Snow Canyon Lava Caves

These caves are located in Snow Canyon State Park near Dammeron Valley in Utah and it's one of the most unique places in southern Utah. Years ago, lava flowed through these caves until it froze until formed into a tunnel, so the volcano has been inactive since. The trail is filled with lava rocks, sand and gravel, and there are several lava tubes which can be entered, so wearing closed toe shoes and using good balance will make the trip to the caves easier. The largest cave is before the trail drops into the valley to connect to West Canyon Road. To the south of this point, there's a pyramidal shaped slick rock hill, which you can easily go up from the west side. You will need to carefully climb to the hike into the cave that starts with a fairly large opening. Once you get into the cave, there will be a small opening where the hike downward begins. You will hike through a confining space with some low ducking areas, until finally you will reach a large room; which is the ending of the cave. 

The cave also features historical artifacts and geological features and you can learn about this cave's past by visiting one or all of the five Native American petroglyph sites. The petroglyph trail has a round trip of 5 miles, moderate difficulty hiking level and the average hiking time is 2-3 hours.There are 5 petroglyph sites:

• By the campground:

  It's on the edge of the campground, on the sandstone cliff adjacent to the last camping spot. It is easy to find. The images are old and faded, many covered with patina, but well worth seeing. Courtesy of redrockadventure.com

• The Crack:

  On the east side of the park, just SW of The Ledges golf course and development. A parking area and corridor that provides access to the park can be found at the end 4200 N Street (a St George city street just south of The Ledges). From that parking area, hike west into the park and then follow a trail that appears and disappears at times, working your way down into the canyon. Wander a bit and you will find the slot. It is a fun family hike. Many of the images are faded and difficult to see, but well worth hunting down. Courtesy of redrockadventure.com

• Main Slot: 

  Above that crack, the main canyon narrows and there is a dryfall. Above it, in a deep slot, there are many interesting rock art images. Courtesy of redrockadventure.com

• Top of Canyon: 

  Near the top of that same canyon there is a dark panel with perhaps the best images in Snow Canyon. Courtesy of redrockadventure.com

• The Ledge:

   Some call this panel "Newspaper Rock." It is just north of the canyon mentioned above and is a prominent boulder with extensive rock art figures on its north side. It is located due west from The Ledges and it is up on top of the ridge, not down in the canyon. The best access comes from using the corridor described above.Courtesy of redrockadventure.com

Things to remember: Bring flashlights and extra batteries. No littering or graffiti in and around the caves, both are illegal and if done, the caves will be closed temporarily until they are clean. Be respectful and responsible. To return to the parking area, make a loop return on the White rocks Trail or return to the parking lot on the same trail.