Hiking the Scout Cave Trail in Snow Canyon State Park Utah

Todays hikeThis trail is starting just outside Snow Canyon State Park in St George. Drive towards Snow Canyon State Park. When you are about a quarter mile from the State Park entrance, there is a parking space on the left hand side of the road. Park here, and walk across the road and you will see the trailhead entrance. This is the start of two trails, Johnson trail which is closed much of the year because of birds nesting.

The trail look closed, buy continue to the sign showing Scout trail, it is to the right. Then you will be guided all the way to the Scouts Caves. Its a nice trail through the dessert, down to the bottom of the river, normally dry. Then up towards the red cliffs, and you can go inside the caves. They are not big, but it is nice view from inside out.

It is an easy trail to walk, round trip is just under 4 miles depending how much you roam around the caves area. As usual, in June July and August it can be pretty warm. But being under 4 miles I would say a 20 oz. bottle of water will be sufficient. It is not much wildlife to see in the warm season, mostly lizards, dragonflies, birds. In May you might see a lot of flowers.

This is the trail going through the lava flow area. At the second flag you descend into the river area, and from there you climb up to the caves.

The elevation shift is moderate, see the graph.

The trail is well marked all the way. Not to sandy,

Here you come to a junction. The Johnson trail straight ahead is closed much of the year when birds are nesting. So turn right here.

Below the red cliffs is a lush green bottom, river that eventually will flow down to Santa Clara River, and that is dry much of the year.

If you watch ahead of you on the trail you will see some insects, like this fly, it disappears into the hole and comes out again in a few seconds. How does it turn around in that tiny hole being that long. I guess it is a lot of underground life in the dessert in the heat. It is a Thread Waisted Wasp. They kill their preys and store them underground!

Here is where you walk down to the river area.

A nice lizard. When you see a running lizard, just stop. And it will stop some place away from you. Then you can move slowly towards it, and it will stay put. You can move as close as maybe 6 feet away. This is the Western Zebra tailed lizard. It is common in the south west of USA.

So it is possible to get a good picture with a 250 zoom lens.

The trail at the bottom of the river is nice, partly whit, could it be salt or is it blue clay?

Another lizard, just watching you not moving too fast.

Here you see the caves affront you, you have to get up there, its easy, even steps made for you.

A closer look.

A lot of hodos around?

This is the cave, not big. Did not see any bats, the usually take shelter in caves.

A nice view from inside the cave, its towards Ivins/Santa Clara.

White trail bottom.

A Blue dragonfly on the flowers.

Colorful moss.

And look who is watching you.