Noah's Ark Trail

Noah's Ark Trail is a roughly 3-mile round trip in Dixie National Forest's Cedar City Ranger District, climbing about 1,128 feet to a lookout over the Noah's Ark and Vermillion Castle rock formations. The name comes from early settlers who saw a resemblance between the large, squared-off summit and the biblical ark.

What to expect

• Moderate going at the start, turning genuinely difficult over the final half mile of steep, crumbling rock
• Views at the top take in red-rock formations set against the surrounding conifer forest
• A maintained dirt-and-rock tread for most of the route, with real scrambling near the summit

Loose gravel and steep footing are the main hazards, worth solid footwear and caution rather than a casual pace on the upper section. This is Forest Service land, so standard Dixie National Forest rules apply — dogs generally allowed, no entrance fee — distinct from the permit and pet restrictions inside Bryce Canyon National Park itself.