Utah is often known for the white capped mountains, cold winter air, and the greatest snow on earth. In 2002 it was home to the winter Olympics. Now it brings millions of snow sport enthusiasts to its mountains each year. With all of this information in mind, you would never guess that moving just a couple hours down the state you would find a beautiful city with a year long summer. While northern Utah has its perks, we recommend enjoying the warm weather and breathtaking views of Southern Utah. If you’re traveling with a group, we have some amazing St George family activities during the winter for you to enjoy.
Johnson’s Arch
Johnson’s Arch is a beautiful hike that takes you to an incredible rock arch that spans over 200 feet! This hidden gem is even more incredible because it’s only open during the winter months. The trail begins just a few miles up the Snow Canyon Parkway. Parking is available right off the road. When you arrive you will be greeted by the warm fresh air in the canyon. You will also get your first look at some of the beautiful rock formations in the area. The trail begins right before the ranger station. This will be your only chance to use the facilities or fill up your water bottle on the trail.
As you begin your hike, you will enter into a lava flow field. This area is full of volcanic rocks and evidence of the dormant volcanoes that formed the landscape. From there you will hike into a dry stream bed that rarely sees water during this time of year. It’s a great spot to look for unique rocks and see some of the fauna and flora that grow in the area. This will then lead into a spectacular lookout over the valley. The path continues along until finally you reach the expansive arch that sits just off the right side of the trail.
Local Museums
One of our favorite St George family activities during the winter is to visit the local museums. Southern Utah is rich in cultural heritage and state history and their museums do an amazing job of showing it. The city was founded by pioneers for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the mid 1800’s. It was intended to be a cotton mission and although that did not provide fruit, the city continued to grow to the landmark it is today. Numerous fossils and other remains have also been found throughout the surrounding areas. This makes it a popular destination for archeological expeditions and research trips. This rich history is detailed in the many museums in the area.
No matter your interests, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the area. The Dinosaur Discovery Site provides guests with a unique opportunity to see smaller fossils and an impressive number of dinosaur tracks that have been preserved in the red rock. The Daughters Of Utah Pioneers Museum is an awesome place to visit to learn more about the history of the pioneers in the area and the importance of the city for early settlers. If you want more pioneer history there are a number of other similar sites in the area. Finally, one of our absolute favorite museums and activities for families is the St George Children’s Museum. This interactive museum allows children to explore lots of different environments and learn about the history of the world.
All of these amazing snapshots of history are right in the heart of Southern Utah! These are great affordable family activities to try during the winter!
Explore The Parks
One of the great things about the weather in Southern Utah is that you can do almost all of the same activities all year long! Some of the biggest attractions of Southern Utah are the national parks. Southern Utah boasts 4 of Utah’s 5 national parks with Bryce Canyon, Zions, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef all within driving distance of St George! All of these national treasures provide a variety of options to enjoy the breathtaking scenery they provide.
Try taking a scenic drive or a short hike in any of these parks. If you’re lucky, you might be able to see a light dusting of snow along the towering monuments throughout the parks. These activities are great in the winter because it’s not too hot. And, as an added bonus, the parks are generally much less crowded in the winter. This is another great St George family activity during the winter.
Tuacahn Amphitheater
Tuacahn Amphitheater also known as Broadway in the desert is one of the best kept secrets in Utah. Each year some of the most talented actors from around the world come together to produce the most iconic Broadway shows from the past century. These incredible performances are made even better by the breathtaking scenery that surrounds the theater. If the theater isn’t your forte, they also provide Saturday markets, and a special event called Christmas in the Canyon. This annual event begins early in December each year. It offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a live nativity, take the Tuacahn Express Train, or even visit with Santa Claus! Tuacahn is open all year long, so come enjoy a Broadway play, a holiday concert or Christmas in the canyon this winter season!
Golf
Golf is another great winter activity in St George, Utah! There are 11 different golf courses in St George that all provide unique scenery and challenges as well as an opportunity for an incredible day in Southern Utah. The cool winter air provides the perfect conditions to enjoy a couple of relaxing games. They are much more pleasant without the stress of the heat that comes in the summer. The golf courses are open all year round. This is a great way to escape from the harsher weather in the north.
If you are looking for places to stay near the golf course, we have a variety of places for you. These range from town houses in the area to huge 8 bedroom homes right on The Eighth hole of the Coral Canyon golf course. No matter your preference, St George has a golf course to accommodate your preferences! And, we have a home to accommodate your needs!
As you can see, there are tons of St George family activities during the winter! Whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation or an adrenaline filled adventure this winter season, Southern Utah is the place for you!