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Dixie National Forest - Cedar Mountain
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Cedar
Mountain Hiking
The Bristlecone Pine Trail is a gentle stroll through a forest of wildflowers to a scenic view point of Zion National Park. The trail is located along Highway 14, just west of the turn-off to Highway 148 to Cedar Breaks National Monument. The forest path takes you to a spectacle of healthy looking Bristlecone Pine Trees before looping back to your vehicle. The Bristlecone Pine have the notoriety of being the worlds oldest living thing. Some Bristlecone Pines have been known to have lived up to 5,000 years old! The tree is multi-trunked and stands more upright when young. As the tree ages, and the elements affect it they become gnarled and twisted. The branch of the bristlecone is elongated and due to the blunt ends, it is soft to the touch.
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| Cascade Falls
This is a gorgeous half-mile trail with few elevation changes overlooking the southern edge of the Markagunt Plateau. The trail ends at a rocky ledge where water cascades down from a limestone cave to the stream below. Cascade Falls flows to the North Fork of the Virgin River and Zion Canyon.
Virgin River Rim Trail
The trail is open to mountain bikes and hikers. If hiking, it's easier if you can arrange a pickup at one of the mid-points or the end-point.
This long bike trail is broken
down into three shorter hiking trails .
1. Cascade Falls Trailhead to Strawberry Ridge
2. Cascade Falls Trailhead to Te-ah Trailhead
3. Te-ah Trailhead to Webster Flat Road
Cedar Breaks Bottoms
This is a seldom visited route that goes through the forest before breaking out into the bottom of Cedar Breaks.
Ashdown Gorge Route
This spectacular route explores the forest through the Bristlecone Trees before it heads to the gorge. Just the first part of the trail can be explored if desired before turning around or do the one-way hike through Ashdown Gorge which is outstanding.
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Caves to Explore
Mammoth Cave is a dusty little hole in the ground at first glace, but once you get inside it becomes a fun adventure. It's pitch dark past the entrance so bring good flashlights for everyone. Wearing closed toed shoes is important. Turn off Highway 14 to Mammoth Creek Road. Drive for 5 miles and then turn at the dirt road marked by the Mammoth Cave sign.
Ice Cave is close to the Dixie National Forest Visitor Center. Lava rock insulates the cave throughout the hot months of the year keeping it chilly inside. Turn at the visitor center, located near Navajo Lake, and follow the wooden forest service signs to the cave.
Detailed Hiking Guide |
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Cedar Mountain Vacation: Canyon Country
Cedar Mountain and Cedar Breaks are just a short drive from the East side of Zion and are a great addition to your vacation plans. |
 Nature Notes
Strawberry Point is one of the first turnoffs after turning off Highway 89, on to Highway 14. Look for the sign located near mile post 32. The gravel road leading to the point is another 9 miles. Drive out to this scenic view point to see over a hundred-miles of forested land and red rock formations of Zion National Park, the Arizona Strip and the Markagunt Plateau.
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