Red Hills Desert Garden St George
A free 5-acre desert oasis in St. George, Utah, featuring over 5,000 water-efficient plants, a slot canyon, and dinosaur tracks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid the heat & crowds
Red Hills Desert Garden St George
Best Time
Avoid the heat & crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free 5-acre desert oasis in St. George, Utah, featuring over 5,000 water-efficient plants, a slot canyon, and dinosaur tracks.
"Fabulous and a don’t miss stop in the St. George area. Beautiful and free!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The garden is easily walkable, but comfortable shoes are best for exploring the paths and enjoying the views.
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The desert sun can be intense, even on cooler days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Replica Slot Canyon
Pioneer Park
Wander through a miniature slot canyon, a unique photo opportunity amidst the desert landscape.
Water-Efficient Plant Collection
Throughout the garden
Discover over 5,000 species of desert plants, beautifully curated and labeled for an educational stroll.
Scenic Red Rock Views
Overlooking St. George
Enjoy panoramic vistas of the iconic red cliffs that surround St. George, Utah.
Dinosaur Tracks
Designated areas
Step back in time with visible dinosaur tracks, adding a prehistoric element to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Free Admission, Big Rewards
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The garden is easily walkable, but comfortable shoes are best for exploring the paths and enjoying the views.
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The desert sun can be intense, even on cooler days.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially during warmer months. There are shaded benches to rest, but staying hydrated is key.
📸 Perfect for Photos
The vibrant desert flora and red rock backdrop make this a photographer's dream.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The garden is easily walkable, but comfortable shoes are best for exploring the paths and enjoying the views.
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The desert sun can be intense, even on cooler days.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially during warmer months. There are shaded benches to rest, but staying hydrated is key.
📸 Perfect for Photos
The vibrant desert flora and red rock backdrop make this a photographer's dream.
🐶 Dog-Friendly (Leashed)
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for pet owners to enjoy a stroll.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Red Hills Desert Garden as a beautiful, peaceful, and educational free attraction. Its well-maintained paths, diverse desert flora, and scenic red rock views make it a highly recommended stop for all ages. Some suggest visiting during cooler parts of the day to fully enjoy the experience.
"We are from San Antonio and came to town to play golf. We saw the Red Hills Desert Garden when we drove by. It is fabulous and a don’t miss stop in the St. George area. It is a wonderful, easy, walking path. All of the plants have been identified. It is beautiful and free. What a terrific gift to the community. Don’t miss it!"
Nanette Hall
"What a fun place to stop and go for a walk through the gardens. I had some time to kill before my next destination and this was such a fun little area to stretch my legs. I didn't drive through the other section of the garden, but the parking lot was decent, nice restrooms, and a fun little place to check out the views and sites. They even had a couple shaded bench areas to relax and rest out of the sun."
Kirstin Darry
"Beautiful and peaceful! A flute player was playing for awhile which added much to the ambiance. Easily walkable with many benchs to stop and rest."
Denise Mitchell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Red Hills Desert Garden is located within Pioneer Park in St. George, Utah. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors find it a convenient stop when exploring the St. George area or on their way to other Southern Utah attractions.
While not directly adjacent, Red Hills Desert Garden is a worthwhile stop on your way to or from Zion National Park. It's about an hour's drive from Zion, offering a different kind of desert beauty.
Public transportation options to Pioneer Park and Red Hills Desert Garden are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to access the garden.
The garden is located at Pioneer Park, 3300 E Red Hills Parkway, St. George, UT 84790. GPS will guide you directly to the park entrance and parking area.
Yes, the garden is well-marked within Pioneer Park and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Red Hills Desert Garden is completely free! It's a wonderful, budget-friendly attraction for everyone.
The garden is generally open from dawn until dusk, aligning with Pioneer Park hours. It's best to check local listings for any specific seasonal changes, though it's typically accessible year-round.
No advance booking is required as the garden is free to enter. You can visit anytime during park hours.
Yes, Red Hills Desert Garden is typically open on holidays, as it's part of Pioneer Park. However, it's always a good idea to confirm with local park authorities if you plan to visit on a major holiday.
Occasionally, there are special events like the Scarecrow Walk and Haunted Canyon during spooky season. It's worth checking local St. George event calendars for any upcoming activities.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore over 5,000 water-efficient desert plants, walk through a replica slot canyon, see dinosaur tracks, and enjoy stunning red rock views. There are also benches for resting and enjoying the scenery.
Most visitors spend about 30 minutes to an hour exploring the garden, depending on their pace and interest in photography.
Yes, children often enjoy the unique plants, the replica slot canyon, and the dinosaur tracks. It's a safe and engaging outdoor space for families.
Yes, there are restrooms available at the garden, which is convenient for visitors.
Absolutely! Red Hills Desert Garden is dog-friendly, as long as your dog is on a leash.
📸 📸 Photography
The replica slot canyon, the diverse desert flora (especially during bloom season), and the panoramic red rock vistas offer fantastic photo opportunities. The clear water features also add to the visual appeal.
Early morning or late afternoon provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a beautiful golden hour glow.
Drone usage may be restricted in city parks. It's advisable to check with the St. George City Parks Department for current regulations before flying a drone.
While not official, the garden's diverse plant life, unique geological features, and scenic views lend themselves to themes like desert blooms, native flora, and landscape photography.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the landscape and slot canyon, while a macro lens can highlight the intricate details of the desert plants and flowers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1The easy, well-maintained paths are perfect for little legs, and the shaded benches provide welcome spots for a rest. Leashed dogs are also welcome, so the whole family, including furry members, can enjoy the visit.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Located conveniently in St. George, it's easily accessible from major routes and provides a refreshing break. Many visitors discover it by chance and are delighted by its beauty and free admission, making it a highly recommended spontaneous detour.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
With its free admission and accessible paths, it's an easy location to visit multiple times to capture different lighting conditions or seasonal changes. The variety of subjects ensures a diverse portfolio can be built here.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Desert Flora
+1During the spring, the garden truly comes alive with a spectacular display of cactus blossoms and wildflowers. This is a prime time for visitors to witness the desert's vibrant colors. The garden's design emphasizes conservation, demonstrating how these plants can thrive with minimal water, a crucial lesson in arid environments.
+1Reviewers consistently praise the garden's well-defined sections and the sheer variety of plants on display. It's a peaceful place to wander, observe, and appreciate the subtle beauty of desert ecosystems.
A Unique Geological Experience
Adding to the prehistoric allure are the dinosaur tracks scattered throughout the garden. These ancient imprints offer a tangible connection to the region's distant past, sparking curiosity and wonder for visitors of all ages.
The garden is nestled against the backdrop of St. George's iconic red rock cliffs, offering breathtaking panoramic views. This dramatic landscape enhances the overall experience, making it a visually stunning destination.
+1Community Gem and Accessibility
The garden's easy walking paths make it suitable for a wide range of visitors, including families with children and those who may have mobility considerations. The presence of clean restrooms further enhances the visitor experience.
Its connection to Dixie Rock (also known as the 'Y' Mountain) provides an opportunity to combine visits, offering even more scenic exploration in the immediate vicinity.
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