When he first saw the terrain in and around what is now St. George, early Mormon scout Parley P. Pratt was stunned and reported to LDS Church President Brigham Young that the area "shows no signs of water or fertility . . . a wide expanse of chaotic matter presented itself, huge hills, sandy deserts; cheerless, grassless plains, perpendicular rocks, loose barren clay, dissolving beds of sandstone . . . lying in inconceivable confusion - in short, a country in ruins, dissolved by the pelting of the storm of ages, or turned inside out, upside down in terrible convulsions in some former age."
Famed Utah author and historian Juanita Brooks noted, "it looks like the good Lord took everything left over from the creation, dumped it here, then set it on fire!"
Most visitors to this area already know to bring a camera, but if you enjoy the experience of exploring on foot, our red rock country is also a hikers - and bikers - paradise! There are worldclass hikes in Zion National Park (the #1 favorite national park based on a recent nationwide poll), Snow Canyon State Park, on Pine Valley Mountain and in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. 
For those who want to get outside, exercise and enjoy our exquisite red rock terrain, but don’t want to work too hard for the pleasure, the area is also famous for miles and miles of paved or natural trails which intersect and connect at a variety of locations.As you prepare for your visit in St. George on May 13-15, 2010 remember to bring walking or hiking shoes, sunblock, a hat and bottled water because hiking or biking in Washington County is certain to be another high point of your Utah District Conference weekend.
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