Red rock, water and a short drive.
Where to spend your days.
Conveniently located just a short drive from Zion and other outdoor gems, Hurricane puts three of Southern Utah's best spots within reach. Drive times are approximate and change with traffic and season.
Zion National Park (about 40 minutes)
Canyon walks, river hikes and big red cliffs. In busy months a shuttle makes the main canyon easy to enjoy, and a few famous hikes need a permit, so check the park's site before you go.
Zion National ParkSand Hollow State Park (about 5 minutes)
A red-rock reservoir with beaches, kayaking and paddleboarding, plus off-road dunes. Your house comes with kayaks.
Sand Hollow State ParkSnow Canyon State Park (about 30 minutes)
Lava tubes, sand dunes and sandstone trails. A great choice for a shorter outing or a relaxed change of pace.
Snow Canyon State ParkQuail Creek (about 15 minutes)
Calm reservoir water for a slower afternoon on the paddleboards.
Quail Creek State ParkSouthern Utah golf
The area is known for desert golf with red rock views. Book tee times early for groups, especially in spring and fall.
See St. George golf coursesRest days
Not every day needs a plan. The pool, hot tub, fire pit and game loft are all a few steps away.
See the houseMy favorite places to eat.
These are the spots I send our own friends and family to, in Hurricane, St. George and near Zion. Ordering ahead or using online pickup makes it even easier.
Hurricane & Leeds
- Pig's Ear American BistroDelicious food, and one of my go-tos.
- River Rock RoastersA coffee, sandwich, salad and smoothie spot in LaVerkin on the drive to Zion. I love this place, and everything I have had has been delicious. Call ahead and they can have sandwiches or salads ready for your whole group on the way to the park.
- Dixie Pizza WagonRegularly ranked among the best pizza in Utah. Their website is down right now, so use the Yelp page for the phone number.
- Red Fort CuisineFantastic Indian food. There is a new location in LaVerkin about 15 minutes from the house, plus the original in St. George.
- Mountain Mike's PizzaAn easy pizza night in Hurricane, near Walmart and Nom Nom Cookies.
- Casa TequilanaHighly regarded Mexican cuisine in Leeds.
Washington
- Royal Thai CuisineAbout 20 minutes from the house. Book a foot spa at Shamo Haven, then grab takeout here on the way back.
- Riggatti's PizzaVery popular and super tasty, with locations in Washington and St. George. On weekends I recommend ordering ahead, so your pizza is ready when you are.
St. George
- Street EatsTasty burgers, tacos and salads with some creative options. Highly recommend.
- Viva ChickenFast casual with some nice healthy options and very family friendly. Their chicken soup is my favorite, but I love the chicken and sides too. Order online for easy pickup on holidays and school breaks.
- Pica Rica BBQAward-winning barbecue in downtown St. George. I love this place, and it is easy to dine in or take out.
- PaletasWonderful homemade popsicles from fresh ingredients, with dairy and dairy-free options. The nicest owner, and so refreshing on a warm day.
- Angelica'sStreet tacos and Mexican food in downtown St. George. Affordable, yummy and very popular, so order online or call ahead at peak times.
- HB Beverage CoA raw juice bar in downtown St. George, and my favorite place in town for an acai bowl. Everything is so fresh.
- Benja Thai & Sushi and Benja's Thai GardenGreat Thai food, with two St. George locations because it is so popular. For peak dinner times, make a reservation or order takeout online.
- Bonrue BakeryA very highly regarded bakery in downtown St. George and in Springdale, with great European pastries and lunch options. Highly recommend.
Zion & Springdale
- Oscar's CafeDelicious burgers and lots of variety, just outside the park.
- Whiptail GrillDelicious Mexican food, just outside the park.
Groceries: Walmart is just a few minutes from the house, and online pickup or grocery delivery makes it easy. Lin's Grocery is a little farther into Hurricane, and it is a great store.
My favorite nearby hikes.
From easy paved paths to full Zion canyon days, these are the ones I keep going back to. Check trail conditions and the forecast before you go. Canyon hikes are best on dry days.
Zion
- Zion Narrows Riverside Walk1.9 miles, about 45 minutes.
