10/29/2025
Pretty cool information!
We are aware that Southern Utah can be scorching, but at one point in geologic time, it experienced a distinct type of intense heat! Many individuals inquire about the dormant cinder cone volcanoes along the route to the park.
The primary dormant cinder cone volcanoes are the two cones within the Santa Clara Volcanic Field: the Diamond Valley Cinder Cone and the Snow Canyon Volcano.
Both are situated near St. George and Snow Canyon State Park, comprising remnants of ancient volcanic activity in the region, with their most recent eruptions occurring approximately 27,000 years ago.
The Diamond Valley Cinder Cone is one of two cinder cones in Washington County that is recognized as one of the youngest volcanos in the county.
The Snow Canyon Volcano, another dormant cinder cone in the area, is notable for its vibrant coloration resulting from minerals and lichens and is a popular destination for hikers. These volcanic formations are part of the Santa Clara Volcanic Field.
The volcanoes are a result of volcanic activity triggered by the subduction of the Farallon plate beneath the North American plate, leading to magma rising and melting the crust. The last major eruptions of these cinder cones took place about 27,000 years ago, resulting in lava flows into what is now Snow Canyon and the town of Ivins.
Presently, these dormant volcanoes serve as geological monuments, with Snow Canyon State Park showcasing lava tubes and other geological formations that highlight the area's volcanic past.
Photo credit: v_outdoors
