The Markagunt Plateau is an attractive, heavily forested highland. (The Indian term Markagunt means "highland of trees.") It has some nice peaks topping out at 11,315 feet, rolling hills and large grassy meadows. Its most outstanding feature is Cedar Breaks National Monument, a large amphitheater of colorful, eroded rock forms. It also contains Brian Head Ski Resort in the town of Brian Head.
Recreational opportunities on the plateau are numerous. There are good hiking and mountain biking trails and some nice fishing in lakes and streams. Timbered campgrounds are numerous and most of the highways through the plateau are designated scenic byways. In winter, heavy snow provides good downhill and cross country skiing and snowmobiling opportunities.
The Markagunt Plateau occupies about 800 square miles between I-15 and Highway 89 in southwestern Utah. It is just east of Cedar City. Most of the plateau is part of the Dixie National Forest.
To learn more about the Markagunt Plateau, select a topic of interest from the left-hand column.
