Dixie National Forest
Dixie National Forest
4.7
About
A two-million acre national forest replete with natural wonders, "The Dixie" has deep canyons, fascinating rock formations, mountains, lakes and towering ponderosa pines. Visitors can hike, fish, camp or simply immerse themselves in the natural beauty.
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4.7
389 reviews
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rdsm77
Tucson, AZ392 contributions
Oct 2022
I only was in the part of the forest that was on Highway 14 going from Cedar City to Hwy 89, but it was one of the prettiest parts of my trip. Lots of fall colors. But since it was late in the season the campgrounds were closed. Did not see any opportunities for hiking in this part of the forest.
Written December 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ron H
Palm Bay, FL37 contributions
Nov 2019
A visit anytime of the year is beautiful, whether there is snow blanketing the trees and floor, Aspen trees turning fall colors, or beautiful green in spring or summer. Nearly anywhere east of Cedar City is higher elevation so if you’re out of shape or require oxygen keep this in mind. Wildlife can be seen everywhere and the occasional Elk and rare bear. Winter sports, summer camping and walking anytime is available, and when the highway is open to Cedar Breaks, definitely go there beauty is everywhere and you will not be disappointed. On top is Navajo Lake, Duck Creek, Mamoth caves and many more sites, and look hard for signs to Cascade Falls when weather permits, it’s a short walk that will blow your mind with beauty, wildlife, and colors.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul S
Marion1,509 contributions
Nov 2019
Dixie national forest is two million acres of public land with very few ot the public. It runs roughly parallel to scenic byway 12 from Cedar Breaks National Monument to Bryce Canyon and then splits Boulder Mountain with Fishlake National Forest on the way to the western boundary of Capitol Reef National Park. Several parcels of the Dixie, notably Red Canyon and its tunnels and trails, rival or even surpass the sights included in the parks and monuments. The east Fork of the Sevier River Scenic Backway is also in this area and you may not see another vehicle on the road compared to bumper to bumper tourists on 12. The 17 mile unpaved road passes Tropic Reservoir and ends at Podunk. No., I'm not makiing that up. Another lesser traveled and highly scenic area of the Dixie is the Pine Creek/Hells Backbone loop, which connected Escalante and Boulder in 1933, before hwy 12 was opened. It is now a 40 mile Scenic Backway drive and at one point crosses high above Sand Creek on the fragile looking Hells backbone bridge. with views of the Box-Death Hollow Wilderness. What a name! There are many other spectacular sights to see as well in Utah's largest national forest.
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cathy S
Reno, NV123 contributions
Sep 2021
I didn't look hard enough to see if there was a listing for the campground but it is in the Dixie National Forest. Very nice campground. Nice to have bathrooms with flush toilet and basic sinks. Not much different than many larger campgrounds. Sites vary as to how close you are to other sites or how much privacy. I stayed in a tent camping loop. That suited my needs well and it was nice to be away from my RVs.
One thing that did surprise me was how noticeable the highway noise was. I was pretty far back from the road but it as very easy to hear. Not to the point of keeping me awake but not as peaceful as other places I have stayed. I guess noise just carries vey well in the canyon. Nothing the campground can do about that - just be aware if that is a consideration for you.
One thing that did surprise me was how noticeable the highway noise was. I was pretty far back from the road but it as very easy to hear. Not to the point of keeping me awake but not as peaceful as other places I have stayed. I guess noise just carries vey well in the canyon. Nothing the campground can do about that - just be aware if that is a consideration for you.
Written September 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ReadRibbet
1,658 contributions
Jun 2021
We explored the Dixie National Forest driving on Scenic Byway 12 from Panguitch to the entrance of Bryce Canyon National Park. It is a gorgeous drive with amazing rock formations. There are a number of parking or pull off areas so that you can photograph the beauty of the area. If you have more time, you can access a number of trails from this byway. There was a visitor center and restrooms along the route. It was a perfect way to get a taste of what to expect at Bryce without negotiating huge crowds. You can drive the route without any fees. You can access some convenience stores, restaurants and gas stations along the way.
Written July 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
duck8to
Montville, NJ6,780 contributions
Aug 2020
Southern Utah is spectacular and Dixie National Forest is certainly part of that beauty. Highways 89 & 12 are two of the scenic routes you can choose to experience Southern Utah and Dixie National Forest.
Dixie National Forest runs 170 miles across southern Utah and covers 2 million acres. Elevations range from 2.800 feet above sea level in the St. George area to 11,322 feet at Boulder National Park. With this range of elevations comes great geographic diversity. You will pass through Alpine forests with Aspens, spruce and fir, semi=desert plateaus, lake areas with 1,000's of small lakes and meadows. Climate extremes from 100 degrees F. in the St. George area to =30 degrees F at Brian Head Peak. Rainfalls can be intense especially in July and August.
In your travels through Dixie National Forest where wildlife abounds with pronghorn sheep,golden eagles, wild turkeys and antelope, you might experience a sighting of the Utah prairie dog or mule deer, as well.
