Destination Development

Rewarding Visitors and Residents

The world is drawn to the inspiring landscapes, great communities, and boundless opportunities for adventure in Greater Zion. The community’s trails and outdoor spaces are numerous and awe-inspiring, yet they require upkeep, improvements, planning and development.

The mission of the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office is to use the funds generated from visitors to create a superior experience for visitors and residents. The tourism office achieves this goal by planning and developing infrastructure, facilities, venues and assets, as well as exploring opportunities to meet the current and future needs for visitors and residents across Greater Zion. They also collaborate with community leaders, land managers, residents and others to use tourism tax dollars towards trails and other infrastructure improvements beneficial to all.

Over the past decade, more than $30 million of tourism-generated funds have been invested in projects throughout the county. That investment continues with the list below, highlighting some of the current projects in development.

Current Projects

Zion Corridor Trail

Generally following State Route 9, this paved trail project connects La Verkin to Springdale to Zion National Park. This ambitious project is approximately 18 miles and will include features such as an underpass, bridges and boardwalks.

Goal: To improve active transportation options in the Zion Corridor.

Funding: Estimated cost $13.5 million; $10.8 million from UDOT and $2.7 million from Washington County

Timeline: Expected to be completed in 2026. Currently in community outreach and input.

Partners: Washington County, Zion Regional Collaborative and the communities of La Verkin, Virgin, Rockville and Springdale

State Route 18 Paved Path

The State Route 18 paved trail project will connect Veyo to Central, running along the east side of SR-18, in combination with road widening projects.

Goal: To improve safety and transportation along SR-18, especially during signature events.

Funding: Estimated $2.5 million, funded by Washington County tourism monies.

Timeline:Expected to be completed in 2022

Partners:Washington County, St. George City and UDOT

Hurricane Trails System; 600 N. Trail

This paved trail project will connect Grandpa’s Pond Park to 200 West in Hurricane. Approximately five miles, it will partially follow 600 North and is considered a regionally significant trail project and is part of Hurricane City’s Active Transportation Plan.

Goal: Fulfill Hurricane City’s Active Transportation Plan, improve safety along 600 North, and help connect a regional trail system.

Funding: Estimated $2 million with costs split by Hurricane City and Washington County tourism monies.

Timeline: Three phases. Phase I will be completed in 2022 with additional phases over the next one or two years.

Partners: Hurricane City and Washington County

Sand Mountain OHV Staging Area (Waddy’s Parking Corral)

This project will construct a new staging area on the west side of Sand Mountain, improving another access point to this world-famous OHV area and including restroom facilities.

Goal: Provide space for OHV staging to access Sand Mountain.

Funding: Estimated costs of $300,000; Washington County tourism monies are funding $50,000 with remaining costs funded through state grants, monetary and in-kind donations

Timeline: Environmental Analysis is being conducted in 2022; updates via the Bureau of Land Management

Partners: Bureau of Land Management, Desert Roads and Trails Society, Hurricane City, Washington County and Sand Hollow State Park

Santa Clara Canyon View Park/BMX Track

Canyon View Park, located in Santa Clara and encompassing a BMX track, softball fields and other amenities, is getting trail, parking and restroom improvements in three phases.

Goal: Improve ability to host larger BMX, softball and youth baseball events by improving dust, mud, parking and other facility issues.

Funding: Washington County tourism monies have helped fund Phases I and II, contributing $260,000 of projects costs around $800,000

Timeline: Phases I and II are underway with completion expected in 2022

Partners: Washington County and Santa Clara City

St. George Little Valley Pickleball Improvements

Expand the Little Valley Complex with an additional 10 courts including a championship court with stadium seating.

Goal: Meet current and future demand for court space as well as allow for larger and more prestigious regional and national tournaments.

Funding: This project is expected to cost approximately $2 million. Washington County tourism monies will fund $1 million of this project.

Timeline: Expected to be complete summer of 2023.

Partners:: This project is a collaborative effort led by St. George City and supported by Washington County and numerous user groups.

St. George Little Valley Turf Improvements

Remove turf from three fields at the Little Valley Sports Complex. Replace that turf with modern, artificial turf.

Goal: Reduce water usage, provide off-season use for tournaments, lower maintenance costs.

Funding: This project is expected to cost approximately $3 million. Washington County tourism and recreation monies will fund $1.5 million of this project.

Timeline: Expected to be complete by winter 2023.

Partners:: This project is a collaborative effort led by St. George City and supported by Washington County and numerous user groups.

Spring Hollow and Grass Valley Mountain Biking Project

Construction of new mountain bike trails in the Dixie National Forest. To be constructed in phases over several years, the project includes 44 miles of new trail in the Spring Hollow area and 11 miles of new trail in the Pine Valley area, as well as trailheads, an event staging area and dispersed camping area. Currently underway, phases I and II will include approximately 20 miles of trail in Spring Hollow as well as a trailhead, dispersed camping area, event staging area and adaptive features.

Goal: To provide new mountain biking elements not currently available in Washington County such as accessible trails, cross-country trails designed to accommodate competition races, a downhill trail and a jump line. In addition to provide a trail system located at higher elevation to provide more options during the summer heat.

Funding: The estimated cost of Phases I and II are $384,000 and $1.3 million respectively. Washington County tourism monies have funded $800,000 of these costs. The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation, through grants, has funded nearly $700,000 of these costs with the rest funded by the Dixie National Forest and donations from Trails Utah, Trail Alliance of Southern Utah and Vacation Races.

Timeline: Phase I is underway and expected to be completed in 2022. Phase II is funded and is expected to begin later in 2022.

Partners:: This project is a collaborative effort between Washington County, the Dixie National Forest; Pine Valley Ranger District, Trails Utah, Trail Alliance of Southern Utah and the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation.

Hurricane Equestrian Park

This equestrian park is expected to include two arenas, restroom building, concession stand, pavilion, parking areas, announcers’ booth and walking trails.

Goal: Provide a larger rodeo venue for Peach Days, better accommodate new events and provide family riding space.

Funding: : The estimated cost of the full park is approximately $2.4 million. Washington County tourism monies will fund $308,000 of a $617,000 portion of the park including bleachers, restroom playground and nighttime lighting.

Timeline: : The Equestrian Park is expected to be complete in 2022.

Partners: : This project is a collaborative effort led by Hurricane City and supported by Washington County and various other stakeholders.