OverviewA downtown escape onto the red rock
Owens Loop (also written Owen’s Loop) is a short, scenic 3.4-mile trail run right in downtown St. George. It starts at Brooks Nature Park on Main Street and climbs about 500 feet onto the Red Hills, with views over the city and out to the Pine Valley Mountains.
The trail is 100% dirt and sandstone. It takes some attention to follow, and there are a few spots of very minor rock scrambling, so this is not a route for chasing personal records. A grippy trail shoe is the right tool here.
There is little to no shade once you leave the park, so it can get hot. Sunrise and sunset bring the best light on the mountains and the most comfortable temperatures.
Trail factsKnow the numbers
- Distance
- 3.4 miles
- Vertical gain
- 500 ft
- Terrain
- Sandstone and dirt
- Technicality
- Moderate
- Navigation
- Moderate
- Trailhead
- Brooks Nature Park
- Parking
- Small free lot, limited spaces
- Fees
- None
- Dog friendly
- Yes
- Cell coverage
- Yes
- Amenities
- Shade at the start
- Best time
- Sunrise or sunset
A good trail for those new to trail running or for a relaxed easy run.St. George Running Center staff
Route & elevationOwens Loop map & elevation
Most of the climbing happens in the first mile as you leave the pond and work up onto the bench. From there the trail rolls along the rim, takes a short loop at the far end, and returns the way you came, so the last mile is a steady descent back to the park. Follow the cairns where the trail crosses open slickrock.
On the trailWhat you'll see
Before you goRun it well
- Wear a grippy trail shoe.Sandstone and loose dirt reward good lugs and sticky rubber more than cushioning.
- Go early or late.Sunrise and sunset give the best views and the coolest temperatures. Midday summer runs are exposed.
- Carry water.There is little to no shade after the park and no water on the trail.
- Load the GPX.Navigation is moderate. Put the GPX track on your watch or phone; cell coverage is good if you need a map.
- Bring the dog.Owens Loop is dog friendly. Pack water for them too, since the rock heats up fast.
- Easy on the pace.A little scrambling and route finding make this a time-on-feet run, not a PR course.
Getting thereGetting to the Owens Loop trailhead
Brooks Nature Park: a small park with a nature pond on the north end of Main Street, minutes from downtown.
- 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 free lot. Spaces are limited, so arrive early on weekends.
- Start at the pond and follow the trail north into the hills.
Parking: the lot is small and free. On busy mornings, street parking nearby on Main Street is the backup.
Amenities: shade around the pond at the start. Bring everything else with you.
Need the right shoe for slickrock?
Stop by the shop and we'll fit you in a trail shoe that grips.