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St. George/Washington County

Discover outdoor wonders and small-town charms in this Utah crossroads

Known as “Utah’s Dixie,” this area’s star attraction is a national park showcasing the majestic beauty of a multi-hued rock canyon formed millions of years ago. It is juxtaposed against a former frontier settlement whose humble beginnings started with a project named the “Cotton Mission.”

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Ancient History

The earliest known residents of St. George were the Anasazi people, who inhabited the region between 200 B.C. and 1200 A.D., leaving behind rock art and dwellings. By the late 1700s, European-American settlers, fur trappers and government land surveyors began coming to the region, and in the mid-1800s, the Church of Jesus of Latter-Day Saints established a mission near what is now modern-day St. George.

The church recruited families from the South to settle in the area, charging them with the task of growing cotton and other crops. While early agricultural pursuits got off to a poor start due to sometimes too much (or too little) water, a construction boom generated by Brigham Young in the late 1800s provided an economic boost. What followed was the building of a cotton factory, a courthouse, a social hall and an opera house. St. George Tabernacle and St. George Temple were also built during this period and still stand today.

The discovery of silver in the nearby mines of Silver Reef provided another economic lifeline, as the local mining industry relied on St. George for food and supplies. Once the Silver Reef mines closed, farmers began selling their crops to miners in nearby Nevada.

By the 20th century, Hollywood and tourism became the new industries for St. George. Studios producing Western movies used St. George as a springboard for shoots involving the awesome surrounding scenery, and servicemen returning from World War II found employment in golf courses, hotels and restaurants.

An Iconic National Park and  Much, Much More!

Twelve golf courses, historic landmarks, a five-acre downtown greenspace known as Town Square and a gem of a national park all make St. George a vacation destination of world-renown. From scenic vistas of the Mojave Desert to the Pine Valley Mountains, nature and wildlife star on the stage that is Zion National Park.

Located 43 miles west of St. George, Zion National Park is Utah’s oldest and most popular national park, hosting an average 2.5 million visitors each year. The main attraction is Zion Canyon, carved from years of eroded canyon rock cut by the Virgin River.

Among the canyon’s natural wonders are formations known as the Great White Throne, the Court of the Patriarchs, Angel’s Landing and the Watchman. Three of Zion Canyon’s most popular trails—Emerald Pools, Weeping Rock and Riverside Walk—provide visitors with great views of these and other rock formations.

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Zion National Park

Hikers enjoy the Narrows of the Virgin River, aptly named because in some spots, the canyon is so narrow, a hiker can almost touch both sides of the canyon wall with outstretched arms. Bring a camera to capture memories of the world’s largest known natural span, Kolob Arch. It stretches 310-feet across part of The Kolob Canyon section in the northwest region of the park.

A shuttle system transports tourists on the 6.5-mile Zion Canyon Scenic Drive during peak season, eliminating private cars, noise and air pollution as well as competition among frazzled drivers vying for the precious few parking spaces within the canyon. The park is also filled with areas for hiking, mountain biking and ATV excursions.

Enjoy an outdoor concert at the 2,000 seat Tanner Amphitheatre in Springdale, located amidst the sandstone peaks of Zion and open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. A shuttle takes visitors from the park to town. Check times and schedules.

Destination and day spas take advantage of the serenity and scenery of St. George and Zion National Park. Imagine relaxing after a luxurious massage in a lounge chair on a terrace facing red rock cliffs. This experience and more await visitors to more than a dozen spas in the area.

St. George’s Sporting Life

Avid golfers need only to put their finger in the wind to decide which golf course suits them. With a dozen golf courses from which to choose, St. George and Washington County is a golfer’s haven.

Washington County is home to Snow Canyon State Park, Pine Valley and Red Cliffs Recreation Area. St. George alone brings in thousands of athletes from around the world to compete in the Huntsman World Senior Games, Ironman 70.3 World Championship and St. George Marathon, the fifth-largest in the country. It also plays host to a number of events such as concerts, car shows, art festivals and golf tournaments.

Shop, Explore and Dine to  Your Heart’s Content

St. George and Washington County offer shopping and dining to suit all tastes. Red Cliffs Mall specializes in name-brand stores while bargain hunters will love The Outlets at Zion. Promenade at Red Cliffs has restaurants that give shoppers dining options. And if you’re looking to explore boutiques, restaurants and art galleries, Ancestor Square is the perfect spot. There are also a number of name-brand and locally owned shops and boutiques throughout the area.

For More Information

St. George Area Chamber of Commerce

435-628-1658

www.stgeorgechamber.com

 

Utah Travel Council

800-200-1160

www.utah.com