Red Canyon Visitor Center

The Red Canyon Visitor Center sits along Highway 12 inside Dixie National Forest, about 10 miles west of Bryce Canyon National Park's entrance. It's the first place many travelers encounter the region's signature geology — vivid red sandstone spires and hoodoos rising from pine-covered slopes — and a useful stop before entering the national park itself. The Forest Service operates the center seasonally, generally Memorial Day through Labor Day.

What the Visitor Center Offers

Staff here can help you plan hikes and bike rides through Red Canyon's trail network. Inside you'll find maps, books, trail guides, and a small selection of gifts and souvenirs. Potable water and picnic tables are available on-site, making it a practical lunch stop on a long drive along Scenic Byway 12.

Trails and Recreation Nearby

Red Canyon has its own developed trail system that's separate from — and far less crowded than — Bryce Canyon NP. Popular routes include:

• Pink Ledges Trail — a short, easy loop through hoodoo formations
• Hoodoo Trail — moderate, passing through dense concentrations of red spires
• Birdseye and Golden Wall Trails — longer options for hikers wanting solitude
• Thunder Mountain and Red Canyon Bicycle Trail — open to both mountain bikes and road cyclists

The visitor center phone is (435) 676-2676. Call ahead outside of summer to confirm hours, as staffing can be limited in shoulder seasons.