Navajo Lake Loop

Navajo Lake Loop circles one of the highest lakes in southern Utah, a roughly 600-acre pool sitting at over 9,000 feet with no real inflow or outflow — its water simply seeps out through old lava tubes and resurfaces miles away at Cascade Falls. The full loop runs about 11 miles, tracing open aspen stands along the north shore and rising for higher views over a section of rugged lava field on the south side. Dixie National Forest rates it a moderate day hike, and it's shared with mountain bikers and horses.

What to know

• About 11–11.5 miles for the full loop, roughly 4 hours, moderate difficulty
• Open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians; dogs are welcome
• Trailheads at both the east and west ends of the lake, including one near Te-Ah Campground with a pit toilet
• No potable water on the loop — lake water can be filtered
• Generally accessible Memorial Day through Labor Day; best June–September
• Dixie National Forest (USFS) land — no permits required for day use