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As spring fades to summer the wide-open spaces around Cedar City start to call for adventure and we're ready to answer! From sweeping views and twisting trails, to fast track mountain bike adventure and leisurely hikes between red rocks, there's something wonderful waiting around every turn. Discover something new and plan a summer visit to Cedar City and Brian Head this year.
1. Gateway to the parks: A visit to Kolob Canyons
With several of Utah's most colorful national parks a short drive away, Cedar City is the ideal gateway to adventure for southern Utah. Tucked between Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, visitors can experience the beauty of Dixie National Forest, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Kolob Canyons, and more on the scenic drive to either park.
Just south of Cedar City, don't skip on a visit to the north side of Zion Nation Park, Kolob Canyons. Find spectacular views of rugged red sandstone cast against dark forest and blue skies along the 5-mile scenic drive. Take the one-mile Timber Creek Overlook Trail for sweeping views into the Zion Wilderness. Discover new views of the park as you wind along the Taylor Creek Trail past two old homestead cabins to the Double Arch Alcove.
2. Grab a bike and hit the trails
Beyond the scenic cycling loops that wind through and around Parowan, New Harmony, and Cedar City, are miles and miles of mountain bike trails! With three unique trail systems just a short drive from Historic Downtown, it's easy to grab a bike, pick a trail, and spend the afternoon flying.
Hit the Iron Hills trail system on the south end of Cedar City for trails that range from beginner to advanced on local favorites such as Lichen It and Lava Flow. Climb the Lichen It trail through the high desert landscape and then enjoy a downhill-only trail on Lava Flow. Enjoy the optional drops and jumps along the trail as you flow through.
Switch up the views and trail experience with a short drive to Thunderbird Gardens. Tucked away just within city limits – behind the Cedar Ridge Golf Course – this red rock playground is teeming with outdoor activities. Find unique rock formations along the Thor's Hideout Trail, or zig-zag through the landscape on the Razorback Trail.
3. Southern Utah Museum of Art
The architecture of the Southern Utah Museum of Art is itself a work of art in downtown Cedar City. This state-of-the-art museum holds rotating exhibitions that highlight a variety of artists and art styles throughout the year. From the stunning landscapes of regional artists to the dynamic pieces from up-and-coming artists, as well as students of Southern Utah University, there's always something wonderful to discover with each new exhibit.
4. Cedar Breaks National Monument
One of our favorite destinations just beyond Cedar City, Cedar Breaks National Monument is a must-see on any southern Utah adventure. At the edge of this natural amphitheater, time seems to stand still accompanied by the chirping of birds and wildlife and the awe of the red rock formations before you.
From the scenic overlooks visitors can enjoy the unique formations of Cedar Breaks. Spotting hidden arches, hoodoos, and assorted shades of crimson, orange, pink, and more among the striations. Along the South Rim Trail, visitors can find spectacular views in all directions; or discover a hidden pond and views of the amphitheater along the Alpine Pond Trail.
Cedar Breaks National Monument opens on Memorial Day Weekend. To learn more about changes within the monument and things to know before visiting in 2022, click here.
5. Theater beneath the stars with the Utah Shakespeare Festival
In the heart of downtown Cedar City, Shakespeare's greatest stories come to life beneath a blanket of stars in the grand Engelstad Theater. Walking the tree-lined courtyards of the festival grounds visitors can enjoy music, the lively performances of the free nightly Greenshow, and the beautiful sculpture gardens before settling in for the evening's performance.
As part of the 2022 season, the Utah Shakespeare Festival will be presenting three works from The Bard himself alongside three contemporary plays, and two musicals. This year, for the first time, guests will even be able to enjoy a musical performance beneath the stars in the outdoor theater as they're treated to the haunting story of Sweeny Todd.
Bonus: Plan ahead for summer events
Known as "Festival City, USA", there's always something exciting going on in Cedar City! End your day of hiking with a star party at Cedar Breaks National Monument, round out afternoon adventures with a stroll down Main Street for the July Jamboree, or join us for the always-exciting Utah Summer Games!
Using the community event calendar at visitcedarcity.com, plan your visit to coincide with one of these amazing festivals.
