PANGUITCH – The Powell Ranger District, Dixie National Forest invites the public to celebrate National Trails Day and the newly designated National Recreation Trail, Red Canyon trail, and participate in two scheduled bicycle rides on June 2.

“Join us for this free family event, as it is a unique opportunity to ride alongside Forest Service rangers”, said Karen Schroyer, Powell District ranger. “As well as learn about the forest ecosystem and the key partners with the Dixie National Forest to develop the Red Canyon Trail.”

Two rides are planned, the first, a leisurely family bike ride down the paved Red Canyon trail, approximately five miles one way.  The second option is an arduous 15-mile loop mountain bike ride on the Coyote Hollow Road, down the Thunder Mountain trail and connecting back to the paved Red Canyon trails.

All participants should meet at 10 a.m. at the Coyote Hollow parking area on the east side of Red Canyon.  Bring a bicycle, helmet, water, food, and any other essential personal items.

The 8.6 mile paved non-motorized Red Canyon trail on the Powell Ranger District, Dixie National Forest, was recently honored with the designation as a National Recreation Trail.  This trail traverses the entire Red Canyon corridor, winding its way through stands of ponderosa pine to its end on the Paunsaugunt Plateau near Bryce Canyon.

Additional information is available at the National Trails Day website at http://www.americanhiking.org  or on the Dixie National Forest website at www.fs.fed.us/r4/dixie.

For further information, please contact Joe Rechsteiner, Recreation Natural Resources Specialist, at the Dixie National Forest, Powell Ranger District office in Panguitch, Utah, or by calling 435-676-9320.