beautiful destination though! I could spend days hiking and exploring around this area.
Brianna says
Southern Utah is easily one of the prettiest areas in the southwest.
Debbzie Leksono says
You had me at ‘over 300 days of sunshine per year’! Sounds like an ideal destination for me as I always try to avoid rainy season while travelling. Also I’ve heard and seen many beautiful stories and photos about Zion National Park. Hope to make it there soon 😀
Brianna says
I’m hoping you can visit Zion sooner rather than later, one visit and you will fall in love.
Leigh says
I love St George! I actually wanted to move there this year, but there is a serious lack of rental housing (and presumably employment) so I will just have to enjoy it on vacations…Red Mountain Resort was every bit as amazing as I thought it would be 🙂
Brianna says
Lucky you for staying at Red Mountain Resort, it looks stunning!
Nisha says
The golf course over looking the rough terrains are lovely. I guess the most enjoyable and the high point would be the spa! I could spend hours there (if I can afford it haha) . Happy New Year!
Brianna says
You can never go wrong with some spa time!
Andi says
I was lucky enough to spend 2 weeks in the St. George area last Janaury and absolutely loved it! It is such a great area with so much to do and offers a great basecamp for more!
Brianna says
It’s really a great place to visit, I find something new every time!
Vicky and Buddy says
I may be passing through Utah in March so I’ll definitely keep this in mind. The landscape looks so surreal but I love that there are things to do indoors as well. I wouldn’t mind checking out those spas! 😉
Brianna says
Make sure to get out and explore before pampering yourself in some of the best spas in the US.
Anne Howard says
We are road tripping across the Southwest this spring and will definitely be headed to St. George! Of course, we know about Zion National Park but didn’t realize there was so much to do in and around town. Thanks for the tips!
Brianna says
Make sure to check out some of the gorgeous state parks when you’re there too!
Elaine J Masters says
Great tips. I’d love to do some winter hiking and so glad to hear that it’s sunny there most days of the year. Nice idea to head a little south away from the crowds too. Wonderful pictures!
Brianna says
You can’t go wrong with sun and beautiful nature this time of year!
Jennifer says
I’d much rather visit Zion without the summer crowds and 50-60 degrees is the perfect temperature while hiking. You’ll warm up just from moving and I’d rather hike in cooler temps than be super hot. We visited Monument Valley in winter years back and there was also hardly anyone else. Definitely a case for visiting off season!
Cheri says
Me living here, I can say this place is beautiful and perfect for the ones who love nature and outdoors 😉
Cheri says
I love living here and it is a beautiful place for the ones who love outdoors and hiking 😉
Brianna says
Lucky you, what a great place to live!
Audrey says
Thanks for the great article about my hometown, Brianna. I moved away from St. George, but still consider southwest Utah the most beautiful area in the world. Another perk that’s developed as the area grows is the George Streetfest, in the middle of town on the first Friday of every month – live music and lots of fun for all ages.
Brianna says
I would love to go back to spend some more time in town.
Linda says
Our daughter and son in law live just north in Cedar City, but now I’m ready to spend sometime in St George.
Brianna says
I loved St. George, I’m sure you will too! So many pretty places to explore in Utah.