![Take Hwy 89 through the Dixie National Forest. Hot in summer. Beautiful area to explore.
Dixie National Forest is a United States National Forest in Utah with headquarters in Cedar City. It occupies almost two million acres (8,000 km²) and stretches for about 170 miles (270 km) across southern Utah. The largest national forest in Utah, it straddles the divide between the Great Basin and the Colorado River. In descending order of forestland area it is located in parts of Garfield, Washington, Iron, Kane, Wayne, and Piute counties. The majority (over 55%) of forest acreage lies in Garfield County. There are local ranger district offices in Cedar City, Escalante, Panguitch, St. George, and Teasdale.[3]
Elevations vary from 2,800 feet (850 m) above sea level near St. George, Utah to 11,322 feet (3,451 m) at Blue Bell Knoll on Boulder Mountain. The southern rim of the Great Basin, near the Colorado River, provides spectacular scenery. Colorado River canyons are made up of multi-colored cliffs and steep-walled gorges.
The Forest is divided into four geographic areas. High altitude forests in gently rolling hills characterize the Markagunt, Paunsaugunt, and Aquarius Plateaus. Boulder Mountain, one of the largest high-elevation plateaus in the United States, is dotted with hundreds of small lakes 10,000 to 11,000 feet (3,000 to 3,400 m) above sea level. The forest includes the Pine Valley Mountains north of St. George
The Forest has many climatic extremes. Precipitation ranges from 10 inches (250 mm) in the lower elevations to more than 40 inches (1,000 mm) per year near Brian Head Peak 11,307 feet (3,446 m). At the higher elevations, most of the annual precipitation falls as snow. Thunderstorms are common during July and August and produce heavy rains. In some areas, August is the wettest month of the year.
Temperature extremes can be impressive, with summer temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) near St. George and winter lows exceeding -30 degrees Fahrenheit (-34 degrees Celsius) on the plateau tops.
The vegetation of the Forest grades from sparse, desert-type plants at the lower elevations to stand of low-growing pinyon pine and juniper dominating the mid-elevations. At the higher elevations, aspen and conifers such as pine, spruce, and fir predominate.
The Dixie Forest Reserve was established on September 25, 1905 by the General Land Office. The name was derived from the local description of the warm southern part of Utah as "Dixie".[4] In 1906 the U.S. Forest Service assumed responsibility for the lands, and on March 4, 1907 it became a National Forest. The western part of Sevier National Forest was added on July 1, 1922, and all of Powell National Forest on October 1, 1944.[5] #RoadTrip](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248623139890761/0fda4c56-7838-41e8-8b93-58002efa6942.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1200&h=500&q=medium)
Photo by Eric & Kristy's Adventures
Family Hotels & Resorts in Alton from AU$79
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Our top choices for Alton family-friendly hotels
Bryce and Zion- Cowboy Hot Tub and Alien Sightings
Bryce and Zion- Cowboy Hot Tub and Alien SightingsAlton
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (1)
"Very nice amenities. Beautiful secluded cabin with a great king bed, all the kitchen utensils that you would need. Comes with washer and dryer, and wonderful television with all the channels you need. "
Thomas K.
The price is AU$307
includes taxes & fees
22 Dec - 23 Dec
Peaceful Cabin with Spectacular Stargazing Hot Tub
Peaceful Cabin with Spectacular Stargazing Hot TubAlton
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (26)
"Beautiful area and the game room was nice for the kids! Love that it is dog friendly!"
Laura
The price is AU$617
includes taxes & fees
19 Dec - 20 Dec
7.8 out of 10, Good, (1001)
"Property location is good "
Niranjan
The price is AU$119
includes taxes & fees
11 Jan - 12 Jan 2026
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (1002)
"Nice staff, clean rooms, good location, and views are great!"
Jeffrey
The price is AU$79
includes taxes & fees
15 Jan - 16 Jan 2026
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1001)
"Clean room, nice coffee, resteraunt pies are awesome! Staff is great as well - great place and great price"
Kyrie
The price is AU$151
includes taxes & fees
22 Dec - 23 Dec
Asixk #2 (Brand New)
Asixk #2 (Brand New)Panguitch
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (37)
"We enjoyed our stay at this location. The place was very clean and had everything that we needed. "
Malesa B.
The price is AU$332
includes taxes & fees
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026
Winter Wonderland at Zion's Bryce House by Zion and Bryce National Parks!
Winter Wonderland at Zion's Bryce House by Zion and Bryce National Parks!Hatch
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (3)
"The home was clean and quiet and conveniently located in Panguitch. We very much enjoyed our stay. My only issue with the listing was that it stated the property was in Hatch and it was not."
Lisa A.
The price is AU$365
includes taxes & fees
18 Dec - 19 Dec
Envase Casa Casita Unit B Near Zion & Bryce
Envase Casa Casita Unit B Near Zion & BryceGlendale
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (10)
"Nice quiet location."
Brian W.
The price is AU$322
includes taxes & fees
19 Dec - 20 Dec
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Top Alton Hotel Reviews
Rodeway Inn Bryce Canyon
10/10 Excellent
