Hiking Southern Utah: Vermillion Castle Trail
Trail: Vermillion Castle Trail
Location: Dixie National Forest between Parowan and Brian Head
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: Approx. 520 feet
Distance: Approx. 2 miles roundtrip
Average time: 1–3 hours
Family Friendly: Yes. However, the first half of the hike is mostly uphill, so younger children or less experienced hikers may need to take several breaks.
Pet Friendly: Yes, Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Access: Drive on State Route 143 from Parowan toward Brian Head. After about three miles, turn left and follow signs toward Yankee Meadows and 5-mile picnic area. Past the picnic area, the Vermillion Castle trailhead will be on your left.
The trail: It is a good idea to hike the Vermillion Castle Trail on a day when it is cooler, as the trail is mostly exposed. However, given the starting elevation of 7,000 feet, this is a little easier to do than in other parts of southern Utah. The first half of the hike is almost entirely uphill as well, so be sure to take breaks when needed, and keep hydrated.
The trail starts with a series of switchbacks that wind through a wide variety of trees and plants. You will arrive at a rim that overlooks SR 143 and the canyon. You can also see across the canyon to another hiking trail called Noah’s Ark. After this small ledge, you can continue upwards.
Vermillion Castle Trail is a 1.3 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Parowan, Utah that features beautiful wildflowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from March until October.
Appropriately named, Vermillion Castle, from a distance looks every bit a castle. Spires and towers, lofty ceilings and sloping buttresses, one would expect a golden carriage to arrive at any moment. The trail requires a lot of sacrifice on behalf of the hiker to arrive at the front door for a closer look.
After a little bit, you will reach a flatter area of the hike where the elevation changes are much less dramatic. You will reach some sandstone pocked by small holes and “windows” that have been eroded into it by wind and water.
After you pass the sandstone, you will reach the end of the hike at a large flat area with several views of the valley below as well as the deep red of the vermillion cliffs for which the trail is named.
When you are ready, you just turn around and go back the way you came. The return trip is much less strenuous as it is mostly downhill.
There is nowhere to get drinking water before or during the hike, so bring sunscreen, enough water for each person, and snacks.
