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Climb an extinct volcanic cone for panoramic views of red rock ridges, petrified dunes, and lava flows across southern Utah's high desert.
Requires a Snow Canyon State Parks pass to park in the lot here.
Trail data courtesy of US Geological Survey.
Santa Clara Volcano sits in the high desert between St. George and Snow Canyon State Park, offering a straightforward scramble to the rim of an extinct cinder cone. The payoff is worth the effort: from the summit, you get unobstructed views across red sandstone ridges, dark lava fields, and petrified sand dunes that stretch toward Nevada. It's the kind of hike that feels more adventurous than the distance suggests, partly because you're literally climbing the side of a volcano.
The trail itself is well-maintained and easy to follow once you find it (the trailhead sign is small and easy to miss from the road). The first half climbs gradually through scrubland and volcanic rock, giving you time to acclimate to the elevation. The second half gets steeper and looser underfoot.
Expect plenty of volcanic cinder and loose rock on the final push to the rim, which means your footing gets tricky and you'll slip a bit even in good shoes. This is where the "moderate" rating comes from. The terrain is exposed, so wind can be a factor on ridge days. Bring sturdy hiking boots with ankle support; trail runners will leave you frustrated.
Distance-wise, you're looking at roughly 2 to 3 miles round trip depending on which volcanic cone you're summiting and how far you explore the rim once you're up there. Elevation gain is manageable but noticeable, especially at this altitude. The hike takes most people 1.5 to 2 hours up and 45 minutes to an hour down.
Start early if you're going in summer; the high desert sun is relentless and there's almost no shade. Spring and fall are ideal. Winter is possible but can be icy on the cinder.
Water isn't available on the trail, so bring at least 2 liters per person. Avoid filtering or drinking from any streams or still water in the area due to toxic cyanobacteria present in regional waterways. The trailhead has recently improved parking, which makes access much easier than it used to be. No permit is required. The trail is open year-round, though conditions can be challenging in winter.
What makes this hike special is the geology underfoot and the perspective it gives you on the landscape. You're not just looking at red rock from a distance; you're standing on top of the volcano itself, seeing the cinder cone's bowl shape and understanding how the lava flows spread across the valley below. On clear days, the views extend toward the Pine Valley Mountains and across the Virgin River valley. It's a short hike with big scenery, and it pairs well with a visit to nearby Snow Canyon State Park if you're spending a day in the area.
Wear good shoes, bring water, start early in warm months, and don't expect crowds. The hike is popular enough to be well-maintained but remote enough to feel like you've discovered something on your own.
Spring and fall are the strongest seasons for this route — comfortable temperatures, reliable footing on dry cinder, and the best light for the summit views. Summer visits require an early start before the high desert sun becomes relentless; this is an exposed trail with no shade at any point, and the St. George area summer heat is significant. The description notes that winter conditions can be icy on the cinder surface, making the upper scramble genuinely hazardous; check conditions before visiting November through February. The route is open year-round but winter adds a real safety consideration that the rest of the calendar does not.
The trailhead is located in the high desert between St. George and Snow Canyon State Park. Parking the lot here requires a Snow Canyon State Parks pass. The trailhead sign is small and easy to miss from the road — approach slowly and look carefully for the marker. Parking access has recently improved, making arrival easier than in the past. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. There is no shuttle service; this is a private vehicle destination.
Santa Clara Volcano is a 2.4-mile out-and-back scramble to the rim of an extinct cinder cone, rated moderate, with most of the challenge concentrated in the upper half where the slope steepens and the footing shifts to loose volcanic cinder and rock. The first section climbs gradually through high desert scrubland and volcanic terrain, giving you a gradual introduction to the elevation. The second half gets steeper and less stable underfoot — you'll slip a bit even in good shoes, and the exposed surface is where the moderate rating earns itself. The payoff at the rim is 360-degree views across red sandstone ridges, dark lava fields, and petrified sand dunes. The volcanic bowl of the cinder cone is visible from the summit. Most hikers take 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the top and 45 minutes to an hour on the descent.
23 reviews
7 months ago
Had a great hike to the top of this forbidden location, but shhh don't tell anyone. I took some photos. I'll post them eventually. Weird part was I was in a program called second nature-entrada and they claimed to be in st. George. SHOUTOUT GROUP 6 PATRICK AND BRIAN!!!
a year ago
Time It's private property
a year ago
volcanic cone names switched on the map (as of 30May2025)... north cone is the Diamond Valley Cone, south cone is the Santa Clara Cone
a year ago
Easy access to one of the extinct volcanoes in the area with recently improved parking space. Well maintained trail and lots of amazing views of Snow Canyon, petrified sand dunes, lava flows and more. Worth the effort and time to climb (moderate difficulty) to the top.
a year ago
Trail was locked could not hike it even tho there is a trail