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Red Canyon Utah, Must See Road Trip Stop
Utah’s Red Canyon is located between Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park in the Dixie National Forest. It is known for its bright red rocks, hoodoos, turrets, pinnacles, and spires cut into the limestone of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Red Canyon is one of the most photographed places in Utah and has been called “the little Bryce Canyon”. Red Canyon is a great place to stop for a picnic breakfast followed by an hour or two exploring the area’s hoodoos and arches against the green forest before continuing on to Bryce Canyon. There is no fee to visit Red Canyon. Plan your visit with this Red Canyon Utah road trip guide.
You have seen photos and are excited to drive through the Red Canyon on the way to Bryce Canyon National Park. Researching the best way to spend a short visit to Dixie National Forest and the Red Canyon while working full time is overwhelming and you don’t have hours to spend on the internet. Save time and plan an unforgettable road trip stop with the Red Canyon Dixie National Forest travel blog.
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Where is Utah’s Red Canyon
Red Canyon is located in Utah’s Dixie National Forest east of the Scenic Byway 12 and Scenic Highway 89 intersection. It is only 15 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park and a must-visit when in the area.
Facts About Red Canyon and Dixie National Forest
The Dixie National Forest is the largest national forest in Utah, it is 2 million acres.
The forest is divided into sections: Red Canyon, Hell’s Backbone, Powell Point, and Boulder Mountain.
Best Time of Year to Visit Dixie National Forest
Fall is the best time of year to visit Red Canyon. Crowds are thin and temperatures are in the mid-50s to mid-60s. Winter temperatures are between 30 and below zero. Snow is possible anytime between October and April, and trails may be closed. Trails may still have ice in early spring and rain is common in late spring. Summer brings temperatures in the mid-’80s but can get hot midday. July and August are high seasons, expect crowds.
Accommodation in Dixie National Forest Red Canyon
The Red Canyon Campground has 37 sites located on Scenic Byway Utah State Highway 12. It is open from May 1 to October 1. There are 2 campgrounds with 200 sites in nearby Bryce Canyon National Park. Hotels are located in Bryce Canyon City, Tropic, Cannonville, and Henrieville.
Things to Do in Red Canyon
Take the short photo trail to stand next to a hoodoo.
Hike the arches trail past 16 arches and rock windows.
Take the .7-mile loop to the pink ledges.
The hoodoo trail is a short .3 miles to the base of hoodoos.
Hike the 7.8-mile Thunder Mountain Trail.
Cycle the shared trail system path between Red Rock and Bryce Canyon, 17 miles.
Mountain bike the Losee Canyon Trail.
ATV the Casto Canyon Trail.
Be sure to check the Red Canyon Utah Park Service for current events
Things to Do in Dixie National Forest
Hike to Cascade Falls.
Photograph the reflection of the trees on Aspen Mirror Lake.
Explore Mammoth Cave or Duck Creek Ice Cave.
Fish in one of the 80 lakes around Boulder Mountain.
Drive the scenic Hell’s Backbone and enjoy views of Box Death Hollow Wilderness Area.
Bookmark and Pin Red Canyon Utah Road Trip Guide
Plan Your Road Trip Through Red Canyon Utah
Utah Travel Guide
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Best Utah Attractions and Day Tours
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Have a great vacation!