Recreation Trails of Iron County

Recreation Trails

Hiking in Southern Utah is a great way to explore the region and experience the beautiful scenery. You can find everything from arches and waterfalls to ancient forests, narrow canyons, and majestic overlooks. Trails range from easy walks to challenging overnight excursions. Get out there and explore!

Download the Hiking Trails Guide HERE

*NOTE: Some hikes are at high elevations and may not be suitable for individuals with pulmonary problems. Hike at your own risk.

Cedar City Mountain Biking Trails 

Click here for the Cedar City Mountain Bike Trail Map including Iron Hills Trail System, Three Peaks Mountain Bike Trail System & Thunderbird Canyons Trail System.

Available trails: Iron Hills Trail System, Three Peaks Recreation Area Mountain Bike Trail System, Nearby Forest Service Trails, Brian Head Trails, Chairlift Accessed Trails and Bike Shuttle Accessed Trails

Iron Hills Trail System provides multiple riding experiences from beginner to advanced. This trail system provides two shuttle options for those who like to ride downhill. You can shuttle to the Greens Lake Trailhead or the “C” Overlook Trailhead.

Gravel Rides

Find local gravel roads for biking, gravel grinding, exploration, and more. Get off the pavement and onto fun as you escape the hustle and bustle of cities without going too deep into the wild. It is all about the solace and scenery without the hum of an engine.

Find local gravel roads for biking, gravel grinding, exploration, and more. Get off the pavement and onto fun as you escape the hustle and bustle of cities without going too deep into the wild. It is all about the solace and scenery without the hum of an engine.

Find a trail.

Located near the 13th Hole of the Cedar City Golf Course in the Thunderbird Gardens Trail System, this trail is a multi-use trail for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. The trailhead has a kiosk, bathroom, and paved parking area. The trail has great views of red rocks.

A picturesque walking trail, located in Cedar Breaks National Monument, leads to a surreal alpine pond. Perfect in the summer to view wildlife and wildflowers. Early in the season this trail may have drifts of snow or be muddy. This loop trail forms a figure-eight through forest…

This out-and-back/loop is short but scenic and ends at Aspen Mirror Lake within the Dixie National Forest. Surrounded by Aspens, it is a spectacular fall destination and is a great hike for families through the summer and fall. Aspen Mirror Lake is a popular spot for fishing. The…

The Big Hole Loop is a unique, intermediate ride that takes you by the old iron ore mines. The route has about 500 feet of climbing and gives the rider a bit of a thrill riding on the edge of an iron mine pit. It is worth a ride to at least check out the old iron mines.

The trail follows power-line and ridge spine through a mixed conifer stand, then drops sharply, eventually entering a stand of Bristlecone pine and red ridge looking into Cedar Breaks National Monument and Ashdown Gorge Wilderness Area. View includes a spectacular look at the red…

This paved trail follows Hwy 143 through the forest and wildflower meadows of Brian Head. There are several access points in Town, but the trailheads exist at the intersection of Aspen Drive and 143 as well as Bear Flat Road. This trail is also popular with bikers, so be aware as…

It is an easy trail that is great for families from late spring to fall. Enjoy views of Zion National Park from an observation deck as you wander among a grove of ancient Bristlecone Pines. The trailhead is located along Hwy 14 near mile marker 17. 

Steep grade down the face of Cedar Mountain. Beautiful views of the Cedar City valley. Fall is the best due to the fabulous fall colors. Can be hiked, but primarily used as downhill mountain bike trail. The trailhead is located up Right Hand Canyon Road off Hwy 14 east of Cedar…

This trail is an out-and-back trail best in the summer and fall that offers spectacular views of Zion National Park and the Markagunt Plateau, ending at cascading falls from an underground lava tube. Portions of the trail are steep and water may be present on the trail surface…

