Scout Cave

Had a great hike. Didn't realize it was 2 miles each way so took a little longer than anticipated but the cave was well worth the extra effort!

This trail shared with the same trailhead as Johnson Canyon and shares an unattended parking lot 🅿️. In State $10, Out State $15, , take Mobile payment. The trail passes through a mixture of several different surfaces, including ancient lava fields, sandy outwash river beds, and rocky cliff edges. There are many black volcanic lava blocks of different sizes in the lava field, which are very hard, so be careful to avoid tripping over; the sandy road is very soft, and you will sink in if you step on it hard, so be careful not to mix the sand into your shoes; the rocky sections sometimes require hands and feet While climbing, I accidentally fell, but it was very minor. This road also connects Main Canyon and Paradise Canyon. When I reached the cave I was alone. Its cave looks so so, but the overlooking view is spectacular. I sat alone for a long time, drinking tea, admiring St George in the distance, and enjoying the hiker's moment of relaxation.

Super chill hike, flat like 80% of the way, and anything not flat was a easy uphill, super suitable for younger kids or dogs. Long enough to feel it a little in the legs 😂. The scenery was great in April when we’d gone, things were still green and it wasn’t a billion degrees, so traverse at your own risk in August! The view when you get to the cave is still pretty with the houses and community in the background. It definitely made it worth the hike out.

DO NOT follow your GPS! Plug in Johnson Canyon parking area and the trailhead's right across the street. The trail is very well marked. Loved this hike. Little rock climbing, amazing views, shady spots. Will definitely go back before I leave the area. While the trail is very well marked, make sure you pay attention in the sandy part down by the wash as there are some faux trails jutting off.

We loved this hike! We have kids ranging from 5-16 years old. Our youngest 2 do not like hiking. It was a little long for them & harder at the very end. But, we did it! We found a desert tortoise & we loved the cave. It would be very hot during the summer months. We hiked last week in 70 degree weather & it was hot. There isn’t a ton of shade on the trail but you can find it if you need it. There are some lava rocks you “scramble over” then some sand and at the end some climbing on the sandstone up to the actual cave. There is a small portion with some stairs too. The sign at the beginning says 5.5 miles. All trails lists it as a 3-4 mile hike. I think it’s closer to a 3-4 mile hike. We didn’t clock it exactly but we are a slow family & we enjoyed ourselves in the cave. It took us 2 hours to finish.