Dixie National Forest
Be ready to pull your camera out for images of the rugged, rainbow-hued landscape that is the heart and soul of the largest national forest in all of Utah. Imagine hiking and viewing astounding scenery while surrounded by profound quiet. Plan on riding horseback or ATV, snowmobiling, hunting, canoeing or swimming. Pack a picnic and go fishing in lovely little lakes and streams. Dixie National Forest provides glorious alpine mountain bike riding amidst aspen trees and mounds of lava rock. Wildlife, including deer, elk, mountain lion, and numerous bird species, thrive here. Hawks and eagles soar overhead, while antelope cautiously wander the meadows.
Gorgeous Cedar Mountain is the crown jewel of the Dixie National Forest – a fascinating place for outdoor exploration. Cedar Breaks National Monument at the 10,000-foot summit of Dixie National Forest is like a miniature Bryce Canyon, complete with colorful hoodoos. The gnarly Bristlecone Pine trees at this high elevation are among the world’s oldest living thing; some have lived up to 5,000 years! The wildflower shows in the high meadows are simply amazing. Navajo Lake is a natural reservoir for winter runoff. From the lake, water has percolated through the lava floor creating a natural tunnel that eventually flows out as the spectacular Cascade Falls – a fantastic “must-do” hike.
You will be astounded by groves of aspen trees that have won a battle against the mounds of lava rock dominating Cedar Mountain; the fluttering delicate green leaves of aspen “quakies” contrast against the white trunks. In fall, the forest flickers with the changing color of the leaves – shimmering reds, golds, and yellows demand attention. Traveling Highway 14 in the fall is breathtaking.
This is a place that inspires!
Bucket List
Hike or mountain bike the famous Virgin River Rim Trail. This challenging 32 mile trail winds through some of the most spectacular scenery in Southern Utah. Descend through verdant high altitude forests and stunning pink cliffs overlooking Zion National Park.
Local Favorite
Witness Strawberry Point Overlook at sundown. Described as being “the most beautiful place on the planet to be – there is nothing more majestic.”
Great Hikes & Biking
EASY TO MODERATE: Don’t miss Navajo Lake and the Navajo Lake Loop Trail. In summer and fall, this alpine jewel has cool temperatures, splendid scenery and tons of recreational opportunities. Backcountry trails, rustic lodges, watercraft and the Cascade Falls Trail nearby make this location a treasure.
The Dixie National Forest consists of four sections of forest in southwestern Utah. Two of these section are part of the Grand Canyons region near Bryce Canyon National Park and Cedar Breaks National Monument. In its entirety the Dixie National Forest encompasses almost two million acres and is the largest national forest in Utah.
Sections of the forest range in altitude (from 4,000 feet to over 11,322 ft.) and this plays a large role in the diverse terrain of this unique area. Foliage In the lower altitudes consists of desert-loving plants and sagebrush. The mid-range altitude is the home of pinyon pine and juniper trees. In the highest elevations pine, aspen and spruce trees comprise the landscape.
The Dixie National Forest offer great hiking trails that include terrain in slot canyons and high alpine areas. Anazasi ruins, caves and lava fields are some of the more unusual sights to see in this forest region which is an excellent place for camping, mountain biking, horseback riding and photography.
