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Utah
Iron County

Cedar Highlands

Easy hikes and walks around Cedar Highlands

By Fede from komoot

·

Updated June 2, 2026

If you've ever tried to plan hiking around Cedar Highlands, you know how quickly the sheer number of trails can feel overwhelming. How do you cut through the noise and find the routes that are genuinely worth your time and effort? That's where we come in. Our komoot community has explored, mapped, and reviewed these trails, and we've distilled that collective wisdom into a curated shortlist, saving you the guesswork.

Hiking around Cedar Highlands is all about dramatic contrasts. You'll find vibrant red rock canyons and towering sandstone cliffs giving way to high plateaus and lush alpine forests as you gain elevation. It’s a landscape that truly feels like Utah, offering everything from easy strolls to more demanding climbs. While many trails are accessible year-round, the higher elevation routes are best enjoyed from late spring through fall.

If you only do one easy hike, make it Red Hollow Loop. This 3.3 miles (5.4 km) path is a fantastic introduction to the region's distinctive red rock formations and offers great views without too much effort. For a different vibe, the Coal Creek Trail is a local favorite, a 3.4 miles (5.5 km) easy route that follows the creek with gentle elevation changes. With over 100 hikers already exploring Cedar Highlands with komoot, you're in good company.

If you only do 3 of these routes

  1. 1

    Coal Creek Trail
  2. 2

    Cross Hollow Trail
  3. 3

    Red Hollow Loop

Compare these routes at a glance

Trail

Distance

Elevation

Difficulty

Coal Creek Trail

2.62 km

70 m

Easy

Cross Hollow Trail

2.09 km

0 m

Easy

Red Hollow Loop

5.37 km

220 m

Easy

Coal Creek Trail

5.53 km

60 m

Easy

13th Hole Trail Loop

4.65 km

90 m

Easy

Coal Creek Trail

5.90 km

40 m

Easy

Red Hollow Trail – Thor's Hide Out lookout loop from Red Hollow Trailhead

3.04 km

160 m

Easy

Thor's Hide Out lookout loop from Thunderbird Gardens Trailhead

5.18 km

160 m

Easy

Lichen It Trail loop from Cedar Highlands

5.23 km

100 m

Easy

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1.

Coal Creek Trail

2.62km

00:43

70m

0m

The Coal Creek Trail offers a refreshing, easy hike perfect for a quick escape into nature. This short route is ideal for those seeking a gentle stroll, providing a pleasant experience without demanding terrain or significant climbs. It's a great option for a casual walk, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors at a relaxed pace.

Planning your visit to the Coal Creek Trail is straightforward due to its easy nature and short duration. While specific parking and access details are best confirmed with local sources, the trail's accessibility makes it a convenient choice for an impromptu outing. Consider visiting during daylight hours for the best experience, and always carry water.

This easy 1.6-mile (2.6 km) hiking trail, with its modest 218 feet (67 metres) of elevation gain, is a fantastic choice for families and beginners, taking only about 43 minutes to complete. It serves as an excellent introduction to hiking in the Cedar City area, offering a low-commitment way to enjoy the local environment.

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2.

Cross Hollow Trail

2.09km

00:33

0m

40m

The Cross Hollow Trail in Cedar City, Utah, is a delightful and accessible hike, perfect for a relaxed outing. This easy 1.3-mile (2.1 km) route features a gentle, flat path that winds through sagebrush and juniper trees, with sandy sections and some paved areas. Around 1 kilometer in, you'll find a charming small creek, and the trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys, making for a scenic 32-minute stroll with only 2 feet (1 meter) of elevation gain.

Planning your visit is straightforward; this trail is known for its accessibility and is part of a multi-use system, welcoming walkers, runners, and cyclists. It's an excellent choice for families or beginners looking for a quick, low-impact outdoor activity. Being located in Cedar City, it's generally easy to reach, though checking local conditions is always a good idea, especially if you're considering a visit during off-peak seasons.

