Snow Canyon views and a cave at the turnaround
Scout Cave is a 6.7-mile out-and-back from the Chuckwalla Trailhead in Snow Canyon State Park, the same trailhead as Chuckwalla Loop. With about 1,000 feet of climbing, sand, sandstone and sweeping canyon views, our staff call it a local classic.
Snow Canyon is like a mini Zion right in St. George. From the trailhead, head down past the climbing wall and follow the easy-to-navigate trail. After a couple of miles you reach an overlook; from there, follow the signs for Scout Cave.
Around mile three the views open up over Snow Canyon, then a singletrack descent takes you to the cave. The trail is easy to follow but has one short down-climb. Enjoy the view from the cave, then return the way you came.
Scout Cave trail facts
- Distance
- 6.7 miles (out & back)
- Vertical gain
- 1,000 ft
- Terrain
- Sand and sandstone
- Technicality
- Moderate
- Navigation
- Easy
- Trailhead
- Chuckwalla Trailhead
- Parking
- Gravel lot
- Fees
- $15 residents, $20 non-residents
- Dog friendly
- Yes, on leash
- Cell coverage
- Yes
- Amenities
- Restrooms, no water
- Best time
- Morning, before the crowds
“A local classic!”St. George Running Center staff
Scout Cave map & elevation
The run drops for the first half mile, then climbs steadily for about two miles to the high point near mile 2.6, where the Snow Canyon views open up. A short, steep singletrack descent of about 300 feet, including the down-climb, brings you to Scout Cave around mile 3.3. On the way back you climb out of that dip, then enjoy a long, gradual descent with one short climb at the end to the parking lot.
What you’ll see on Scout Cave
Before you run Scout Cave
- Pay before you run.The trailhead is a Snow Canyon State Park fee area: $15 for Utah residents, $20 for non-residents, or a Utah State Parks pass. Pay online at parkspass.utah.gov or scan the QR code on the fee sign.
- Go early.This is a popular trail close to town. Mornings are quieter and cooler, and there is little shade along the way.
- Bring all your water.There are restrooms at the trailhead but no water there or on the route.
- Watch the down-climb.Just before the cave there is one short, rocky down-climb. Take it slow, especially on the way back up.
- Load the GPX.Navigation is easy and signed, but several trails meet out here. Put the GPX track on your watch to stay on route.
- Share the trail.Dogs are welcome on a leash. Expect hikers, especially on weekends and holidays.
Getting to the Chuckwalla Trailhead
Chuckwalla Trailhead: a Snow Canyon State Park trailhead on Highway 18 at the north edge of St. George. It is also the start of Chuckwalla Loop.
- From downtown St. George, head north on Bluff Street, which becomes Highway 18.
- Continue past the Snow Canyon Parkway intersection.
- Turn left into the gravel trailhead lot on the west side of the highway.
- Pay the day-use fee, then take the trail down past the climbing wall.
Fees: the trailhead is part of Snow Canyon State Park. It costs $15 for Utah residents and $20 for non-residents, or bring a Utah State Parks pass.
Parking: large gravel lot. It gets busy on weekends and holidays.
Amenities: restrooms at the trailhead. No water.
Need a shoe for sand and slickrock?
Stop by the shop and we’ll fit you in a trail shoe that grips.