The Markagunt Plateau

The Markagunt Plateau borders the western Great Basin in the area of Cedar City and Parowan. Much of the area is high, forested, rolling country, reaching over 11,000 feet in elevation at Brian Head. The top of the plateau is coniferous forest mixed with basalt lava, with several vents and flows still visible. The western flank of the plateau has massive eroded cliffs of the Claron Formation, exposed spectacularly at Cedar Breaks National Monument. At lower elevations you can find other rocks from the Grand Staircase, such as the Navajo Sandstone.

The major towns in the area are Cedar City and Parowan (on I-15) on the west side, and Kanab and Panguitch (on US 89) on the east side. SR-14 runs from Cedar City to Long Valley Junction (40 mi north of Kanab) through some gorgeous canyons and forest. The aspen patches turn rich colors in the fall.

Vermillion Castle

Noah's Ark

Ashdown Gorge