Hiking St George, Utah: Scout Cave Trail

This is a popular St. George hike (so I’m told) that we had never done before. You can actually see the cave from the Snow Canyon Parkway as you approach the park. I had never noticed it before! Similar to other hikes in Snow Canyon, there are several cross-crossing trails you can use to get the cave, but we started at the Johnson Canyon trailhead and turned right after a short distance to access the Scout Cave trail.

Scout Cave Trail

Trailhead: Johnson Canyon Trail. Just south of Snow Canyon South Entrance

Distance: 3.5 miles out-and-back if you just go to the cave

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 420 ft.

Time: 2-3 hours

Fee: Yes (daily, weekly, annual)

The trail follows a shallow ravine with a wash (and sometimes a stream) at the bottom. After about a mile you’ll descend the ravine and follow the wash for a few hundred yards until the trail turns toward the red-rock cliffs that house Scout Cave. A short scramble up the red rock and you’re there. The cave is large and has a natural skylight. Views are great but much more urban and developed looking than even 5 years ago. Kids enjoyed the hike and probably would have played in the cave all day if we had let them.

Definitely recommend this if you need an easy hike close to town. Due to proximity to St. George it’s unlikely you’ll have the trail to yourself and you shouldn’t be expecting a wilderness experience, but kids loved it and views are great!

Tips

Water of course. Most of the trail has no shade and is hot and dry in summer months
Wear good shows. The trail is bumpy with rock and toward the end you’re scrambling up to reach the cave.
Snacks to reward the kids once you reach the cave and give them energy for the hike back.