In southwest Utah, there is a rare wonder that people are drawn to.
From near and far, generation after generation, they come for reasons they can’t explain, compelled by a feeling that comes from deep within. And, in this extraordinary place, a collection of communities, filled with optimism and purpose, have grown and thrived. On their own, they are good, but together they are greater. Working as one, their differences beautifully blend to challenge your adventurous spirit and immerse you in the impossible. Here, you can dive in the middle of the desert, walk among giants, hike through a dragon’s lair and climb to where angels land. Here, we are reminded of what it’s like to be curious, carefree, and completely in awe of the world around us. (words and photos Greater Zion Visitor and Convention Bureau, Crawling Spider Photography)
What is Greater Zion all about?
The greater St George area, also known as Greater Zion, is located just a few miles south of the “snow line” and therefore has a mild climate and long growing season and at one time was a large producer of cotton. The area is also located at the edge of three eco-tones- the Mojave desert, the Great Basin, and the Colorado Plateau – and is therefore home to a diverse array of rare plants and animals found nowhere else on earth. The terrain and geology are rich and rugged, with sandstone and rock outcrops, uplifts, and volcano remnants, all sliced by the Virgin River.
The City of St George has a population of 80,000 people and is surrounded by public land open space affording those who live here an amazing outdoor lifestyle. It is the major city of the area.
Our Host Community, Santa Clara , lies to the west of St. George and is the Gateway to the Santa Clara River Reserve.
- If you want more tips and tricks for traveling after reading this page, check out the 2019 article by Bike Rumor
- Explore Trails : If you are looking for more trails to explore while in town check out this interactive map. You can find mountain biking, gravel, or road riding routes or take a trip to one of the amazing national or state parks, conservation areas or reserves for hiking or climbing. https://app.swutahtrails.com/
Our Host City - Santa Clara
Downtown Santa Clara is a quaint tree lined enclave, with antique shops and unique restaurants. The venue is in the middle of an ancient lava field near the Cities boundary with the Town of Ivins. To the west is the Santa Clara River reserve with miles of hiking and mountain bike trails. For a touch of history, hike up to the rim of the Santa Clara River and check out the petroglyphs.
The lower reach of the Santa Clara River has been used and modified by humans for thousands of years. Evidence of different cultures is found throughout the reserve in the form of habitation sites, special activity areas, and rock art localities. Early indigenous people (labeled by archeologists as Ancestral Puebloans or Virgin Anasazi) became corn and bean farmers who irrigated their crops by diverting water from streams like the Santa Clara River. They constructed permanent village sites and produced fine quality ceramics, leaving abundant and tangible evidence of their presence on Land Hill, along the riparian corridor, and elsewhere in the reserve.
The Shivwits Band of Southern Paiute continue to make the banks of the Santa Clara their homeland. The Shivwits Reservation forms a portion of the northern boundary of the Santa Clara River Reserve.
Explore the SANTA CLARA RIVER RESERVE TRAILS
To the North of the Venue is Snow Canyon State Park. One of the rare gems of the area, there are miles of hiking trails, bouldering and rock climbing in this state park. There is also an option to camp here during the event.
Explore SNOW CANYON STATE PARK
- Local Grocery Store : Harmons is a foodie store with many pre-made items like soup, sushi, and sandwiches. It is just 1/2 mile from Venue. Light point beer can be purchased in the Grocery Store.
3520 Pioneer Pkwy, Santa Clara, UT 84765, USA
OPEN 7 am –⋅ Closes 12.00AM - Liquor Stores : Utah only has state run liquor stores for hard alcohol and strong beer. It is sold by the bottle in UT and is very expensive. Hard Alcohol and wine are priced comparably to other areas and there are plenty of good brands, including a few UT distilleries.
- St George Liquor – 7 miles from Venue. 161 N 900 E , Open 11 am – 10 pm ( this store has the best variety)
- Sunset Liquor Store – 4 miles from Venue. 929 West Sunset, Open 11 am – 7 pm ( small store with limited high end products)
- Beer will also be sold on site by Salt Fire Brewing, a fine craft brewer based on Salt Lake City.
