A sandstone loop at the edge of Snow Canyon
Chuckwalla Loop is a 4.6-mile run on sandstone and sand from the Chuckwalla Trailhead, part of Snow Canyon State Park on the north edge of St. George. Following the outer perimeter trails makes a fun loop with about 587 feet of climbing and great views of Snow Canyon.
The trailhead is easy to reach from town, which also makes it busy on holidays. Expect a mix of slickrock and sandy patches, some honest climbing, and a chance to spot a desert tortoise.
There is zero shade on the loop. The trailhead has restrooms and shade, but there is no water at the trailhead or on the route.
Chuckwalla Loop trail facts
- Distance
- 4.6 miles (loop)
- Vertical gain
- 587 ft
- Terrain
- Sandstone and sand
- Technicality
- Moderate
- Navigation
- Easy
- Trailhead
- Chuckwalla Trailhead
- Parking
- Gravel lot
- Fees
- $15 residents, $20 non-residents
- Dog friendly
- Yes, on leash
- Cell coverage
- Yes
- Amenities
- Restrooms, no water
- Best time
- Evening or sunset
“Beautiful, fun trail.”St. George Running Center staff
Chuckwalla Loop map & elevation
From the trailhead the route dips for the first half mile, then climbs steadily for about a mile and a half to the high point near mile 2. The middle stretch rolls along the rim, the main descent comes between miles 3 and 4, and a short climb at the end brings you back to the parking lot.
What you’ll see on Chuckwalla Loop
Before you run Chuckwalla Loop
- Pay before you run.The trailhead is a Snow Canyon State Park fee area: $15 for Utah residents, $20 for non-residents, or a Utah State Parks pass. Pay online at parkspass.utah.gov or scan the QR code on the fee sign.
- Go late in the day.There is zero shade on the loop, so evenings and sunset are best. The park asks visitors to avoid the trails from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in June, July and August.
- Bring all your water.There are restrooms and shade at the trailhead, but no water there or anywhere on the route.
- Load the GPX.Navigation is easy, but several trails meet out here. Put the GPX track on your watch to stay on the loop.
- Watch for tortoises.This is desert tortoise country. If you spot one, give it plenty of room and let it be.
- Share the trail.Mountain bikers and horses use these trails too. Dogs are welcome on a leash.
Getting to the Chuckwalla Trailhead
Chuckwalla Trailhead: a Snow Canyon State Park trailhead on Highway 18 at the north edge of St. George, and the gateway to the Paradise Canyon trails.
- From downtown St. George, head north on Bluff Street, which becomes Highway 18.
- Continue past the Snow Canyon Parkway intersection.
- Turn left into the gravel trailhead lot on the west side of the highway.
- Pay the day-use fee, then start at the trailhead gate.
Fees: the trailhead is part of Snow Canyon State Park. It costs $15 for Utah residents and $20 for non-residents, or bring a Utah State Parks pass.
Parking: gravel lot. It gets busy on holidays.
Amenities: restrooms and shade at the trailhead. No water.
Need a shoe for sand and slickrock?
Stop by the shop and we’ll fit you in a trail shoe that grips.
Chuckwalla Loop questions
How long is the Chuckwalla Trail loop?
Our Chuckwalla Loop is 4.6 miles with 587 feet of climbing on sandstone and sand.
Is there a fee at the Chuckwalla Trailhead?
Yes. The trailhead is a Snow Canyon State Park fee area: $15 for Utah residents, $20 for non-residents, or a Utah State Parks pass. You can pay online at parkspass.utah.gov or scan the QR code on the fee sign.
Where is the Chuckwalla Trailhead?
On the west side of Highway 18 (Bluff Street), just north of Snow Canyon Parkway in St. George. It has a gravel lot and restrooms, but no water.
Are dogs allowed on the Chuckwalla Trail?
Yes, on a leash.
When is the best time to run Chuckwalla?
Evening or sunset. There is no shade on the loop, and the park asks visitors to avoid the trails from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in June, July and August.