What makes the Cross Hollow Trail particularly interesting is its blend of natural beauty and historical significance. It served as an important route for pioneers, and you can still spot remnants of old wagon tracks along the way. Beyond its history, the trail is home to wildlife such as mule deer, jackrabbits, and various bird species, offering a chance to connect with nature right near Cedar City.

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3.

Red Hollow Loop

5.37km

01:42

220m

220m

The Red Hollow Loop offers a fantastic immersion into Southern Utah's red rock country, guiding you through a vibrant canyon with striking red walls and contrasting green conifers. The 3.3-mile (5.4 km) path, which includes 734 feet (224 metres) of elevation gain, features sections of red dirt, rocky terrain, and sandy washes, leading to expansive views from ridgelines. You'll discover unique features like the "Bowling Alley" sandstone cliff and the intriguing Thor's Hide Out lookout, making for a visually engaging hike.

This easy-rated loop takes approximately 1 hour and 41 minutes to complete, though some uphill portions can feel moderate due to steep inclines and loose dirt. It's a multi-use trail, popular with both hikers and mountain bikers, and is considered kid-friendly and dog-friendly (on leash). Be prepared for largely exposed sections with limited shade; there are no restrooms or drinking water at the trailhead, so pack accordingly.

Part of the Thunderbird Canyons Trail system near Cedar City, the Red Hollow Loop provides an accessible glimpse into the region's natural beauty without the crowds often found in more famous national parks. In spring, the trail comes alive with wildflowers such as firecracker penstemon and Indian paintbrush, adding another layer of charm to the already stunning red rock scenery.

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4.

Coal Creek Trail

5.53km

01:29

60m

60m

The Coal Creek Trail in Cedar City offers a wonderfully accessible and scenic experience, perfect for a relaxed outdoor escape. This paved, all-access route meanders through Cedar Canyon, following the gentle flow of Coal Creek and providing pleasant views towards landmarks like Red Hill. You'll find plenty of benches along the way, inviting you to pause and soak in the tranquil surroundings.

Starting conveniently from Bicentennial Park, this easy 3.4-mile (5.5 km) trail involves a minimal 204 feet (62 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 1 hour and 28 minutes to complete. It's an ideal choice for families, those with strollers, or anyone looking for a leisurely walk without challenging terrain. Parking is readily available at the park, ensuring a hassle-free start to your outing.

This trail stands out as a family-friendly option in the Cedar City area, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all ages. Its paved surface makes it suitable for cycling and strollers, distinguishing it from more rugged trails. It’s a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of Cedar Canyon without needing specialized hiking gear or extensive planning.

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5.

13th Hole Trail Loop

4.65km

01:17

90m

90m

The 13th Hole Trail Loop offers a delightful journey through Cedar City's iconic red rock landscape, winding past juniper and pinion pine trees. You'll traverse a mix of narrow singletrack and broader paths, with the southern side of the loop providing particularly engaging terrain and excellent views of the red hills and Cedar City itself. The geological features, including clay and rock dating back to the Jurassic Period, add a unique touch to the scenery.

This easy hiking route is conveniently located just minutes off the freeway, making it highly accessible. The trailhead provides paved parking, bathrooms, and water facilities. Dogs are welcome on the trail, and many hikers recommend tackling the 2.9-mile (4.6 km) loop in a counter-clockwise direction to best appreciate the views. Expect to complete the 279 feet (85 metres) of elevation gain in about 1 hour and 17 minutes, but be prepared for potentially muddy conditions after rain.

Part of the extensive Thunderbird Gardens Trail System, this trail is a multi-use path popular for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. Its accessibility and moderate challenge make it an ideal choice for experienced beginners or anyone looking for a quick, scenic escape into the distinctive Utah red rock country. The trail starts at around 5800 feet and climbs to just over 6100 feet, offering a gentle but rewarding ascent.

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6.

Coal Creek Trail

5.90km

01:33

40m

40m

The Coal Creek Trail offers a delightful, easy hike perfect for a quick escape into nature. This 3.7-mile (5.9 km) route, with a gentle 146 feet (44 metres) of elevation gain, guides you along the tranquil waters of Coal Creek, providing a serene backdrop for your walk. Expect a pleasant journey that takes around 1 hour and 32 minutes, making it an ideal choice for families or anyone looking for a low-key outdoor experience.

