Hiking up to Scout Cave is a simple and short activity to add to your must-visit category in Saint George, Utah. In this article, I’ll sum up where you can find it and some tips and tricks to help you have a good time and stay safe. Scout Cave is dog friendly, unlike many hikes in the area, so we’ll talk about furry friends too.
Difficulty
Before you drive up to Snow Canyon, let’s talk about difficulty. If you are an experienced hiker and climber, Scout Cave will not give you any trouble. However, if you have any health problems or issues climbing a little, you should consult a doctor first. The same goes for your dog. Dogs that can’t climb will need to be carried up a few brief slopes. My border collie had no problem climbing on his own with a little guidance.
Children outside of strollers can hike this trail without a problem, but should be closely monitored and assisted by adults. There are a lot of poky plants around and some insects. In the springtime, I got stung by a bee in the cave.
Heat and Time of Day
Scout Cave is best attempted in the morning or evening outside of the full blast of the afternoon sun. Dogs with thick fur coats should be watched closely and given plenty of water, as well as their humans. The heat can sneak up on you. It may feel moderate at 9 am and then by 10 or 11 you’re sweating buckets. Try to make it just after sunrise if you can. If you do leave later, it’s best if you leave your dog at home and bring lots and lots of water.
This hike is almost completely without shade except for some trees near the bottom before you reach the stairs.
Length
Scout Cave is just under 3.6 miles round trip. Apart from a steep climb up some stairs and a few rocks to climb over, the trail is relatively flat and easy going. The terrain is rocks and sand and should be a little cooler for your pups paws than asphalt.
Driving Directions
Take exit 6 on I-15 onto Bluff Street and turn north toward Pine Valley Mountain. Continue for about 3 and a half miles. Turn left onto Snow Canyon Parkway and keep going for about 4 miles. On Snow Canyon Dr, turn right and continue 1 mile. You will see a Trailhead on your right across the street from where you can park.
The Trail in a Nutshell
The trail is straightforward enough. Cross the street from the parking lot and you’ll see the trailhead. Head toward the mountains in front of you. You’ll pass old lava flows and beautiful desert plant life. Eventually you’ll hit an intersection with the Johnson Canyon Trail. Turn right, following the Scout Cave trail and keep going to where the trail passes under some private housing. Follow the trail down to the area at the bottom with trees and sand.
Make sure you’re drinking lots of water.
The trail will head back uphill at some stairs. Take your time and be sure to not fall into any cacti. The trail will seem to end, but if you noticed, you’re on your way to the cave. Climb up the rocks and you’ll see that the trail continues upward. After the stairs, be sure to not turn right. There is an illegal trail heading into the canyon and that is not where you want to go.
Climb on up into the cave and enjoy the view!
Also as I mentioned before, try not to get stung by any bees. My arm was swollen for two days.
The cave overlooks the valley below.
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