Padre Canyon

Padre Canyon is a gorge carved from red Navajo Sandstone with towering vertical walls displaying arches and pillars. It sits within Snow Canyon State Park and reveals numerous rock layers shaped by natural erosion over time.

The canyon area shows signs of human presence from 500 BC onward, with Ancestral Puebloans living there between 200 and 1250 AD for hunting. These early groups left their mark on the region over centuries.

The Tuacahn venue at the canyon entrance hosts performances against the natural rock walls as a backdrop. Visitors can watch theater and music shows in this open-air setting.

The hike starts from a parking area near Tuacahn Drive and crosses dry washes before reaching a mountain saddle. Trails can be slippery in some spots, so good footwear and water are essential.

The area where three ecosystems meet - the Mojave Desert, Colorado Plateau, and Great Basin - each supporting different wildlife and plants. This intersection lets visitors observe diverse landscapes and habitats in one location.

Location: Ivins

Operator: Snow Canyon State Park

GPS coordinates: 37.18411,-113.65556

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:21