Spring Creek Canyon

When it’s crazy hot in Saint George and you are missing your hiking time, it is time to head north to Spring Creek Canyon. While initially exposed to the sun, once you are in the canyon you will be treated to cooler temperatures and some beautiful scenery.

The hike traverses along the base of the hills and makes its way to the start of the canyon. Be patient, you will get to an actual canyon a little over a mile into the trip. The hike initially is reminiscent of the hike into Kanarra Falls, which makes sense since it is the next canyon over.

Once you arrive to Spring Creek Canyon, there are numerous short sections of slot canyon. The red rock will tower over you as you listen to Spring Creek babble over the rocks and the leaves rustle. This was a very peaceful hike, nothing too strenuous, no other people, and the sights and sounds of nature all around.

We hiked into the canyon until we reached a rockfall, at which point we turned around to give us 5.3 miles total for the trip.

Difficulty: Mild.

Trail Stats: 5.3 miles, out and back, 761 feet elevation gain.

Trail Finding: Relatively easy prior to the canyon. Once you are in the canyon, it is obviously quite clear.

Conditions: There is a fair amount of sand. When we went, it had recently rained so it was packed and easy to walk on. If it has been dry, the sand may not be as enjoyable to stroll through. Also, once in the canyon, Spring Creek travels through the same area. Water levels were low enough when we went that mud or water crossings were easy to avoid and/or navigate. Wet or muddy feet could be a potential depending on time of year and water flow.

Would I Repeat This: Possibly, but I am glad we completed it.

Parking: Large parking lot. 

Timing: Portions of this are in the slot canyon, please be sure to monitor the forecast closely. The first portion of this hike is exposed and then intermittent shade once you are in the canyon, plan for time of day and the sun accordingly.

Downloaded Map: We did reference this when there were social trails at the start that made route finding less clear. 

Fees: None.

Trails: Kanarra Falls (by permit only) and the trails in the Kolob Canyon section of Zion National Park.