Dixie

i x i e Nat i on a l For e s t VISITOR GUIDE A Contrast in Color, Climate, & Culture Pine Valley Reser voir yon Red Can A place of diversity, the Dixie National Forest straddles the divide between the Great Basin and the Colorado River in southern Utah. Scenery ranges from desert canyon gorges of amber, rose, and sienna to high mountain forests, plateaus, and alpine lakes. Fast Forest Facts Elevation Range: 3,000’–11,000’ Acres: Nearly 2 million The Name: Southwest Utah was called Utah’s Dixie by early settlers from the southern states sent to the desert to grow cotton and silk; the forest was named after the area. Temperature Range: From mountain lows of -30 degrees to valley highs of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. T What’s Inside History .................................. 2 Scenic Byways, Backways, & Drives ............. 3 Special Places ..................... 4 Our Natural Resources ........ 6 Map ....................................... 8 Campgrounds & Guard Station Rentals ....... 10 Trails .................................... 11 Activities .............................. 12 Know Before You Go............ 14 Contact Information ............ 16 he Dixie National Forest is characterized by contrast. As a part of the world-renowned landscapes of Southern Utah, the forest provides a backdrop and serves as a gateway to surrounding National Parks and Monuments. Nationally recognized highways and trails course through the forest and provide ready access to the distinctive natural highlights of the forest landscape. Come see for yourself! Sego Lily This Visitor Guide provides the information you can use to plan your trip to the Dixie National Forest. G et to Know Us inhabited by the Paleo-Indian Culture who hunted woolly mammoths and megafauna. This culture was followed by another hunter-gatherer group known as the Archaic Culture. They also lived seasonally in the high country and followed game to lower elevations in winter. B.C. ca 2,000 ir c , h p a Pictogr ictographs, petroglyphs, P dwellings, and artifacts—all indicate the presence in the area of horticultural cultures. Identified as the Fremont and Anasazi (Ancestral Puebloean), they occupied the Dixie National Forest area from 5001275 AD. They were farmers, planting corn, beans, and squash near water sources. North Creek granary These cultures used the high country for hunting and gathering of rock, medicinal plants, and other resources. Their stone granaries—still visible tucked into the sandstone cliffs—kept their stores safe from animals. By the early 1300s, groups Ute family, circa 1860-1 88 (courtesy of firstpeople.c 0 om) known as the Paiutes and Utes moved here from the west, living much the same as their predecessors. These were the people who were here when the first Europeans explored the area. In 1776, led by Fathers Dominquez and Escalante, a new route was pioneered known as the Old Spanish Trail. By the mid 1800s trappers, traders, gold hunters, slave traders, and immigrants traveled this road regularly. Today it parallels much of Interstate 15. orested lands in F Southern Utah are vital to the surrounding communities. This point was not lost on President Theodore Roosevelt who reserved 20 million acres of the forest during his first term in office and 80 million during his second. While the forest reserves were originally set aside to provide favorable conditions for water flow to the valleys and a continuous supply of timber, additional lands were added to the reserves in response to concerns The conservation mission of the from local communities Forest Service was best stated by about overgrazing and its first Chief, Gifford Pinchot (1905water quality. In the 1930s, 1910): “To provide the greatest good for the greatest number of people for three different reserves the long run.” were combined to form the Dixie National Forest. uring the D Great Depression of the 1930s, the national forest served as a work area for the Civilian CCC building a restroom on Brian Head Conservation Peak, circa 1935 Corps (CCC), providing young men with jobs building roads, guard stations, and recreation sites. There are still several facilities on the forest that show off the craftmanship of “The Boys.” oday, people value the Dixie National Forest not only T for its resources (minerals, timber, water, and forage) but also for its opportunities for camping, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The Dixie National Forest is located in the “Grand Circle” with several famous