Located in the heart of St. George, Utah, the Red Hills Desert Garden offers a refreshing and educational experience that celebrates the unique and diverse flora of the southwestern United States. Just a short 25-minute drive from Hurricane, this nearly five-acre garden is a must-see for anyone interested in desert ecosystems, native plants, sustainability, or just looking for a peaceful oasis amidst the striking desert landscape.
This beautiful space serves as a living showcase of over 5,000 water-efficient, drought-tolerant plants, making it a perfect destination for families and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re strolling through the garden to marvel at the vivid blooms, learning about desert plants, or observing the fossilized dinosaur tracks scattered throughout the area, the Red Hills Desert Garden offers something for everyone.
A Living Showcase of Native Flora
Discovering the Region’s Diverse Plant Life
The Red Hills Desert Garden is meticulously designed to highlight the native flora of the southwestern United States. As you walk through the garden, you’ll encounter a rich variety of plants that thrive in the harsh desert climate. From towering cacti to delicate succulents, each plant has a unique role in the ecosystem.
- Cacti and Succulents: A standout feature of the garden, these hardy plants are the epitome of desert resilience, able to store water in their thick stems or leaves to survive through long periods of drought. You’ll find a wide range of species from the iconic saguaro cactus to the beautiful prickly pear and barrel cactus.
- Desert Shrubs and Wildflowers: The garden also showcases desert shrubs, native grasses, and wildflowers that provide much-needed cover and food for the region’s wildlife. Many of these plants bloom in the spring, adding vibrant color to the landscape.
- Water-Efficient Landscaping: The garden emphasizes sustainable landscaping practices that help conserve water while maintaining the beauty of the desert. Visitors can learn about the importance of xeriscaping and how to apply these principles to their own yards.
Throughout the garden, informative signs and displays help visitors understand the unique characteristics of each plant, including their medicinal, cultural, and ecological significance. This makes the Red Hills Desert Garden not only a beautiful stroll through nature but also an educational experience that connects visitors to the natural world.
Dinosaur Tracks: A Connection to Utah’s Prehistoric Past
One of the standout features of the Red Hills Desert Garden is its dinosaur tracks, which provide a fascinating glimpse into Utah’s rich prehistoric past. These tracks are estimated to be over 200 million years old and offer visitors a rare opportunity to connect with the distant past.
Tracking Dinosaurs in the Desert
The dinosaur tracks are spread across the garden, with several boulders containing fossilized footprints scattered along the walking paths. These prints are preserved in sandstone, a reminder of the ancient creatures that roamed the area millions of years ago during the Mesozoic Era.
- Fossilized Footprints: As you walk through the garden, you can follow the dinosaur tracks imprinted on the ground, leading you to various areas where these ancient footprints have been preserved in the rock. The tracks are believed to belong to early dinosaurs, offering a window into life during the Triassic Period.
- Interactive Learning: Information panels placed near the tracks provide fascinating details about the types of dinosaurs that may have left these prints and the history of the area during the Mesozoic Era. Children and adults alike can enjoy learning about the dinosaurs that once called this area home.
- A Unique Experience: The presence of these fossilized tracks adds a unique and thrilling aspect to the garden, making it a memorable stop for families, history buffs, and anyone with an interest in paleontology.
The dinosaur tracks make the Red Hills Desert Garden not just a botanical garden but a site that links natural history with modern-day conservation efforts.
Kid-Friendly Activities: Learning Through Exploration
The Red Hills Desert Garden is a perfect destination for families, with plenty of opportunities for kids to engage with nature and learn about desert ecosystems in a hands-on way.
Junior Ranger Program
The Junior Ranger Program at the Red Hills Desert Garden is an excellent way to get kids involved in learning about the natural world. The program is designed for children of all ages and encourages them to explore the garden while completing educational activities related to desert plants, wildlife, and conservation.
- Earn a Badge: Kids can complete activities such as identifying local plants, learning about the desert’s water cycle, and understanding the role of native species in the ecosystem. Once they complete the program, they earn a Junior Ranger badge as a fun and rewarding souvenir of their visit.
- Interactive Learning: The Junior Ranger program includes interactive activities that keep kids engaged, encouraging them to explore the garden and observe the plants and animals that thrive in the desert.
Living History and Hands-On Learning
In addition to the Junior Ranger Program, the Red Hills Desert Garden regularly hosts living history demonstrations and hands-on activities that allow kids to experience the desert in a unique way. These may include demonstrations on how early settlers used native plants for food, medicine, and other uses, as well as hands-on craft activities related to the garden’s flora.
- Crafts and Activities: During certain seasons, children can participate in craft activities, such as making simple woven items or learning about the traditional uses of desert plants for food and medicine.
- Family Walks and Talks: The garden also offers family-friendly walks and talks where rangers explain the different plants, animals, and geological features of the area, making learning fun for children and adults alike.
Fish Viewing and Slot Canyon Experience
For a more immersive experience, families can visit the fish viewing areas where native fish species, such as desert cichlids, swim in the waters that flow through the garden. Kids can observe the fish in their natural habitat while learning about the importance of water conservation in the desert.
Additionally, the garden features a replica slot canyon, giving visitors a chance to experience one of the Southwest’s most iconic natural features. Children and families can walk through the narrow passages, experiencing the geology of the desert up close and learning about the forces that shaped the land.
Year-Round Beauty and Seasonal Highlights
The Red Hills Desert Garden is a year-round destination, with different seasonal highlights making each visit unique. Whether you visit in the spring, when wildflowers are in full bloom, or in the fall, when the desert air cools and the foliage changes, the garden offers a stunning natural experience.
- Spring: Springtime in the garden brings bursts of color as wildflowers bloom and the desert comes alive with new growth. This is the perfect time to visit for those interested in seeing the desert in its most vibrant state.
- Fall: Fall offers cooler temperatures and a more serene atmosphere, making it an ideal time for a peaceful stroll through the garden. This is also when many of the seasonal events take place, including Halloween-themed activities for children.
- Winter and Summer: Even during the off-season, the garden remains a beautiful spot to visit. In winter, the desert sky is clear and crisp, while summer offers early morning visits before the heat sets in.
Planning Your Visit to Red Hills Desert Garden
What to Bring
- Comfortable Shoes: The garden features walking paths and trails, so wear sturdy, comfortable shoes for exploring.
- Water and Sunscreen: The desert sun can be intense, especially in the summer, so be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Camera: The garden is full of beautiful scenery, from the plants to the stunning views, so don’t forget to bring a camera or smartphone to capture the beauty.
- Binoculars: For birdwatchers or those interested in spotting desert wildlife, a pair of binoculars will enhance the experience.
Why Red Hills Desert Garden is a Must-Visit
With its fascinating blend of natural beauty, cultural history, and educational programs, Red Hills Desert Garden is more than just a place to see plants. It’s a space that connects visitors to the rich desert ecosystem and provides hands-on learning opportunities for people of all ages. Whether you’re walking along the paths, exploring the dinosaur tracks, or participating in family-friendly activities, the garden offers something for everyone.
Plan your visit today and experience the vibrant and educational landscape of the Red Hills Desert Garden—a true hidden gem in Southern Utah.