- Zion Narrows day hike8.9 miles, 5.5 to 6 hours for the whole thing, or go shorter and turn around. Rent gear in Springdale to stay warm and comfortable, especially in cooler months (see Zion Outfitter under Tours).
- The Watchman Trail3.1 miles, about 1.5 hours.
- Lower Emerald Pool Trail1.4 miles, about 30 minutes.
- Pa'rus Trail3.2 miles, about 1 hour. Best enjoyed without dogs, since the creek water can have algae that is toxic to them.
- Canyon Overlook Trail1 mile, about 30 minutes.
- Northgate Peaks via Kolob Terrace6 miles, about 2.5 hours.
- Grapevine to Left Fork Falls2.2 miles, about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Middle Fork Taylor Creek Trail5 miles, about 2.5 hours.
Hurricane & Hildale
- Red Reef TrailLower Red Cliffs Recreation Area.
- Babylon Arch
- Three Falls
- Water Canyon (Hildale)3.3 miles round trip to a waterfall. Best on dry days.
Snow Canyon
- Hidden Pinyon Trail
- Petrified Sand Dunes Trail
- Lava Flow Trail
St. George
- Pioneer Park paved trailAn easy paved path.
- St. George Sandstone Quarry Trail
Bike and e-bike rentals.
Mountain bikes for the trails around Hurricane, and e-bikes for Zion and Snow Canyon. These are the rental shops I recommend.
Mountain bikes
- Red Rock BicycleMountain bike rentals in Hurricane.
E-bikes for Zion
- Zion GuruDiscounted rates based on the size of your group.
- Zion E-Bike AdventuresCaboose option on the RadWagon bike for kids under 12.
- Zion CyclesTandem e-bike option for a kid on the back.
- Zion PeddlerE-bike rentals for Zion.
E-bikes for Snow Canyon
- Pedego E-BikesE-bike through Snow Canyon State Park. Use code pedego10 to save 10%.
Guides and tours.
Let someone else handle the route, the gear and the parking. These are the guides and outfitters I recommend.
Tours and outfitters
- East Zion AdventuresATV tours, rappelling, guided horseback tours and more. They also run a low-cost roundtrip shuttle to the Observation Point and Cable Mountain trailheads, so parking is one less thing to think about in busy season. Reserve ahead.
- Zion GuruOutfitter and guide service: the Narrows, canyoneering, climbing, yoga, retreats and events.
- Land Beyond Zion Hike ToursCustomized, inclusive hiking and driving tours.
- Epic One AdventuresHiking, canyoneering, jeep tours, rafting, camping, horseback riding, mountain biking, sightseeing and boating.
- Wildland TrekkingSingle-day hikes plus multi-day and multi-park tours.
- Zion Country Off-Road ToursJeep tours through Zion's backcountry.
Gear rentals in Springdale
- Zion OutfitterZion Narrows gear rentals to keep you warm and comfortable in the river, plus bikes. Open daily in Springdale, with reservations or walk-ins.
Chefs, catering and picnics.
For a big group dinner prepared for you, or a special occasion at the house. These are the people I would call.
Private chefs and catering
- Jeff CroslandHighly recommended.
- Zion Desert to TableBased in Hurricane.
- Zion Private DiningPrivate dining experiences.
- Kitchen 435
Picnics and grazing tables
- Make A SceneLuxury picnics, private yoga and more.
- Kay's Events & PicnicsEvents and picnics.
- Aged & CuredCharcuterie and grazing tables.
Photographers.
Family photos, group portraits and special occasions among the red rocks. These are photographers I recommend.
Spa and nails.
A little pampering for the group, from foot spas to mobile massage. These are my favorites.
Spas and salons
- Sole SanctuaryHigh-end pedicures in downtown St. George.
- World Nails & SpaNail salon in Washington.
- Cable Mountain SpaA lovely spa in Springdale, just outside Zion.
- Shamo HavenFoot spa and massage in Washington, about 15 minutes from the house.
- Matra Mobile MassageMassage that comes to you.
These are my personal picks. Hours, menus and availability change, so check with each business before you go.
Ready to pick your dates?
Zion is busiest in spring and fall. Check availability early for group trips.
Check availability