Yankee Meadows to Panguitch Lake — Markagunt Plateau High Road
Utah's quiet plateau road most drivers never find.
Most people driving US-89 south of Panguitch have no idea there’s a forest road system cutting across the Markagunt Plateau connecting Yankee Meadows Reservoir to Panguitch Lake along the Dixie National Forest’s western edge. The route runs USFS roads 068 and connected spurs through dense Engelmann spruce and stands of aspen that go full blaze orange in late September. The volcanic rock outcrops along the rim offer unobstructed views across the Sevier Plateau to the east and toward Cedar Breaks National Monument to the south. Soft meadow sections stay wet well into July, and a few hidden two-tracks peel off toward backcountry camp spots nobody else is using.
This is a moderate high-clearance run — not technical, but rutted, soft in spots, and occasionally downed-tree-prone after winter. A 4WD truck or capable SUV handles it fine. Best window is mid-July through mid-October before the first serious snow closes the upper elevations; roads can become impassable overnight. No permit required. Fill water in Panguitch (10 miles east) or Cedar City. Cell service is essentially nonexistent on the plateau. Dispersed camping is legal and plentiful.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 9650 ft |
| Best season | July-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Panguitch, UT |
| Land manager | Dixie National Forest — Cedar City Ranger District |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this without a lift?
Yes — a stock high-clearance 4WD with decent all-terrain tires is the minimum and it's enough for this trail. The surface is dirt and gravel with some rocky sections, but nothing requires serious articulation. Low-range is useful on a few grades but not constantly needed.
When does the Markagunt Plateau High Road typically open and close each year?
July through October is the reliable window — snow can linger into June above 9,000 feet and return as early as late October. Don't bank on a May run; check conditions with the Dixie National Forest Cedar City Ranger District before you go.
Do I need a permit or is there a fee to drive this route?
No permit required and no fee to drive the route itself. It runs through Dixie National Forest on public land, so dispersed camping is free — just follow the 14-day stay limit and standard Leave No Trace rules.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually be ready for?
The trail is moderate overall, but expect some loose volcanic rock and rutted sections through the timber where drainage cuts cross the road. Nothing technical enough to turn around a capable rig, but the remoteness is the real factor — you're at altitude with no cell service and light traffic, so a flat or a breakdown is your problem to solve alone.
Are there water crossings on this route and can I count on finding water for camp?
There are water crossings — small and typically easy to ford in summer, but check conditions after heavy rain since runoff at this elevation can change things quickly. Don't rely on them for drinking water without a filter; carry what you need for the day.
Trail track
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