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National Park

Dixie National Forest

Millions of acres of red rock canyons, pine forests, and high desert terrain stretching across southern Utah.

(5,420)
Cedar City, UT

About

Dixie National Forest covers nearly two million acres across southern Utah, making it the largest national forest in the state. It spans a dramatic range of terrain, from red rock canyon walls to dense pine and spruce forests at higher elevations. Wildlife is everywhere if you're paying attention: marmots, mule deer, pronghorn, and a serious variety of birds.

The stretch along Scenic Byway 12 is where most visitors get their first look, and it doesn't disappoint. Driving through Red Canyon feels like a preview of what's ahead at Bryce Canyon National Park, minus the crowds. The tunnel arches right over the road. It's one of those moments where you'll want to pull over and just stand there for a minute.

For hikers, the forest has trails ranging from short canyon walks to multi-day backcountry routes. Camping is available throughout, with both developed sites and dispersed options for those who want more solitude. The Red Canyon area has a paved bike path that's genuinely worth your time if you have a few hours to spare.

Dixie National Forest sits along the natural corridor between Cedar City and Bryce Canyon National Park, so you're passing through it whether you plan to or not. The smart move is to plan for it. Budget an extra hour, stop at Red Canyon, and let the scenery do the talking. Winter brings snow-covered pines and a completely different kind of quiet that's worth experiencing on its own terms.

What to See at Dixie National Forest

Dixie National Forest spans nearly two million acres across southern Utah, making the range of terrain here genuinely striking. The landscape shifts from red rock canyon walls and eroded formations at lower elevations to dense pine and spruce forests as the land climbs higher — a contrast that plays out over miles as you move through the region. The forest is also productive wildlife habitat. The combination of canyon terrain, high-country forest, and open high desert makes Dixie National Forest one of the more ecologically varied federal lands in Utah.

Visitor Tips for Dixie National Forest

  • Red Canyon has a paved bike path that follows the canyon terrain — if you have a few hours and a bicycle, it is worth building into the itinerary.
  • Wildlife sightings are more likely in early morning and late evening — slow down and scan open terrain when light is low.
  • Before heading into backcountry or more remote sections of the forest, check current road conditions; dirt access roads can become difficult after rain or snowmelt.
  • If you are traveling between Cedar City and Bryce Canyon, plan for extra time at Red Canyon rather than treating the drive as a straight run — the tunnel arches and trailheads reward an unscheduled stop.

Planning Your Visit to Dixie National Forest

Dixie National Forest is open year-round and sits along the natural travel corridor between Cedar City and Bryce Canyon National Park, putting it directly on the route most visitors are already driving. The Scenic Byway 12 corridor offers the most concentrated access to forest highlights, including Red Canyon, which makes an efficient stop with developed trailheads and parking. Hiking options range from short canyon walks to multi-day backcountry routes, with both developed campgrounds and dispersed camping available for those who want to stay. Summer brings the widest range of trail access, while winter closes some higher-elevation routes and transforms the forest with snow-covered pines — conditions that draw a different kind of visitor looking for quiet and solitude.

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