When winter comes to Utah, you have two options: head into the mountains and enjoy the snow or travel to the southern part of the state to bask in the sunshine and warm weather. For a little escape, many Utahns choose to travel south and get away from the snow and frigid temperatures. And, there is one small town in southern Utah that tends to come alive at this time — Ivins.
Ivins is a small town just outside of St. George and Santa Clara and is home to approximately 9,000 people.
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This area is surrounded by beautiful red mountains and cliffs, creating a striking backdrop. This small town is nestled in the desert, so it isn’t uncommon to see cacti and other drought-resistant vegetation and wildlife during a visit.
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Many people come to Ivins in the winter to enjoy the warmer temperatures. But, that’s not all this town has to offer. Ivins is home to many attractions including Tuacahn Center for the Arts.
Carl Berger Sr/Flickr This incredible amphitheater is tucked between red cliffs and hosts Broadway shows and concerts all year long. The theater is outdoors so you can enjoy a show under the stars and while the summer shows can be sweltering, the winter shows are typically quite delightful.
Of course, in the winter, you’ll want to spend as much time outside as possible and the Anasazi Valley Trail is the perfect way to do it. This is a family-friendly hiking trail that leads you to some of the best preserved petroglyphs in southern Utah.
Rachel Allen/AllTrails This trail is easy and quite flat. It is a 3.5-mile trip and you’ll see all types of incredible petroglyphs along the way. There is no shade on this trail, so make sure you are prepared with plenty of water and sun protection.
You may want to spend the majority of your time at Snow Canyon State Park. This 7,400-acre state park has it all — lava flows, sandstone cliffs, and the desert. It is one of the most underrated state parks in Utah.
zrfphoto/iStock Via Getty Images Plus Snow Canyon State Park is home to a variety of activities but hiking is one of the most popular. There are more than 38 miles of trails around the park, allowing you to easily find the perfect area to explore. You’ll also find equestrian trails and incredible destinations for photography.
If you want to immerse yourself in nature even more, spend the night at the Snow Canyon Campground. This is a year-round campground surrounded by lava rock and sandstone. Both tent and RV campsites are available here.
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For art lovers and those who want to feel inspired, the Kayenta Art Village in Ivins is a must-stop destination. Open seven days a week, this unique destination features multiple art galleries, the Xeteva Gardens Café, and the Kaytena Desert Arboretum.
Lois Diehl/Google
Ivins may not be a snowy winter wonderland but if you want to get away from the ice and frigid temps, this town is the place to go. With so much to see, do, and enjoy, there’s no wonder it comes alive during the winter season.
Ann Talbot/iStock Via Getty Images Plus
For more information on the town of Ivins, you can visit its official city website.
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Nannette Ovard/Google
Carl Berger Sr/Flickr
This incredible amphitheater is tucked between red cliffs and hosts Broadway shows and concerts all year long. The theater is outdoors so you can enjoy a show under the stars and while the summer shows can be sweltering, the winter shows are typically quite delightful.
Rachel Allen/AllTrails
This trail is easy and quite flat. It is a 3.5-mile trip and you’ll see all types of incredible petroglyphs along the way. There is no shade on this trail, so make sure you are prepared with plenty of water and sun protection.
zrfphoto/iStock Via Getty Images Plus
Snow Canyon State Park is home to a variety of activities but hiking is one of the most popular. There are more than 38 miles of trails around the park, allowing you to easily find the perfect area to explore. You’ll also find equestrian trails and incredible destinations for photography.
Simple Meets Adventure/Google
Lois Diehl/Google
Ann Talbot/iStock Via Getty Images Plus
Have you spent time in Ivins? What are some of your favorite activities in this Utah town? Let us know in the comments! If you are searching for a few more hiking trails in the Ivins area, check out this list featuring several hikes that deserve a spot on your bucket list.
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Address: Ivins, UT, USA
