October in St. George
The crown jewel month. Perfect in every way.
80°F / 50°F
Perfect. Warm, sunny days and cool nights. The most comfortable outdoor month in Southern Utah. Zero excuses not to be outside.
If St. George had a highlight reel, October would be the entire first act. Highs in the low 80s, crystal skies, every trail at its peak. The St. George Marathon brings 8,000 runners and electric energy. Yant Flat's wild horses graze among the candy-colored formations. Restaurant patios reopen fully. This is the month.
Best Hikes
October is the month when every hike in the region is at its absolute best. Comfortable all-day temperatures, clear skies, and fall color in the higher elevations.
Yant Flat + Wild Horses
October at Yant Flat is the premier hiking experience in the St. George area. The surreal candy-striped sandstone formations are stunning year-round, but October adds a bonus: the wild horse herd that roams the area is often visible near the trailhead and along the approach trail. Seeing these horses against the psychedelic rock formations is one of the most memorable wildlife encounters in Southern Utah.
The 4-mile round trip traverses flat terrain before reaching the dramatic cliff formations at the edge. October light is warm and golden, making the already-colorful rocks even more vivid. Start early on weekends — this hike has gone viral on social media and parking fills by 10 AM.
The wild horses are most active at dawn and dusk. For the best chance of seeing them, arrive at the trailhead by 7 AM. Keep your distance (100+ feet) — they're wild animals, not pets. A telephoto lens is essential for horse photos.
Kolob Canyon — Zion's Quiet Side
Kolob Canyon is the northern section of Zion National Park that most visitors completely miss. October is the ideal time — the narrow, 5-mile scenic drive features stunning red rock formations, and the hiking trails are far less crowded than Zion Canyon. The Timber Creek Overlook trail is a quick 1-mile round trip with views that rival anything in the main park.
For a bigger adventure, the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek (5 miles round trip) leads to the Double Arch Alcove — a massive natural amphitheater. October's fall color in the creek's box elder and maple trees adds splashes of gold and red to the red rock landscape.
Kolob Canyon is included in your Zion National Park pass, and the entrance is right off I-15 about 40 minutes north of St. George. Most Zion visitors never make it here, so even on October weekends the trails are peaceful.
All Your Summer Favorites
October is when you revisit every trail you've missed since May. Red Reef, Petrified Dunes, Pioneer Park, Babylon Arch, Snow Canyon's West Canyon — they're all at peak conditions. Daytime highs around 80°F mean you can hike comfortably at any hour, and the lower sun angle creates beautiful light from mid-morning on.
This is the month to tackle longer objectives too. Full-day hikes that would be dangerous in summer heat are perfect in October. The Chinle Trail, the full Snow Canyon traverse, or a long day at Red Cliffs — go for it.
October weekends on popular trails can be surprisingly crowded with snowbirds and tourists. Weekday hiking in October is the absolute sweet spot — perfect weather, empty trails, peak conditions.
Events
October is St. George's biggest event month, anchored by the marathon but extending well beyond it.
St. George Marathon
The St. George Marathon is one of the top-rated marathons in the country, known for its stunning course, fast times, and community spirit. The point-to-point course starts in the Pine Valley Mountains and descends through scenic canyons to finish in downtown St. George.
Even if you're not running, marathon weekend transforms the town. The expo brings vendors and entertainment, local restaurants offer special menus, and the finish line atmosphere on Main Street is electric. Spectating spots along the scenic course are accessible by car.
The best spectating spot is at Mile 7 where the course enters Snow Canyon. Runners are still fresh, the scenery is jaw-dropping, and you can drive ahead to catch them again at the finish.
Harvest Dining & Patio Season
October brings peak patio season back to St. George restaurants. After months of too-hot outdoor dining, October evenings are perfect — 65°F, clear skies, no bugs. Local restaurants celebrate with seasonal menus featuring fall produce: butternut squash, apples from Pine Valley, and local lamb.
Ancestor Square downtown is the epicenter — George's Corner, Painted Pony, and the surrounding restaurants all have patios buzzing with energy. Reservations on Friday and Saturday nights are essential, especially during marathon weekend.