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The Chuckwalla to Scout Cave trail run or hike is a close-to-town go-to that somehow makes you feel like youre in the middle of nowhere, even though youre still very much in St. George. It sits tucked into the red cliffs on the north end of townclose enough to feel like a quick escape, but far enough that once youre on the trail, the city noise disappears fast.
From the trailhead, the terrain starts out a little rocky with a gradual downhill, but its easy running. About a mile in, make sure to take a left turn, staying right toward the Turtle Wall. The Turtle Wall is a sandstone slickrock section that climbs roughly 300 feet up to the Paradise Rim overlook.
As you reach Paradise Rim, the views open up and suddenly St. George is far below you. Red rock, wide desert, big sky. Its not dramatic in a loud wayit just quietly reminds you why you live here. Take a moment to reboot and soak it all in.
When youre done at the Paradise Rim overlook, head right and continue along the rim. The trail follows a sandstone path here, so keep an eye out for cairns to guide the way. The running stays friendlymostly runnable, a bit of sand, and just enough rock to keep you paying attention. Youre moving along the edge now, high above town, with steady views down into the valley. Its the kind of stretch that naturally slows you downnot because its hard, but because you keep looking around.
Continuing north along the rim, youll eventually spot the turnoff for Scout Cave. From there, the trail dips slightly into a shallow drainage, and the landscape starts to feel a little more otherworldly. The rock shapes get stranger, the colors deepen, and then suddenly, youre there.
Scout Cave itself is tall and airy rather than deep, carved into the sandstone like a quiet overlook. Standing inside and looking back out across the desert feels surprisingly dramatic for a spot thats only minutes from town. Its an easy place to linger before turning back.
The reserve also allows dispersed backcountry camping in designated areas, all clearly marked on the trailhead signage for those looking to stretch the experience into an overnight.
Its accessible, scenic, and never tries to be more than it iswhich is exactly what makes this trail so good.
Theres no water, not much shade, and zero forgiveness if you come out here mid-day in summer. But early mornings? Thats when it shines. Cool air, empty trail, and that feeling like youve got the whole rim to yourself.
Distance: 6.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 981 feet
Flow: Very runnable with short rocky sections near the cave
Vibe: Relaxed desert cruising with a scenic payoff
Exposure: Mostly sun; shade at Scout Cave
No Water, Bathrooms at Chuckwalla Trailhead