Welcome to St. George: The Heart of Greater Zion
St. George is the largest city in Washington County, Utah, with a population of roughly 95,000 residents. Sitting at an elevation of 2,860 feet in the southwestern corner of the state, St. George enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine each year, earning its reputation as one of the most desirable warm-weather destinations in the American West. Founded in 1861 by Mormon pioneers sent by Brigham Young to grow cotton, the city has evolved from a quiet agricultural outpost into a thriving hub for outdoor recreation, retirement living, and tourism.
Why Visitors Choose St. George
St. George serves as the primary gateway to Zion National Park, located roughly 45 minutes to the northeast. But the city itself is far more than a launching point. Dramatic red rock formations frame the skyline, world-class golf courses dot the landscape, and a growing arts and dining scene gives travelers plenty of reasons to linger. The combination of mild winters, stunning desert scenery, and easy access to public lands makes St. George a year-round destination that delivers something different in every season.
Pioneer Park and Downtown
Pioneer Park is arguably St. George’s most iconic landmark. Perched atop a red sandstone ridge in the center of town, the park offers panoramic views of the city, the Pine Valley Mountains, and the surrounding red cliffs. Short trails wind through the rock formations, and the sunsets from the summit are consistently spectacular. At the base of Pioneer Park, Ancestor Square anchors the historic downtown district with locally owned restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and a weekly farmers market that runs from spring through fall.
Red Cliffs and Natural Attractions
The Red Cliffs National Conservation Area sits just north of St. George, protecting thousands of acres of desert wilderness that includes dinosaur tracks, seasonal waterfalls, and critical habitat for the threatened Mojave desert tortoise. Snow Canyon State Park, only 10 minutes from downtown, showcases petrified sand dunes, lava tubes, and striking red-and-white Navajo sandstone formations that rival any landscape in the Southwest.
Arts and Entertainment
The Tuacahn Amphitheatre, tucked into a red rock canyon near Ivins, hosts Broadway-caliber productions from May through October beneath a canopy of stars. The Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm preserves exceptionally well-preserved dinosaur tracks dating back nearly 200 million years. The St. George Art Museum, the Heritage Museum, and the recently renovated St. George Opera House round out a cultural calendar that keeps growing.
Outdoor Recreation
St. George sits at the intersection of the Mojave Desert, the Great Basin, and the Colorado Plateau, creating a unique ecological crossroads that supports an extraordinary variety of outdoor activities. The city maintains more than 300 miles of urban trails, and the surrounding public lands add hundreds more.
Golf
With more than a dozen courses and a climate that allows year-round play, St. George is regularly ranked among the top golf destinations in the western United States. Courses like Sand Hollow Resort, Entrada at Snow Canyon, and Sunbrook Golf Club take full advantage of the red rock scenery.
Mountain Biking and Hiking
The trail systems around St. George have earned the region IMBA Gold Level Ride Center status. Popular riding areas include the Gooseberry Mesa system near Hurricane, the JEM Trail, and the Barrel Roll network. Hikers can explore trails in Snow Canyon, the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, and dozens of routes leading into the surrounding canyons and mesas.
Dining, Shopping, and Services
St. George has grown into a full-service city with a diverse restaurant scene that ranges from local southwestern cuisine to sushi, Thai, Italian, and farm-to-table dining. The Red Cliffs Mall area in neighboring Washington City and the Ancestor Square district provide the primary shopping corridors. The city also serves as the regional medical center, with Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital and several urgent care facilities available for visitors.
Getting Here and Getting Around
The St. George Regional Airport (SGU) offers daily flights from Denver, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, and other hubs. Las Vegas is approximately 2 hours southwest via I-15, making it another popular arrival gateway. The city is car-dependent, but the downtown core and several trail systems are walkable or bikeable. The Springdale shuttle connects to Zion National Park during peak season.
When to Visit St. George
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most popular seasons, with daytime temperatures in the 60s to 80s and cool, comfortable evenings. Winter brings mild days in the 50s that are ideal for hiking and golf. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which slows outdoor activity during midday but opens up opportunities for early morning hikes and late afternoon swims at Sand Hollow or Quail Creek. Check the Greater Zion weather forecast to plan around current conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is St. George from Zion National Park?
St. George is about 40 miles (approximately 45 minutes by car) from the south entrance of Zion National Park in Springdale.
Is St. George a good base for visiting Zion?
Yes. St. George offers the widest selection of hotels, restaurants, and services in the Greater Zion area, along with more affordable lodging compared to Springdale. Many visitors prefer staying in St. George and driving to Zion for day trips.
What is there to do in St. George besides Zion?
St. George offers Snow Canyon State Park, world-class golf, Pioneer Park, Tuacahn theatre, the Dinosaur Discovery Site, mountain biking, Sand Hollow State Park, and a growing dining and arts scene. Most visitors find that St. George alone could fill several days.
What is the best time of year to visit St. George?
Spring and fall are ideal, with comfortable temperatures in the 60s-80s. Winter is also pleasant for outdoor activities, while summer is hot but great for water sports.