Outdoor Recreation Abounds in Southern Utah
Southern Utah has an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities – and they’re yours to discover!
With endless possibilities for fun, your hardest decision just might be where to begin. To help make it easier, let’s explore some great ways to enjoy Southern Utah’s breathtaking beauty.
National Parks
Perhaps the best way to appreciate the national wonders of Utah is by immersing yourself in them! And, courtesy of multiple national parks, it’s never been easier.
Zion National Park
Spanning 229 square miles, Zion National Park will leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits. The rugged mountains, cool canyons, natural arches, rushing rivers, monoliths and mesas combine to create a truly picturesque paradise.
Did you know that there are four different life zones in Zion National Park? They include desert, woodland, riparian and coniferous forest – which explains the nearly 300 species of birds, 75 mammals and 32 reptiles that call the park home. The plant and animal diversity is just one of the reasons to visit the mesmerizing marvel that is Zion National Park. If you're lucky you just might spot the Zion Snail, a species only found within the park.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Attracting over a million visitors from around the globe each year, this national park is one-of-a-kind. The sprawling reserve features crimson-colored spires of rocks in wonderfully unique formations, otherwise known as hoodoos. And, the park has the largest collection of hoodoos in the world! Carved into the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau is Bryce Canyon Amphitheatre, an attraction certainly worth checking out.
Capitol Reef National Park
Situated in the red rock country of Utah, discover the hidden treasure that is Capitol Reef National Park. Surrounding a Waterpocket Fold, which is a wrinkle in the earth that extends almost 100 miles, the national park features layers of golden sandstone, striking rock formations and exquisite canyons. If you feel like exploring the area, Hickman Bridge, Cathedral Valley, Goosenecks Overlook, Cassidy Arch & Frying Pan are some of the must-see attractions. You can also try backpacking, camping, fishing, hiking, ATVing, mountain biking, horseback riding or heading out on a guided tour to explore the area.
Canyonlands National Park
This dramatic desert landscape has been carved by the Colorado River and preserves nearly 338,000 acres of mesas, colorful canyons, arches, fins and buttes. The main architects of the land have been water and gravity, sculpting the various layers of rock into the landscape you see today. Some of the best hikes in the area include Grand View Overlook, Mesa Arch, The Needles District, Upheaval Dome Overlook and Peekaboo Trail.
Other Southern Utah Parks
There are a number of parks and outdoor spaced located in the urban Southern Utah areas, which makes it easy and convenient to experience the great outdoors.
The city of St. George is home to Pioneer Park, a 52-acre park with several landmarks and points of interest, located just north of the downtown area. Within Pioneer Park is the Red Hills Desert Garden. This beautiful botanical garden is free to visit, and provides ample opportunity to wildlife-watch and enjoy the thousands of different plant species.
Hurricane City has plenty of hiking trails for nature-lovers to explore. Quail Creek State Park is found northwest of the city, and attracts boaters, fishers, and hikers alike. As well, Sand Hollow State Park is a favorite for kayakers and those who wish to take their off-road vehicle out for a spin.
Located just a short drive out of St. George, in Ivins, is Snow Canyon State Park. The gorgeous rock formations and unparalleled views found here attract many outdoor enthusiasts, such as rock climbers.
Discover & Explore Southern Utah
If you’re looking for ways to keep busy other than visiting a wonderful National Park in Southern Utah, not to worry! There’s plenty of activities within the area.
Check out the Sand Hollow Resort Championship Golf Course, it’s been ranked the #1 “Best Course You Can Play” in Utah since 2009. With incredible views featuring red rock outcroppings and rolling fairways, no golf enthusiast should pass this place up.
For a change of pace, visit the Southern Utah Adventure Center. Choose between renting watercrafts (such as a boat or a stand up paddle board), Jeeps, dirt bikes, mountain bikes, or take part in a guided tour to create memories that will last a lifetime.
You can also plan a trip to one of the only year-round bike parks in Utah – the Snake Hollow Bike Park. Encompassing 80 acres of land, the park includes hundreds of features, such as four skill zones: Rattler’s Revenge, Snake Den, Venom Drops, Sidewinder Slopestyle, so there’s something for all levels.
What are you waiting for, your Southern Utah outdoor adventure awaits! And fortunately, the team at Ellis & Co Real Estate are ready to help you discover your dream listing. Discover Southern Utah real estate today.