neighbors, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef National Parks, and Cedar Breaks and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. The dramatic elevation differences mean you can pick the weather you want to recreate in! Virgin River Rim 2 The vast resources of the Dixie National Forest belong to all Americans. These resources must rely on the stewardship of us all if they are to be sustained for our future generations. Gifford Pinchot What is now the Dixie National Forest was once Walter Hanks, an early Ranger History Scenic Byways, Backways, & Drives The Dixie National Forest is known for its scenery—from red rock canyons to high mountain plateaus. Scenic byways are major roads through this splendor that are suitable for passenger vehicles. Scenic backways are lower-standard roads that often require high-clearance vehicles or 4-wheel drive. Always check road conditions before you venture out. Highway 12 All American Road Along Highway 12, a 124-mile All Red Canyon Visitor Center American Road, you will pass more than enough scenery to fill up your camera. Leaving Utah Heritage Highway 89 seven miles south of Panguitch, go east into Red Canyon where you’ll encounter a dramatic landscape of sandstone hoodoos. Continue up to the Paunsaugunt Plateau and the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park. East of the plateau you’ll drive through the Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument, past three State Parks, and numerous scenic viewpoints into Capitol Reef, Boulder Top, the Henry Mountains, Circle Cliffs, and Navajo Mountain. The byway ends in Torrey at Highway 24. Areas of interest include Kodachrome Basin State Park, Escalante Petrified Forest and Campground, the Hole in the Rock Road, Calf Creek Falls Trail and Campground, and Anasazi State Park. Highway 12 is an ideal location for viewing fall colors, and on a clear day you can see more that 100 miles into Colorado and Arizona. A good place to start your explorations is at the Red Canyon Visitor Center, located on the western end of the byway, 3 miles east of the Highway 89 junction. It is usually open from Easter to the end of October. Utah’s Scenic Byway 143, the Patchwork Parkway Utah’s 55-mile Patchwork Parkway garnered its name from an incident in the 1890s when settlers from Panguitch, desperate for food, crossed a valley to the north in winter using handmade quilts laid atop deep snow. They reached Parowan and brought food back to save the people of Panguitch. The area is a patchwork of unparalleled scenery and vibrant history. It serves as the gateway to Cedar Breaks National Monument and is a fascinating route across southwest Utah’s high plateaus, connecting Heritage Highway 89 and All-American Scenic Highway 12. Travelers can start their byway trek from Parowan or Panguitch, historic Mormon pioneer settlements that still boast a large concentration of 19th century architecture. The original Panguitch townsite is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These two townsites were previously home to American Indian groups who left behind a number of sites to explore. This landscape is home to Brian Head, Utah’s highest elevation community and southernmost ski area. Scenic Backways and Drives (dirt/gravel roads) »» East Fork of the Sevier River Scenic Backway (17 miles; closed in the winter): Starting at Highway 12, the backway (FR 87) travels along the interior of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, past Tropic Reservoir and Kings Creek Campground. »» Griffin Top Scenic Backway (32 miles; closed in winter): The road leaves CR 1660 and FR 17, then climbs to the Escalante Summit. It then turns north on FR 140 and travels across the Griffin Top part of the Aquarius Plateau, ending at FR 154 north of Posey Lake. »» Posey Lake Scenic Backway (40 miles; closed in winter): This backway begins in Escalante FR 153-FR 154, and ends on Highway 24 in Bicknell. »» Hell’s Backbone Road (44 miles; closed in winter; high-clearance vehicles recommended): FR 153 from Escalante makes a loop to Highway 12. Hell’s Backbone bridge is an engineering feat originally built by the CCC in 1930s, spanning 90 feet between canyons. Highway 14 State Scenic Byway Connecting I-15 with Utah Heritage Byway (Highway 89), Highway 14 winds its way from the red rock canyons near Cedar City, over the Markagunt Plateau, and past the beautiful Navajo Lake and Duck Creek area. From the plateau, you can see into Zion National Park; from Strawberry Point you can see the Kaibab Plateau in Arizona. A