Scout Cave – Snow Canyon, Utah
If you’re looking for a rewarding, easy hike near St. George that won’t take you all day to complete, then Scout Cave may be just the trail you’re looking for. Located at the south end of Snow Canyon State Park, the trailhead is only about 20 minutes from St. George. In fact, there are several trails you can access from this same parking area.
If you’re looking for something more challenging, check out Padre Canyon, accessed from the same trailhead
The easy access is a bit of a two-edged sword. It’s convenient and allows you to get in a very nice hike without too much time commitment. But it also means that you spend some time very close to local developments. There is a short section where you are passing along the back fence of some homes.
An Easy Start
The first mile of the hike is easy and level. It offers great variety in a short distance, starting off by traversing a sparse lava field mixed with light sand. Very soon, you’ll pass a junction with the trail into Johnson Canyon. This trail is also an easy, family-friendly hike. However, be aware that it is closed annually from March 15 to September 14 to protect tortoise breeding habitat.
After about a mile, you will drop down into a dry creek bed where you will walk through deeper sand for a while. There are trees offering shade and to the views. At the south end of the creek bed, where you turn back to the east and begin the approach toward Scout Cave, is where you pass the closes to local homes.
Approach to Scout Cave
The approach to Scout Cave requires a little bit of climbing, and it’s all within a relatively short distance. The climb is not difficult. Anyone who is reasonably fit should have no problem with it. Railroad ties embedded in the trail make much of the climb easier. Only a short portion requires any real scrambling over rocks.
As you approach the red rock wall in front of you the teardrop shape of Scout Cave itself becomes visible and you get the first glimpse of your ultimate destination.
The shelf in front of the cave rewards you with beautiful views of the surrounding area. You are high enough to be able to see past Ivins and across the valley to the mountains in the distance. And turning to the north reveals more imposing red rock cliffs that are bathed in alpenglow in the morning.
The real reward is the cave itself. It’s not too deep and is one wide open cavern, so claustrophobia is not a problem. And there is no need for any special caving skills. A skylight at the back lets in even more light and lets the air flow. There are plenty of rocks, both right at the entrance and inside the cavern. That makes this the perfect destination hike where you can sit to rest, eat snacks and enjoy the views.
When you are ready to leave the cave you could choose to continue along the trail to the south. From here it connects to a number of other Snow Canyon trails and the Chukawalla Trailhead. Or you can just retrace your steps to return to the same trailhead.
Summary
I did this hike as an early-morning start to the day. I started pre-dawn and was able to enjoy stunning views from the cave with the sunrise to my back and alpenglow on the cliffs around. Although the trail was not crowded, I did meet a couple of locals along the way who make a habit of walking this trail in the mornings and were very friendly. It would be a great hike with kids who are able to make the final scramble. And who doesn’t like checking out a cool cave?
Stats
Total Distance: 3.7 Miles
Total Elevation Gain: 414 feet
Total Time: 1 Hour 50 Minutes
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