Perched above downtown St. George along Red Hills Parkway, the Red Hills Desert Garden offers locals and visitors a mix of prehistoric history, native wildlife, and high desert botanical design. Located next to Pioneer Park, this five acre sanctuary surrounds guests with sandstone cliffs, paved walking paths, and thousands of thriving desert plants.
Dinosaur Tracks and Prehistoric Fossils
Long before St. George was built, dinosaurs crossed this landscape. Tracks and other traces preserved at the garden date to approximately 193 million years ago. Experts say some of the tracks may have been made by dinosaurs such as Dilophosaurus and Megapnosaurus.
Along the stone paths, visitors can also spot fossilized swim scrapes left in ancient lakebed mud, creating a direct connection to Southern Utah’s prehistoric past.
Native Fish Stream and Replica Slot Canyon
At the center of the garden flows a 1,150 foot desert stream created to support native aquatic species. The water winds through the landscape and provides habitat for Virgin River fish, including the woundfin, Virgin spinedace, and desert sucker.
A nearby replica slot canyon gives visitors a closer look at the stream and its fish while showing how water shapes desert landscapes.
Water Wise Gardening and Desert Conservation
Beyond its history and wildlife, the garden serves as an educational hub for high desert conservation. More than 5,000 desert plants representing more than 250 species line the walkways, ranging from towering agaves and yuccas to flowering cacti.
By demonstrating how attractive a water wise landscape can be, the garden uses roughly 5 million fewer gallons of water each year than a traditional turf landscape while giving St. George homeowners practical ideas for their own yards.
Visitor Information and Location
Located at 375 East Red Hills Parkway just east of Dixie Rock, the garden is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. with free admission. Current visitor information and event details are available on the official Red Hills Desert Garden website. Whether you want to catch morning light on the red rock cliffs, explore the replica slot canyon, or bring your leashed dog along the paved trails at sunset, the garden provides a quiet retreat right in town.
