The best running trails in Iron County

The Lichen It Trail loop from Cedar Highlands offers a delightful jogging experience through a landscape of juniper and pinyon pine, characterized by its smooth red dirt and distinctive lichen-covered boulders. While high-voltage views are not frequent, you'll enjoy glimpses of the Cedar City area as you navigate the undulating terrain. This route provides a pleasant, engaging journey for those seeking a moderate workout.

Planning your visit to the Lichen It Trail is straightforward, as it's easily accessible from a new subdivision with a paved pathway connecting it to Cedar City. The trailhead is convenient, and parking is generally available. This trail is a great option for a morning or evening jog, especially if you're looking for a well-maintained path without the need for extensive logistical planning.

This 5.3-mile (8.5 km) loop, with its 491 feet (150 metres) of elevation gain, is rated moderate and typically takes about 54 minutes to jog. It's a key gateway into the larger Iron Hills trail system, making it an excellent starting point for exploring more challenging routes like Green Hollow. Its smooth, forgiving terrain and gentle climbing rate make it particularly beginner-friendly for joggers and hikers.

The Red Hollow Trail – Coal Creek Trail loop in Cedar City offers a compelling blend of rugged trail running and smooth, paved paths, perfect for a varied jogging experience. You'll tackle a challenging singletrack climb on the Red Hollow Trail, navigating red dirt and rocky sections while enjoying scenic views of a prominent red hill and a beautiful red rock canyon. The route then transitions to the easy, paved Coal Creek Trail, which follows the creek past serene parks and human-made waterfalls, providing a gentle finish to this 7.0-mile (11.3 km) loop with 693 feet (211 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 1 hour and 19 minutes at a moderate pace.

When planning your visit, consider starting early, especially during summer, as the Red Hollow Trail's south-facing canyon can become very warm in the afternoon. This multi-use trail is popular with mountain bikers and hikers, so be prepared to share the path. The Coal Creek Trail is highly accessible and suitable for a wide range of users, making it a great option for a relaxed cool-down. While specific parking information isn't detailed, both sections are well-known within Cedar City for their accessibility.

This loop is a fantastic way to experience the diverse landscapes around Cedar City, combining the natural beauty of the Thunderbird Canyons Trail System with the urban convenience of the Coal Creek corridor. The Red Hollow Trail connects to other trails like Thor's Hideout, offering options for extending your run if you're feeling adventurous. The contrast between the challenging, natural surface of Red Hollow and the easy, paved Coal Creek Trail makes for a dynamic workout and a memorable outing.

If you're after a versatile jogging route with varied scenery, the East Bench Trail loop from Exit 59 Skateboard Park delivers. This moderate 6.6-mile (10.7 km) loop, with 479 feet (146 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 7 minutes to jog, offering picturesque views of colorful cliffs, mountains, and canyons as it winds around Cedar City. While mostly paved, you'll encounter some steeper sections and occasional natural dirt paths, providing a dynamic experience.

To plan your visit, start your journey from the Exit 59 Skateboard Park, which provides easy access to the trail network. The East Bench Trail's paved surface makes it an excellent choice for jogging in any season, including winter when many other trails are impassable. You'll find benches along the way, perfect for a quick break or to simply enjoy the surrounding vistas.

This trail is a key part of Cedar City's extensive multi-use trail system, connecting seamlessly to other paths like the Coal Creek Trail and the South View Trail Head. Its accessibility and mix of urban and natural views make it a standout option for those seeking a convenient yet rewarding outdoor experience, whether you're a beginner or looking for a consistent jogging spot.