Snow Canyon's Lava Tubes

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.