Planning your visit to the Coal Creek Trail is straightforward, as it's generally accessible and well-suited for casual outings. While specific parking details aren't provided, you'll find it an easy trail to access for a leisurely stroll. Spring and autumn typically offer the most comfortable weather for hiking, but the trail's gentle nature makes it enjoyable across many seasons.

This trail is a great option if you're in the Cedar City area and looking for a simple, rewarding hike without significant challenges. Its easy difficulty and relatively short distance make it a popular choice for those seeking a peaceful natural setting. The trail provides a lovely opportunity to connect with the local environment and enjoy some fresh air.

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8.

Thor's Hide Out lookout loop from Thunderbird Gardens Trailhead

5.18km

01:32

160m

160m

The Thor's Hide Out lookout loop from Thunderbird Gardens Trailhead offers a rewarding journey through Cedar City's striking red rock desert. You'll traverse varied terrain, from sand to unique honeycomb rock formations, leading you to 'Thor's Hideout' with its enormous boulders and eventually to 'Thor's Lookout,' where a distinctive rock throne awaits with panoramic views of the city and distant snow-capped peaks. This easy hiking route covers 3.2 miles (5.2 km) with 520 feet (159 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hour and 31 minutes.

To make the most of your visit, consider starting early or late in the day, especially during warmer months, as the trail is largely exposed with limited shade. The Thunderbird Gardens Trailhead provides convenient amenities like restrooms. While the footing can be loose on some of the steep climbs and switchbacks, trekking poles can offer helpful stability. No permits are needed to explore this scenic area.

This trail is a fantastic way to experience the unique geology of the region, showcasing sculpted boulders and cliffs that define the landscape. It's part of the larger Thunderbird Gardens trail system, which is also popular for mountain biking, offering a dynamic outdoor experience. The

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9.

Lichen It Trail loop from Cedar Highlands

5.23km

01:28

100m

100m

The Lichen It Trail loop from Cedar Highlands offers a delightful and accessible hiking experience, perfect for a relaxed outing. You'll wander along a broad, smooth dirt path, winding through a landscape dotted with juniper and pinion trees, and past exposed boulders covered in the distinctive lichen that gives the trail its name. Enjoy frequent, expansive views to the west, including the striking Three Peaks, making this easy 3.3-mile (5.2 km) route, with its gentle 344 feet (105 metres) of elevation gain, a scenic treat that takes about 1 hour and 27 minutes.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is easily accessed from the Cedar Highlands area. It's a popular choice for those looking for a convenient hike, especially since it has paved connections to Cedar City via the Southview trailhead. This makes it an ideal spot for a quick escape into nature without needing extensive travel or complex logistics, and it's generally suitable for all skill levels.

This trail is a key part of the expansive Iron Hills Trail System, a planned 50-mile network near Cedar City, Utah. While it's often used by mountain bikers as an uphill connector to more challenging routes, hikers can enjoy it in both directions. Its primary function is to link lower and higher elevation trails, allowing for numerous loop configurations and making it a versatile and popular option within the diverse Dixie National Forest environment.

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Tips from the Community

maniboyflex
January 15, 2025, Coal Creek

Coal Creek has a small waterfall at the end of the Cedar Canyon Trail, which makes a refreshing place to take a rest and observe the nature around you.

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Parking lot with easy access to the trailhead, benches and picnic tables.

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13th Hole Trail is a looped switchback trail, which makes it not so demanding. The trail goes around some interesting gullies and has views of red cliffs. During summer, you might find wild flowers. The trail is not so popular, and you might find some quietness, especially if you go in the early morning.

0

0

This is a smooth paved trail following the river all the way. It’s a perfect trail to contemplate the landscape and see the different layers of rock that form the canyon. Along the way, you can find informative boards explaining the geology.

0

0

maniboyflex
July 25, 2024, Coal Creek

Coal Creek has a small waterfall at the end of the Cedar Canyon Trail, which makes a refreshing place to take a rest and observe the nature around you.

