Nature has a way of captivating us with its breathtaking beauty, and the Red Hills Desert Garden in St. George, UT is a prime example of how nature can thrive even in arid landscapes. This stunning garden, nestled in the heart of the Mojave Desert, is a unique destination that showcases the resilience and diversity of desert ecosystems.

I had thought about stopping here so many times on my many trips to the St. George area, but never had. I finally made it there on a “girls trip” with my two sisters. It was perfect then, as we all love to garden. I think it runs in our blood. Our grandparents had a garden that was featured on the news several times. Our mother is a master gardener, and so is one of the sisters I was traveling with.

Walking through the gardens benefits my sister from Arizona the most as she lives in the same type of climate as St. George. While the plants featured there would not grow where I live, I still enjoyed seeing all the fun and interesting plants. I especially liked the bright green bark on some of the trees and they had some beautiful Birds of Paradise samples with purple leaves and pink flowers.

Nestled at the crossroads of Red Hills Parkway and Red Cliffs Drive, the sprawling Red Hills Desert Garden spans over 5 acres, a true oasis amidst the desert landscape. This collaborative effort between the City of St. George and the Virgin River Program is dedicated to promoting water conservation and educating the public about the distinctive ecology of the desert. Since its opening to the public in 2015, the garden has rapidly gained popularity among tourists and locals.

The Red Hills Desert Garden Showcases Desert Plants

One of the most striking features of the Red Hills Desert Garden is its stunning collection of desert plants. The garden is home to over 250 species of desert plants, including cacti, succulents, shrubs, and trees, carefully curated to represent the diverse flora of the Mojave Desert region. Visitors can stroll along the meandering pathways that wind through the garden, admiring the unique shapes, colors, and textures of the plants that have adapted to survive in the harsh desert environment.

Deseret Plant from Red Hills Deseret Garden

Yucca

Cacti

One of the highlights of the Red Hills Desert Garden is its water-efficient landscaping, which is a testament to the importance of water conservation in arid regions. The garden showcases various landscaping techniques such as xeriscaping, which uses drought-tolerant plants and minimal water, and rainwater harvesting, which collects and stores rainwater for irrigation. These sustainable practices serve as an educational platform for visitors to learn about the importance of responsible water usage in desert regions, where water is a precious and limited resource.

Bird of Paradise

Though I failed to get an image of this, n addition to its breathtaking flora, the Red Hills Desert Garden also features several water features that add to its beauty and serenity. The garden is dotted with small ponds, streams, and waterfalls, which create a soothing atmosphere and provide a habitat for wildlife such as birds and insects. These water features also serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between water and life in the desert, where every drop of water is cherished.ents.

Spread across 5 acres at the intersection of Red Hills Parkway and Red Cliffs Drive, the Red Hills Desert Garden is a joint project of the City of St. George and the Virgin River Program, with a mission to promote water conservation and educate the public about the unique ecology of the desert. Since opening its doors to the public in 2015, this stunning garden has become a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike..

Prickly Pear Cactus

Dinosaur Tracks

Barrel Cactus

Prickly Pear Cactus

Thread Agave

Parkinsonia Aculeata

Accessibility

All the walking paths were wheelchair accessible. There are a few bridges that are not, but they are not required as there are alternate paths to the same destination.

Red Hills Deseret Garden Address

375 Red Hills Pkwy.
St. George, UT 84770]

Hours
Open daily, 6:00am – 10:00pm

Cost

Admission is free.

Additional Information

Dogs allowed on leash. Please be respectful and cleanup after them.

Website

Click here to learn more.

About the Author

Leisa Watkins

Leisa Watkins is the founder of Cultivate An Exceptional Life. She believes life is meant to be enjoyed and experienced in abundance. She is on a mission to help people break through barriers and avoid roadblocks in life while creating a life they love. She also shares tips on getting more out of life, despite it's challenges on our Instagram channel. Please follow us.