The best walks and hikes in Ashdown Gorge Wilderness
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215
hikers
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hikes
Hiking in Ashdown Gorge Wilderness offers routes through dramatic canyons and alpine forests near Cedar City, Utah. The region is characterized by its deep gorge with multicolored limestone cliffs, carved by Ashdown Creek and Rattlesnake Creek. Elevations range from high plateau meadows down to the canyon floor, providing a variety of ecosystems for hikers to explore.
Best hiking trails in Ashdown Gorge Wilderness
- The most popular hiking route is Rattlesnake Creek Trail — Ashdown Gorge Wilderness, a 11.7 mile (18.9 km) trail that takes around 6 hours 10 minutes to complete. This challenging route descends into the gorge, following the creek through the canyon.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Crystal Springs loop — Ashdown Gorge Wilderness, a moderate 7.9 mile (12.7 km) path. The trail traverses the higher elevation forests and meadows of the wilderness area.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the South Rim Trail loop Cedar Breaks National Monument to Arch, a 5.2 mile (8.4 km) trail leading through the adjacent national monument, often completed in about 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Hiking in Ashdown Gorge Wilderness is defined by deep canyons, creek crossings, and high-elevation forests. The network of hiking trails near Cedar Breaks National Monument provides options for different ability levels.
- The routes in Ashdown Gorge Wilderness are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 20 reviews. More than 200 hikers have used komoot to explore Ashdown Gorge Wilderness's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
3.81km
01:19
230m
30m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
3
hikers
18.9km
06:10
890m
890m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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1
hikers
12.7km
03:54
460m
460m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.95km
01:02
270m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(7)
60
hikers
3.90km
01:08
90m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Ashdown Gorge Wilderness
Tips from the Community
Cedar Breaks National Monument sits high on the Markagunt Plateau, offering riders a striking reward after the long climb from Cedar Canyon. The rim overlooks a massive amphitheater of red and orange hoodoos, similar to Bryce Canyon but far quieter and more intimate. Expect cooler temperatures and strong winds at the top, and take advantage of the overlook pullouts for a break. The views here are some of the best you’ll get on two wheels in southern Utah.
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The Cedar Breaks National Monument is located on the west side of the Paunsaugunt-Plateaus. You might know the much more famous "brother" Bryce Canyon on the east side. The bizarre red sandstone formations in this small park might remind you of those in Bryce Canyon.
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Crystal Springs Trail has a bit of incline, going through meadows, and offers a nice perspective of Ashdown Creek. The trail is connected with other paths, and if combined with Potato Hollow and Long Hollow, it makes a loop. But as this is not such a popular area, the trails are not clearly marked, so make sure to have your map downloaded. Bring bug spray and avoid doing it during winter.
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This viewpoint delivers a beautiful view of the canyon, with all the different tones of red and white contrasting with the green trees. The views pay off the effort to get there, and as this is not such a popular destination, you might even have it just for yourself.
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Rattlesnake Creek Trail is a true gem of a trail, following Rattlesnake Creek, winding through canyons before going uphill and passing by meadows with amazing views. The trail is well-marked, and it is not difficult to follow, though it can be challenging because of the incline, especially on the way down.
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Cedar Breaks National Monument is mostly left out, firstly because it is a bit off the standard routes, you can only get a view of Cedar Breaks NM from above and Bryce Canyon is more spectacular and Bryce Canyon is easy to hike down and into the hoodoos.
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The Cedar Breaks National Monument is located on the west side of the Paunsaugunt-Plateaus. You might know the much more famous "brother" Bryce Canyon on the east side. The bizarre red sandstone formations in this small park might remind you of those in Bryce Canyon. If you want to hike, there are a few nice and short trails to discover the area. There is also a campground close by.
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From the 3155m high Supreme Point you have a fantastic view of the sandstone eroded by wind, ice and water. Next to it is a ranger station (with a visitor center).
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time of year to hike in Ashdown Gorge?
The ideal time to hike in Ashdown Gorge Wilderness is from late spring to early fall. Summer offers warm weather, perfect for the numerous creek crossings, and vibrant wildflowers in the high-elevation meadows. Autumn is spectacular, with the quaking aspens turning golden. Always check water levels before attempting hikes within the gorge, as they can be high in early spring due to snowmelt.
What are the trail conditions like in the gorge?
Expect a 'wet hike' when trekking through the main gorge. The trails frequently cross Ashdown Creek, so you will be walking in water. Water shoes and trekking poles are highly recommended for stability on the slippery riverbed. Trails in the higher elevations are typically dry forest paths, but can be muddy after rain.
Are there any waterfalls in Ashdown Gorge Wilderness?
Yes, the area features several beautiful waterfalls. A notable one is Lake Creek Waterfall, which is a highlight for many hikers. You can often find these cascades by exploring near the confluence of Rattlesnake Creek and Lake Creek.
Are permits required for hiking or backpacking?
No permits are typically required for day hiking or backpacking in the Ashdown Gorge Wilderness. However, it's always a good practice to check the latest regulations with the local Forest Service office before your trip, especially for overnight stays or campfires.
Is there a shuttle service for the point-to-point hikes?
There is no official shuttle service for the Ashdown Gorge trails. Hikes like the full gorge traverse are often done as a point-to-point, which requires arranging a car shuttle with two vehicles. One car is left at the lower trailhead on Highway 14 and the other is used to drive to the upper trailhead.
What are the parking options at the trailheads?
There are parking areas at the main trailheads, including the Rattlesnake Creek trailhead on Highway 143 and the lower Ashdown Gorge trailhead on Highway 14 in Cedar Canyon. Parking is generally free, but spaces can be limited, especially on weekends. It's best to arrive early to secure a spot.
Are there any good circular hikes?
Yes, for a great loop hike that stays in the higher elevations, consider the Crystal Springs loop — Ashdown Gorge Wilderness. This moderate 7.9-mile (12.7 km) trail takes you through the beautiful alpine forests and meadows of the Markagunt Plateau.
Can I bring my dog hiking in Ashdown Gorge?
Dogs are generally permitted in National Forest Wilderness areas, but they must be under control at all times, and it is strongly recommended to keep them on a leash to protect wildlife and other hikers. Be aware that the rocky terrain and numerous water crossings in the gorge can be challenging for some dogs.
Are there options for backpacking or overnight camping?
Ashdown Gorge Wilderness is an excellent destination for backpacking. A popular route is to make the full descent through the gorge as an overnight trip, allowing you to camp along the creek. This provides a more leisurely pace to enjoy the scenery compared to a long day hike. Dispersed camping is allowed, but be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles.
Which trail offers the best views of the colorful cliffs?
For stunning views of the region's famous red rock formations, the South Rim Trail loop Cedar Breaks National Monument to Arch is an excellent choice. While technically in the adjacent national monument, it showcases the same vibrant geology and offers panoramic vistas of the amphitheater.
How does hiking in Ashdown Gorge compare to Zion National Park?
Ashdown Gorge offers a similar dramatic canyon landscape to Zion but with significantly fewer crowds. It provides a more rugged and solitary wilderness experience. While Zion has more established infrastructure, Ashdown Gorge is ideal for hikers seeking a sense of adventure and discovery away from the masses.
What do other hikers enjoy most about Ashdown Gorge Wilderness?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the stunning, multicolored canyon walls and the adventurous nature of the creek crossings. The solitude and feeling of being in a remote, wild place are frequently mentioned as major highlights.
Most popular routes in Ashdown Gorge Wilderness
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