The Tortoise Walk is a new, short trail for families with toddlers in Snow Canyon State Park. This trail is only 0.3 mile roundtrip with no elevation change. It is an easy nature walk that boasts informational signs and a cool 4,200 lbs desert tortoise statue at the end. If you’re really lucky, you might see an actual desert tortoise along the trail.
The Tortoise Walk starts at the Upper Galoot parking area in Snow Canyon State Park. This is near the petrified dune area. There are two trails from this parking area, one on the right to the top of the large petrified dune, and one on the left to the tortoise statue. The trail to the statue has information signs placed every 25 yards or so, so you can’t miss it.
We liked the Tortoise Walk in Snow Canyon because it is perfect for kids, and it is wheel-friendly. It also has some really cool informational signs that tell a lot of facts about the elusive desert tortoise. We stopped at each sign and talked about the facts. After a short distance, we reached the tortoise statue. There are large (fake) flat rocks forming a ring around the tortoise, and these provide the perfect place to rest. The statue itself is really cool, and within sight of the parking lot.
There is no shade on this trail, so be prepared if you are hiking in the summer. We also enjoyed a lovely picnic at the Upper Galoot Picnic Area that is also at this parking lot.
If you visit Snow Canyon State Park, no matter how old or young you are, you can’t go wrong with Tortoise Walk Trail! There are a lot of great trails in this state park. Read about all of our recommendations here: Snow Canyon State Park Family Guide.
