Downtown singletrack through the Red Hills
City Creek is a 7.3-mile out-and-back that starts at Brooks Nature Park on Main Street, the same trailhead as Owens Loop. It heads north through slickrock and singletrack with about 1,200 feet of climbing and views over downtown St. George.
Expect rocky sections and gradual climbs. The trail is marked and has direction signs, but pay attention at junctions to stay on route. After about 3.5 miles the dirt singletrack ends at a paved path; turn around there and run it back.
There is grass and shade at the park and zero shade after that, so evening and sunset runs are best. In spring, keep an eye out for desert tortoises on the trail.
City Creek trail facts
- Distance
- 7.3 miles (out & back)
- Vertical gain
- 1,200 ft
- Terrain
- Sandstone and dirt
- Technicality
- Technical
- Navigation
- Easy
- Trailhead
- Brooks Nature Park
- Parking
- Small paved lot
- Fees
- None
- Dog friendly
- Yes, on leash
- Cell coverage
- Yes
- Amenities
- Grass and shade at start
- Best time
- Evening or sunset
“A fun trail that’s right downtown and close to post-run food.”St. George Running Center staff
City Creek map & elevation
Most of the climbing comes in the first mile, about 350 feet up from the park onto the Red Hills. From there the trail rolls up and down to the paved path near Red Hills Parkway, about 3.6 miles out. Turn around and you get the same rollers back, a last climb near mile 6, and a quick descent to the park.
What you’ll see on City Creek
Before you run City Creek
- Wear a grippy trail shoe.Slickrock, loose rock and short climbs make this one of the more technical runs close to town.
- Go late and carry water.Once you leave the park there is zero shade. Evening and sunset runs are cooler, and you will want water for 7 exposed miles.
- Load the GPX.The trail has City Creek posts, but junctions are easy to miss. Put the GPX track on your watch or phone.
- Turn at the pavement.After about 3.5 miles the dirt ends at a paved path. That is your turnaround.
- Look for tortoises in spring.Desert tortoises are sometimes out on the trail in spring. Give them room.
- Leash the dog.Dogs are welcome on a leash. Pack water for them too.
Getting to the City Creek trailhead
Brooks Nature Park: the trailhead for City Creek and Owens Loop, on the north end of Main Street.
- From St. George Boulevard, head north on Main Street.
- The park sits just past 400 North at the base of the Red Hills.
- Park in the small paved lot. Parking is free.
- Follow the trail north from the park into the hills.
Parking: small paved lot, free. Spaces are limited, so arrive early on weekends.
Amenities: grass and shade at the start, and plenty of post-run food a few blocks away downtown.
Heading out on technical trail?
We’ll fit you in a trail shoe with the grip and protection for rocky singletrack.