The Government Shutdown: Hanging Out Around Dixie National Forest

With the government shutdown closing all the parks and monuments I was a bit stuck being in Southern Utah. Without any indication of how long it was going to last and because I really wanted to go to Bryce and Zion National Parks I decided to take Route 14 over the mountains into Dixie National Forest and the town of Cedar Rapids to ride it out. I ultimately waited in the area for 6 days until it became apparent that there was going to be no quick resolution on the shutdown. But luckily Dixie National Forest roads were open for through traffic which meant I was able to do some hiking and exploring. I did find out a little late in the game that it was hunting season. Whoops.

The aspen trees there, like the ones near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon were fiery and bright. I took probably 5,000 photos of them. Cedar Rapids, for such a small town, had a very nice park on the border of the National Forest and a great aquatic center which provided some warmth after the 25 degree nights.

Dixie National Forest, Utah

Dixie National Forest, Utah

Dixie National Forest, Utah

Dixie National Forest, Utah

Dixie National Forest, Utah

Dixie National Forest, Utah

Dixie National Forest, Utah

Dixie National Forest, Utah

Dixie National Forest, Utah

Dixie National Forest, Utah

Virgin Rim Trail, Dixie National Forest, Utah

Virgin Rim Trail, Dixie National Forest, Utah

Virgin Rim Trail, Dixie National Forest, Utah

Virgin Rim Trail, Dixie National Forest, Utah

City Rapids City Park, Dixie National Forest, Utah

City Rapids City Park, Dixie National Forest, Utah

City Rapids City Park, Dixie National Forest, Utah

City Rapids City Park, Dixie National Forest, Utah

City Rapids City Park, Dixie National Forest, Utah

City Rapids City Park, Dixie National Forest, Utah

Dixie National Forest, Utah

Dixie National Forest, Utah