May in St. George

This hidden waterfall near Pine Valley is fed by late-season snowmelt and peaks in May. The trail follows a forested creek through ponderosa pines — a dramatic contrast to the desert below. The falls aren't massive, but the setting is lush and cool, making it an ideal escape from the warming valley floor.

The hike is about 4 miles round trip with moderate elevation gain through the pine forest. May is the sweet spot when water flow is strong and the trail isn't muddy. The higher elevation (6,500+ feet) keeps temperatures 15-20 degrees cooler than St. George.

When the Santa Clara River runs high in May, the Gunlock waterfalls come alive. These cascades drop over basalt rock into swimming holes that locals have cherished for generations. The main falls are accessible via a short walk from the road — no real hiking required.

Gunlock Reservoir above the falls offers excellent kayaking and fishing in a quieter setting than Sand Hollow. The volcanic landscape here is unique — black basalt instead of red sandstone — and the drive through the Santa Clara River valley is beautiful.

Veyo Pool is a natural spring-fed swimming hole that's been a local institution for decades. The water stays a refreshing 65°F year-round, which feels perfect in May's heat. Beyond the pool, Crawdad Canyon offers a short adventure hike through a narrow volcanic canyon.

The pool area includes a rope swing, diving platforms, and a small snack bar. It's very much a locals' hangout rather than a polished resort — and that's its charm. May weekdays are the best time to visit before school gets out and summer crowds arrive.

The IRONMAN brings thousands of athletes and spectators to town, and the energy is incredible even if you're not competing. The swim takes place at Sand Hollow Reservoir, the bike course winds through Snow Canyon and along the scenic Highway 18 corridor, and the run finishes in downtown St. George.

Spectating is free and there are viewing spots all along the course. The downtown finish line on Main Street is the most exciting — watching athletes cross the line is genuinely moving. Local businesses often run specials and the whole town has a festival atmosphere.

May brings Quail Creek to ideal conditions — water temp in the high 60s to low 70s, reliable afternoon winds for sailing and windsurfing, and warm enough for swimming without a wetsuit. The reservoir supports powerboating, jet skiing, fishing, SUP, and kayaking.

The beach area at the south end is the most accessible for families. For a quieter experience, launch a kayak from the northern boat ramp and paddle into the sandstone coves. Fishing for largemouth bass is excellent in May as the fish move to shallows for spawning.

When May flows are right, tubing the Virgin River through town is a quintessential St. George experience. The put-in near the confluence park and the take-out at the southern bridge create a lazy 2-hour float through cottonwood-lined banks with red cliffs rising on either side.

This is strictly a flow-dependent activity — check the USGS gauge before inflating your tube. May flows of 150-300 CFS are ideal. Higher means too fast and technical, lower means you'll be dragging. Cheap tubes from Walmart work fine; bring shoes you can get wet.