St. George is located in the southwestern part of the state of Utah and is the county seat and commercial center of Utah's ''Dixie,'' a nickname given to the area when Mormon pioneers grew cotton in the warm climate. St. George is the 8th largest city in Utah, but still maintains it's small town feel. St. George is recognized nationally and internationally as a year-round sanctuary for visitors, residents, and businesses. Red bluffs make up the northern part of the city. The northeastern edges of the Mojave Desert are visible to the south, Zion National Park can be seen to the east, and the Pine Valley Mountains loom over the city to the north and northwest. The weather has more in common with the deserts that surround Utah than with the cold northern part of the state, with warm summers and little or no snow during the winter seasons. With a year-round mild climate, the residents of the area can enjoy golf, hiking, biking, and tennis all year. Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon are all within a short drive.