short detour north from Highway 14 will take you to fabulous views of Cedar Breaks National Monument. Campgrounds, hiking, and fishing can be found at Navajo Lake and Duck Creek. Hell’s Backbone bridge 3 S pecial Places © Markus Gann Cedar Mountain-Navajo Lake/ Cascade Falls Trail/Lava Beds Red Canyon The area known locally as Cedar Mountain is really of the All American Road (Highway 12), Red Canyon is lined with stark spires and ghostly hoodoos eroded out of the red limestone and sandstone. In 1925, tunnels were dug through the limestone Tunnel along Highway 12 fins to impress dignitaries and provide a gateway to the splendor of Bryce Canyon National Park. (Cedar City District) Lava beds an important summer feeding roost and winter hibernation spot for Townsend’s big-eared bats, fringed myotis bats, and others. It is open to the public from May to September to explore on your own. In the winter, it is gated to protect the bats. On Cedar Dixie National Forest Wilderness Pine Valley Mountain Cottonwood Forest Ashdown Gorge Box-Death Hollow NO TR VE TD Help protect Wilderness for our future by following the “Leave No Trace” principles: »» »» »» »» »» »» »» Bobcat (© Tom Tietz) 4 federal land that is free from human control, is undeveloped, and provides outstanding opportunities for solitude and a primitive type of recreation. The Dixie National Forest is fortunate to have four congressionally Cottonwood Forest Wilderness designated Wildernesses. They are rugged and remote—and best suited for experienced hikers and backpackers. Please contact the Dixie National Forest prior to visiting for current maps, regulations, and conditions. OU Also located on the rim is the Cascade Falls National Recreation Trail. This short 0.8 mile trail winds under the rim of the plateau and ends at Cascade Falls. Wilderness is an area of E AC Mountain you’ll find Navajo Lake, formed when lava flowed across the eastern end of the valley in which it sets. Lava tubes Navajo Lake run under the lake and drain water into both the Great Basin and Colorado River drainages, as the headwaters of the Virgin River. At Navajo Lake, you can camp, boat, or fish for rainbow and brook trout. A trail to the south of the lake along the Virgin River Rim provides hiking, horseback riding, and biking opportunities. Wilderness S The cave is A paved bike road (also a National Recreation Trail) runs parallel to Highway 12 for bikers to safely ride from Red Canyon to the East Fork of the Sevier River. In addition, trails leaving from the valley invite the hiker, biker, OHV user, and equestrian to explore further. IC the Markagunt Plateau, on the edge of the Colorado Plateau. A large field of stark and abrasive lava beds sit near the center of this plateau, some of which are less than 2,000 Townsend’s big-eared bat years old. Much of the (© Eric Isselee) lava did not come from a central volcano but welled up from cracks in the earth’s surface. Underground lava tubes formed as a result, one of which can be seen at Mammoth Cave. Located along 5 miles LEA (Cedar City District) O O R ET H Plan ahead and prepare Travel and camp on durable surfaces Dispose of waste properly Leave what you find Minimize campfire impacts Respect wildlife Be considerate of other visitors Chipmunk Special Places (Pine Valley District) Located in the western basin below the Pine Valley Mountain, the Pine Valley Recreation Area has nine loops (including an equestrian camp), numerous trails, and excellent fishing at both the Santa Clara River and the Pine Valley Reservoir. In the summer, you can tour the Pine Valley Chapel, built in the late 1800s by a Scottish shipbuilder. Nearby, trees from the Forsyth Canyon area were cut in 1890s and hauled 500 miles to Salt Lake to be used for pipes in the Tabernacle Pipe Organ on Temple Square. Pine Lake Recreation Area (Escalante District) Pine Lake Recreation Area is located in a fragrant ponderosa pine and spruce forest. The area has a campground and a day use area adjacent to Pine Lake. There are several trails in the area for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and OHV riding. Posey Lake Recreation Area (Escalante District) This small fishing lake is a delightful retreat in a conifer and aspen forest. Facilities include a nonmotorized boat ramp and two fishing docks. Two hiking trails start from the campground. Other trails nearby allow hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Barker Recreation Area (Escalante District) The Barker Recreation Complex includes a campground and day