Dixie National Forest

Dixie National Forest > Recreational Activities > Short Hikes

Short Hikes

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.

Safety

Outdoor Safety

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.

For More Information

Related Links

Leave No Trace

Outdoor Safety

The Ten Essentials: An Annotated List

American Hiking Organization

Maps Available for Purchase from the Dixie National Forest

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.

Click on the images below to see a larger image

Balance Rock

Casto Canyon

Bristlecone Pine

White Rocks Area

Equestrian Trail

Flat Lake

View from Highway 148