Skip to main content
ForestMatters, LLC

Cascade Falls Trail

Dixie National Forest, Utah · 4 min read

Distance
1.1 mi
Elevation Gain
108 ft
Difficulty
easy
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
Late May through October
Est. Time
30-45 minutes
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
Yes
Bikes Allowed
No
Difficulty Score
1 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
None
Camping
None
Google MapsApple Maps

Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Waterfall fed by Navajo Lake draining underground through a lava tube for approximately 2 miles
  • Views of Zion National Park and the Virgin River Valley from the Cedar Mountain rim
  • Pink Cliffs geology visible from the overlook above the falls
  • Short, accessible route suitable for families
  • Foot traffic only - no bikes, horses, or motorized vehicles
waterfallviews

Overview

The Cascade Falls Trail is one of the shortest and most rewarding hikes in Dixie National Forest. The 1.1-mile out-and-back leads to a waterfall with an unusual origin: the water comes from Navajo Lake, a high-elevation lake on the Cedar Mountain plateau, and travels underground through a lava tube for approximately 2 miles before emerging from the Pink Cliffs rim as a waterfall. The overlook at the falls also provides views southwest toward Zion National Park and the Virgin River Valley.

This is an honest short trail - 1.1 miles round-trip, 108 feet of elevation change, accessible to most visitors including families with younger children. The Cedar Mountain setting at approximately 10,000 feet means cool temperatures even in midsummer, and the road to the trailhead is closed by snow for most of the year, concentrating use between late May and October.

The trail is managed by the Cedar City Ranger District of Dixie National Forest as Trail #32055.

The Route

Miles 0 to 0.55: Trailhead to the Falls. The trail begins at the parking area and heads toward the Pink Cliffs rim on a gentle path through subalpine fir and spruce. Elevation change is minimal throughout. At approximately 0.55 miles, the trail reaches the rim overlook and the waterfall. The falls emerge from the base of a cliff and drop over pink and white limestone. The overlook provides views of the waterfall and, looking southwest, of the Virgin River Valley and Zion National Park in the distance.

Return on the same route.

The Geology Behind the Falls

Cedar Mountain is a high volcanic plateau capped with basalt. Navajo Lake, which sits on the plateau, has no surface outlet - instead, the water drains underground through cracks in the lava. It re-emerges several miles away at two points: Cascade Falls on the south rim of the plateau, and Duck Creek on the north side. The lava tube system beneath Cedar Mountain is what makes this possible, and it gives Cascade Falls a consistent water flow through the hiking season even in dry years.

The Pink Cliffs visible at the falls are the top tier of the Grand Staircase, the sequence of geological layers that descend from the Utah high plateaus south toward the Grand Canyon. Bryce Canyon National Park is carved from the same Pink Cliffs layer a short distance to the east.

When to Visit

Late May through October is the accessible window. The Navajo Lake Road opens after Memorial Day, though exact dates vary by year depending on snowpack. The Cedar City Ranger District posts current road conditions; check before visiting in late May or early June.

Summer temperatures on Cedar Mountain are significantly cooler than the red rock canyon country at lower elevations - this makes it a good option on hot southern Utah days when trails at lower elevations are less comfortable.

What to Bring

Given the short distance, this is a minimal-gear trail:

  • Water (the trail is short but the high-elevation sun is strong)
  • Layers (Cedar Mountain is considerably cooler than the valley; afternoon temperatures can drop quickly)
  • Camera (the combination of the falls, Pink Cliffs, and Zion views makes for a photogenic destination)

Dogs are welcome on leash.

Practical Details

No fee is required to hike the Cascade Falls Trail (as of 2026). No permit is required. The trail is foot-traffic only - closed to mountain bikes, horses, and motorized vehicles.

The nearest developed campground is Navajo Lake Campground, a short drive from the trailhead. For information on the Navajo Lake area and current road conditions, contact the Cedar City Ranger District of Dixie National Forest.

America the Beautiful Pass and Military Annual Pass holders receive fee waivers at nearby developed sites. See the veteran benefits guide for military pass details.

