The crisp air, vibrant colors, and earthy aromas that autumn brings are an enticing reason to get outside and explore. Mother nature puts on quite the spectacle during the season, with the changing of the leaves and fiery orange and pink colors that light up the sky.
Fall in St. George, Utah. Photo by Unplash.
It’s no wonder many love and choose to travel during the fall, as it’s an ideal time to enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities! This is especially true in the Southwestern, United States where the warm weather lingers late into the year and the National Parks are less crowded. It’s for this reason, St. George, Utah lands on our list of our bucket-list destinations for Green Suitcase Travelers.
Sitting at the nexus of the Mojave Desert, the Colorado Plateau, and the Great Basin, St. George connects some of the Southwest’s most appealing natural wonders. The city is often considered one of the best gateway cities for exploring US National Parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, and the Canyonlands. Visitors to St. George will have ample opportunity to explore stunning nature reserves and wildlife. There’s even a well-preserved dinosaur discovery site, right outside of town- great for kids or for your inner child! But it’s not just the close access to the great outdoors that makes St. George an attractive destination. The city also happens to be a hub for heritage tourism, history, and culture. The fastest growing metro in Utah (and the US) has something unique to offer everyone- from families and nature enthusiasts to culture seekers, and urbanites.
Fishing in St. George Utah. Photo by visit St. George.
Boom Town Treasures
St. George boasts a thriving arts and culture scene with a uniquely Southwestern spin. Throughout the year the city holds a number of family-friendly events, including art festivals, farmers’ markets, and concerts in the park. During the fall, every first Friday night of the month, St. George’s Historic Downtown transforms for the St. George Streetfest. The street fest celebrates the best of the city with street vendors, live music, and more.
Heritage Tours:
For the generation that loved playing Oregon Trail, visit the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, a museum dedicated to Utah’s first settlers. Or take a trip to the Silver Reef Museum to learn more about the 1800’s mining boom. Both are great options for a wild west family adventure.
Interested in exploring Utah’s indigenous heritage? Petroglyph Park offers insights into Navajo mythology.
Arts & Culture:
Delve into the world of art with a visit to the St. George Art Museum. Not only does the museum feature multi-cultural and regional artwork, but the facility is also housed in a converted, 1930’s sugar beet facility storage.
For Broadway quality theatre in an epic, outdoor amphitheater, head over to the Tuacahn Center for the Arts.
Known as the “Art & Soul” of St. George, Ancestors Square mixes dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Restaurants in Ancestors Square. Photo courtesy of ancestorsquare.com
Gateway To The Great Outdoors
With world-class hiking, rock climbing, canyoneering, cycling, and stunning scenery, Utah’s National Parks are some of the most memorable in the United States. If your heart craves the rugged spires and deep canyons of Zion, St. George is a great springboard for exploring the parks.
Zip down route 9, for about 40 minutes and you are at the entrance of Zion National Park. We recommend hiking the Narrows or the Emerald Pools while there. Take the I-15 North and you’ll land at the south gate of Bryce Canyon. If you plan on heading north to Arches or Canyonlands National Park, there are several bus options from St. George or you can take a short flight to Moab.
Hiking Utah’s National Parks. Photo courtesy of Visit St. George.
St. George also offers plenty of nearby outdoor adventures like Snow Canyon, which is a local favorite for mountain biking and trail hiking. The geothermal hot springs, Pah Tempe & Mystic Hot Springs is another great option to explore, especially when the temps start to drop.
*Content produced in partnership with Visit St. George and Travel Mindset
Ready to visit St. George, Utah? Contact us to plan your trip and explore the city in the Green Suitcase way.
Misty is the owner and founder of Green Suitcase Travel. She is a consultant, travel writer, and all around travel maven. When she is not traversing the world, spreading the news about sustainable travel, she is in Tucson, Arizona enjoying the desert.
