Planning a multi-day visit to Zion National Park? Toquerville, Utah, is an excellent alternative to the hustle and bustle of busier tourist towns. It’s a 30-minute drive through beautiful southern Utah from the park’s entrance, and the quieter atmosphere is perfect for relaxing after a day of hiking and exploring. In fact, Toquerville makes an ideal home base for vacationing in the area, with access to numerous attractions in addition to Zion. Consider including some of these things to do in Toquerville, Utah, in your itinerary.
Things To Do in Toquerville: Outdoor Activities
Toquerville offers a variety of outdoor excursions set against the backdrop of its impressive red rock landscapes and serene natural beauty.
1. Toquerville Falls
Toquerville Falls is a stunning two-tiered waterfall located approximately 5.8 miles northeast of Toquerville. The 8-mile off-road adventure is rough, rocky, and steep in sections, making a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle essential.
There, you’ll find cascading waterfalls over smooth rock ledges into shallow pools below. The surrounding landscape features red rock cliffs, sandy washes, and scattered juniper trees, creating a picturesque desert oasis. Visitors often wade into the pools or even walk behind the waterfall for a cool, misty escape from the heat.
2. Spring Drive
Spring Drive is a dirt road that starts at the north end of Toquerville and heads northeast. From the parking area, you’ll encounter a challenging climb for the first 1.5 miles, which is rocky but manageable. After this initial ascent, the trail becomes a fast and enjoyable dirt road. A notable feature along the way is the Viewpoint Spur, offering expansive views down into La Verkin Creek.
3. Hurricane Cliffs Trail System
The Hurricane Cliffs Trail System is an extensive network of trails located in southern Utah’s red rock country. The system encompasses nearly 40 miles of beginner and intermediate trails designed primarily for mountain biking with a mix of gradual climbs, twisty sections with whoop-de-doos, and short spurts of climbing. Numerous trailheads and access points along UT State Route 59, as well as Sheep Bridge Road, provide unlimited opportunities for creative loops and variety for trail users.
Things To Do in Toquerville: Historical Sites
History buffs can revel in the rich pioneer history and early settlement of southern Utah at one of several local historical attractions.
4. Thomas Forsyth House
The Thomas Forsyth House, located at 111 North Toquerville Boulevard, was constructed using fieldstone and Pine Valley lumber around 1868 by Thomas Forsyth, a Scottish immigrant and early Latter-Day Saint pioneer.
Notable architectural elements include uncoursed rubble walls, cut-stone quoins, and a central gable with an attic door once used for moving large items. The basement served as a wine cellar for sacramental wine, and Forsyth also operated the first fruit evaporator in southern Utah.
5. Naegle Winery
The Naegle Winery, also known as the Naile House, stands at the intersection of Main and 5th Streets in Toquerville. Built between 1866 and 1868 by German immigrant John C. Naegle, the two-story sandstone building measures approximately 65 by 33 feet and includes a full basement.
Naegle, a member of the Mormon Battalion, established the winery under the direction of Brigham Young to produce sacramental wine for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After The Church discontinued the use of wine in the late 19th century, the building was repurposed for canning figs and processing peaches.
6. John Steele House
Situated at 263 North Toquerville Boulevard, the John Steele House was built in 1862 by John Steele, an Irish-born pioneer and herbal physician. The one-story red adobe house, set on a stone foundation, is one of only three well-documented double-parlor homes in Utah.
Its symmetrical facade features two doors and three windows, giving the appearance of a double-cell house. Steele, known for his unconventional medical practices combining herbal remedies and astrology, served in various civic roles, including postmaster and justice of the peace.
Things To Do in Toquerville: Trails and Parks
Active outdoor enthusiasts have opportunities for quality hiking, mountain biking, and water sports on the trails and at the state parks near Toquerville.
7. JEM Trail
The JEM Trail is a popular mountain biking route near Hurricane, Utah, with a mix of flowy singletrack and scenic desert views. The trail spans approximately 7 miles, descending about 800 feet from the upper trailhead on Highway 59 to the lower trailhead near the Virgin River. The trail is known for its exhilarating one-way downhill path, smooth terrain, minimal technical obstacles, and sections that wind along the edge of the Virgin River canyon, offering breathtaking vistas.
Riders can access the trail from either end, with the upper trailhead located off Highway 59 and the lower trailhead near Sheep Bridge Road. The trail is suitable for riders of various skill levels, though beginners should exercise caution on the steeper sections.
8. Dead Ringer Trail
Dead Ringer Trail is a 5-mile singletrack route designed primarily as a climbing trail to access the top of the JEM Trail. Starting from the same area as the JEM Trail, Dead Ringer offers a gradual ascent with a series of switchbacks and bench-cut sections that provide expansive views of the surrounding desert landscape.
The trail’s design ensures a steady climb, making it a preferred route for riders looking to loop back to the top of JEM without retracing their path. While primarily used for climbing, the trail can also be descended, though riders should be cautious and yield to those ascending.
9. Quail Creek State Park
Quail Creek State Park, located near Hurricane, Utah, surrounds a 600-acre reservoir known for its warm waters and year-round recreational opportunities. The park offers activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and camping.
The park features 24 campsites equipped with amenities like fire pits, picnic tables, and nearby restrooms. You can also enjoy a designated swimming area and a boat ramp for easy water access. The park’s red rock surroundings provide a picturesque backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts.
Extend Your Zion Vacation With Things To Do in Toquerville, Utah
If you’re planning a trip to Zion National Park, stay longer and explore deeper with the variety of things to do in Toquerville, Utah. The mix of outdoor adventures, fascinating local history, and uncrowded trails helps you experience southern Utah from a different angle.
When you’re ready to unwind, Settler’s Junction RV Park and Resort is right in town, offering scenic views, modern amenities, and easy access to both Zion and local attractions. Reserve your campsite today at Settler’s Junction in Toquerville.