use area. This is a great place to start your hike, backpacking trip, or fishing excursion. You can drive to Barker Reservoir and fish from a dock or hike to any of the ten lakes in the backcountry. Anglers who prefer stream fishing will find plenty of opportunities in nearby North Creek. Leeds Creek Kiln and Children’s Forest (Pine Valley District) There is a lot of history in the high reaches of Leeds Creek Canyon, where the Leeds Creek Kiln was built to support the mining operations for the Silver Reef Mining Area. The kiln made charcoal from the surrounding oak and juniper forest; the charcoal kept the smelter at a constant temperature for removing the silver from sandstone. Families from Leeds helped restore the kiln in the 1990s. In 2001, children from local elementary schools—with the help of an Elderhostel group—designed and built the 0.5-mile nature trail that interprets the area’s natural and cultural resources for visitors. The road from Silver Reef is occasionally closed in winter. Brian Head Peak (Cedar City District) Known as Monument Peak until 1890, Brian Head Peak lies on the west rim of the Markagunt Plateau. (Markagunt is a Paiute Indian word that means high land of trees.) At 11,307’ it is the highest point in Iron County. Although a dirt road can be followed nearly all the way to the summit, there are a number of trails, most of them intended for mountain bike enthusiasts, that can get you a peak experience. A wood and stone pavilion built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s still stands the test of time, and makes a great spot to enjoy lunch with views all the way to Arizona and Nevada. Watch carefully—you may spot bald eagles, peregrines, or prairie falcons. Peregrine falcon (© M. Lorenz) Pine Valley Recreation Area Brian Head Peak 5 Flora O ur Natural Resources At almost 2 million acres, the Dixie National Forest is one of the largest national forests in Utah. It stretches for about 170 miles east to west, straddling the divide between the Great Basin and the Colorado River. Elevations range from 3,000-11,000’; annual precipitation ranges from 10-40”; and temperatures range from -30 to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Its topographic and climatic diversity mean that there are numerous ecosystems to be found here. The vegetation on the Dixie National Forest gradually changes from sagebrush (Artemesia tridentada) and rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus) at lower elevations to low-growing pinyon pine (Pinus edulis) and juniper (Juniperus sp.) at mid-elevations. These give way to aspen (Populus tremuloides), ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), bristlcone pine (Pinus longaeva), Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii), and subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) at high elevations. If needles are in groups, the tree is a pine. ‹‹ ‹‹ ‹‹ ‹‹ If needles are in groups of 3, it is a ponderosa pine. If needles are in groups of 5 and branch looks like a bottle brush, it is a bristlecone pine. If needles are in groups of 5 and the branch is flimsy, it is a limber pine. If needles are in groups of 2, it is a pinyon pine. Bristlecone pine cone If needles are singular and flat, the tree is a fir. ‹‹ ‹‹ White fir (Abies concolor) needles are 2-3” long Subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) needles are 1” long If needles are singular and 4-sided, the tree is a spruce (4-sided needles will roll between your fingers). ‹‹ ‹‹ As you travel through the spruce forests on the Dixie National Forest (and especially on the Markagunt Plateau) you will see a lot of dead trees. They were killed by spruce bark beetles (Dendroctonus rufipennis), insects smaller than a grain of rice, but deadly. Needles in groups of 3: ponderosa pine Tree Identification Bristlecone pine Bristleco ne pine Blue spruce (Picea pungens) has furrowed bark Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) bark has silver dollar-sized plates Spruce bark beetles White fir Aspen Some of the dead and dying trees have been harvested to improve forest health, reduce fire danger, improve scenery, and to provide wood products and logs for homes. (Proceeds from timber sales are used to plant seedlings to aid in forest recovery.) Some trees have blown down in strong winds and provide firewood for local use. For more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/dixie. Subalpine fir behind Podunk Guard Station High Elevation 8,000’ - 12,000’ © Tatiana Edrekina Claret cup cactus (© Mishella) dd) ine (© m p a s o r e Pond Sagebrush Bucy) (© Brendan Mid Elevation 6,000’ - 8,000’ Pinyon pine Juniper Juniper leaves Rabbitbrush 6 Lower Elevation 3,000’ - 6,000’ An osprey goes fishing (© Richard Fitzer) Praire dog (© James M. Phelps, Jr.) Wildflowers &Watchable Wildlife Watching the bountiful wildlife on the Dixie National Forest is a favorite activity of visitors. The grasslands, plateaus, and mountains of the forest are home to an astonishing diversity of animals—some small and shy, others big and bold. Here is a small sampling of what you might spot: »» Mule deer: Found throughout the forest at different elevations as seasons change »» Elk: Common at Sidney Valley, Panguitch Lake, Paunsaugunt Plateau, Hoodle Creek, and Griffin Top »» Bald eagles: Spot them at Panguitch Lake (Oct.-Nov. or when the lake freezes) or Cottonwood area near I-15 in the winter »» Geese and ducks: Often seen at Panguitch Lake and Duck Creek Pond »» Raptors: Found throughout the forest, and include kestrels, red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures, osprey, and golden eagles »» Migratory birds: Also found throughout the forest in the summer, includes hummingbirds and many song birds »» Pronghorn and prairie dogs: May be seen on the Paunsaugunt Plateau Mule deer (© Alucard) A northern saw whet owl guards his lunch Good roads with wildlife viewing opportunities include: Aquarius Plateau (FR 140 and 154-Escalante District), Tom Best Loop Road (FR 117-Powell District), and the Pine Valley area (FR 035-Pine Valley District). Watson’s bladderpod Wildflowers Your best wildflower viewing options are on the Bull elk (© Wesly Aston) Indian paintbrush against aspen bark (© Heather A. Craig) high plateaus of the Dixie National Forest. Depending on the amount of precipitation, the flowers bloom in different locations and amounts. A Wildflower Celebration is held each July at the Cedar Breaks National Monument, with hikes and workshops. For further information, visit www.nps.gov/cebr. Globe mallow (© Karin Hildebrand Lau) Columbine W ildlife Viewing Ethics ‹‹ ‹‹ ‹‹ ‹‹ ‹‹ Give the wildlife their space. Use those binoculars! If you find what you believe to be an "orphaned" or sick animal, leave it alone. Often the parents are close by and are waiting for you to leave. Pets must be restrained when viewing wildlife. Do not feed wildlife. Animals that become habituated to handouts can eventually become nuisances, losing their instinctive fears of people. Often the only solution is to euthanize the animal. Leave the area if an animal shows signs of alarm. Watch and listen for raised ears, skittish movements, or alarm calls. Leopard frog (© Gerald E. DeBoer) Sand lily Pronghorn 7 D ixie National Forest 15 21 Bea 21 ! Cedar Mountain Meadow 20 15 0 Cedar 077 130 ! Peregrine falcon monitoring Rang Parowan 143 Distr 049 56 07 Wh Brid 18 Cedar ! City q 56 011 300 Pine Valley Honeycomb 006 Ranger Cedar Canyon a Deer Haven a 009 a Rocks 009 18 035 14 District Panguitch Lake North aa Pan Lake CEDAR BREAKS NATIONAL MONUMENT Utah’s Pa Parkway Scenic Duck Duck Cree Creek Visitor Cen Te-ah a Navajo a 053 a a q Lake 14 Spruces Highway 14 Scenic B Pine Valley Pine Valley Visitor Center Mountain q 2 a 0 ! Brian Head 05 Enterprise 6 Ashdown Gorge Wilderness Yankee a Meadows 15 Pine Valley a Recreation Area Wilderness ZION NATIONAL PARK 89 84 18 80 Salt Lake City Vernal Provo 6 40 40 6 Price 15 9 50 70 Richfield ! 59 ! 9 St. George 191 q St. George Interagency Visitor Center 89 Kana Vicinity map 15 Powell Point, west side 8 Springdale ! Cedar City 15 9 Virgin Cottonwood Forest Wilderness 89 ¡ 72 FISHLAKE NATIONAL FOREST 89 ¡ FISHLAKE NATIONAL FOREST Loa ! 62 24 Teasdale ! Jones Corral s Guard Station Highway 12 All American Road DIXIE NATIONAL FOREST 0 14 89 ¡ nguitch e South q ac ! District 12 Powell Point x 7 King Creek a Tropic Reservoir 63 088 Tropic ! Cannonville Visitor Center q Cannonville ! 087 ek nter Podunk s 4 State Byway ab ! Pine Lake a 12 Red Canyon atchwork National Byway 06 3 a Box-Death Hollow Wilderness 2 143 15 Red Canyon Visitor Center Visitor Center 153 149 017 Boulder !q Anasazi SP 152 13 hite dge Ranger BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK ! Escalante q 12 Highway 12 All American Road Henrieville GRAND STAIRCASE-ESCALANTE NATIONAL MONUMENT efore venturing on to the Dixie National Forest, please pick up a map with the level of detail appropriate for your planned activities: Dixie National Forest Pine Valley District For backcountry and off-road travel: Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) are available at all Forest Service offices and Visitor Centers, and may be downloaded from www.fs.usda.gov/dixie. ¡ Highway 12 All American Road Escalante Interagency Visitor Center B 89 Homestead x Posey Lake a a x Hells Backbone Cowpuncher s Blue Spruce a Barker Recreation Area District rict 12 Escalante Ranger Panguitch! a a Oak Creek 1660 7 ger a Singletree Wildcat Visitor Centerq xLarb Hollow Pleasant Creek a Lower Bowns (Administered by the Fishlake NF) 125 Powell City !Torrey Junction Antimony ! 