Wild West outlaw Butch Cassidy once used the land of Dixie National Forest as a hiding place. Today, visitors retreat to its stark canyons and expanses of conifers for everything from hiking to fishing to skiing. Spanning 170 miles in south-central Utah, the region's varied landscape is both expansive and accessible. Scenic Route 12also known as All-American Road, runs along the east side, providing the option of driving or ride a bike through aspens and mountain lakes.
Off Highway 12, the Cassidy Trail, open to hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders, traces the famous thief's path – a landscape that might look familiar if you've seen 1969's Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, filmed here . Fishing enthusiasts head to Panguitch Lake, one among dozens of fishable lakes, rivers and streams on Dixie's nearly 2 million acres. On the west side, the panoramas of red rocks Brian Head Resort are nothing like you've ever seen on a ski slope. Campgrounds are plentiful and several monuments and national parks, including Cedar Breaksare found within or adjacent to the forest.
