Snow Canyon is the closest real adventure to the house, about a ten minute drive from Sunshine Suites. It packs red rock, black lava, and orange and white sand dunes into one small state park, and a lot of the best trails are short enough for kids. Below are the 2026 fees and hours from Utah State Parks, the hikes we point guests to first, and a few tips for going with a family.
Snow Canyon at a glance
- Drive: about 10 minutes from the house
- Entry: $15 per vehicle for non residents (2026)
- Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., year round
- Easy hikes: Petrified Dunes, Lava Flow, Jenny's Canyon
- Source: Utah State Parks, stateparks.utah.gov
How far is Snow Canyon from Sunshine Suites?
About ten minutes by car, which is the whole appeal. The park sits right above Ivins and Santa Clara, so you are at the entrance before the kids finish their snacks, and that closeness means you can do a morning hike, come home for lunch and the pool, and never feel like you spent the day in the car. Entry is $15 per vehicle for non-residents in 2026, and the park is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. year round, so an early start beats both the heat and the crowds. The easy, family-friendly hikes are the draw: the Petrified Dunes you can climb on, the short Lava Flow trail, and Jenny’s Canyon, a quick walk into a slot canyon. Because it is so close and so flexible, Snow Canyon is the trail we send first-time guests to before they tackle anything bigger. Here is what to know before you go.
How much does Snow Canyon cost to enter in 2026?
$15 per vehicle for non-residents covers everyone in the car. Utah State Parks lists these 2026 day-use rates.
| Pass | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle, non resident | $15 | Day use, all occupants |
| Vehicle, Utah resident | $10 | Up to 8 people |
| Senior, age 65 and over | $5 | Per vehicle |
| Walk in or bike | $5 | Per person |
What are the best easy hikes for families?
Four short trails cover the best of Snow Canyon without a hard climb. These are the ones we send families with kids to.
| Trail | Round trip | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Petrified Dunes | about 1.5 mi | Climbable sandstone, easy |
| Lava Flow (Lava Tubes) | about 2.5 mi | Three lava caves, family favorite |
| Jenny’s Canyon | about 0.5 mi | Short slot canyon |
| Whiterock Amphitheater | about 2 mi | Sand dunes and views |
Can you explore the lava tubes?
Yes, and kids love it. The Lava Flow trail runs past three lava cave entrances you can climb down into. Bring a flashlight or a headlamp, wear closed shoes, and watch your footing on the rock. It’s the kind of thing that turns into the story everyone retells on the drive home, and it’s the trail our guests’ kids ask to repeat.
When is the best time to go?
Morning, especially in summer. The park opens at 6 a.m. and the heat builds fast on the dark lava and sand, so an early start is much more pleasant. Spring and fall are comfortable most of the day. Bring more water than you think you need. When you are done, Zion is the next step out, and you can plan that on the Zion day trip guide.
Source: Utah State Parks (stateparks.utah.gov). Updated June 2026.
Ten minutes from the trailhead
Stay close to Snow Canyon
Hike the dunes and lava tubes in the morning, swim at the resort by lunch. Sleeps up to 20 from $599 a night.
By Marchele Oldham, Owner & Host · Updated June 2026
I host Sunshine Suites, our 7-bedroom home for big families and groups at Paradise Village at Zion in Santa Clara, Utah. After years of welcoming reunions, teams, and multi-generational trips, I write these pages from what our guests actually ask and experience. Questions about your dates? Call or text +1 801-400-9274.