Pioneer Rim Trail

up to 3.5 miles
easy
year round

The Pioneer Rim Trail traverses the hills along Red Hills Parkway, offering visitors panoramic views of St. George and the surrounding area. The trail itself is 1.7 miles end to end, but it is often hiked in conjunction with parts of the T-Bone Trail and Pioneer Hills Trail to form a loop. The trail is generally well marked and has relatively little elevation change. This hike is suitable for most healthy adults and children.

Trailhead

The Pioneer Rim Trail is most commonly accessed from Pioneer Park or the Pioneer Hills Trailhead on Red Hills Parkway.

From I-15 in St. George, UT

For the Pioneer Park Trailhead (37.113648, -113.575790):

Take Exit 8 for St. George Blvd. and continue west to 1000 East.
Turn north onto 1000 East and continue to Red Hills Parkway.
Turn west onto Red Hills Parkway and continue 0.8 miles to Pioneer Park on the north side of the road.
For the Pioneer Hills Trailhead (37.126287, -113.582200):

Follow steps 1 and 2 for the Pioneer Park Trailhead above.
Turn west onto Red Hills Parkway and continue 1.9 miles to the Pioneer Hills Trailhead on the east side of the road.
The Hike

From the Pioneer Hills Trailhead, begin hiking south from the parking area on the Pioneer Hills Trail. The trails in this area are generally well signed. After a short distance, turn right onto the Pioneer Rim Trail.

Follow the trail east a short distance before it turns south and traverses the hills above Red Hills Parkway. There are some minor ups and downs, but the hiking is generally quite easy. After about 0.7 miles, the trail crests a small hill, and Pioneer Park comes into view below. As you hike, watch for desert tortoises that frequent this area during the summer, but keep a respectful distance of this endangered species.

Continue along the rim of Pioneer Park. At times the trail can be difficult to follow as it crosses solid sandstone, but staying along the rim should keep you on track. Extending the hike by exploring down into Pioneer Park is well worth the time.

Watch for a small arch about 100 feet off the trail (37.116633, -113.575091), shortly before descending to the junction with the T-Bone Trail. From the junction with the T-Bone Trail, the Pioneer Rim Trail continues another 0.7 miles before ending. Follow the trail out and back, or, to create a loop, use the T-Bone Trail and Pioneer Hills Trail to return to your starting point. Simply turn left at the T-Bone/Pioneer Rim junction, then left again at the T-Bone/Pioneer Hills junction to return to the Pioneer Hills Trailhead.

Total hiking distance is variable depending on route chosen. For the full loop including an out and back to the end of the east Pioneer Rim Trail, plan on about 3.5 miles.

For those accessing the Pioneer Rim Trail from Pioneer Park, it is possible to reach the trail at many places by climbing through the rocks and various trails in the park. The easiest route, however, is to follow the T-Bone Trail to the Pioneer Rim Trail junction.

Rules and Regulations

Dogs allowed on leash.
Clean up after pets.
No littering.
Special Considerations

This area can be very hot during the summer and in the middle of the day. Bring plenty of water for each member of your group. Hike in the morning or evening for cooler temperatures.