About the Area
The Dixie National Forest occupies almost two million acres and stretches about 170 miles across southern Utah. The Forest straddles the divide between the Great Basin and the Colorado River. Elevations vary between 2,800 feet near St. George to 11,322 feet at Blue Bell Knoll on Boulder Mountain. Comprising the southern rim of the Great Basin above the Colorado River, the Dixie is loved for its spectacular scenery, from high mountain meadows and lakes to multicolored cliffs and steep-walled gorges. Vegetation on the Dixie changes from sparse, desert plants at the lower elevations to stands of low-growing pinion pine and juniper dominating the mid-elevations. At higher elevations, aspen and conifers such as pine, spruce and fir predominate.
The headquarters of the Dixie National Forest is the Supervisor's Office in Cedar City. The Forest has four Ranger Districts; they are located in St. George, Cedar City, Panguitch, and Escalante. The Dixie employs about 125 permanent employees and between 100 and 150 seasonal employees.
Camping facilities are available across the Forest, and in multiple National Parks and National Monuments adjacent to the Forest. The scenic beauty for which the national parks were established prevails over much of the Dixie. The Dixie has four designated wilderness areas.
Zion National Park - Utah's First National Park
Follow the paths where native people and pioneers walked. Gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky. Experience wilderness in a narrow slot canyon. Zion’s unique array of plants and animals will enchant you as you absorb the rich history of the past and enjoy the excitement of present day adventures. - Website
Bryce Canyon National Park - Red Rocks, Pink Cliffs, and Endless Vistas
Hoodoos (irregular columns of rock) exist on every continent, but here is the largest concentration found anywhere on Earth. Situated along a high plateau at the top of the Grand Staircase, the park's high elevations include numerous life communities, fantastic dark skies, and geological wonders that defy description. - Website
Cedar Breaks National Monument - Geology, Wildflowers and Night Skies at 10,000 Feet
Crowning the grand staircase, Cedar Breaks sits at over 10,000 feet and looks down into a half-mile deep geologic amphitheater. Come wander among timeless bristlecone pines, stand in lush meadows of wildflower, ponder crystal-clear night skies and experience the richness of our subalpine forest. - Website
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
Camp along the shores of Wide Hollow Reservoir, or rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard on its clear waters. Hike along park nature trails through a petrified forest, but remember to take only photographs. Some say the petrified wood is haunted and removing a piece brings the taker nothing but bad luck. - Website
Kodachrome Basin State Park
67 monolithic stone spires, called sedimentary pipes, accentuate multi-hued sandstone layers that reveal 180 million years of geologic time. The color and beauty found here prompted a National Geographic Society expedition to name the area Kodachrome, after the popular color film, in 1948. - Website
Frontier Homestead State Park Museum
Frontier Homestead State Park Museum tells the story of development in Iron County when in the 1850’s, Brigham Young sent Mormon missionaries here to mine and process iron. Museum displays include horse-drawn vehicles used from 1850 to 1920 and a collection of pioneer artifacts. An iron industry exhibit features the only known remaining artifact from the original foundry – the town bell.- Website
Gunlock State Park
Boat, fish, and swim on the tranquil waters at Gunlock Reservoir, or enjoy an afternoon picnic on the beach. Warm waters during summer and a mild winter climate make the park a year-round destination. Located on Gunlock Road 15 miles northwest of St. George in scenic red rock country, lies Gunlock Reservoir where boating, water sports and quality fishing for bass and catfish attract visitors. A mild winter climate makes Gunlock State Park a year-round destination. - Website