Stairs at Tech Ridge

The Stairs at Tech Ridge

(St. George) This is a newer and interesting spot in St. George that is becoming more popular. Technically, I'm not quite sure if it's a trail... it might be more of a walk... but since it's marked and can feel like a strenuous desert hike, I think it's okay to claim it as a trail and as one of the many unique hikes in St. George.

About halfway on the stairs

It's called The Stairs at Tech Ridge, but around the St. George area, I have read reviews calling it "The Dragon" or "The Dragon's Tail." Whatever you call it, you will certainly feel it once you start climbing the steps up. Remember, this whole website is for us slightly out-of-shape older folks who still want to feel like we're doing an adventure :) I have to give that reminder because I think I was lapped by some younger whipper-snappers doing this walk up and down more than a few times in one shot.

333 steps from top to bottom

The Tech Ridge part of the name is because it's up on the bluff above St. George where the old airport was and where a lot of new tech companies are. The stairs are marked very well and there is plenty of parking. If these tech companies would invent a Star Trek transporter, this hike/climb would be a lot easier.

The view at the bottom of the stairs

For me, it was quite the climb back up. There are 333 concrete steps gaining (or losing, depending on how you look at it) 171 feet of elevation in one straight climb. There is a little covered bench halfway through the climb if you need to take a break. There are also plenty of benches at the top to rest, ponder why you want to do this, or just watch those who are doing it.

Benches at the top to take a break and watch those below

I had heard a lot about this place recently, so while in St. George for work, I had some time before my drive home to mark it off my list. Plus, it was a little cooler than St. George normally is in June, so it was a perfect time to go for it. To be honest, I knew I would get a cardio workout, but I wasn't ready for my legs to turn to Jello halfway back up. But I had to keep going so those whipper-snappers wouldn't lap me again.

Catching my breath

A feature I really like at the Stairs is on your way up, there is a marker every 50 steps to let you know how you're doing and how many steps you have left to go. It broke up the climb a little which helps mentally. My plan was to just go down and back up once. That way I could say I did it. I noticed some people start at the bottom and go up and then back down... but the parking lot at the bottom is much further away for cars than the parking lot at the top. You're getting a workout anyway, so why not park closer, right?

The 250 marker is pretty cool and decorated because America's 250th birthday is in 2026

There were plenty of people not only walking the stairs, but a few people were jogging and running them. One dude even had a weight vest on with a "cross fit" patch on the front of his vest. I give credit to the guy. Also, there seems to be a lot of support from others on this climb. A few people said "good job!" to me as I climbed up. Maybe I just looked like someone who needed encouragement, but it was cool to hear and I gave it back to others.

There are plenty of handrails if you need them

My buddy Marc Weaver, who lives in St. George, heard I wanted to do this and decided to fly his drone to get video of me. I tried to get Marc to do the walk with me, but he said he would find more joy in getting video of me suffering. He got a shot of me taking a break in the video below.

Some drone video of The Stairs at Tech Ridge. You can see me suffering in the video :)

I wasn't there at night, but I have seen plenty of pictures of the Stairs at night. There are a lot of lights to keep it lit and the warm glow I have seen in pictures looks pretty awesome. It's also cooler at night to do this hike in the hotter summer St. George weather.

The trail sign at the top. The same sign is also at the bottom

So, is it a hike? Maybe. It's scenic, marked, there are other people on it, and it gives you a sense of accomplishment when you do it. Just like a trail does. It's one of several hikes in St. George to be proud of after you finish it. So, whether you do one lap or a dozen laps, just know you earned it and maybe laugh at yourself as your calves start sending SOS signals.

Victory!

LOCATION: Google Maps link

TRAIL NOTES:

Feature	Details
Steps	333 concrete steps, continuous incline
Elevation Gain	About 171 ft
Top-end trail	Connects to Temple Quarry and future Tech Ridge trail system
Difficulty	Strenuous one time; elite-level if you do reps or multiple laps
Parking	Lots at bottom and top
Best time	Early morning or after dark (comfortable temps + nice lighting)
Bring	Water, towel, pride

Only 332 more steps to go after this one

The parking lot at the top

This is the view from the upper parking lot. The Stairs are to the left of those benches

My buddy Marc Weaver operating his drone and laughing at me after I was done

Sign at the top to let you know where the parking is

The halfway bench with shade

You can do it!