Petrified Dunes

Petrified Dunes trail in Snow Canyon State Park is National Park-comparable scenery right in Saint George, Utah. When we first visited Snow Canyon State Park, we could not believe this was “just” a State Park. 

Driving through Snow Canyon is beautiful in itself. Black lava rock, sandstone of white, yellow, pink, orange, reds, green of pinyons, and the classic blue bird Utah sky. There are many turn-offs and relatively short trails in this park that you could fill your day with.

There is only a very short trail until you are on the Petrified Dunes. The Petrified Dunes are just that, hardened sandstone dunes. The texture makes me think of reptile skin, like you are walking on a huge, sleeping alligator. It is not likely to be like any other surface you have hiked on.  There are half dome trail markers embedded in the sandstone that will guide you to the top, however, this is an area that you can walk all over and hike higher or deviate to either side of the “trail”. At the overlook, head towards hiker’s left and upward and you will find thousands of Moqui marbles. Take a moment at the overlook to enjoy the incredible views of the whole park surrounding you, you will be glad you took the time to check out this trail. 

Difficulty: Variable, easy to initially reach the dunes. Once you are on the dunes, it can be mild to moderate to strenuous, depending on where you traverse.

Trail Stats: 1.2 miles, out and back, 216 feet elevation gain. You can add more mileage and more elevation once you are out on the dunes.

Trail Finding: Trail markers are present, relatively easy to find your way.

Conditions: Short distance of sand and sharp lava rocks here and there. Once you are on the dunes, you are petrified rock with uneven surfaces.

Would I Repeat This: You bet! We have done this hike many times and it never gets old. We love this hike so much that we even took our family pictures out here.

Parking: Parking lot available. There is also a parking lot just down the main road at Upper Galoot picnic area, in case the main lot for Petrified Dunes is full.

Timing: There is no shade on this hike. Evening is a beautiful time for the dreamy light, but any time of day is a treat to hike this as long as you are aware of the sun and heat exposure.

Downloaded Map: Not necessary unless you plan to continue onward onto other connecting trails.

Fees:  Petrified Dunes is within Snow Canyon State Park. You will be required to pay the daily entrance fee, or to present your State Park Pass.

Trails: Hidden Pinyon, Lava Flow, White Rocks, Upper and Lower Galoot trails are all winners. You can also do any easy walk to the Desert Tortoise sculpture and learn more about these protected species.

Keep your eyes peeled for Mojave Desert Tortoise (please don’t touch), and snakes (do I have to say please don’t touch?!). We have seen both within the park on the trail and on the main road.