Whiptail Trail
ROUTE SUMMARY
The Snow Canyon eBike Rental’s Whiptail Trail is the most popular route in Snow Canyon for (e)bikers, hikers, and visitors to the the State Park. The trail consists of a winding paved path that traverses the lower 2/3rds of Snow Canyon State Park. The path starts at the roundabout in Ivins, Utah where Snow Canyon Parkway and South Tuacahn Parkway converge. This trail is easily accessed (within 1 minute) from our rental location.
The trail gains nearly 500 feet in elevation as it climbs from the lowest point in Ivins, up past the park entrance, sand dunes, park office and campground, and finally the Upper Galoot picnic tables. This trail parallels the main highway going through the canyon, but winds and gets away from the road in several spots.
This is an out-and-back trail. Once at the Upper Galoot parking area, you can turn around and head back down the canyon, stopping along at any of the many side hikes and pull-offs.
This trail is highly recommended for those that want to enjoy and explore the canyon at a leisurely pace.
We recommend doing this trail as an ‘out-and-back’ route for a total of approximately 6 miles (3 miles each direction). We suggest that you take your time, with frequent stopping, taking pictures, and exploring the many side hikes and trails. You don’t have to get far off the path to enjoy the beautiful scenery and backdrops.
*Be sure to lock you eBike up before you leave on any hike. We do provide bike locks upon request.
About Snow Canyon State Park
Snow Canyon State Park is a hidden gem in the southwestern corner of Utah. The beauty of the Navajo sandstone, both in its white rock formations, it’s steep red sandstone walls combined with the black lava flows is unique to Snow Canyon. The canyon has stunning formations that easily rival anything in Utah's national parks. Learn more about Snow Canyon.
In Snow Canyon, there are a lot of short hiking and walking trails that allow for playful exploration. Most of these trails are accessible right off the main route. There are also sand dunes to play in, rock-climbing routes in the south end of the canyon.
Snow Canyon State Park does require an entrance Fee. $5.00 for bicycle (1-8 bicycles).
Distance
6 miles
3 miles each direction.
Difficulty
5/10
This is an easy trail. There is some short climbing sections. Use throttle as needed.
Fees
REQUIRED.
Snow Canyon State Park Entrance Fee is required.
$5.00 / for 1-8 bicycles
Trail Type
Out and Back.
Paved Bike Path.
*Turn around at Upper Galoot parking lot
Best Time of Day
Anytime is beautiful.
The canyon is beautiful in the morning and has less traffic.
It does get hot in the afternoons in the Summer.
Best Time of Year
Year round access.
Spring and Fall are optimal.
Summer is great, just be careful of hot afternoons.
Winter is fine also, but cooler in the morning and evening.
Group Limit
No limit.
The Snow Canyon State Park charges for a group of 1-8 bicycles.
Be considerate of other users.
Average Ride Time
This ride can be done in under 1 hour. (If you don’t stop riding)
We recommend taking your time and exploring Snow Canyon.
Average time for this ride is 2 hours. (Including short stops / rests / picture taking / snacks)
3+ hours if you want to hike also.
Restroom Facilities
Vault toilets
There are vault toilets available at the Park Visitor Center, Lower and Upper Galoot Parking lots.
Water Available
Limited
There are water spigots at the Park Visitor Center, Lower and Upper Galoot Parking lots.
Trail Conditions
Paved Bike trail
Asphalt, Concrete
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
There are a few small trees in Snow Canyon, but not much shade.
In the mornings, there may be shade in the lower part of the canyon as the sun is below the cliffs.
Detailed Route Description
This route description will include the hikes and attractions that are located in Snow Canyon State Park. We included the basic hiking and walking trail information in case you want to stop, lock up your eBike, and explore. Of course you can ride your eBike the entire route without stopping, but there are a lot of fun areas along the route where stopping, taking pictures and exploring will add to your experience. The hiking trail information is brief, but there are links to the park website if you are looking for more details.
Start Here
It all begins here at the Snow Canyon eBike Rental location. (www.SnowCanyon.com)
1098 Mesa Vista, Ivins, Utah 84738
Begin Route
Pedal north towards the roundabout (approx 300 yards). Travel through the roundabout to get onto the paved black path on the right (East) side of the road heading towards Snow Canyon State Park.
*Be careful as you go through the roundabout as there can be busy traffic. We recommend using your throttle to speed through, or else getting off your bike and using the crosswalks.