If you want to get off of Highways 89 & 12 there are sights to see. Cascade Falls, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Escalante, Hell-s Backbone Bridge and Box Death Hollow.
Because of this great diversity, Dixie National Forest offers camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, snowmobiling and skiing.
Dixie National Forest runs 170 miles across southern Utah and covers 2 million acres. Elevations range from 2.800 feet above sea level in the St. George area to 11,322 feet at Boulder National Park. With this range of elevations comes great geographic diversity. You will pass through Alpine forests with Aspens, spruce and fir, semi=desert plateaus, lake areas with 1,000's of small lakes and meadows. Climate extremes from 100 degrees F. in the St. George area to =30 degrees F at Brian Head Peak. Rainfalls can be intense especially in July and August.
In your travels through Dixie National Forest where wildlife abounds with pronghorn sheep,golden eagles, wild turkeys and antelope, you might experience a sighting of the Utah prairie dog or mule deer, as well.
If you want to get off of Highways 89 & 12 there are sights to see. Cascade Falls, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Escalante, Hell-s Backbone Bridge and Box Death Hollow.
Because of this great diversity, Dixie National Forest offers camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, snowmobiling and skiing.
Written August 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rochelle F
Randolph, NJ1,287 contributions
Nov 2020
Driving from Zion to Bryce, we took scenic route 12 and came upon the Red Canyons in Dixie National Forest. The views were magnificent and the scenery breathtaking. We stopped to gaze and there is a structure as you go thru for a great photo op. Amazing and well worth seeing.
Written February 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Connie E
Bartow, FL111 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
We drove through the Dixie National on our way from Torrey, UT to the Petrified Forest . This is such a beautiful drive! We saw deer and turkey and lots of quaking aspen trees. Many pull outs that had breath taking views. The Dixie National forest is awe inspiring!
Written September 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephane
Kourou, French Guiana32 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
The first fruits of the colors of Bryce Canyon while offering a huge forest, the park is quieter and more relaxing than its illustrious neighbor. It felt good on the road between Vegas and Bryce. Special mention for the sympathy of the visitor center staff, and the Smokey statue!
Automatically translated
Written February 3, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denise B
32 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Dixie Natl Forest, Singletree Campground. Campground hostess, SANDY was awesome!! Took us up the road to Rosebud Campground, it was worth the drive! Great camping experience!! SANDY said it was her favorite spot #3, now we know why!!!
Written October 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We will be in the area, towing a camper. We are flatlanders (Texas) going from Panguitch to Cedar City, and I wondered if we should skip 143 in favor of taking 89 down to 14.
Written July 9, 2018
Hwy 143, like the other poster said, is more scenic than 89, it will take longer though. But the most scenic part of this route is 148 that goes through Cedar Breaks and joins hwy 14. Hwy 14 is very beautiful, and you will miss part of it taking 143.
Another option is to take 89 to 14 and then take a diversion by taking 148 to Cedar Breaks - it is only a few miles out of the way, and then returning to hwy 14 and continue your trip.
That way you will see all of the best places to see here. Be sure to stop at Cedar Breaks and walk out to the point. It is like a miniature Bryce Canyon without all the crowds.
Written July 9, 2018
From the National Forest Service website:
"In 1851 Brigham Young sent Mormon Settlers to the St George area. Many of these settlers were from the deep south (southeastern United States). Since the St. George area was warm like the deep south, they started calling it Utah's "Dixie". The name stuck because of the heat and all the southerners that settled there to grow cotton for the Mormon church.
In 1903 the National Forest was set up in the southwestern Utah area, which at that time took in all of Pine Valley Mountains, Mt Charleston and the Sheep Creek range (Near Las Vegas, NV) and the Mt Logan, Mt Dellenbaugh and Mt Trumball areas of the Arizona Strip. Congress gave it the name Dixie National Forest. It was felt that the name was appropriate because the headquarters were in St. George right in the middle of "Dixie". In the late 1930's when the Powell, Sevier, Aquarius and Dixie National Forests were all consolidated into one National Forest, Congress once again gave the name Dixie National Forest to the newly consolidated Forests. It was said that some people, especially those in the Panquitch and Escalante areas, were upset by that name. However, since it takes an act of Congress to make a name change to a National Forest as well as a boundary change, the name remained "Dixie National Forest". "
Written March 15, 2018
I bring my non-service dogs to many of the trails. Never had an issue and sometimes I let them off leash (they are well mannered). There are no postings prohibiting dogs. Areas near Brian Head and Cedar Breaks I am not sure of.
Written June 13, 2016
planning a drive from Bryce to Lasvegas next week.
can I drive thru Dixie national forest on Hwy-14.
Is it safe & what are the road , snow conditions?
or better stick to I15
Written March 15, 2016
Rest of the trip plan
LV to Zion
Zion to page
Page to Bryce
Bryce to Lasvegas
Hwy 14 - drive going to give different experience
can have extra 1-2 hrs on hand if so.
Written March 15, 2016
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