Johnson Canyon
The popular Johnson Canyon trail is accessed from a trailhead parking area on Snow Canyon Drive near the Park’s south entrance station. Due to critical habitat and sensitive natural resources in the canyon, the trail is closed from March 15 to September 14, except on official ranger-guided hikes. The round-trip hike is just short of 2 miles long. Easy and generally level, the trail is well marked and includes some rocky lava sections and possible wet areas deep in the canyon. The trail leads visitors to a sheltered red rock canyon filled with willows and cottonwoods and to a beautiful arch spanning 200 feet. No dogs or other pets are allowed in the canyon, on or off leash, to protect critical wildlife and large numbers of visitors during the open season. Visitors may take the first part of the trail to access the west end of the popular Scout Cave trail.
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- This map shows the Johnson Canyon trail and its association with the Scout Cave and Kestrel trails.
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- Visitors will normally park at the Johnson Canyon trailhead located outside of the fee station at Snow Canyon State Park just off of Snow Canyon Drive.
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- Visitors will begin their hike across the street from the parking area through this gate and are encouraged to read the information provided at the kiosk.
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- To protect critical habitats and sensitive resources, the trail is closed from March 15-Sept. 14. No pets are allowed at any time, even when on leash.
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- The trail starts as a well-manicured gravel-base on level ground.
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- The trail winds above a deep and picturesque gulch that serves as habitat for a variety of desert species.
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- During and after occasional rain events, visitors will be treated to a number of waterfalls like this one in an otherwise dry environment.
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- Portions of the trail are soft sand or hard lava rock with little elevation change.
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- Nearing the canyon, visitors will encounter some slick rock sections.
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- Entering the narrow canyon, visitors will be treated to spectacular red sandstone cliffs in a tightly closed environment.
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- During the wet season, portions of the upper trail will be impacted by water in the canyon drainage.
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- Further into the canyon, vegetation reflects the year round availability of water between the high canyon walls.
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- The Johnson Canyon arch, 200 feet across, is one of the principal attractions that bring people to this small canyon.
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- The canyon ends approximately one mile from the start of the trail in this box canyon with spectacular red rock cliffs.
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- The end of the trail for most visitors is located here and is usually associated with pools of water.
