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. This is one of the best small towns in Utah.
Ivins is a small town just outside of St. George and Santa Clara and is home to approximately 9,500 people.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For more information on this small town in Utah, you can visit the official Ivins City website.
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. But before you go, make sure to check out our ultimate hiking packing list, featuring 75 must-have hiking accessories.
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