The Dixie National Forest is the largest national
forest in Utah, occupying almost two million acres, and stretches
for about 170 miles east to west, straddling the divide between
the Great Basin and the Colorado River. The forest is comprised
of a number of diverse ecosystems. Forest elevations range from
853 to 3,450 meters above sea level, with annual precipitation ranging
from 10 to 40 inches, and temperatures ranging from -30 to over
100 degrees Fahrenheit. The vegetation on the Dixie National Forest
grades from sagebrush (Artemesia tridentada) and rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus
nauseosus) at lower elevations; to low-growing pinyon pine (Pinus
edulis) and juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) at mid-elevations; to
aspen (Populus tremuloides), ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), bristlcone
pine (Pinus longaeva), Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmanni), and
subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) at high elevations. The variety
of environmental settings provides a wide range of recreation activities
on the forest.
Recreation activities on the Dixie National Forest range from hiking
alpine mountains and slot canyons to mountain biking slickrock and
singletrack trails, to riding all terrain vehicles along the Great
Western Trial. The Dixie National Forest receives recreation use
by visitors of the three surrounding national parks and one national
monument: Zion, Bryce, and Capitol Reef National Parks, and Grand
Staircase Escalante National Monument.
The forest is divided up into four ranger districts: The Pine Valley
Ranger District, The Cedar City Ranger District, The Powell Ranger
District, and The Escalante Ranger District. Each of these districts
provides their own unique hiking opportunities.
Please remember to practice Leave No Trace trail ethics and to
be prepared for your outdoor experience.
During the summer months high intensity thunderstorms can produce
flash flooding. When this occurs, stay out of washes and canyon
bottoms.
Hiking Suggestions
Wear sturdy boots or shoes and wear a hat
Carry water
Stay on the trails
Take your time. The elevation is above 7,000 feet (2,130 meters).
Never throw rocks. There are trails and hikers below you.
For first aid, contact any ranger or go to the Visitor's Center.
Dixie National Forest Map - Click on the area of the map you are interested in to see information about trails.
ROAR - The center for Responsible Outdoor Activities and Recreation. Our mission is to maintain access to public and private lands for recreation through responsible use of the land and other natural resources.
American Hiking Organization - This site has many links of interest to hikers, including National Trails Day events.
Enjoy an active summer in our nation’s beautiful parks and trails. Being active outdoors is beneficial for your physical and mental health. The Center for Disease Control is promoting a Trails for Health feature on their website that contains tips and links to help you enjoy the outdoors and improve your health.
Dixie Interactive Travel Maps - This is a web site that has an interactive travel map. You can zoom in on specific areas and view trail maps for specific activities.