Snow Canyon's Lava Tubes
Hollow lava caves you can climb into on the Lava Flow Trail in Snow Canyon — a genuinely unique 1-mile hike near St. George. Bring a flashlight.
Snow Canyon's Lava Tubes
Snow Canyon State Park sits on an ancient volcanic landscape, and the Lava Tubes — hollow caves left behind when molten lava drained away — are one of its most memorable hikes. It's just outside St. George in Ivins.
The hike
- Distance: ~1 mile round trip to the tubes via the Lava Flow Trail
- The caves: the first (larger) tube appears about a half-mile in; you can climb down and walk inside — some chambers are tall enough to stand in
- Bring a flashlight or headlamp — it's dark inside, and a light makes exploring safe and fun
Know before you go
- The trail crosses rough, sharp lava rock — wear sturdy shoes and watch your footing
- There's no shade; go early and carry water
- Getting into the tubes requires some scrambling over rock — use care, especially with kids
Tips: pair it with the nearby Petrified Dunes for a great half-day in Snow Canyon. A genuinely unique hike you won't find near most desert towns.