Following Cedar City’s Coal Creek, this gently rolling paved trail leads to a pair of bridges and waterfalls in Cedar Canyon that are surrounded by views of the area’s famous red rocks. The trailhead is located in the Ann J. Gardner Canyon Park at 151 S 400 E, Cedar…

This paved path leads from the East side of Cedar City to the West. Crossing under both Hwy 14 and Main Street, the trail follows Coal Creek from the Ann J. Gardner Canyon Park to Bicentennial Park. Along the way you’ll pass the Veterans Memorial park, the Cedar City…

Our easiest single-track option. This mellow trail takes the scenic route down the mountain, with beginner flow sections and beginner-level single track. All jumps are rollable and easily bypassed. Use to find the Peak Access backcountry exit point to Bunker Creek and the Vista…

Nestled at the base of a canyon on the south end of town, this trail meanders among Juniper and Pinion Pine and is a perfect stroll after a bite to eat from the numerous local restaurants close by. The trailhead is located on Cross Hollow Road near the Silver Silo Bakery.

This paved path leads from the center of Cedar City to the south end of town. Located at the base of Cedar Mountain, the trail leads through the foothills and then through sleepy neighborhoods to Old Hwy 91. The trail also passes the bottom end of the C-Trail. Be aware that the…

A moderate to strenuous water hike that requires you to hike along and through the stream all the way up the canyon. Due to the uneven terrain, hiking poles and good grippy water shoes are recommended. Dogs are not allowed. Permits are required and are limited to 150 people per…

The La Verkin Creek Trail to the Kolob Arch allows hikers outstanding opportunities for solitude in a primitive area of Zion Wilderness. The trail begins at Lee Pass with stunning views of the Kolob Canyons as it crosses Timber Creek and continues to descend toward La Verkin…

Lava Flow is a hike and bike downhill-only trail. This downhill single track includes tabletop jumps and high berms for fast riding. Restrooms are located at the trailhead. This is a dog-friendly trail, a leash is required.

Ascending to the rim of the Markagunt Plateau, you are treated with some bumpy, heart-pounding descents that will bring you to a double-track road. You will cross over the road from here, picking the single track back up in a forested meadow. You will see signs for the Left Fork…

Mountain Biking - Lichen It Trail - Cedar City, UT Marc Piscotty © 2017

Easy trail that meanders its way up the hill. Turn around once you have reached the Upper Lava Flow trail. Please be aware this is a popular trail among mountain bikers; use caution around corners. Trail Tip: The direction for travel for mountain bikers is uphill only, hikers are…

This blue line contains berms, jumps, tables, and beginner step-ups. All features are rollable with no mandatory jumps or drops. Use this connector trail to find the trailhead for Wildflower and connect with Lil' Gritty, Z-Line Connector, Lower Glitter, Tank's Track…

The trail combines ridge line single track with a downhill ride through changing forest clusters amongst wildflower meadows and ponds. Follow the Sidney Peaks Trail to the intersection with Dark Hollow and turn right on the Lowder Ponds trail (also the Marathon Trail). Continue…

The trail traverses along Manzanita-covered hillside through spruce and aspen stands to provide beautiful Brian Head and Parowan Canyon vistas. The trail loops back around on dirt county roads. Trailhead from Hwy 143 at the North end of Brian Head, head West on Aspen Drive to…

This trail splits off early from the Color Country trail. After crossing UT Hwy 143, you will enjoy open meadows before ascending through the forest overlooking Ashdown Gorge and Cedar Breaks National Monument behind Lightning Point Mountain. Drop into the Upper Bear Flat…

This trail is unpaved and connects the Point Supreme Campground with the Sunset Trail near Point Supreme. This path is great for viewing birds and park wildlife. It is also a great way to get away from crowds.

