Pine Valley Utah | summer retreat

If you’re looking for somewhere to get outside where you won’t immediately overheat, check out all the great things to do in Pine Valley Utah.

Located just 40 miles from the St. George area, Pine Valley Utah is roughly 3,500 feet higher in elevation, making it much cooler, and offering markedly different landscape.

 

Getting there | Pine Valley Utah

To get to Pine Valley Utah, just hop on State Route 18 north. You’ll pass the beautiful cliffs of Snow Canyon as you go, then settle down into the small town charm of Veyo, Utah and Central, Utah. The way is clearly marked to turn off SR-18. From there you can decide which part of Pine Valley Utah you’d like to explore.

A previous post discussed the historic Pine Valley Chapel. But there is even more to explore.

Pine Valley Utah recreation

Situated amid the beautiful Pine Valley Mountains and shaded by plenty of towering pine trees, it’s no wonder people turn to Pine Valley Utah for respite from the heat. In fact, when the early pioneers settled in St. George, the women and children often spent time during the summer in Pine Valley Utah to escape the heat while the men worked in town.

Campgrounds

In present day, you can spend multiple days in the area thanks to the well-kept campgrounds available. There are six overnight family campgrounds and two overnight group areas, plus four day-use spaces and an amphitheater. The family campgrounds, along with Dean Gardner and Equestrian are available for reservations. The others, including Mitt Moody, Crackfoot and Ebenezer Bryce campgrounds are on a first come first served basis. All the camping areas include picnic tables, fire rings with grills, utility tables, tent pads and concrete site pads.

Recreation

Whether you come to Pine Valley Utah for a day, or spend the night, there is plenty for you to enjoy. As one online reviewer said, Pine Valley Utah is “a true gem of tranquility, beauty and great hiking and fishing.”

The Pine Valley Utah recreation area is part of the Dixie National Forest. As such, there are several opportunities to get in touch with nature around the area.

One area worth exploring is the Santa Clara River Walkway. This paved trail gently winds through a forest of trees, crossing over the Santa Clara River and offering gorgeous views of the mountain, trees, water and wildlife. This trail is stroller and wheelchair accessible, making it ideal for families of all ages. There are also benches along the trail where you can sit and enjoy the surroundings even more.

Although the higher altitude makes Pine Valley Utah an ideal place to visit in the summer, some parts of the recreation area are open year round.

Brandin' Iron restaurant
Brandin’ Iron Steakhouse is a restaurant in Pine Valley, Utah

Not only can you enjoy the beauty of the Pine Valley, Utah mountains by camping or taking a day trip, you can own property in and around this mountain retreat. If you’re interested in living somewhere with so many recreational opportunities, check out these great home listings here.