Easy Winter Hikes in Snow Canyon State Park
Winter is one of the best times to explore Snow Canyon State Park, just up the road from Arcadia. Afternoon highs usually sit in the mid-50s, the summer heat is long gone, and the red and white sandstone glows in the low winter sun. Here are a few easy, family-friendly trails to try on your next stay, plus some tips from the park itself.
Short hikes the whole family can do
Jenny's Canyon is a half-mile round trip (about 20 minutes) that ends at a short slot canyon, with a scenic overlook option at the base of the cliffs. Kids love it. Pioneer Names is another half-mile trail with the most shade of any hike in the park, where you can spot names and dates left by early pioneers in a small alcove. And at the Sand Dunes, the park calls the red dunes "a giant sandbox," so let everyone run, roll, and dig.
A little longer: Hidden Pinyon and Johnson Canyon
Hidden Pinyon is a 1.5-mile, self-guided nature trail (about 45 minutes) that winds through rock passages with views of the Petrified Dunes, with 19 marked stops explaining the plants and geology. Johnson Canyon is a 2-mile round trip across an old lava field to a view of Johnson's Arch. It's closed from March 15 to September 14 to protect wildlife, which makes the cooler months your chance to hike it. After steady rain, a waterfall often flows at the end of the canyon.
Prefer wheels? Try an e-bike
E-bikes are allowed on Snow Canyon Drive and the paved Whiptail Trail, a three-mile paved path through the main canyon. Arcadia guests can rent e-bikes from our partner Rampage Rentals and ride around nearby Snow Canyon.
Winter hiking tips from the park
Desert temperatures drop quickly once the sun goes down, so dress in layers and skip the cotton. Bring water for everyone, wear sunscreen and sunglasses even in winter, and check sunset times so you're not caught in the dark. Parking fills up around the holidays, so go early or have a backup trail in mind. Dogs are welcome on leash (6 feet max), and everyone needs to stay on marked trails to protect the desert tortoise habitat. Heads up: on Saturday, November 14, Snow Canyon Drive and the Whiptail Trail close from 7 a.m. to noon for the Snow Canyon Half Marathon and 10K. Check Utah State Parks for current conditions and day-use passes.
Come back to your own red rock retreat
After a day on the trails, it's nice to have room to spread out. Red Rock Haven (#71) sleeps 22 with five en suite bedrooms, a private sunken hot tub, a fire pit on the main patio, and an upper covered patio with views of Snow Canyon. Both resort spas are heated this winter too, so sore legs are covered.
Ready to plan your winter hiking trip? See open dates and book directly at arcadiaresort.com, or call us at 435-301-0926 and we'll help you find the right villa.
Posted on 11/01/2026 in Arcadia Resort
