C-Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views

This 8.8-mile out-and-back entails a steep 2,100 feet of elevation, leading to an iconic viewpoint above the "C" for Cedar City. Along the trail, you'll hike in the shade of various trees and witness a diverse array of plants as you ascend to higher altitudes. The trail is well marked with few places to stray from the trail. Expect people to be riding their bikes down the trail, and please be courteous to other trail users.

Mountain bikers descend this trail at high speeds. Though you so have the right of way when hiking and they should slow for you, be aware that there are many blind corners and bikers may not always expect to encounter hikers here.

Start by parking at the C-Trail parking lot and begin hiking up the obvious trail that leads out of the parking area. Following a series of switchbacks to the top of the mountain, the trail meanders through basalt rocks and red dirt under juniper trees. About halfway through the hike, you'll find a nice wooden bench shaded by trees, offering a great spot to rest before continuing upward.

As you ascend, you'll notice the vegetation changing to pines, and even a few aspen trees near the summit. Upon reaching the summit, you'll find a large parking lot with an amazing view of the valley below, and you'll be right above the giant "C" painted on the mountainside. Take a moment to reflect on your journey before retracing your steps back down to the valley below.

Hiking poles can be very helpful for the descent back down, as it is steep and sometimes loose depending on how dry or wet it is.

Juniper trees, pines, and aspens exist on the trail. The vegetation on the trail changes drastically as you hike higher up the mountain. You can expect mule deer, rabbits, and lizards on the trail as well. Snakes have been found on this trail, sokeep an eye out for them as you make your way up!