Southern Utah is known for its red rocks, desert surroundings, and national parks. This is why it provides an excellent backdrop for your next adventure in the Southwest!
Leeds RV and Motel is central to what the St. George area has to offer, fitting your needs and those of your traveling companions in our cozy motel, RV park or tent sites.
We pride ourselves on providing that special touch when you stay on our property.
Now that you have Leeds RV and Motel as the centralized starting point for your visit to Southern Utah, we will get into some of our favorite things to do in the surrounding area.
There are so many choices of activities and fun for everyone, it was hard to narrow down our favorites. But alas, here is our guide to the Top 12 Things To Do In Southern Utah!
1: Zions National Park
This may seem obvious, but Zions National Park is always going to be a traveler and local favorite in Southern Utah.
Being Utah’s first national park, Zion is like the set of a movie that’s so grand you know it’s fake, but you don’t care because it’s so visually stunning to look at.
There is something about Zion that will take everyone’s breath away – whether it be the chiseled red rocks towering above you in every direction, or the magical hike through the Narrows while you wade through the desert’s Virgin River water.
Filled with adventure in every direction, Zions will be sure to thrill even the most seasoned traveler.
2. Snow Canyon State Park
This state park just 15 miles away from Leeds RV and Motel will have you gasp- not only at the red rocks, but the drastically different white rock and lava flow throughout the canyon.
Known to locals as the place for adventure near town, Snow Canyon State Park provides rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking and jogging trails, and views to make you never want to leave.
Snow Canyon is also part of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve—a protective reserve for the area’s desert-dwelling tortoise.
Peregrine falcons and Gila monsters also call the park home and can often be spotted during your visit.
3. Sand Hollow State Park
We love Sand Hollow, not just because of its natural red sand throughout the park and beach, but for its ability to never let us get bored! Sand Hollow State Park has it all- there’s something for everyone.
Start your day on the a beautiful lake with a kayak or boat, or take in some fishing to catch that night’s dinner. Every water sport option is available (for rent or bring your own) and there is some great places to picnic or relax.
The sand dunes provide unlimited motorsport fun in your side-by-side (for rent or bring your own) with out of this world views of the surrounding St. George area and Pine Mountain.
There is a 36-hole championship golf course and clubhouse as well as live music and entertainment on weekends.
4. Kolob Canyon
Kolob Canyon is less known, but equally as impressive as Zions National Park.
It is still part of the park, but sees considerably less traffic, which for some locals and visitors, is very appealing. This is a hikers dream and provides more solitude vs. crowds that many seek when they come to Southern Utah.
It has many wilderness trails, untouched terrain, and unbelievable views. Not to mention, Kolob Canyon is just a mere 30 minutes north from Leeds RV and Motel.
5. Toquerville Falls
It may not be easy, but man it is worth it! That is what people who have visited Toquerville Falls say about this magical place.
Sandstone terraces will mesmerize you with relaxation and gorgeous water as you hike to the main part of the Falls.
Considered a swimming hole and a popular place to sunbathe with the locals, this area has recently started requiring permits to enter and a small fee is charged before you begin your hike.
We promise, it is well worth it, and just a 30 minute drive north of our motel.
6. Tuacahn Center for the Arts and Amphitheatre
The Tuacahn Center for the Arts is located in the mouth of the Padre Canyon, adjacent to Snow Canyon State Park just outside of St. George.
The facility is 42,000 square feet, and includes a 2,000-seat outdoor amphitheater popular with Broadway-style shows and special guests coming to perform in Southern Utah.
They also boast a 300-seat indoor theatre and even their own high school! Their show season runs during the summer months, and showcases a concert series and other notable Holiday activities throughout the year.
Take in some first-class entertainment just 20 minutes from Leeds RV and Motel.
In addition, if you are wanting to experience a local farmers market, they are hosted on the grounds of Tuacahn on Saturday mornings (seasonally).
7. St. George, Utah
St. George is the largest city among the Southern Utah area, and it does not disappoint.