Once on the black path, head toward Snow Canyon State Park (straight toward the red cliffs). There are plenty of road signs pointing the way.
Stay on the path. You will make a small climb and notice the ‘Snow Canyon State Park’ sign on your right.
Johnson Canyon Hike & Parking Lot
On the left side of the road will be a parking lot. This is overflow parking for the State Park as well as the parking lot for the Johnson Canyon Hike. The hike actually starts on the right (East) side of the road and bike path.
Johnson Canyon Hike – (Closed annually from March 15 to September 14) – 2 miles. Easy. Level with some rocky slopes and steps. Leads to a sheltered canyon of willow and cottonwood, winding through lava flows and red rock to an arch spanning 200 feet.
Park Entrance Booth/Whiptail Trail
You are now entering the State Park. You will need to stop at the entrance booth to pay for a bicycle day use pass.
Park Fee: $5 for 1-8 bikes (prices subject to change)
Once you are in the park, follow the black path as it winds on the west side of the road. This is the start of the the ‘Whiptail Trail’ that traverses through Snow Canyon.
Jenny’s Canyon Pulloff & Hike
As you look down to your right, there will be a small pull-off on the East side of the main road. This is the starting point for Jenny’s Canyon. One-half mile. Easy. Level with few slopes and steps. This great children’s trail leads to a short, sculpted slot canyon.
*This trail is only accessible from the road, and not from the ‘Whiptail Trail’. If you want to acess it, you must go back to the entrance booth and get on the main road, or go to the Sand Dunes parking lot and get on the main road.
Sand Dunes
The Sand Dunes are on your right. There are a couple places where you can sit on a bench and overlook them.
Lock your bike and explore, but please don’t take your rented eBike out on the dunes.
One-half mile. Easy. Deep sand with some slopes. Trail leads to a large expanse of red sand serving as a giant sandbox and play area for children of all ages.
At the north side of the sand dunes, you will come to a parking lot.
Restooms, picnic tables, and water available.
West Canyon Road Trailhead
Just past the Sand Dunes parking lot you will see a dirt road on the west side. This is the start of the West Canyon Road.
We DO NOT recommend taking this road on your rented eBike if it is wet or rainy.
8 miles (4 out / 4 back). Easy. Gravel and sand surface. Fairly level. Trail follows a maintenance road winding past dry washes and towering cliffs to the head of present-day Snow Canyon.
Dry Wash
You will pass through a dry wash. There will be some larger trees where you can pull off and enjoy some shade. Hop off your eBike and explore up and down the wash.
*This dry wash becomes a flash flood area during rain storms. Be careful if it is raining.
Pioneer Names on Cliff Wall
On the right side of the road (East side) you will notice some steep high cliffs. As you look into that area, you can often times see rock climbers on the cliff wall.
You can park and lock your eBike to the wood post fence rail. Cross the road, and follow the walking trail to see some names that were put on the cliff wall. They are located in one of the arched undercuts on the cliff wall.
One-half mile. Easy. Fairly level with some steps and slopes. This crescent-shaped trail passes pioneer names, written in axle grease, dating back to 1881.
Hidden Pinyon Hike & Parking lot
You will pass a parking lot on the left (West) side of the trail. This is the trailhead of the Hidden Pinyon hike.
1.5 miles. Moderate. Rocky slopes and deep sand. Drop-offs. This self-guided nature trail highlights geological features and native plants of the park.
Campground / Park Office / Visitor Center
On the right (East) side of the road will be the main campground / Park Office / Visitor Center. You can get park information and maps here.
It’s always fun to ride around the campground loop and pick out your next campsite.
Restooms, picnic tables, and water available.
Lower Galoot Parking & Walking area
On the right (East) side of the road will be a small parking lot. You can stop here and take a break to explore.
*We recommend bypassing ‘Lower Galoot’ and continuing on to ‘Upper Galoot’. It has a bigger picnic area, and easier access to explore the Red Rock slabs.
Restooms, picnic tables, and water available.
Upper Galoot Parking & Walking area
End of Trail / Turnaround
On the right (East) side of the road will be a small parking lot. You can stop here and take a break to explore.
Restooms, picnic tables, and water available.
*At this point, the paved path ends. You have reached the end of ‘Whiptail Trail’.
CONGRATULATIONS!!
Now you can turnaround and head back down the canyon following the same path.
We’ll see you back at the Snow Canyon eBike Rentals location.