easy hikes in saint george – On the Loose Live

Difficulty: Easy +, traverses slickrock, so shoes with good tread are recommended

Distance: 2.7 miles

Elevation gain: 423 ft

I’m guilty of only posting longer, more adventurous hikes, so here’s an easy St. George shortie that’s long on panoramic views.

If you only have time for a short hike in St. George, Owen’s Loop is one you might consider, especially for a sunset hike. While rated easy, this popular hike is an excellent introduction to Southwestern Utah’s varied, rugged terrain. You’ll be traversing red slick rock, white sandstone, and lava rock, so you may find yourself paying more attention to your footing and to the trail itself than usual. Even the “easy”, suburban hikes here have some elements of adventure. If you lose track of the “camouflaged” trail, don’t worry, the hike follows the rim across and back, and you’ll soon encounter footsteps or wheel tracks to get you back on track.

The sweeping 360-degree views from the Beaver Dam Mountains to Pine Valley Mountain, and even out to Zion, are especially breathtaking when blessed with one of our magnificent Southwestern Utah Sunsets. Plan to finish the hike before dark if you don’t have lights, but consider remaining on the ridge as night descends to watch the city lights sparkle below.

If you’re up for more mileage, there are options to add on with the City Creek Trail, or across the way at Pioneer Park. Visit the Red Cliff Desert Reserve website for current info on this and other local hikes.

Note: “Loop” is a bit of a misnomer as the loop part is a tiny lollipop at the far end of the trail overlooking the public Dixie Red Hills Golf Course and the Elk’s Club below. This trail is more of an out-and-back.

Getting there: Parking for the trailhead is at Brooks Nature Park, 452 North Main St., St. George. You can also park at the Pioneer Park trailhead and walk across the street. (Use the crosswalk or the underpass.)

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: Short: 1-5 miles; you can combine trails to make a longer loop

Sometimes, we take the people and things closest to us for granted. That’s the case for me and my local Anasazi (Ivins) and Tukupetsi trails (Santa Clara). These easily accessible, connecting trails are short (runnable and mountain bikeable), featuring the intriguing Land Hill petroglyph site, a fenced-in farmstead ruin once used to store food and herbs, and grand views in every direction.

I like these trails best when the Cottonwoods light up the rugged desert landscape with their vibrant flash of yellow, tracing the meandering (and meager) path of the Santa Clara River below. You can find me there, chasing leaves and golden light in my annual frenzy to catch it just right.

Take in the panoramic views of Red Mountain, Pine Valley Mountain, and, on a clear day, as far out to Zion from the ridge.

I will only post a couple of petroglyph pictures. I’d like you to be able to discover them for yourself.

If you’re interested in learning more about petroglyphs, my hiker/yogi friend, Sue Birnbaum, an adventure blogger, has thoroughly researched and written a great post on the subject, including recommendations for further reading.

Here are some highlights from the Tukupetsi side in Santa Clara from the vantage points of the upper and lower trails.

And more from Fall 2025.

Notes: Remember to leave no trace and respect all ancient petroglyphs and ruins. Please do not touch, step, sit on, or deface them. Oils in your hand can damage them, as can debris from your shoes. Perhaps think of them as outdoor museum art and appreciate their mystery.

These easy, short, fun hikes are offered by onthelooselive yoga and hike retreats and day adventures.

Happy Trails!

Tag: easy hikes in saint george

Short Hike That’s Long on Panoramic Views: Owen’s Loop, Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, Saint George, UT

Anasazi (Tempi’po’op) and Tutkupetsi Trails, a Local, Family Friendly Favorite for Petroglyphs, Fall Colors, and Grand Views