St George

St. George is a city in the Dixie region of Utah, known for its warm climate and as a gateway to several national parks and recreation areas. The city sits in the southwestern corner of Utah at an elevation of about 2,800 feet, making it one of the warmest and driest cities in the state. The area is popular with outdoor enthusiasts, retirees, and winter visitors seeking refuge from colder climates.

St. George was settled by Mormon pioneers in 1861 and named after George A. Smith, an LDS apostle. The city has grown rapidly in recent decades, becoming one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States. The surrounding landscape features red rock formations, sandstone cliffs, and the distinctive White Cliffs of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve.

The climate is subtropical with very hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F (38°C), while winter temperatures average 40-55°F (4-13°C). The area receives very little precipitation, making it ideal for year-round outdoor activities.

By Plane

St. George Regional Airport (SGU) has commercial service from Salt Lake City on Delta Connection and from Denver on United Express, operated by SkyWest. The nearest major airport is Las Vegas (LAS), about 2 hours drive on I-15.

By Car / Road

St. George is located on Interstate 15 at the Utah-Arizona border. From Salt Lake City, take I-15 south, about 4.5 hours. From Las Vegas, take I-15 north, about 2 hours. The city is also accessible from Zion National Park via UT-9.

St. George is a car-dependent city, though the downtown area is walkable. SunTran provides public bus service within the city and to nearby Springdale for access to Zion National Park.

• Snow Canyon State Park — 10 miles north. Stunning red and white sandstone cliffs, lava tubes, and hiking trails.

• Red Cliffs Desert Reserve — A 45,000-acre nature reserve surrounding St. George with hiking trails and desert wildlife.

• Brigham Young Winter Home — 67 W 200 N. A historic home where LDS leader Brigham Young spent his winters.

• St. George Temple — The oldest continuously operating LDS temple in the world.

• Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm — 2180 E Riverside Dr. Tracks and fossils from the Early Jurassic period.

• Thunder Junction All Abilities Park — A unique accessible playground for children of all abilities.

• Hiking — Snow Canyon State Park, Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, and Zion National Park offer excellent hiking.

• Golf — St. George is known as Utah's golf capital with over a dozen courses.

• Mountain biking — Numerous trails in the surrounding red rock landscape.

• ATV riding — The area has extensive OHV trails.

• Swimming — Sand Hollow Reservoir and Quail Creek State Park offer water recreation.

• Tuacahn Amphitheatre — 1100 Tuacahn Dr. Broadway-caliber outdoor theater productions in a stunning red rock canyon setting.

• Anasazi State Park Grill — Local favorite for American cuisine.
• Bear Paw Cafe — 22 N Main St. Popular breakfast and lunch spot.
• Cliffside Restaurant — Fine dining with panoramic views of St. George.
• Painted Pony — 2 W Saint George Blvd. Steaks and seafood in a southwestern atmosphere.

St. George has a growing craft beer and coffee scene. Several breweries and coffee shops have opened in recent years. The Utah liquor laws apply here as well.

• Budget: Various motels along I-15 and Main Street.
• Mid-range: Holiday Inn Express St. George. Comfortable rooms with standard amenities.
• Upscale / heritage: The Advenire Hotel. Boutique hotel in downtown St. George with modern amenities and rooftop pool.

St. George has a variety of shopping options, from the historic downtown area to the Tonaquint Shopping Center and other commercial districts. Outdoor gear shops cater to the area's active lifestyle.

• Zion National Park — 45 miles northeast. Dramatic sandstone cliffs and the famous Narrows hike.
• Bryce Canyon National Park — 140 miles northeast. Spectacular hoodoos and amphitheaters.
• Grand Canyon North Rim — 150 miles southeast. The less-visited rim of the Grand Canyon.
• Snow Canyon State Park — 10 miles north. Red and white sandstone cliffs and hiking trails.
• Sand Hollow State Park — 15 miles southeast. Popular for boating, fishing, and off-highway vehicles.
• Las Vegas — 120 miles southwest. Entertainment capital with shows, dining, and nightlife.