Whistling Pines and Crimson Spires
Where the High Desert Meets the Alpine CloudsA two-million-acre mosaic of red rock and emerald forest. Spanning across Southern Utah, the Dixie National Forest is a landscape of extremes, where you can stand atop a 10,000-foot volcanic plateau and look down into the fiery depths of orange hoodoos.
A two-million-acre mosaic of red rock and emerald forest.
Visit Dixie National Forest
Spanning nearly two million acres across Southern Utah, the Dixie National Forest is a landscape of impossible contrasts. It is one of the few places on earth where you can standing among sub-alpine firs at 10,000 feet while looking down onto the fiery orange hoodoos and desert canyons of the Colorado Plateau.
This massive forest acts as a natural bridge between Utah’s "Mighty 5" National Parks, offering a cooler, quieter escape from the desert heat. Whether you’re navigating the volcanic fields of the Markagunt Plateau or exploring the limestone cathedrals of Red Canyon, the Dixie provides an expansive playground for those who prefer their wilderness with a bit more breathing room.
The Crown of the Color Country
Explore the rugged backbone and hidden lakes of Utah’s largest national forest.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet mountain lake or a high-adrenaline mountain bike trail, the Dixie delivers.
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Scenic Drives: Experience Byway 12 through Red Canyon or take the Patchwork Parkway (Hwy 143) for stunning high-altitude views.
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Hiking: Trails range from the easy, family-friendly Bristlecone Pine Loop (viewing 2,000-year-old trees) to the challenging Thunder Mountain trail for bikers and hikers.
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Water Sports: Navajo Lake and Panguitch Lake are the forest's crown jewels for boating, paddleboarding, and trophy trout fishing.
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Winter Recreation: When the snow falls, Brian Head Resort and the surrounding forest turn into a playground for skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.
Logistics
Know Before
You Go
The Dixie National Forest is a year-round destination, though your experience will shift dramatically with the seasons. While the lower red rock areas like Red Canyon are accessible in winter, high-elevation roads like Hell’s Backbone and the road to Navajo Lake often close due to heavy snow from November through May.
Fees
There is no general entrance fee for the National Forest. However, some developed day-use areas (like Red Canyon) and all campgrounds require a fee, typically ranging from $15 to $30 per night.
Weather
Expect a "choose your own adventure" climate. Summer temperatures in the lower canyons can hit 90°F, while the alpine plateaus stay a crisp 70°F. In winter, be prepared for sub-zero temperatures and deep snow at higher elevations.
Quick Reference Guide
Essential Planning Tools
Planning Your Visit to Dixie National Forest
Because the forest spans elevations from 4,000 to 11,000 feet, the "best" time depends on your activity.
Visit Red Canyon in the spring and fall for hiking. For high-alpine escapes like Boulder Mountain or Navajo Lake, July through September offers the best weather, as snow often lingers on high-altitude roads until June.
Once the snow settles, the forest transforms into a premier winter playground. From December through March, the high plateaus offer world-class snowmobiling and cross-country skiing on groomed trails, while Brian Head Resort provides a traditional downhill experience.
Even in the heart of winter, the lower-elevation red rock trails remain a favorite for snowshoeing enthusiasts looking for the striking contrast of white powder against crimson spires.
The Boulder Mountain section of the Dixie National Forest is an equestrian paradise. High-priority trails for riders include the Great Western Trail, which traverses the mountain’s spine, and the Pleasant Creek area, which provides a stunning transition from the high-alpine forest down into the red rock of the Waterpocket Fold.
To see the best of the forest head to Boulder Mountain for high-alpine lakes and the panoramic Bowns Point Overlook. For that iconic red rock scenery, visit Red Canyon (often called "mini Bryce") or drive the legendary Hell’s Backbone Bridge, a narrow ribbon of road spanning a deep gorge with dramatic drops on either side. These spots offer the most striking "red rock meets emerald forest" views in the region.
You do not need a 4x4 to reach the highway trailhead, which is accessible to any car. However, if you wish to shorten the hike by driving the 1-mile dirt spur to the inner boundary, a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. Warning: Do not attempt to drive this dirt road if it is wet or raining; the clay becomes impassable mud.
It is a premier destination! While the world-famous Thunder Mountain is a popular 2-hour day trip west, riders staying in Torrey have incredible access to Boulder Mountain and Thousand Lake Mountain just minutes away. Local favorites like the Velvet Ridge and the Teasdale-Torrey Loop offer a perfect mix of technical red rock and high-alpine forest. For an epic "rim of the world" experience, the Great Western Trail provides rugged riding with spectacular views of the Waterpocket Fold.
You are practically in it! The northern boundary of the Dixie National Forest (Boulder Mountain) is only about 15–20 minutes south of Torrey via Highway 12. This makes it an easy day trip for hikers, riders, and photographers staying in town.
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