Pine Valley: The Cool Mountain Escape
Pine Valley: pine forest, cool air and a reservoir an hour above St. George — the escape when the desert is unbearable.
Pine Valley is the answer to a southern Utah summer. About an hour north of St. George and several thousand feet higher, it is pine forest, meadows and cool air — a different world reached in a single drive.
The elevation is the point
The temperature difference between St. George and Pine Valley is substantial, and in July it is transformative. When the valley is above 100°F, this is a place where you want a jacket in the evening.
That single fact explains why the area exists as a recreation destination and why it has been a summer retreat for generations.
What to do
Hike. The trail network runs into the Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness, from short walks around the reservoir to serious backcountry routes climbing the range.
Camp. Established campgrounds among the pines, which fill on summer weekends — reserve ahead.
Fish the reservoir. A Utah licence is required; see fishing around St. George.
Ride. Horseback riding is well established in this country — see horseback riding.
See the chapel. The Pine Valley Chapel is a remarkable pioneer building, reputedly designed by a shipbuilder, and one of the most distinctive historic structures in the region.
Autumn is the other reason to come
The desert does not do autumn colour. Elevation does, and Pine Valley is the nearest place to St. George that turns. See fall colour near St. George.
Winter changes the access
Snow arrives here, and it is genuine snow rather than the dusting St. George occasionally sees. Roads and campgrounds are affected, and access can close.
Check conditions before driving up in the cold months — this is the single most common mistake, made by people who checked the weather in town.
Practical
- Pack layers regardless of season. A hot afternoon in St. George can be a cold evening here, and people arrive in shorts in September and regret it.
- The drive climbs steadily; allow more time than the distance suggests.
- Facilities are limited. Fuel and supplies before leaving the valley.
- Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer at elevation. See desert hiking safety.
Frequently asked questions
How much cooler is Pine Valley than St. George?
Substantially, and in July the difference is transformative — when the valley is above 100°F, Pine Valley is somewhere you want a jacket in the evening. It sits about an hour north of St. George and several thousand feet higher, which is the entire reason it works as a summer retreat and why it has been used as one for generations.
What is there to do?
Hiking on a trail network running into the Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness, from short walks around the reservoir to serious backcountry routes; camping in established campgrounds among the pines, which fill on summer weekends; fishing the reservoir with a Utah licence; and horseback riding, which is well established in this country. The Pine Valley Chapel, a remarkable pioneer building reputedly designed by a shipbuilder, is also here.
Can I go in winter?
Sometimes, but check first. Snow arrives here properly, unlike the dusting St. George occasionally sees, and roads and campgrounds are affected with access sometimes closed. The most common mistake is checking the weather in town and assuming it applies up the mountain. Pack layers in any season, since a hot afternoon in St. George can be a cold evening in Pine Valley.