Dixie National Forest

Stretching 170 miles across southern Utah, Dixie National Forest spans nearly 1.9 million acres of dramatic landscape—making it the largest national forest in the state. Established in 1905, this vast wilderness straddles the divide between the Great Basin and the Colorado River, creating remarkable ecological diversity with elevations ranging from 2,800 feet near St. George to alpine peaks exceeding 11,000 feet.

The forest’s terrain encompasses red rock canyons, dense pine and aspen groves, and high-country meadows scattered across portions of six Utah counties, with over half the acreage concentrated in Garfield County. Visitors find exceptional hiking through geological formations that rival neighboring Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks—without the crowds.

Anglers can cast lines in mountain streams and reservoirs stocked with trout, while eighteen developed campgrounds provide base camps throughout the forest. Cedar Canyon Campground offers easy access from Cedar City, the nearest major town. Barker Recreation Area, Te-Ah, White Bridge, and Kings Creek campgrounds each provide distinct settings, from forested retreats to lakeside sites.

Summer and early fall bring ideal conditions for hiking and camping, with wildflowers peaking in July at higher elevations. Winter transforms the landscape for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Cedar City, located along Interstate 15, serves as the primary gateway. From there, scenic byways wind through the forest, including portions of Highway 14 and the Boulder Mountain section of Highway 12—consistently ranked among America’s most beautiful drives.