Cascade Falls
The Cascade Falls trail is a half-mile hike, with few elevation changes, overlooking the southern edge of the Markagunt Plateau. The trail ends at a rocky ledge with water tumbling down from a limestone hole. Cascade Falls is the North Fork of the Virgin River.
Virgin River Rim Trail
This forested path has a few surprises along the way. Peer down into the Cats Den, and wonderful ampitheater of hoodoos, fins and windows. Hike among the oldest living things on earth, the Bristlecone Pine and delight in the assortment of wildflowers.
Bristlecone Pine Trail
This is an easy .77 mile hike to a view of Zion National Park in the distance. The trail ends in a grove of magnificent bristlecone pines. Look for the trailhead immediately west of the turn-off to Cedar Breaks. An interesting tidbit is that the bristlecone pines are the oldest living things on earth.
Hike the whole ten miles or just take the family a couple of miles along the trail to explore the various trees, including the Bristlecone Pine trees and the wonderful views of Ceadar Breaks from along the trail.
Navajo Lake Loop Trail - Walk or bike this picturesque loop trail. Bike rentals are available at Navajo Lake.
Zion Overlook - This is not a hike, but an inspiring scenic overlook. Zion National Park looms in the distance. The West Temple to the left, the Kolob Plateau straight ahead and the Pine Valley Mountains to the right. In the forefront from left to right is; Causeral Point, Fife Gulch, O'Neil Gulch and the Black Mountains. The two bodies of water in the forefront are Deep Creek to the left and Aspen Lake to the right.
Strawberry Point - Drive out to this scenic view point for spectacular views of forested land and red rock formations.
Ice Cave - This cave is much smaller than Mammoth Cave. In fact there is only one chamber, but there are year-round icicles. Find the Duck Creek Visitor Center by turning at the Navajo Lake turn-off and then drive past the visitor center and follow the signs to Ice Cave.
Utah's Dixie National Forest: Cedar Mountain
Cedar Breaks National Monument is surrounded by Utah's Dixie National Forest. From Mt. Carmel Junction, drive north on US-89 to the junction with U-14. SR-14 is known as Cedar Mountain which is the scenic byway to travel to Cedar Breaks. Once on Cedar Mountain, travel through the beautiful forest, and then turn at the signed highway to Cedar Breaks - U-148. It's 22 miles from Mt. Carmel Junction to boundary of Dixie National Forest and 45 miles to Cedar Breaks.
Utah's Dixie National Forest: Red Canyon Red Canyon is a unique part of Dixie National Forest that is not only traveled through on the way to Bryce Canyon, but it has eroded hoodoos like Bryce Canyon and Cedar Breaks. It is found along U-12
A view from the Virgin River Rim Trail on Cedar Mountain.
Lodging and services are available on the gorgeous east side of Zion National Park, where guests are close to Zion National Park (12 miles), Bryce Canyon National Park (60 miles), Cedar Breaks National Monument (45 miles), Coral Pink Sand Dunes (12 miles), and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon (85 miles). It's where city traffic is absent and the skies are bright and clean.
Mammoth Cave - Mammoth Cave was created by lava flow millenniums ago and left long tubes as it cooled. The cave looks like a big hole in the ground at first glance, but its fun to explore. Take a good light for every person going. The cave is pitch dark after the first turn. The exit is a small tube that allows only enough room to get on your belly and slide through. If you are large or claustrophobic turn around and go back the way you entered. Caution: water seepage at the end of the cave makes the rocks slippery. Wear appropriate hiking shoes into the cave.
Mileage from
Mt. Carmel Jct.
Zion National Park 12
Bryce Canyon 60
Grand Canyon 85
Cedar Breaks 45
Grand Staircase 9
Dixie Forest 22
Sand Dunes 11
Coyote Butte 57
Red Canyon 47
Tuweep 90
Stay in the heart of the parks, Mount Carmel Junction, and visit the treasures of the Southwest and Utah.
This is my new favorite quote:
"I don't know who Mary Cisneros is, but I mean zionnational-park.com
It's a better site than the NPS's anyway."
Written by the authors of the book: Favorite Hikes in and around Zion National Park
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