A moderate 8.6 mile loop around the beautiful Navajo Lake near Duck Creek Village. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and mountain biking. There are two official trailheads, one located at the east end of Navajo Lake the other on the west. Completing the entire loop…

The Navajo Point Loop receives an advanced rating because you ascend 600 vertical feet on a dirt road, over the course of one mile. The remaining portion of the trail is intermediate. Offering one of the most scenic overlooks in the area, the climb is worth it. Following the…

This trail is a steep and steady climb that rewards hikers with a spectacular view of the Vermillion Castle, other canyon rock formations, and surrounding hills. Hiking poles are recommended due to areas of loose gravel. This is a pet-friendly trail, leashes are required…

This leisurely stroll on a paved path loops around the fields next to the incredible Park Discovery Kids park. Particularly good at sunset, the loop offers views of Cedar Mountain and the south side of Cedar City. Trailhead location: 2077 W Royal Hunte Dr, Cedar City. Trail Tip…

The practice loop and skill loop offer riders a chance to hone their skills and experience challenging obstacles scattered through the trail system. Easy and smooth, with some small berms and a couple of optional bridges. This is a good place to practice for kids and beginners…

Twisty technical singletrack and ATV track on the edge of Cedar City. The climb in Razorback wash is intermediate in tech requirement, while the bandland "fin" area is expert level. Trailhead location: The recommended starting points are the ATV entry from the road…

A multi-use trail located in the Thunderbird Canyons Trail system. The trail is nestled in the Red Hill east of Cedar City. Follow the trail until it intersects with the Thor's Hideout Trail and Thor's Lookout, from the intersection you can either turn around and head…

The South Rim Trail offers spectacular views in all directions. The Spectra Point Viewpoint is located at the one-mile mark, the Ramparts Viewpoint is located at the two-mile mark, and The Bartzen Viewpoint is located at the 2.5-mile mark. The trail begins at 10,500ft and follows…

A beginner slot canyon that follows an old jeep trail through meadows into a narrow canyon. Turn around as the trail becomes difficult to pass without equipment. This trail is pet-friendly, leashes are required. Trailhead location: south end of Kanarraville turn southeast on…

This accessible paved trail runs between the Point Supreme Overlook and Sunset View Overlook. The park picnic area is located at the halfway point of this trail near the campground. Built to offer all ages and abilities the opportunity to enjoy a walk in the woods and avoid steep…

The trail follows the middle fork of Taylor Creek in Kolob Canyons; winding past two homestead cabins ending at the Double Arch Alcove. The trail does cross the creek at several points. The trail is accessible year-round if the scenic drive is open.

Some steep climbs and switchbacks through fabulous red-rock country to a stunning view of Cedar City and unique rock outcroppings. This trail is dog friendly and also popular with mountain bikers. The trailhead is located in Thunderbird Gardens on 900 N (behind Cedar Ridge Golf…

*Due to a recent rock fall Kolob Canyons Road is closed to vehicle traffic beyond the Taylor Creek South Fork parking lot. For information and updates visit nps.gov/zion Perfect for an afternoon walk, the trail follows the ridge to a small peak, offering views of Timber Creek…

A hillside trail on the south end of Cedar City. The trail has both minor climbs and descents passing through the foothills. Portions of the trail are exposed to the sun later in the morning and throughout the day.

Featuring a labyrinth of Bristlecone Pines and a unique view of Cedar Breaks, this is a high elevation hike with a sheer drop-off at the end. From the trailhead there is a brief downhill followed by a steady climb that is absolutely worth it! The trailhead is located on Summit…

This hike is very steep. The elevation change is approx. 2,000 feet and can be challenging. Trail provides stunning views of the Parowan Valley as it winds up to the peak and back. Begin the hike at the Parowan Cemetery (834 Canyon Road).

 Trail switchbacks up through the red rock formations (referred to as hoodoos) to a large rock platform with scenic views into a deep canyon and the Noah’s Ark formation.

The trail can be accessed at several points (Deer Haven, Navajo Lake, Cascade Falls, and Strawberry Point) to customize the distance. Hikers can hike a mile or all 32 miles. This hike offers beautiful views of the Virgin River Rim and the northern terrace of Zion National Park…