Explore the Forest!
Places to Visit
The Dixie National Forest is a great place for recreating and exploring natural wonders of southern Utah. Visit the Visitor Maps and Guides page for routes across the forest.
Mountain Meadows Monument
Erected in 1999, this monument honors those who died in the Mountain Meadows Massacre of 1857. The site is on the National Historic Register and is identified as a National Historic Landmark. The monument is maintained by the Mountain Meadows Association. A second monument is found on the hill east of the rock monument. This monument was erected in 1990 and is maintained by the State of Utah, Division of Parks & Recreation.
Location:
From St. George, Utah, travel north on State Highway 18 approximately 30 miles. There is a marked turn-off on the west side of the highway. Travel to the left and down the hill on a good gravel road to one monument and right to the top of the hill to the second monument.
From Cedar City, Utah, travel west on State Highway 56 to the Beryl Junction, approximately 35 miles. Turn left onto State Highway 18 and travel south to Enterprise, Utah, approximately 25 miles. Continue south on State Highway 18 another 5 miles, there is a marked turn-off on the west side of the highway. Travel to the left and down the hill on a good gravel road to one monument and right to the top of the hill to the second monument.
Pine Valley Chapel
Located in beautiful Pine Valley, this chapel is the oldest LDS chapel in continuous use. The chapel was built by Ebenezer Bryce, a shipbuilder, and was completed in 1868.
Location:
From St. George travel north on State Highway 18 approximately 25 miles to Central, Utah. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 035 and continue until you reach the little town of Pine Valley. The Chapel is located on the corner of Forest Service Road 035 and Forest Service Road 011.
Red Canyon Visitor Center
The Red Canyon Visitor Center is located just off Highway 12 enroute to Bryce Canyon National Park amid the spectacular red sandstone spires and formations. This area has been called the "most photographed place in Utah". It is easy to see why, with the brilliant red soil contrasted with the green pines. Offered for sale are a variety of gifts, souvenirs, maps, books, tapes, and Smokey Bear collectables. Other offerings include brochures, and trail information. The Red Canyon Trail System is widely known and very popular. Nearby trails include Pink Ledges, Hoodoo, Birdseye and Golden wall. For mountain bike riding there is Thunder Mountain and Red Canyon Bicycle trail that is also used for road bikes. There are miles of ATV trails as well as paved bicycle trails. There are many trails open to foot traffic, as well as bicycle, horse and ATV. Stop by the Visitor Center to pick up a map and guidelines as to the type of traffic each trail allows. Seasonal displays show the area's flowers, birds, trees and geology. There are permanent displays of area features as well. There are nature hikes, star viewing, and photography opportunities.
Red Canyon Campground
The Red Canyon Campground is situated amid ponderosa pine in Red Canyon along Scenic Byway Utah State Highway 12. It is surrounded by Pink Claron Limestone formations similar to those found in Bryce Canyon National Park.
Cliffrose Trail System
Experience world-class outdoor recreation on the new Cliffrose Trail system. The Cliffrose Trail system was built collaboratively by the Forest Service, Washington County, Utah and the Trial Alliance of Southern Utah. Parking for this trail can be found at the intersection of Forest Road 031 and Forest Road 901 on the Pine Valley Ranger District.
The trail is multi-use, and offers an experience for everyone, including mountain biking, adaptive mountain biking, family friendly recreation, hiking, and trail running. Cliffrose Trail was constructed over multiple years and designed to be sustainable for current and future generations to enjoy. The trail traverses through geologic wonders of Pine Valley, including sections of prehistoric lava field. Elevation ranges approximately 4900 ft. to 6200 ft.
The Pine Valley Ranger District is working with local partners to construct and install a trailhead and parking area. We will update this page with more information once the construction is completed.
Trail User Etiquette:
Cliffrose Trail is open for bicycle and foot traffic only.
Yield to uphill travelers.
Bikers yield to hikers.
Motorized use is prohibited.
Equestrian users are not permitted on Cliffrose Trail system.
Mammoth Cave and Ice Cave
Mammoth Cave, at 8050 feet in elevation, opens to one of the largest lava tubes in Utah, with over 2200 feet of passages. Formed by cooling lava and flowing water, Mammoth Cave is part of the Markagunt Plateau. Geologists believe that some of this lava is only several thousand years old – relatively young in geologic terms! During summer months, the cave is a popular nightly resting spot for several bat species, and is frequented by other small birds and mammals.
The cave looks like a big hole in the ground at first glance and is fun to explore. Take a good light for every person. The cave is pitch dark after the first turn. The exit is a small tube that allows only enough room to slide through on your belly. If you are large or claustrophobic turn around and go back the way you came. Water seepage at the end of the cave makes the rocks slippery. Wear appropriate hiking shoes into the cave.
Ice Cave is much smaller than Mammoth Cave, with only one chamber. It contains year round icicles.
Location:
To get to Mammoth Cave from Duck Creek, head east on Hwy 14 and Turn left on Mammoth Highway (050). Turn right onto FS Road 064, then left on FS Road 675, then right on FS Road 950. There are signs directing to the cave from Mammoth Hwy.
To get to Ice Cave, head east on State Road 14 from Cedar City, turn right at the Duck Creek Visitor Center. Drive past the visitor center and follow the signs to Ice Cave.
Duck Creek Visitor Center
The Duck Creek Visitor Center (elev. 8600 ft.) is nestled in a beautiful grove of Spruce and Aspen trees. The visitor center is staffed by friendly volunteers eager to share their years of local experience. Information is available on hiking, biking, fishing, camping, off highway vehicles, and many other area attractions. Many interpretive items are available such as maps, post cards, nature books, clothing and Smoky Bear memorabilia.
Duck Creek Campground
Duck Creek Campground lies adjacent to Duck Creek Pond and Duck Creek, both excellent fishing waters. This picturesque spot rests beneath a sheltering canopy of ponderosa pine and aspen; it provides easy access to several recreational activities and breathtaking scenery.
All campsites located in Loops B-E are anticipated to be closed through late summer 2025 due to construction. Your patience is appreciated while the area receives updates.
Navajo Lake
Picturesque Navajo Lake, located on the Cedar City Ranger District, came into being when a lava flow dammed the eastern end of the valley. Boating, swimming and fishing are popular activities at Navajo Lake.
Navajo Lake Campground
Navajo Lake Campground, located on the shores of Navajo Lake, provides a spectacular setting for boating, camping, fishing, hiking, and photography. Commercial boat rental and launching are available, as are lodging and groceries at nearby Navajo Lake Lodge. The Virgin River Rim Trail is accessible from the campground; it offers panoramic views of Zion National Park, the Kolob Plateau, and the Pine Valley Mountains.
Scenic Byways
Highway 12 is one of the most scenic highways in America, receiving the designation of 'All American Road' in 2002. While traveling on this route you will pass through Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Escalante Petrified Forest, and Anasazi State Park.
This byway winds it way through many red rock canyons near Cedar City. From the plateau you can see Zion National Park and from Strawberry Point you can see the Kaibab Plateau of Arizona and the rim of the Grand Canyon. Near to this area is the Cedar Breaks National Monument.