You might think that a gorgeous national forest that encompasses two million acres couldn’t be missed, but tourists to Southern Utah pass this gem by all summer long as they scurry from one national park to another. That’s perfectly fine with us – we’ll keep this “hidden in plain sight” destination all to ourselves. After all, there is plenty of recreation to be found here. You’ll enjoy fishing, camping, hiking, OHV riding and even skiing in the Dixie National Forest.
Rob Taylor/flickr
Avoid the tourists at Bryce National Park and visit Red Canyon instead.
WxTraveler/TripAdvisor The canyon features hoodoos, spires and rock formations similar to that of Bryce National Park, but without the crowds. With the gorgeous contrast of red rock against the dark green pines, its easy to see why the Forest Service calls this “the most photographed place in Utah.”
MDEliz/TripAdvisor
MDEliz/TripAdvisor
TraverseLT/TripAdvisor You’ll find several hiking trails here, as well as mountain-biking trails.ATV trails are also popular in Red Canyon. Stop by the Visitor Center to pick up maps and get information.
The landscape of Dixie National Forest is diverse.
Papyrologist/flickr You won’t just find red rock formations here - look at the large expanses of aspen forests!
Some of this land is surprisingly pastoral.
Ken Lund/flickr The Markagunt Plateau is located in the Cedar Mountain District of the forest.
Boulder Mountain is gorgeous dressed in fall colors.
Terry Feuerborn/flickr
The forest is home to many species of animals.
Luca P./TripAdvisor
James Marvin Phelps/flickr
Duck Creek is a popular spot for camping and fishing.
Tofu/flickr At an elevation of 8,507 feet, Duck Creek is located on Cedar Mountain. The little resort village here also offers lodging, dining and shopping.
Navajo Lake is the perfect spot for boating, fishing and stick fetching.
Jen/flickr
Drive along Scenic Hwy 12, which takes you though some of the forest’s most beautiful scenery.
Terry Feuerborn/flickr
For a bit of white-knuckle driving, cross Hell’s Backbone Bridge.
Georgia/flickr Hell’s Backbone Byway stretches for 35 miles between Escalante and Boulder.
Enjoy Brian Head Resort in the summer…
Brian Head Resort/Facebook
…and winter.
Management/TripAdvisor Brian Head Resort is located in the Cedar City Ranger District. It has the highest base elevation in the state, and the driest snow in the country, with just 4 percent moisture content.
We’ve barely scratched the surface of Dixie National Forest’s attractions. What’s your favorite part of the forest?
Rob Taylor/flickr
WxTraveler/TripAdvisor
The canyon features hoodoos, spires and rock formations similar to that of Bryce National Park, but without the crowds. With the gorgeous contrast of red rock against the dark green pines, its easy to see why the Forest Service calls this “the most photographed place in Utah.”
MDEliz/TripAdvisor
TraverseLT/TripAdvisor
You’ll find several hiking trails here, as well as mountain-biking trails.ATV trails are also popular in Red Canyon. Stop by the Visitor Center to pick up maps and get information.
Papyrologist/flickr
You won’t just find red rock formations here - look at the large expanses of aspen forests!
Ken Lund/flickr
The Markagunt Plateau is located in the Cedar Mountain District of the forest.
Terry Feuerborn/flickr
Luca P./TripAdvisor
James Marvin Phelps/flickr
Tofu/flickr
At an elevation of 8,507 feet, Duck Creek is located on Cedar Mountain. The little resort village here also offers lodging, dining and shopping.
Jen/flickr
Georgia/flickr
Hell’s Backbone Byway stretches for 35 miles between Escalante and Boulder.
Brian Head Resort/Facebook
Management/TripAdvisor
Brian Head Resort is located in the Cedar City Ranger District. It has the highest base elevation in the state, and the driest snow in the country, with just 4 percent moisture content.
If you’re looking for another great fall adventure in Utah, take this scenic loop for some gorgeous views!
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