Hiking Cinder Cone Trail - Saint George, UT
The Cinder Cone trail is a steep and short hike up to the top of one of the highest ancient volcanos in Southern Utah. These ancient volcanos are the reason why all the beautiful lava rock is scattered all over the valley. With beautiful views of Snow Canyon and Dammeron Valley the trail has 500 feet of elevation gain and can be quite slippery. Once at the top you can hike down into the crater and check out a small rock fort and rock wall. I'm not sure the history of the rock fort but it is kinda fun!
LENGTH
1.5 miles round trip
DIFFICULTY
With the quick elevation gain and the slippery path, this trail isn't ideal for younger kids or elderly hikers.
LOCATION
From St Geoge take Bluff Street North 2.6 miles. You will come to a small parking area on the east/right side of the road. From here the trail is well marked. Click here for map & directions
TRAIL DETAILS
I hiked Cinder Cone Trail with my husband on a cloudy and cold day in January. From pictures I have seen online, the trail is a little more picturesque in the warmer month with greenery lining the edges of the cinder cone but it was a great hike to do in the winter, and the views from the top were stunning. The trail starts off of a busy road but you quickly hike around to the back side of the cinder cone and the traffic noise dies down. The trail is gravely and steep. Once up at the top hike around the rim and down into the center of the crater. This is a great spot to stop and rest before making the trek back down. Scroll down for tips and additional info.
GOOD TO KNOW
No bathrooms or water fill stations at the trailhead but gas station is 5 minutes down the road.
TIPS AND ADDITIONAL INFO
Hiking poles would be a great thing to bring to help with your footing and save your knees on the way back down.
This trail has no shade so not the best trail for the summer months May-September
Wear good hiking boots and bring plenty of water
Always practice Leave No Trace principals and leave the places you visit the way you found them. Better yet, bring a clean-up bag with you and leave it BETTER than you found it!
