Adventure Log
Travel Guides
Southern Utah: An RVer's Winter Paradise
Explore these picturesque destinations in southern Utah!
Overview
As you plan your fall and winter travels, keep Southern Utah in mind, especially if you love hiking. With its mild climate, a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, outdoor adventures, and serene camping spots, you won’t regret visiting here.
Keep reading for details on the best way to experience some of the most iconic views in the United States, including Zion National Park, and other lesser-known hikes we’ll share with you that rival the views, but not the crowds.
With its stunning red rock formations, deep canyons, and diverse wildlife, southern Utah should be on your RV destination list.
Where to Stay
There are options for off-grid camping on public lands as well as numerous campgrounds and RV resorts. The city of St. George is the perfect base camp for exploring Southern Utah. It’s very family-friendly, with weekend farmers markets, shopping, and family activities— plus it’s close to Zion National Park and several other recreation areas.
Settlers Point Luxury RV Resort is also at the top of the list. It’s located on the north end of St. George in Washington, UT, only an hour from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center of Zion National Park. This resort has everything: a heated pool, hot tub, pickleball and basketball courts, a dog playground, weekly camp hosted s'mores nights, and the cleanest clubhouse and bathrooms we have seen in four years traveling the country.
RV Resort Recommendation
Settlers Point Luxury RV Resort
Address: 1355 E Blf Vw Dr, Washington, UT 84780
Phone Number: (435) 236-7458
Days 1-2
Zion National Park
Zion National Park has to be on your list. Zion Canyon has some of the most stunning views in the US with gorgeous red rocks, slot canyons, and wildlife, including big horn sheep, deer, and curious little chipmunks.
The Bronneke family visits Zion Canyon Overlook.
Entry to Settlers Point Luxury RV Resort.
Walters Wiggles' section of the Scout Lookout Trail.
Scout Lookout Trail
If you aren’t selected in the lottery for Angel’s Landing, the Scout Lookout Trail is the next best thing! This trail is around four miles with 1200 ft of elevation gain, and the views the entire time are worth every step. You get to experience the Walters Wiggles section, and at times it feels like you are walking through a fairy tale through forested sections next to a sometimes-dry wash.
This trail takes you to the permit entry location for the Angel’s Landing hike, without all the paperwork or the sheer drop-offs. There are plenty of spots to have a quick picnic, and you can watch as others take on Angels Landing from a slight distance. To fully enjoy Scout Lookout, consider setting aside a day dedicated to exploring this location by itself.
Canyon Overlook Trail
If you’re seeking the postcard-perfect photo op during a trip to Zion, make sure to check out the Canyon Overlook Trail. It’s only a one-mile hike and takes you straight to one of the most iconic Zion views in the park with sweeping views of the canyon and friendly chipmunks. Parking for this trail can get busy with just a small lot, but there are other parking options further down that require a short walk along the road to the trailhead. To access this trailhead, you get to experience another favorite feature of Zion Canyon: the Zion-Mt. Carmel tunnel.
The Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel
The Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel was originally constructed in the 1920s and stretches for 1.1 miles. The views from the window vents are fleeting, but breathtaking.
Pro Tips:
Make sure to stop in at one of the visitor centers for current trail closures. Zion Canyon access is restricted to shuttle or bikes/e-bikes from mid-March to mid-November, and personal vehicles cannot be driven in certain sections of the park.
If you want to take part in popular hikes like Angel’s Landing or The Narrows, advance permit applications are required through a lottery system.
The Zion-Mt Carmel tunnel has restrictions for large vehicles. The maximum height is 11’4”, and oversize vehicles require a permit and escort through the tunnel, which is only available 8 AM-4 PM daily. Vehicles over 13 feet, 50klbs, or 40 feet long are prohibited, as are pedestrians or cyclists.
Day 3
Kanarra Falls
This unique hike, which is a family favorite, is located in the tiny town of Kanarraville, UT, about 30 minutes north of St George, UT via I-15. It’s only about 10 minutes off the interstate and easily accessible. The four-mile out-and-back hike takes you through a variety of classic Utah landscapes with bright red rock formations, vibrant green forest, unique slot canyons, and the reward of three waterfalls.
Plan to get your feet wet during this hike and make sure you have either waterproof shoes or a spare pair, especially in cooler months. Keep in mind that there are several areas with no phone reception. You do need to get a permit, which is available on the same day, but weekends often sell out in advance. The $15 permit is worth every penny for the views you’ll experience.
Exploring Kanarra Falls Waterfall.
The Bronneke family enjoys Kanarra Falls.
Day 4
Kolob Canyons
Kolob Canyons is part of Zion National Park, but is completely separate from Zion Canyon. It is accessed via I-15, about 30 minutes north of St. George, UT. There are fewer hikes in this section of the park and fewer people.
The hikes are no less impressive, and the landscape is just as beautiful. We hiked the five-mile out-and-back Taylor Creek trail that starts with a set of stairs and ends with the rewarding experience of the cavernous Double Arch Alcove. You’ll meander through forest land, cross the creek several times, and you can stop to explore three different early homestead cabins.
Double Arch Alcove at Kolob Canyon.
The homestead cabin at Kolob Canyon.
The scenic drive along Kolob.
Kolob Canyons
Kolob Canyons is part of Zion National Park, but is completely separate from Zion Canyon. It is accessed via I-15, about 30 minutes north of St. George, UT. There are fewer hikes in this section of the park and fewer people.
The hikes are no less impressive, and the landscape is just as beautiful. We hiked the five-mile out-and-back Taylor Creek trail that starts with a set of stairs and ends with the rewarding experience of the cavernous Double Arch Alcove. You’ll meander through forest land, cross the creek several times, and you can stop to explore three different early homestead cabins.
Kolob Scenic Drive
After hiking, make sure to drive the Kolob Scenic Drive. It’s only five miles, but the views from the top are endless. There are several overlooks and even a few trailheads along the drive. Once you get to the top, you can park and take in the view before heading back down.
Pro Tip:
Your national park entry pass is good for seven days and valid for both the Zion Canyon and Kolob Canyons sections of the national park.
Final Thoughts
The scenic byways and well-maintained campgrounds make it easy for RVers to explore the natural beauty at their own pace. Whether you're seeking thrilling hikes, peaceful stargazing, or simply a place to unwind amidst nature, Southern Utah provides an unforgettable experience for every traveler. One trip here might not be enough to see everything this little corner of Utah has to offer.
