Scout Cave

We took a hike to Scout Cave recently and took in the grandeur of the surrounding Snow Canyon State Park. Every time I go there, I wonder why this park is not a National Park based upon its jaw dropping beauty. I came home and poked around the internet to learn more about how an area is formally designated. If you are wondering more about it too, click on the link below to learn more:

Scout’s Cave has graced the social media of many. If you didn’t know it was called Scout’s Cave, there’s a solid chance the photos you see here look familiar.  The cave provides an expansive view of the Santa Clara-Ivins-Snow Canyon area, framed by the bright orange rocks that are characteristic to this park.

The trail initially goes through the lava fields, which is always so cool to see. Be careful, the rocks are sharp and rough. You will descend down into the wash, follow the wash along its natural course, and then you will soon see the cave up in the rocks ahead. When you are in the wash, keep your eyes peeled for Mojave Desert Tortoise.

Next comes quite a few steps to gain your elevation up to the cave. Catch your breath at the top of the steps, then complete a few short scrambles to get into the cave itself. Spend some time enjoying the cooler temperature, the lovely view, and get some of those photos I was talking about earlier!

Difficulty: Moderate.

Trail Stats: 3.5 miles, out and back, 370 feet elevation gain.

Trail Finding: Relatively straightforward.

Conditions: Packed dirt, lava rock, 

Would I Repeat This: You bet, and we have!

Parking: Plentiful.

Timing: There is no shade, please take into consideration as the temperatures rise in the summer.

Downloaded Map: Yes, it can be helpful to know how much longer until the split. Also, at the wash area, there are some social trails that add some confusion to the location of the main trail.

Fees: This trail is within Snow Canyon State Park. You must pay the entrance fee or present your Utah State Parks Annual Pass.

Trails: Johnson Canyon, Hidden Pinyon, Petrified Dunes, Lava Tubes, and more!