89 ¡ q ! 24 62 07 CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK Torrey Visitor Center aver 0 Elk (© AZP Worldwide) FISHLAKE NATIONAL FOREST For hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding: Topographic maps are recommended. Visit the US Geological Survey for online purchases: www.usgs.gov. National forest maps may be purchased at: www.nationalforeststore.com. Cedar City District Powell District Wilderness Areas Forest Supervisor’s Office Fishlake National Forest Ranger District Office Paved Roads National Parks & Monuments Unpaved Roads Scenic Byway or Backway BLM a s c x q 2 Escalante District 15 Campground 89 ¡ Guard Station 62 Picnic Area Point of Interest U.S. Highway State Highway 1660 County Road 017 Forest Route Visitor Center Ski Area Interstate Highway ¯ Scale Miles 0 2.5 5 10 15 20 9 C ampgrounds & Trails Pine Valley Guard Station Campgrounds Cedar City Ranger District Pine Valley Ranger District (all sites are in the Pine Valley Recreation Area, except for Honeycomb Rocks) RD # of Units Name Season Amenities Reserveable 15/3/0 (5 walk-in) May-Sept. Yes Dean Gardner 21/3/0 May-Sept. Ebenezer Bryce 11/3/0 May-Sept. Effie Beckstrom East 7/2/0 May-Sept. Effie Bectrom West 6/2/0 May-Sept. Equestrian 7/8/0 May-Sept. Honeycomb Rocks 22/0/0 May-Sept. 5/1/0 (all walk-in) May-Sept. Yellow Pine 5/1/0 May-Sept. Cedar Canyon 13/4/0 May-Sept. Duck Creek 84/7/0 (+ 3 triple) June-Sept. Navajo Lake 24/4/0 (11 walk-in) June-Sept. Panguitch Lake North 39/8/3 May-Sept. Panguitch Lake South 18/0/0 May-Sept. 25/1/0 (3 walk-in) June-Sept. Te-Ah 41/0/1 June-Sept. White Bridge 29/1/0 May-Sept. Yankee Meadow 29/1/0 May-Sept. Up to 200 June-Sept. Coyote Hollow Equestrian 4/0/0 May-Oct. King Creek 37/0/0 May-Oct. 2 (capacity: 50 RV; 100 tent) May-Oct. Red Canyon 37/0/0 May-Oct. Barker Recreation 13/0/3 May-Sept. Blue Spruce 5/1/0 May-Sept. Pine Lake 28/0/4 May-Sept. Posey Lake 21/0/1 May-Sept. RZLw RZL RZL RZL RZL corrals; RZL¥ (small hitch rails) RZ RZLw RZL RZ RZ_ RZÑw RZ RZ RZw RZ_ RZ_ RZ RZ water; hitch R¥(non-potable rails; no corrals) RZ_L RZ RZ_LB RZ RZ RZÑ RZÑ (single/double/group) Crackfoot Mitt Moody (tents only) Spruces Escalante Ranger District Powell Ranger District Deer Haven Group Site King Creek Group Site Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Blue Spruce Campground Yes No Yes Yes No Yes Restrooms No Drinking water No Yes Garbage collection Yes Boat ramp No Yes No Horse use site No Showers Yes Dump site No Yes Walk-in site No Yes Yes Historic Guard Stations In the early days of the national forests, travel was difficult, slow, and mostly on horseback. Summer cabins were placed a day’s ride apart for the rangers’ use when they were checking livestock and range conditions, and patrolling for poaching and timber theft. With the advent of vehicles and better roads, these cabins fell into disuse. A national effort in the 1990s focused on restoring these cabins for public enjoyment. Your rental fees are used to maintain and improve them. GUARD STATION LOCATION CAPACITY/ SEASON FACILITIES Pine Valley Pine Valley District: From Central, go 11 miles east on FR 035 to the Pine Valley Recreation Area. At the reservoir gate, go 0.5 mile and turn north on the 1st road. 6/yearround Electric stove, fridge, water heater; table and chairs; fold-out couch; bunk beds in bedroom; running water May-Sept.; outdoor toilets for winter use; wood burning stove; no linens Bult in 1935, the station sits on a wooded hill with mountain views, east of Pine Valley Reservoir. Area activities include fishing, hiking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Cowpuncher Escalante District: North on Hell’s Backbone Road out of Escalante, then north on FR 145 past Blue Spruce Campground. 4/May-Sept. Propane stove and fridge; wood cook stove; some pots and dishes; no bedding; hot water heater and indoor shower (water is limited) This station is being rebuilt after a fire in 2011. Please check with the Escalante District Office for current conditions. A small yurt is available until the construction is complete (2015-2 016). Podunk Powell District: Follow Forest Road 087 south from Utah State Highway 12. 