Hike Cinder Cone: Snow Canyon's Ancient Volcano

Just north of St. George, in the heart of Snow Canyon State Park, the Cinder Cone Trail offers a chance to hike up an ancient volcano that towers more than 500 feet above the Diamond Valley floor. Formed around 27,000 years ago as part of the Santa Clara Volcano and its surrounding lava fields, the rugged landmark is one of the park’s most fascinating geological features. Climbing to the rim rewards hikers with sweeping views of lava flows, red rock cliffs, and the stunning desert landscape that makes Snow Canyon one of southern Utah’s most scenic hiking destinations.

Trailhead elevation 4,482'

Water None

Don't miss The views from the northern rim, walking down into the center of the cone

Hiking Cinder Cone

The hike may be short, but it wastes no time getting your heart pumping. From the small parking area off Route 18, the trail climbs sharply over ancient lava rock—a rugged reminder of the volcano’s fiery past.

The trail skirts the southwest base of the volcano, tracing a rugged path before brushing up against a stretch of private land marked by a fence and sign. From there, it curves around to the north side, where the real climb begins—steep, loose, and thrillingly direct.

The final tenth of a mile is where the Cinder Cone Trail really earns its name—climbing nearly 200 feet up a slope of loose, sliding pumice that tests your footing and your resolve. But the effort pays off the moment you crest the rim. From the top, sweeping views stretch in every direction: the broad expanse of Diamond Valley and Cinder Cone’s smaller sister volcano to the north, the towering Pine Valley Mountains and Signal Peak to the east, and the sculpted red cliffs, petrified dunes, and West Mountain Peak of Snow Canyon State Park to the south. The panorama is nothing short of breathtaking.

A walk around the rim adds about half a mile, offering new perspectives at every turn. For scale, you can spot my dad and I standing near a rocky outcrop far below, tiny figures against the vastness of the ancient volcano.

When you’ve soaked in enough of the view (if that’s even possible), you can retrace your steps down the main trail or take the faint path that drops along the northern slope. Fair warning—the descent may look quicker, but the loose pumice turns it into a slippery, shoe-filling ride that can take longer than the climb itself.

The surrounding area also makes a spectacular spot for drone photography, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light ignites the red cliffs and dark lava fields below. On a return trip, I came back early and caught a few aerial shots from the road—proof that Cinder Cone is just as stunning from a distance as it is from the top.

Cinder Cone is absolutely worth adding to your list when exploring the St. George area. Standing atop an ancient volcano with panoramic views of southern Utah’s red rock country is an experience you won’t soon forget. And if you’re spending more time in Snow Canyon State Park, you’ll find plenty of other incredible hikes nearby—Pioneer Names, Petrified Dunes, Scout Cave, Lava Tubes, and the main Snow Canyon Trail are all must-sees. Each offers its own glimpse into the park’s fiery geologic past and the raw beauty that makes this corner of Utah so unforgettable.