Santa Clara Volcano
Explore an ancient volcano's dramatic lava flows and enjoy panoramic views of Snow Canyon State Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Santa Clara Volcano
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore an ancient volcano's dramatic lava flows and enjoy panoramic views of Snow Canyon State Park.
"Worth the effort and time to climb to the top with amazing views!"
Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Loose rock and steep inclines mean good grip is essential! :athletic_shoe:
Look for the Hidden Sign
The Cinder Cone Trail sign is easy to miss off the road. Keep an eye out! 📌
Quick Facts
Rating
3.8 · 22 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cinder Cone Trail
South of Santa Clara Volcano
Hike around this ancient volcano for stunning views of lava flows and surrounding canyons.
Panoramic Canyon Views
Summit of Cinder Cone Trail
Experience breathtaking vistas of Snow Canyon State Park and the unique petrified sand dunes.
Lava Flow Exploration
Base of Santa Clara Volcano
Witness the dramatic evidence of past volcanic activity with fascinating lava flows.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Access & Conditions
Footwear is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Loose rock and steep inclines mean good grip is essential! :athletic_shoe:
Look for the Hidden Sign
The Cinder Cone Trail sign is easy to miss off the road. Keep an eye out! 📌
Check Trail Status
Access can be restricted. Verify trail conditions before your visit. 💁
Drone Views are Epic
Capture stunning aerial shots of the volcano and canyons. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Loose rock and steep inclines mean good grip is essential! :athletic_shoe:
Look for the Hidden Sign
The Cinder Cone Trail sign is easy to miss off the road. Keep an eye out! 📌
Check Trail Status
Access can be restricted. Verify trail conditions before your visit. 💁
Drone Views are Epic
Capture stunning aerial shots of the volcano and canyons. :camerawithflash:
Sunset Magic
The volcano offers incredible sunset views. Don't miss it! :city_sunset:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Santa Clara Volcano area, especially the Cinder Cone Trail, to be a rewarding experience with stunning views of Snow Canyon and unique volcanic landscapes. While direct access to the volcano may be restricted, the well-maintained trail offers a moderate hike with impressive geological features. Some users have noted potential access issues or trail closures, so checking conditions beforehand is advised.
"Easy access to one of the extinct volcanoes in the area with recently improved parking space. Well maintained trail and lots of amazing views of Snow Canyon, petrified sand dunes, lava flows and more. Worth the effort and time to climb (moderate difficulty) to the top."
Martin González
"You can’t hike the Santa Clara Volcano it looks like it is private property. You can hike the volcano on the cinder cone trail that is south of the Santa Clara Volcano. There is a small sign off of the road that marks the trail that is easy to miss. Take the cinder cone trail that wraps around the Volcano it is much easier although some parts are pretty steep going down."
Libby CS
"volcanic cone names switched on the map (as of 30May2025)... north cone is the Diamond Valley Cone, south cone is the Santa Clara Cone"
Terry Massoth
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Santa Clara Volcano is located near St. George, Utah. Access to hike directly on the volcano might be restricted as it appears to be private property. However, the Cinder Cone Trail, which wraps around the volcano, is a popular alternative. Look for a small, easily missed sign off the road south of the main volcano.
Recent improvements have been made to parking facilities, making access easier for visitors heading to the trails around the volcano.
No, driving to the top is not possible. The experience involves hiking on designated trails around the volcanic cone.
The Cinder Cone Trail is south of the main Santa Clara Volcano. Keep an eye out for a small sign marking the trail entrance off the road; it's easy to miss.
Yes, the Santa Clara Volcano and its trails offer excellent views of Snow Canyon State Park, making it a great addition to a visit to the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While direct access to the volcano itself might be restricted, the Cinder Cone Trail generally does not require a ticket for entry. However, it's always wise to check for any local park fees or access requirements.
Trails are typically accessible during daylight hours. It's best to plan your visit during safe daylight times, especially considering the terrain.
The hike, particularly the Cinder Cone Trail, is considered moderate difficulty. Some sections are steep with loose rock, so good physical condition is recommended.
Direct hiking on the Santa Clara Volcano may be on private property. The recommended and accessible option is the Cinder Cone Trail that circles the volcano.
Trail closures can occur due to weather or maintenance. It's advisable to check local advisories or park websites before your visit, as some users have reported locked trails.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of the Cinder Cone Trail offers incredible panoramic views of Snow Canyon and the surrounding desert landscape. The lava flows also make for dramatic shots.
Drone photography is popular here, with many users sharing stunning aerial footage. Ensure you are aware of and comply with any local drone regulations.
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light for photography, highlighting the volcanic features and canyons. Sunsets are particularly spectacular.
Absolutely! The solidified lava flows are a key feature and provide unique textures and shapes for photography.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. If you have a drone, it's highly recommended for unique perspectives.
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