Hiking Scout Cave Trail - St George, UT
When it comes to hikes that lead to caves my answer is always HECK YES! That is why I love Scout Cave Trail so much. The trail is just long enough to get the blood pumping and short enough that you can do it as a quick morning or afternoon adventure.
With stunning views of the St George Valley and plenty of desert beauty along the way, this trail needs to be added to your Southern Utah bucket list ASAP!
LENGTH
3.5 miles round trip and can be completed in 1.5 - 2 hours depending on pace.
DIFFICULTY
The majority of the trail is level and easy for all hiking abilities with a few exceptions. There is a short climb at the end to reach the cave which may be difficult for younger children and elderly hikers. It is also probably not the best choice in the head of the day.
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LOCATION
The trailhead is located on the south side of Snow Canyon just outside the park. From St George take Snow Canyon Parkway 3.2 miles. At the traffic circle take the 2nd exit onto Snow Canyon Dr and drive .8 miles. You will park in the gravel parking area to the left side of the road. The trailhead is just across the street. Click here for map and directions.
TRAIL DETAILS
We did Scout Cave Trail on a chilly day in January and I thought it was such a great winter hike. Pretty much all the hikes in Snow Canyon, St George, & the Hurricane Valley are great winter hikes because even when it is cold you just put on a warm jacket and you are good to go.
The first section of the trail takes you along a lava flow path that is a bit rocky but well defined. The path drops down into a creek bed with plenty of trees and desert vegetation. This was my favorite section of the trail.
When the path runs along a housing development you know you are getting close. And no, I didn’t love that the trail was so close to houses but what are you gonna do.
Just past the housing, the trail starts to climb. If you look up ahead you will even be able to see the cave in the cliffs above. You will climb a set of stairs and then a rocky path that will take you up and into the cave.
The views of the St George Valley are beautiful and totally worth the short climb. It’s not a super big cave but seriously, who doesn’t love a good cave!?! Scroll through for tips and additional info below.
GOOD TO KNOW
No bathrooms or water fill stations at the trailhead. The closest bathrooms can be found at the campground inside Snow Canyon State Park.
TIPS AND ADDITIONAL INFO
Wear good hiking boots and bring plenty of water & snacks. The cave is a great spot for a snack break.
If hiking in the summer make sure to go first thing in the morning or later in the day. This trail has very little shade.
The Scout Cave Trailhead is also the trailhead for Johnson Canyon. If you are visiting from Sept-March (because of endangered habitat this trail is closed seasonally from March 15 – September 14 ) you should extend your hike and do Johnson Canyon as well.
Make sure to take a drive through Snow Canyon State Park
Happy hiking,
Arika
