Ashdown Gorge Wilderness

Ashdown Gorge Wilderness is a protected wilderness area with steep-walled canyons cutting through the west rim of the Markagunt Plateau. The terrain rises between 7,500 and 10,500 feet (2,280 and 3,200 meters) and spans roughly 2,850 hectares of land with diverse vegetation zones.

The wilderness area received official protection on September 18, 1984, through the United States Forest Service. It was named after George Ashdown, who operated a sawmill in the region during the 1890s.

The wilderness forms part of the National Wilderness Preservation System and provides visitors with opportunities to experience undisturbed nature away from developed areas. People come here to disconnect and spend time moving through landscapes shaped only by natural forces.

The area has no facilities or services, so visitors must bring all necessary supplies and equipment themselves. Multiple hiking trails of varying difficulty levels offer options suitable for different skill levels.

The area contains stands of bristlecone pines on the plateau top, with some trees reaching 1,000 years in age. It borders directly against the colorful rock formations of Cedar Breaks National Monument.

Location: Iron County

Elevation above the sea: 2,509 m

Shares border with: Cedar Breaks National Monument

GPS coordinates: 37.64390,-112.88900

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:07