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 Reporter |
Summary: The Virgin River Rim Trail is 32.5 miles long with over 4,200 ft. gain at an average elevation of 9300 ft. If not quite ready to tackle this incredible trail (open to bicycles, horses & hikers), try a short portion; like this Echo Canyon trail. Note: some bikers/riders actually make the entire rim trail in one day! The Echo Canyon trail is high altitude hiking at it's best, and hiking kids can make it with no problem. You begin with a steady uphill climb through a pine forest that leads you away from the gaping chasm of the canyon and Pink Cliffs. Switchbacks help you reach the edge of the canyon, where you enjoy isolated and unobstructed views of the Virgin River & N. Zion canyon. Continue on this ridgeline trail as you reach the hairpin turn (wooden signs marked Virgin River Rim Trail). You continue along the edge of the cliffs towards Strawberry Peak, with new perspectives with each turn. Turn around & retrace your steps whenever you're ready. Trailhead: The trailhead is located 28 miles E of Cedar City, Utah; just past Navajo Lake (TH: Lat 37.49747 Lon 112.75121). Follow the directions from Las Vegas to Cedar City (3 hour drive), which I've described in detail for the Bristlecone Pine trail (Dixie NF) at this website. Continue on Hwy. 14 past the turnoff to Brianhead and Cedar Breaks Natl Park (hwy. 143) as if you were going to Navajo Lake or Duck Creek. Turn off hwy. 14 at the sign for Navajo Lake and drive on the gravel road just past the trash dumpsters. Look for the turn (signed) and take this dirt Forest Service road towards Duck Creek. Stay on this dirt road until you see the sharp R turn (and sign) for FS #054 to Cascade Falls. Follow this road to the end, where you will find parking, RR bldg. & TH (signed). This trail begins across from the RR, and is also the access point for the Virgin River Rim Trail. (Lat:37.49747 Lon:-112.75121) Trail Guides for Echo Canyon (Virgin River Rim Trail in Dixie NF): free trail info Dixie Natl Forest by USFS Cedar City Ranger District (1789 Wedgewood Lane in Cedar City UT 84720) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: USFS Dixie NF: 1789 Wedgewood Lane, Cedar City, UT 84720 (435) 865-3200 or 3700 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Kat Green, who has posted 86 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Utah Hiking, Utah Trails, Utah Hikes, Iron County Hiking, Iron County Trails, Iron County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
