Sidney Peak Trail

Sidney Peak Trail climbs to one of the higher points along the Markagunt Plateau rim in the Dixie National Forest, between Brian Head and Panguitch Lake. It's an out-and-back route of a few miles that gains several hundred feet before opening into 360-degree views across the surrounding forest and volcanic highlands. The trailhead sits along Brian Head Peak Road, with a more demanding option for reaching it via the Brian Head Trail if you want to add distance.

Expect rocky, sometimes slippery footing near the top, and count on sharing the route with mountain bikers — this is Forest Service land with a strong multi-use tradition, so dogs off leash and dispersed camping nearby are both common. A 2017 wildfire burned through part of the surrounding trail network, including the last half mile of this route, so some sections pass through recovering burn area rather than mature forest.