0

0

Red Hollow Trail is easily accessible from Cedar City, a consistent uphill hike offering a good amount of exercise with nice views of the canyons and the city. A perfect day hike!

0

0

This lookout delivers a beautiful view of Cedar Canyon. As it is not so high or difficult to access, you can even do it during winter to see the beautiful contrast of white snow with the red rocks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many easy hiking trails are available in Cedar Highlands?

Cedar Highlands offers 9 easy hiking trails, providing a variety of options for those looking for a relaxed outdoor experience. These trails allow you to explore the region's diverse landscapes, from red rock canyons to alpine forests.

What kind of terrain can I expect on easy hikes in Cedar Highlands?

The easy hikes in Cedar Highlands feature a diverse landscape. You'll encounter vibrant red rock canyons and sandstone cliffs, as well as high plateaus with lush alpine forests. Many trails offer panoramic views of valleys and distant mountains, with natural shrubbery and juniper trees common throughout the area.

Are there any family-friendly easy hikes in Cedar Highlands?

Yes, many of the easy trails in Cedar Highlands are suitable for families. For instance, the Coal Creek Trail is an easy 3.4-mile path that follows the creek with gentle elevation changes, making it a pleasant option for all ages. The Cross Hollow Trail is another easy, shorter option at just over 1.2 miles.

Can I bring my dog on easy hiking trails in Cedar Highlands?

While many areas in Southern Utah are dog-friendly, regulations can vary. Trails within Dixie National Forest generally allow dogs on leash, but areas like Cedar Breaks National Monument have stricter rules. It's always best to check specific trail regulations or local signage before heading out with your pet to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.

Are there any loop trails among the easy hikes in Cedar Highlands?

Yes, Cedar Highlands features several easy loop trails. The Red Hollow Loop is a popular 3.3-mile option showcasing distinctive red rock formations. Another great choice is the 13th Hole Trail Loop, which is 2.9 miles and leads through varied terrain.

What are some interesting natural features or landmarks to see on easy hikes?

Many easy hikes offer access to the region's stunning natural beauty. You can explore red rock canyons and enjoy scenic views. The Coal Creek Trail highlight, for example, is a great starting point to experience the local gorges. For expansive views, consider trails that lead to overlooks like the C-Overlook.

What is the best time of year to hike the easy trails in Cedar Highlands?

Cedar Highlands offers hiking opportunities year-round, but the best time depends on your preference. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures, ideal for exploring the red rock canyons. Summer offers cooler temperatures at higher elevations within the alpine forests. Winter can be beautiful for snowshoeing or hiking on clear days, especially on lower elevation trails.

Are there any paved or accessible easy trails in Cedar Highlands?

The Coal Creek Trail is an easy, paved route that is generally considered accessible, making it suitable for a leisurely hike or stroll. It follows the creek and offers a smooth surface for a comfortable experience.

What do other hikers enjoy most about the easy trails in Cedar Highlands?

The easy trails in Cedar Highlands are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from 5 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse terrain, from the distinctive red rock formations to the peaceful alpine forests, and the well-maintained paths that make for an enjoyable and accessible outdoor experience.

Where can I find parking for easy hiking trails in Cedar Highlands?

Parking availability varies by trailhead. Many popular easy trails, such as the Red Hollow Loop and Coal Creek Trail, typically have designated parking areas at their trailheads. It's advisable to check specific route details on komoot for precise parking information before your visit.

Are there any trails that offer views of Cedar City?

While not explicitly an easy trail in our data, the C Trail – Cedar City is known for its climb to an overlook of Cedar City. For a less strenuous option, some sections of trails around the city's perimeter, like the East Bench Trail, may offer glimpses of the city below amidst the natural landscape.

What should I wear for hiking easy trails in Cedar Highlands?

Given the varied terrain and potential for changing weather, it's recommended to wear comfortable, layered clothing. Sturdy hiking shoes are advisable even for easy trails, as surfaces can be uneven. Don't forget sun protection, such as a hat and sunscreen, especially when hiking in exposed red rock areas.

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