6/May-Sept. Propane and wood stoves; table and chairs; no kitchen gear; no linens; no potable water Built in 1928 on the Paunsaugunt Plateau, it sits beneath a stand of mature spruce trees and above the meandering East Fork of the Sevier River. Jones Corral Guard Station Powell District: Off County Road 22 by driving Forest Road 125 north of Widtsoe Junction or FR 126 near Antimony 4/May-Sept. Propane and wood stoves; table and chairs; no kitchen gear; no linens; no potable water Built in 1935 on the remote Mt. Dutton, this guard station has been used by generations of Forest Service employees working in the backcountry. NOTES Single site fees covers up to 8 people and two vehicles. Double site fees covers up to 16 people and 4 vehicles. (Does not apply to Escalante District campgrounds.) 10 For campground or cabin reservations use the National Reservation Service at 1-877-444-6777 or www.recreation.gov. Trails The Dixie National Forest has over 1,600 miles of outstanding trails that can be enjoyed by foot, horse, mountain bike, or off-highway vehicles. The following are just a few highlights—more information is available at your local Ranger District Office, or visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/dixie. Miles (one-way)/Description Cedar City Ranger District Pine Valley Ranger District Trail Duncan Springs A 1-mile easy trail following an historic canal built in the 1900s to provide water to a community to the north; view of Pine Valley and the surrounding area Cemetery Trail/ A moderate 1.5-mile trail that takes you through dense pinyon pine, juniper, and mountain mahogany up Water Canyon Trail onto a ridge with great views of Pine Valley to the south and Grass Valley to the north A 3-mile trail from Pine Valley to the top of Gardner Peak; provides a bird’s–eye view of the Pine Valley Gardner Peak and surrounding area; moderate to steep A series of trails that range from easy to advanced leaving from the Brianhead Ski Resort; some end at Brianhead Bike Panguitch Lake where shuttle service can be arranged; there are also loop trails that bring you back to Complex the resort An easy 3-mile walk to the Moots Hollow trailhead at Hwy #14. When you reach a dirt road, the trail Crystal Springs Trail stays to the right (the road goes to the Woods Ranch area). The last 0.25 mile is in a narrow canyon. An 0.8-mile easy walk overlooking the Markagunt Plateau and ending at a falls where the water tumbles Cascade Falls Trail down limestone cave from a lava tube under Navajo Lake Henderson Trail A 1.5 mile moderate trail that winds through the forest and ends at Henderson Lake; beautiful in the fall Red Canyon Bike Trail Canaan Mountain Loop Trail A 12-mile easy trail around the lake, passing through lava flows, flower-filled meadows, and quaking aspen; great place to camp, fish, and ride single track trails An easy 0.5-mile trail offering up close views of ancient bristlecone pine and fabulous vistas above Cedar Breaks National Monument and Ashdown Gorge Wilderness A 32-mile moderate/difficult trail that offers excellent high-elevation alpine hiking and single track riding with stunning views; follows the rim along Utah’s high southern plateau; views of the Pink Cliffs and Zion National Park A 5.5-mile trail that connects to the Fremont motorized trail (50” or less restriction); travels through a large wash and beneath huge red hoodoos; be sure to check out the Limekiln/Casto Canyon Loop. A 74-mile moderate/advanced non-motorized trail that travels around the perimeter of the Paunsaugunt Plateau; primary access is at Thunder Mountain Trailhead at the mouth of Red Canyon, and Sheep Creek Trailhead 10 miles west of Cannonville, UT A 0.4-mile trail starting at the Red Canyon Visitor Center; a trail map with numbered interpretive stops is available at the visitor center A 7.8-mile trail accessed from Highway 12 at the mouth of Red Canyon and the Coyote Hollow Trailhead; trail travels through brilliantly-colored rock hoodoos and bristlecone pine; great for biking, hiking, and horseback riding; several drop off points along the way This paved trail begins at the mouth of Red Canyon at the Thunder Mountain Trail head and continues parallel to Highway #12 into Bryce Canyon National Park. A 7.5-mile moderate trail that goes from the valley floor up into tree covered mountains; scenic views into the Gra