Mammoth Cave
One of the most interesting features of the Dixie National Forest is the ancient lava beds that surround the pristine Navajo Lake and Duck Creek areas. This geologically recent lava flow represents the last of the extensive volcanism on Cedar Mountain. Geologists believe that some of this lava rock is not more than 2,000 years old. Much of the lava did not come from a central volcano but welled up from cracks and fissures in the earth’s surface. There is a profile of a cinder cone that can be seen on the north end of the Navajo Lake and Hwy U-14 junction.
Another interesting feature of the lava beds is Mammoth Cave. This tunnel or lava tube was formed by cooling lava and water. The cave is about ¼ mile long and is safe to explore if proper care is taken. Explorers will need to climb down to entrance so be sure to wear proper clothing and footwear. There are four caverns located inside the cave with the tunnel heading west being the largest. Please note that some areas of the cave may be blocked off during certain times of the year to protect the essential habitat for wildlife.
Hiking Trails
| Cascade Falls |
| A one mile, round trip hike that leads you to a beautiful waterfall that is the outlet of Navajo Lake. See several varieties of plant life and incredible views of the Zion/Kolob Terrace. |
| Virgin River Rim Trail |
| 32 mile moderate trail that’s good for hiking, mountain biking and horses. The trail has several access points so you can make the journey as long or as a short as you like. There are access points from Navajo Lake from the Te Ah Campground, as well as Cascade Falls and Strawberry Point trailheads. |
Mountain Biking Trail
| Navajo Loop |
| A nice, winding 12 mile loop around the lake that’s great for novices with just a few climbs. |
| Marathon Trail |
| A 27 mile advance bike route from Navajo Lake to Brian Head. Trail head is located at Te Ah campground. |
OHV Use
There are several trails around Mammoth Cave for ATV and snowmobile use. Trail users are strongly advised to purchase a trail map from the Dixie National Forest Service Offices located in Cedar City or at the visitor center in Duck Creek (summer only).
Campgrounds
The closest campground to Mammoth Cave is the Duck Creek Campground which is a 83 unit campground with RV and tenting sites, restrooms, dump station, fire rings and picnic tables. There are four group sites available. Several units are available for advance reservation by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Season
Mammoth Cave is only accessible from late June through October.
Getting There
From Cedar City travel east on Hwy U-14 for 30 miles. Turn left at the Mammoth Creek Road junction and follow the road north for about five miles to the Mammoth Cave turnoff. Mammoth Cave is located about a ¼ mile of the Mammoth Creek Rd.
For more information about Mammoth Cave and the Dixie National Forest, check out their website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/dixie
Dixie National Forest District Office
1789 N. Wedgewood Ln.
Cedar City, Ut 84720
435-865-3200