Utah is a national park lover's heaven...and St. George is the perfect home base for exploring them. It's located near most of Utah's Big 5 national parks and provides easy access to national parks in neighboring Nevada and Arizona. These national parks are all within 4 hours driving of St. George.
1. ZION NATIONAL PARK
Driving Distance from St. George: 41 miles
If you visit St. George without making your way to Zion National Park, you're DEFINITELY missing out. Zion is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, and St. George is the easiest and most popular way to access it. Zion is most famous for its towering red rock walls, uniquely stunning views, and otherworldly beauty. It's also very family-friendly thanks to its wide variety of hikes for all ability levels and well-kept facilities.
2. BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Driving Distance from St. George: 141 miles
Bryce may look like a distant planet from the Star Wars universe, but it's just a day-trip from St. George. This park is often overlooked by St. George visitors, but we think that's a complete mistake! In fact, we'd say that Bryce should be at the top of your St. George to-do list. Bryce is small enough that you can see most of it in one day but large enough that you'll never get bored while visiting. Its small size also makes it family-friendly because you don?t have to hike far to see something incredible.
Click here to read about visiting Bryce Canyon from St. George.
3. GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, NORTH RIM
Driving Distance from St. George: 150 miles
St. George sits on the southern border of Utah, providing easy access to Arizona and the Grand Canyon North Rim. The South Rim may be more popular, but honestly, we like the North Rim way better. The North Rim's trails and facilities are very well-kept but decidedly more wilderness-y than the South Rim's. They provide the silence, grandeur, and feeling of solitude that most people seek when they visit the Grand Canyon. The North Rim is always less crowded as well, meaning you won't have to elbow your way through anxious crowds to get a spectacular photo.
4. CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK
Driving Distance from St. George: 209 miles
Capitol Reef is by far Utah's most neglected national park because it feels a bit out of the way, but it's definitely worth the trip! Capitol Reef is like Zion's little brother, but with much more small-town Utah charm and WAY smaller crowds. Even in the 'busy season,' you'll find no shortage of fresh air and contemplative solitude. Our favorite part of Capitol Reef is the locally-run orchards in the heart of the park. In the summer and fall, visitors can pick fresh fruit from the tree while surrounded by steep red rock walls. It's definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
5. GREAT BASIN NATIONAL PARK
Driving Distance from St. George: 193 miles
Great Basin is a mini-but-mighty national park on the mid-western border of Utah and Nevada. It's another park often neglected because of its location, but we think it's worth the drive. Great Basin has grand mountain views to spare but is most famous for Lehman Caves, a gigantic underground cave complete with stalactites, stalagmites, and fantastic ranger-led tours.
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