November in St. George
Crisp air, empty trails, grateful hearts
63°F / 37°F
Crisp and pleasant. Cool mornings with sweater weather, comfortable midday temps. Occasional rain. Perfect for hiking without breaking a sweat.
November is St. George's quiet masterpiece. The October crowds disperse, temperatures settle into the ideal 60s, and the trails belong to locals again. The light turns soft and warm, holiday energy builds slowly, and there's a contemplative quality to the desert landscape that rewards those who slow down and look.
Best Hikes
November hiking is the reward for locals who endured summer. Trails are empty, temps are perfect, and you can hike midday without a care.
Snow Canyon Lava Tubes
The lava tubes in Snow Canyon are accessible year-round, but November is the perfect time for underground exploration. The air temperature inside the tubes is a constant cool that feels refreshing rather than cold. The main tube requires a short hike to reach, then a scramble down into the volcanic tunnel.
The tube extends several hundred feet and is large enough to walk upright in most sections. Bring two light sources per person (flashlight plus phone) and wear sturdy shoes. The geological formations inside — lava shelves, flow marks, and mineral deposits — are fascinating. Few people hike to the tubes on November weekdays, so you'll likely have the experience to yourself.
There are actually multiple lava tubes in the area, not just the well-known one. Ask rangers at the Snow Canyon visitor center about the others — they're happy to share locations with hikers who seem responsible.
Chinle Trail — Full Traverse
The Chinle Trail is a longer option (10+ miles point-to-point) that crosses from the Dinosaur Discovery Site to Snow Canyon through classic desert terrain. November's cool temps make this full-day traverse comfortable for the first time since April. The trail follows ancient Chinle Formation geology through washes, over ridges, and past unique rock formations.
This is a trail for experienced hikers who want a full day in the desert. Navigation can be tricky in spots — download the trail to your phone. Arrange a car shuttle or do an out-and-back from either end. The middle section, far from both trailheads, is where the solitude is deepest.
Start from the Snow Canyon end for the most dramatic scenery early in the hike when you're freshest. Cache water at the midpoint road crossing if doing the full traverse.
Red Hills Desert Garden
The Red Hills Desert Garden takes on a different character in November. The summer intensity is gone, replaced by gentle light and subtle fall colors in the desert plants. Many species are setting seed, and the bird life shifts to winter residents — look for verdin, phainopepla, and say's phoebe.
November is the best time to visit for photography. The soft light, lack of harsh shadows, and muted color palette create images with a peaceful quality that summer heat never allows. The garden loop is about a mile and pairs well with a stroll along the adjacent Virgin River trail.
Bring binoculars. The riparian habitat along the river adjacent to the garden attracts wintering raptors. Cooper's hawks and the occasional bald eagle have been spotted here in November and December.
Holiday Events & Gratitude
November in St. George eases into the holiday season with events that celebrate community and gratitude.
Thanksgiving Turkey Trot
Start Thanksgiving morning with one of the local Turkey Trot runs. Several 5K options pop up around town, and they're as much social events as athletic ones. Costumes are encouraged, the atmosphere is festive, and it's a wonderful way to earn your Thanksgiving feast.
Most Turkey Trots support local food banks, adding a meaningful charitable element. Registration is usually cheap and day-of registration is common. Even if you walk the whole thing, you'll be glad you participated.
Small Business Saturday
The Saturday after Thanksgiving, St. George's local shops shine. Ancestor Square, the Shops at Zion, and downtown businesses offer special deals and events. This is a chance to discover the local boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops that make St. George unique.
Many shops offer complimentary refreshments and special one-day products. It's a pleasant way to start holiday shopping while supporting the local economy. The downtown atmosphere is festive without the aggressive commercial energy of Black Friday.