Just a 15-minute drive south of Leeds RV and Motel, St. George is a handy place to gather supplies for your visit or take in some city life before you begin your other adventures.
Offering everything from great local eats to small, local shops to relaxation spas and city tours (the former Biggest Loser campus is here – the Movara Resort now renamed), this is a not-to-miss during your stop in Southern Utah.
There is a red rock high on top of the city, popular with locals and tourists alike called “Dixie Rock”.
You can hike on top of it, spend time eating lunch on one of the picnic tables or walking through a slot canyon.
St. George is also known for its many parks and golfing options. Can you believe it- 10 golf courses within a 20-mile radius of town and an all-abilities park for children and adults alike, free to the public.
There are also tours of historic Mormon sites such as Brigham Young’s winter residence and the 1876 Tabernacle.
Don’t forget to take a stroll or an electric bike along the Virgin River through the Mayor’s Mile path, or mountain bike within city limits on some amazing trails.
St. George is sure to be somewhere you won’t soon forget.
8. Bryce Canyon National Park
About 120 miles northeast of Leeds RV and Motel is the famed Bryce Canyon National Park.
Although this park is a bit further than some of the other Top 12 suggestions, this beautiful canyon boasts unusual spindly hoodoo rock formations and yellow and lavender canyons.
You can experience its beauty by car, donkey or hiking trails. Due to its high elevation, it often gets snow at the end of Fall through early Spring.
This can easily be done in one day with Leeds RV and Motel as your starting point.
9. Cedar Breaks National Monument
Do you love geology, wildflowers and unbelievable night skies?
Just an hour north of Leeds RV and Motel lies the wonders of Cedar Breaks National Monument.
Crowning the grand staircase, Cedar Breaks sits at over 10,000 feet and looks down into a half-mile deep geologic amphitheatre. The forest will surround you and the wilderness will captivate you.
After you’ve visited this beautiful monument, stop by Brianhead Ski and Summer Resort for lunch and stroll through their shops.
Ski during the winter or climb up the mountain in the summer. You won’t regret spending a day in the high country!
10. Grand Canyon National Park
We couldn’t leave off the most grand of parks and adventures here near Southern Utah! Grand Canyon National Park is a natural wonder everyone needs to experience, and is relatively close to Southern Utah.
The north rim, just a 2 ½ hour drive from Leeds RV and Motel, boasts wildlife, hiking, and views you won’t soon forget.
Visit the original Grand Canyon Lodge, have lunch in the forest overlooking the canyon, or take a trail out to the edge and experience this amazing place and one of the ten wonders of the world.
11. Utah Shakespeare Festival
During the summer months, nearby Cedar City and Southern Utah University comes alive with the Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival!
Just 30 minutes north of Leeds RV and Motel- the Utah Shakespeare Festival. This will knock your socks off with talent and amazing productions in their authentic replica of the Globe Theatre (among other venues).
This is a not-to-miss for entertainment (the non-outdoors kind) and fun. While you are there, stroll through Cedar City and see historic shops, eateries and other inspiration from the festival.
12. Gooseberry Mesa
This is perhaps one of the most favorite places in Southern Utah to mountain bike. Or even in the western United States.
Gooseberry Mesa is known for the best technical trails anywhere, giving those who ride these trails a run for their money.
The South Rim trail, with its rolling slickrock, twisty singletrack and vistas will challenge any ability-level mountain biker.
You’ll often find observers just there to watch, and it’s only 18 miles from Leeds RV and Motel between LaVerkin and Hildale, Utah.
If we haven’t sold you on visiting the captivating Southern Utah area, trust us, it is an adventure for everyone and you won’t regret your visit!
Leeds RV and Motel is at the center of it all, and has daily, weekly and monthly rates. Not only for our motel rooms, but for our RV park and tent sites as well. Come as you are, stay as long as you like!
We can’t wait to host you on your visit.
Written By: Melanie Baxendale