New Trails Around St. George: Cliffrose, the Zion Corridor Trail and More

The St. George area already had hundreds of miles of trails, and it keeps adding more. New mountain biking systems, paved commuter paths and trail connections are being built close to town, for residents as much as for visitors. Here's what's new, what's coming, and how the trail network fits into everyday life. To find a home near the trails, browse St. George homes for sale.

What's New

Cliffrose Trail System

The biggest new addition is Cliffrose, a network of purpose-built singletrack in the Dixie National Forest on the lower slopes of the Pine Valley Mountains, north of town. It was built through a partnership between the Pine Valley Ranger District and Washington County, with state grant funding. More than 20 miles were open as of 2025, and plans call for more than 40 miles in total.

Cliffrose sits well above St. George, so it runs cooler in summer than the desert trails in town, giving riders and hikers a place to go when lower trails are too hot by mid-morning. Access is from Diamond Valley via Cottonwood Springs Road, which locals call Turkey Farm Road. It's open to mountain bikers, hikers and trail runners, though some routes are designed for one-way downhill bike traffic, so check signs at the trailhead.

Southern Parkway Trail

On the south end of the valley, UDOT is building a paved trail along the Southern Parkway that will eventually run about 4.3 miles from I-15 exit 2 toward Long Valley, with bridges and undercrossings to carry walkers and cyclists across busy roads. Construction on the first section, from exit 2 to exit 6, was scheduled to begin in summer 2026. It will connect the Desert Color area to the rest of the trail network. More on the area is in this look at what's being built around Desert Color.

What's Coming: The Zion Corridor Trail

The most ambitious project is a paved, multi-use trail along State Route 9 from La Verkin to the entrance of Zion National Park in Springdale, roughly 18 to 22 miles depending on the starting point. The estimated $13.5 million project, funded mainly by UDOT with Washington County tourism dollars, is being designed and built in phases, with underpasses, bridges and boardwalks along the route. Once complete, residents of the Hurricane and La Verkin area will be able to walk or ride to the gate of Zion.

The Established Network

• Snow Canyon State Park: more than 38 miles of hiking trails plus a paved path through the canyon.
• Red Cliffs Desert Reserve and Red Cliffs Recreation Area: hiking, biking and equestrian trails north of town, including the popular Red Reef Trail near Leeds.
• Santa Clara River Reserve: desert trails and petroglyphs between Santa Clara and Ivins. See this guide to the reserve's petroglyph hikes.
• Paved city trails: the Virgin River, Santa Clara River and Red Hills Parkway trails link neighborhoods, parks and downtown for walking and biking. See the Red Hills Parkway Trail.
• Sand Mountain: the region's off-highway vehicle area near Sand Hollow, for those who ride motorized. See the Sand Hollow guide.

Trail Etiquette and Safety

• Check posted rules at each trailhead; some trails are bike-only, one-way or closed seasonally.
• Keep dogs leashed where allowed, and skip fast downhill bike trails with a dog.
• Start early in summer, carry plenty of water, and watch for flash-flood warnings during monsoon season.
• Stay on trail to protect desert soils and tortoise habitat.

Why It Matters for Buyers

For many people moving to Southern Utah, trails are part of the reason. Living within a short drive of a trailhead changes what a weekday evening looks like. Neighborhoods near Snow Canyon, Diamond Valley, Little Valley and the river trails put that access closest. See the 10 realities of moving to St. George for the full picture.

Bottom Line

From new forest singletrack at Cliffrose to a future paved path to Zion, the trail network around St. George keeps growing. For help finding a home close to the trails you'll use most, contact Best Utah Real Estate.