Dixie National Forest

Straddling the high plateaus of southern Utah, Dixie National Forest is a sprawling, rugged playground of red-rock canyons, alpine lakes, and ancient bristlecone pines. This is Utah in its rawest form — a place where you can hike through meadows bursting with wildflowers, fish in crystalline streams, and stand on the edge of cliffs that drop into the abyss. The forest spans nearly two million acres, encompassing everything from the surreal hoodoos of Red Canyon to the cool, forested slopes of Boulder Mountain. It’s a destination for those who crave solitude, big skies, and the kind of landscapes that make you feel small.

Highlights & What to See

• Red Canyon — A mini Bryce Canyon without the crowds. Hike among fiery-orange hoodoos and through a tunnel of red rock on the scenic drive.
• Boulder Mountain — A massive, forested plateau offering panoramic views from its summit. Perfect for hiking, wildlife spotting, and escaping the heat.
• Cedar Breaks National Monument — A natural amphitheater of colorful limestone cliffs and bristlecone pines, often called “the other Bryce.” The drive alone is stunning.
• Pine Valley Mountains — A hidden gem for hikers, with trails leading through ponderosa pines and up to panoramic viewpoints.
• Scenic Byway 12 — One of America’s most beautiful roads, slicing through the forest and connecting Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon. Stop at overlooks for jaw-dropping vistas.

Suggested Time to Spend

Give yourself at least two full days to explore Dixie National Forest. Spend the first day driving Scenic Byway 12, stopping at Red Canyon and Cedar Breaks. On the second day, hike Boulder Mountain or explore the Pine Valley Mountains. If you’re short on time, a single day on the byway still delivers a memorable taste, but you’ll leave wanting more. The forest is best visited from late spring to early fall, when roads and trails are clear.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Bryce Canyon National Park — Just east of the forest, with its iconic hoodoo amphitheaters and otherworldly landscapes.
• Capitol Reef National Park — A less-crowded park with dramatic canyons, petroglyphs, and fruit orchards, a short drive along Byway 12.
• Zion National Park — A couple of hours southwest, offering towering sandstone cliffs and the famous Narrows hike.
• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument — A vast, rugged expanse of canyons and slot canyons, perfect for adventurous hikers and photographers.
• St. George — A gateway town with red-rock parks, golf courses, and a historic downtown, ideal for stocking up on supplies.

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