Getting There

From Cedar City, take UT-14 east approximately 21 miles to the Navajo Lake Road junction. Turn south on the Navajo Lake Road and follow signs to the Cascade Falls Trailhead. The access road is paved partway and then becomes gravel. The drive from UT-14 to the trailhead takes approximately 20 minutes.

From Panguitch, take US-89 south to UT-14 west, or approach via UT-143 through Brian Head. The road is closed in winter. Verify current road conditions with the Cedar City Ranger District before your visit.

Trailhead Parking

Cascade Falls Trailhead off the Navajo Lake access road on Cedar Mountain. Free parking. The road typically opens after Memorial Day and closes with the first significant snowfall, usually October or November.

← Back to Dixie National Forest

More Trails in Dixie National Forest

strenuousout-and-back

Boulder Mountain Summit Trail

9 mi2,300 ft gain
July through September

The Boulder Mountain Summit Trail climbs to the highest accessible point on Boulder Mountain at over 11,000 feet, offering sweeping views across the Colorado Plateau on a strenuous 9-mile out-and-back in Dixie National Forest.

4 min read

easyloop

Bristlecone Pine Loop

0.6 mi26 ft gain
June through October

The Bristlecone Pine Loop visits ancient bristlecone pine trees estimated at over 3,000 years old near Cedar Breaks on a short interpretive loop at 10,000 feet in Dixie National Forest.

3 min read

moderate-hardloop

Cedar Mountain Loop

8 mi1,600 ft gain
May through October

Cedar Mountain Loop traverses the Cedar Mountain plateau above Cedar City on a moderately challenging 8-mile circuit with views across the Great Basin and the Hurricane Cliffs in Dixie National Forest.

4 min read

moderateout-and-back

Losee Canyon Trail

5.9 mi531 ft gain
May through October

A 5.9-mile out-and-back through a narrow red rock canyon in Dixie National Forest's Red Canyon area, passing arches, hoodoos, and vibrant sandstone formations on a well-maintained USFS trail near Panguitch, Utah.

4 min read

easyout-and-back

Posy Lake Trail

4 mi400 ft gain
June through October

Posy Lake Trail is a short, easy walk to a scenic high-altitude fishing lake at 8,600 feet on Boulder Mountain in Dixie National Forest, a good option for anglers and casual hikers exploring the Boulder Mountain area.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

Red Canyon Rim Trail

5.5 mi700 ft gain
April through November

Red Canyon Rim Trail follows the rim above Red Canyon's striking red hoodoos and orange limestone formations on a 5.5-mile out-and-back route in Dixie National Forest, a comparable but less crowded alternative to Bryce Canyon.

4 min read

moderateloop

Thunder Mountain Loop

15.7 mi1,801 ft gain
May through October

A 15.7-mile loop in Dixie National Forest's Red Canyon, following singletrack trails through colorful hoodoo terrain west of Bryce Canyon National Park with 1,800 feet of elevation gain on multi-use trails off Scenic Byway 12.

4 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the waterfall form?
Cascade Falls is one of the more unusual waterfalls in southern Utah. The water originates at Navajo Lake, a high-elevation lake on Cedar Mountain, and drains underground through a lava tube for approximately 2 miles before emerging at the rim of the Pink Cliffs as a waterfall. The lava tube is a remnant of volcanic activity that created the Cedar Mountain plateau. Peak flow is typically in late spring and early summer.
Is there a fee to hike this trail?
No fee is required to hike the Cascade Falls Trail (as of 2026). The America the Beautiful Pass and Military Annual Pass are accepted at adjacent fee sites. The Navajo Lake area has a developed campground with a separate fee.
When is the trail accessible?
The road to the Cedar Mountain area typically opens around Memorial Day weekend and closes with the first significant snowfall, usually in October or November. The trail itself is short enough to hike in a single afternoon once the road is open. Snow can linger on the road into late May in heavy snow years; check with the Cedar City Ranger District before visiting early in the season.
Can I see Zion National Park from this trail?
Yes. The overlook above the falls provides views southwest toward Zion National Park and the Virgin River Valley. Zion Canyon and several of its prominent formations are visible on clear days from the rim. The Cedar Mountain plateau sits at approximately 10,000 feet, providing an elevated perspective not available from inside the park.