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| Destination: Red Canyon Dixie National Forest Distance from Point of Origin: 240 miles. Estimated (One Way) Travel Time: 4 hours and 10 minutes. Directions: From the Stratosphere, turn right onto Las Vegas Blvd south. Go a little over a mile and turn right again onto W. Sahara Ave. Go 1.2 miles and reverse direction by making a U-Turn to head back east on W. Sahara Ave. Go .5 miles and turn left to merge onto I-15 N via the ramp on the left toward Salt Lake City. Go 169 miles passing through Arizona and into Utah. Take exit 57 toward Cedar City/I-15/UT-14 and go .4 miles. Merge onto S. Main St and travel 2.2 miles. Turn right onto UT-14 E/E Center St and continue to follow UT-14 E for 40.4 miles. Turn left onto US-89 N and follow for 20.6 miles and turn right onto UT-12 E. Follow UT-12 for about 4 miles and you will begin driving through Red Canyon. General Description: The numerous red hoodoos here are unique in appearance and organization, and quite different from those of nearby Bryce Canyon and Cedar Breaks. In addition, they appear to be more ‘open’ as they line the road instead of being concentrated in an amphitheater. The base of these hoodoo cliffs are surrounded by ponderosa pines, junipers and Douglas firs. For a closer look at the unique scenery, there are at least five well-maintained trails of varying difficulty that provide something for everyone. Special Attraction or Points of Interest: Because this area is a part of the Dixie National Forest rather than the National Park System, it is regulated by the Forest Service and thus allows ATV's, horses and bicycles on the trails. It has a 34 miles of paved and unpaved biking trails, the most popular being the paved trail along Scenic Byway 12 that takes you through 5 miles of towering pines and red rocks . If you are a bike rider then this is something you do not want to miss. In addition, there are more than a half dozen hiking trails that range from .7 to 3 miles classified as easy to moderate. There are no entry fees for this area, so come and enjoy. Primary Activity: Biking and Hiking. Secondary Activities: Photographing. Elevation: 7,200 to 7,811 feet. Best Time To Visit: Due to its elevation, even summertime hiking and biking here can be relatively cool. Difficulty: Walks and hikes along the five well-maintained trails range from easy to moderate. Facilities: The Red Canyon Visitor Center is located just off Highway 12 amid the spectacular red sandstone spires and formations. There is an interpretive site, picnic tables, Flush toilets, drinking water and parking Estimated Round-trip Time: Just over eight hours driving time leaves little time for exploring, hiking and picture taking without an overnight stay somewhere. |
| More Info On Red Canyon: http://www.zionnational-park.com/red-canyon-utah.htm |
| 10/11/2009 Trip Notes: We entered Red Canyon on our way to Bryce Canyon. This 4-mile stretch of highway is a heavily forested area with what appear to be 60 million year old red rock castles protruding up from crimson sand. Its spiraling red rock hoodoos line the edge of a long escarpment called theSunset Cliffs.Though one might think that this would not be a single destination for a roadtrip, it’s overall beauty, combined with its many walking and biking trails make it a great place to bring a picnic lunch and spend an entire day., This area was so gorgeous that we actually went back to it a second time. |
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