ST. GEORGE — Visitors to the popular South Overlook parking lot near Quail Creek State Park will start paying day-use fees beginning May 1, according to the Utah Division of State Parks.
The overlook and parking lot, located at 451 N. SR-318, Hurricane, is a popular staging area for visitors, a parks division news release said. The land is owned by the Washington County Water Conservancy District and is also home to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Field Office.
The fees are charged per vehicle and are currently set at $15 for Utah residents, $20 for non-residents, and $5 for those walking in or using a bicycle.
“Responsible recreation is key when visiting any outdoor area,” Quail Creek State Park Manager Candance Smith said in a news release. “Nobody wants to go out for a day of fun and come across things like trash and human waste. Please remember to utilize the facilities appropriately, pack out what your pack in, and respect others around you.”
In recent years, the South Overlook has seen a significant increase in human and animal waste, trash and other items left behind by visitors. In some instances, vehicles have parked so densely in the parking lot that vehicles cannot enter or exit.
To help combat these issues, the Utah Division of State Parks will begin managing public use of the parking lot and charging those utilizing the parking lot and overlook a day-use fee.
The Utah State Parks annual day-use passes are also accepted. Payment can be made either via the provided box and envelopes or online via the QR codes on the entrance signs. The day-use fee is not applicable for those accessing the Wildlife Resources Field Office.
Fees gathered from the area will be invested back into the management and improvement of Utah’s state parks system.
Photo Gallery
Trash pile at the South Overlook parking lot near Quail Hollow State Park, undated file photo | Photo courtesy of Utah Division of State Parks, St. George News Cars fill the South Overlook parking lot near Quail Creek State Park, undated file photo | Photo courtesy of Utah Division of State Parks, St. George News Aerial view of Quail Creek State Park and South Overlook parking lot (noted in red). Aerial view of Quail Creek State Park and South Overlook parking lot (noted in red). Aerial view of Quail Creek State Park, undated file photo | Photo courtesy of Utah Division of State Parks, St. George News Trash lines the trail near Quail Creek State Park, undated file photo | Photo courtesy of Utah Division of State Parks, St. George News
