![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
Romantic Hotels & Resorts in Alton from AU$325
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Our top choices for Alton romantic hotels
Charming Blue Farmhouse Cabin
Charming Blue Farmhouse CabinMeadow View Heights
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (51)
"Very clean/nice cabin! Would def stay again. "
Las Vegas Yard Services L.
The price is AU$356
includes taxes & fees
17 Dec - 18 Dec
The Hideaway, A Concealed Cabin @ East Zion & Bryce
The Hideaway, A Concealed Cabin @ East Zion & BryceGlendale
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (46)
"Fun location, very secluded. Closest grocery store is in Orderville which is about 12 minutes away. Easy to contact host. One star taken off for bathroom. There’s only one small bathroom which is insufficient with 6 people. It would be a great place for a couple. Loved how you can stay one night. Great spot for a night between Zion and Bryce. "
liz s.
The price is AU$400
includes taxes & fees
20 Dec - 21 Dec
Overlook Casita | Private Hot tub | Zion NP
Overlook Casita | Private Hot tub | Zion NPOrderville
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (18)
"The casita was perfect four our family of 4. It has a very well appointed interior, and our 13 and 9 yo’s dug the bunk beds. We hiked and explored by day, and relaxed with a fire or a hot tub dip by night, it was a great week. Perfectly located - we spent a day each at Zion, Bryce, Kanab, and the Grand Canyon, with one day just wandering the nearby trail and Orderville’s pocket canyon. Highly, highly recommend this property!"
Paul W.
Family & Pet friendly! THAT Cabin with the amazing view!
Family & Pet friendly! THAT Cabin with the amazing view!Meadow View Heights
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (188)
"Booked this for a bachelorette party and it was perfect! So beautiful and the property manager was amazing to work with! Cabin was clean and so fun to stay at!!"
Alyssa C.
The price is AU$658
includes taxes & fees
17 Dec - 18 Dec
The Cowboy Boot Shop
The Cowboy Boot ShopOrderville
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (95)
"If you want to visit Bryce Canyon, Zion Canyon and Kanab, this is the perfect place to do it. It's easy to get to, beautiful, comfortable, and has everything you need for a comfortable stay. "
Judy B.
The price is AU$325
includes taxes & fees
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026
The Lodge at Duck Creek: FISHERMAN'S LANDING SUITE
The Lodge at Duck Creek: FISHERMAN'S LANDING SUITEMeadow View Heights
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (10)
"We enjoyed our stay here and beautiful view of snow and trees. The slanting parking spot was our sled place where our kids spent almost 4 hours there, though we have to be very careful as it ends in the road. Pathway from 14 was lot of snow and snow chains are must.
"
Padmapriya G.
The price is AU$623
includes taxes & fees
17 Dec - 18 Dec
Modern Tiny House in Apple Orchard! Between Zion and Bryce
Modern Tiny House in Apple Orchard! Between Zion and BryceGlendale
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (15)
"This was a perfect getaway. Restful and relaxing"
Janice B.
The price is AU$437
includes taxes & fees
28 Dec - 29 Dec
Modern Tiny House in Apple Orchard Between Zion and Bryce
Modern Tiny House in Apple Orchard Between Zion and BryceGlendale
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (26)
"It was an excellent stay!"
Arpit
The price is AU$457
includes taxes & fees
17 Dec - 18 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.