Exploring the Scenic Drives of St. George: Your Ultimate Guide

Discover the Beauty of St. George’s Scenic Drives

When I first discovered St. George’s scenic drives, I was amazed by how this southwestern Utah gem serves as a perfect gateway to some of nature’s most spectacular landscapes. Located where the Mojave Desert, Great Basin, and Colorado Plateau converge, St. George offers access to an incredible variety of scenic byways and backroads that showcase stunning red rock formations, sweeping desert vistas, and dramatic canyon landscapes.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, these scenic routes offer something for everyone. From paved highways perfect for leisurely driving to rugged backcountry byways that invite adventure, the area’s scenic drives range from quick 30-minute excursions to multi-day explorations. The best part? Many of these routes connect to renowned destinations like Zion National Park and Snow Canyon State Park, making them perfect additions to your Utah adventure.

Top Scenic Drives in St. George

Zion Park Scenic Byway (SR-9)

This iconic 54-mile one-way route is perhaps the most famous of all St. George area drives. Taking about 1.5 hours without stops, this fully paved highway follows the Virgin River through the heart of Zion National Park, offering breathtaking views of towering sandstone cliffs and unique rock formations. The drive includes the historic Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel and provides access to numerous viewpoints and trailheads.

Kolob Canyons Road

For a shorter but equally impressive experience, the Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive offers a 10-mile roundtrip journey that takes about 30 minutes on a paved road. This less-traveled section of Zion National Park features dramatic red rock walls and stunning viewpoints. The road climbs to an elevation of over 6,000 feet, providing panoramic views of finger-like canyons and crimson cliffs.

Smithsonian Butte National Backcountry Byway

Adventure seekers will appreciate this 9-mile unpaved route that takes about 45 minutes to navigate. The Smithsonian Butte Backcountry Byway offers incredible views into Zion National Park, the Virgin River Valley, and Canaan Mountain. Note that this dirt road may require 4WD after rain or snow.

Snow Canyon Road

Winding through Snow Canyon State Park, this 7-mile one-way drive takes about 45 minutes and showcases an incredible landscape where ancient lava flows meet red and white sandstone formations. The paved road features numerous pullouts for photography and access to hiking trails.

Kolob Reservoir Road

This longer 45-mile one-way journey takes 1-2 hours and features a mix of paved and unpaved sections. The drive ascends from the desert floor near Virgin, Utah, climbing through spectacular scenery to the high-elevation Kolob Reservoir, offering dramatic changes in vegetation and landscape along the way.

Other Notable Routes

Don’t miss the Mojave Desert/Joshua Tree Road for unique desert vegetation or Gunlock to Veyo route for stunning reservoir views and volcanic landscapes. For those with more time, the Vermilion Cliffs Highway offers an extended adventure with some of the most photographed landscapes in the Southwest.

What to Expect on Your Drive

Geological Wonders

The scenic drives around St. George showcase Utah’s incredibly diverse geology. You’ll witness towering red rock cliffs, intricate sandstone formations, ancient lava fields, and high desert plateaus. Each route offers its own unique perspective on these natural wonders:

• Along Snow Canyon Parkway, watch for the contrasting black lava fields against red and white sandstone
• Kolob Canyons features dramatic 2,000-foot red rock walls and finger-like canyon formations
• Smithsonian Butte provides sweeping views of the East and West Temples and Canaan Mountain

Seasonal Highlights

I’ve found that these drives transform with the seasons, each offering a unique experience. Spring brings desert wildflowers dotting the landscape with color. Summer mornings provide clear visibility before the heat builds. Fall paints the higher elevations with golden aspens and maples, particularly along Kolob Reservoir Road. Winter occasionally dusts the red rocks with snow, creating a magical contrast – though some backcountry routes may become impassable.

Wildlife and Plant Life

Keep your eyes open for desert wildlife like mule deer, desert tortoises, and various bird species. The vegetation changes dramatically with elevation, from Joshua trees and creosote bush in lower desert areas to pinyon-juniper woodlands and eventually ponderosa pine forests as you climb higher into areas like the Pine Valley Mountains.

Planning Your Scenic Drive

Road Conditions and Vehicle Requirements

Road conditions vary significantly across these scenic routes:

• Fully paved routes like Zion Byway and Kolob Canyons Road are accessible to all vehicles
• Mixed or unpaved routes like Smithsonian Butte, Kolob Reservoir, and Mojave Desert roads may require high-clearance vehicles
• 4WD is recommended for backcountry byways, especially in winter or after rainfall

Always check current road conditions before heading out, particularly for the backcountry routes which can become impassable when wet.

Best Times to Drive

For the most magical experience, I recommend planning your drives around sunrise or sunset when the lighting brings out the rich colors of the red rock landscape. Early morning generally offers clearer visibility and fewer crowds, while evenings provide dramatic lighting for photography.

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer ideal temperatures and conditions for most routes. Summer drives are best done in early morning to avoid afternoon heat, while winter driving requires more preparation but rewards with unique views of occasionally snow-dusted landscapes.

Practical Tips

When exploring these scenic byways, remember:

• There are few or no facilities on backcountry routes, so carry plenty of water, snacks, and a full tank of gas
• Cell service is limited or non-existent on many routes
• Most routes can be accessed from I-15 or SR-9
• Park passes are required for drives entering Zion National Park and Snow Canyon State Park
• Always have a physical map as backup for GPS navigation

Enhance Your Adventure with Nearby Attractions

One of the best things about St. George’s scenic drives is how they connect to incredible parks and attractions, allowing you to create custom itineraries based on your interests.

Parks and Recreation Areas

Many scenic drives provide direct access to outstanding recreation areas:

• Zion National Park: Combine your Zion Byway drive with hikes to Angels Landing or the Narrows
• Snow Canyon State Park: Stop for short hikes to lava tubes or petrified dunes
• Quail Creek State Park: Perfect for water recreation after a desert drive
• Gunlock State Park: Beautiful reservoir views and occasional waterfalls

Historical Sites

History buffs will appreciate stops at Grafton ghost town near Zion, historic downtown St. George, or the Hurricane Valley Pioneer Heritage Park. These sites offer fascinating glimpses into the area’s pioneer history and development.

Family-Friendly Options

Traveling with kids? The fully paved drives with frequent overlooks work best for families. I recommend Snow Canyon Road for its shorter length and numerous pull-offs with easy access to interesting features like lava flows and sand dunes. Kolob Canyons Road also offers spectacular views with minimal hiking required.

Multi-Day Itineraries

For a comprehensive experience, consider these combinations:

• Day 1: Snow Canyon in the morning, Hurricane Cliffs in the afternoon
• Day 2: Zion Park Scenic Byway with stops at viewpoints and short hikes
• Day 3: Kolob Reservoir Road, ending with sunset at the reservoir

Conclusion: Your St. George Scenic Drive Awaits

The scenic drives around St. George offer some of Utah’s most accessible and diverse landscapes, from dramatic red rock formations to peaceful high-country reservoirs. Whether you’re looking for a quick morning excursion or planning a multi-day adventure through the region’s varied terrain, these routes provide unforgettable views and experiences.

As someone who has explored these roads in all seasons, I can attest that each drive offers something unique – the challenge is simply deciding which to experience first! Pack your camera, bring plenty of water, and set out to discover why St. George is considered a premier destination for scenic drives in the American Southwest.