Explore St. George on a Weekend Getaway
While warm temperatures might be months away from the Wasatch Back, head south to St. George, on the southwestern border of Utah and Nevada to find beautiful spring weather and stunning red rock landscapes. The burnt orange and Mojavi purple sandstone surrounding St. George radiates the sun’s warmth and invites visitors to explore the desert blooming—making St. George an easy weekend getaway for those seeking a blend of culinary highlights, artistic exploration, and outdoor adventure.
Enjoy dinner at arguably the city’s best restaurant, Wood.Ash.Rye (housed inside the nicest hotel) showcasing local flavors and even spirits. Then visit Kayenta Art Village for gifts or artwork from regional artists or just to enjoy a live performance. If rock climbing or mountain biking are of interest, this area is the perfect place to play on the sandstone.
St. George promises a memorable getaway that will leave you rejuvenated and inspired. This captivating destination celebrates both natural scenery and culture in this growing community and encapsulates a warm weather weekend retreat far removed from the mountains of northern Utah.
Wood.Ash.Rye (W.A.R)
Located in The Advenire Hotel, Wood.Ash.Rye has quickly earned a statewide reputation for its innovative menu, warm ambiance, and dedication to locally sourced ingredients. Executive Chef Shon Foster blends modern American cuisine with a seasonal and pioneering approach, showcasing a menu that speaks to the history of St. George and heritage of Utah via small plates and shareable entrees featuring a variety of expertly crafted dishes—from responsibly sourced fish and seafood to entrees and starters utilizing ingredients from local and regional farmers and artisans for fresh flavors in every bite.
Similarly, the bar program highlights local ingredients and Utah-based spirits to reflect the smell, taste, and essence of southern Utah. Sit down and sip the WAR Valley Tan featuring juniper ash honey syrup and black lemon bitters. The cocktail was inspired by the Mormon pioneers, when spirits were thought to have medicinal remedies, and uses all the components of the restaurant name (wood, ash, rye) by burning the wood for a cedar-smoked finish, using juniper ash with lavender from the local farm, and blending with Utah honey. They also combine two different Utah-based ryes (High West double rye and Sugar House Distillery bourbon) to pay homage.
Perfect for an intimate dinner, a celebratory gathering, or a casual brunch, Wood.Ash.Rye offers cuisine highlighting bold flavors and high-quality ingredients, and sets a new standard for dining in southern Utah that you won’t want to miss.
25 West St. George Blvd., St. George, UT 84770
435-522-5020
theadvenirehotel.com
Kayenta Art Village
Situated in the breathtaking red rock landscape of Ivins, Utah, Kayenta Art Village is a creative oasis for art and nature lovers, and anyone seeking a tranquil escape. This thriving community of artists, galleries, and studios is a must-visit destination filled with a diverse array of galleries and studios showcasing the works of local and regional artists. Visitors can explore paintings, pottery, sculptures, jewelry, and mixed-media creations, each reflecting the beauty and spirit of the landscape. Many studios host events and demonstrations of works in progress, giving guests a behind-the-scenes look at the artistic process and a chance to meet the talented artists themselves.
Beyond the galleries and studios, The Center for the Arts at Kayenta hosts live performances, including theater productions, musical concerts, and readings. Enjoy a walk through the arboretum or sit down for a cup of coffee or bite to eat as you unwind and soak in the peaceful atmosphere that defines this artistic enclave surrounded by stunning scenery.
851 Coyote Gulch Court, Ivins, UT 84738
www.kayentaartvillage.com
435-688-8535
Rock Climbing at Prophecy Wall and Mountain Biking Bearclaw Poppy
The opportunities to play outside in southern Utah can satisfy almost any adventure inclination, from scaling the majestic rocks to soaring on a mountain bike. To gain insight into the best places to play in St. George, Amy Cairn, a Park City local and part-time Southern Utah resident shared her top choices for rock climbing and mountain biking.
Prophecy Wall climbing area is an excellent choice for spring temperatures—for warm weather, the wall is shaded in the morning, and in cool weather, it receives afternoon sun. Beginners will find the closely placed bolts and gentle grades confidence-inspiring, while experts are satisfied with routes up to the 5.12 grade. “It’s friendly. It has an easy approach. The grades are what I would call soft, and it’s well protected,” Cairn describes.
Safety tip:
Rock climbing can be a dangerous sport and requires an advanced skillset, including technical knowledge. For beginners, the best way to experience rock climbing is to hire a professional guide. Sandstone is very delicate when wet. Wait at least 24-48 hours after a storm before climbing.
Driving directions: From St. George, drive north on Bluff Street/Route 18. At milepost 18, turn left on a gravel road. Drive two miles and turn left onto a dirt road underneath a cliff. In another two miles, pass two left turns and take the third left turn to reach the parking area. (GPS coordinates: 37°17’38.0″N 113°41’35.5″W)
Bearclaw Poppy is ideal for a wide range of mountain bike riders, featuring excellent beginner routes and options for advanced riders looking to increase length and difficulty. The best part is that the trails stay dry year-round. “There are kids on it; it’s really family-oriented. It’s flowy and so much fun. It’s cooler, and mostly in the sun. You can do some other longer routes like the Snake Pit trail,” Cairn concludes.
Trailhead Address: 1811 Navajo Dr., St. George
