Attractions and Places To See around Cedar City - Top 17

Cedar City is surrounded by diverse natural beauty. You can explore the dramatic red rock formations and deep canyons of Kanarra Creek Canyon & Waterfalls, or experience the challenging ascent of Cedar Canyon Climb. Other notable areas include Cedar Breaks National Monument, Kolob Canyons (part of Zion National Park), and the vast Dixie National Forest, all offering extensive hiking, biking, and scenic drives.

Yes, Cedar City offers a rich blend of history and culture. You can visit the Frontier Homestead State Park Museum to learn about pioneer life, or explore the ruins of Old Iron Town for a glimpse into the region's mining past. The Southern Utah University campus itself features various art installations and is home to the Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA). Don't miss the historic downtown area with its preserved buildings and the annual Utah Shakespeare Festival.

For hikers, the Red Hollow Trail offers a consistent uphill hike with views of canyons and the city. The Coal Creek Trail is a smooth, paved path following the river, showcasing geological layers and is wheelchair accessible. For a more unique experience, consider the hike through Kanarra Creek Canyon & Waterfalls, which involves walking through a river and slot canyon.

Beyond hiking, Cedar City offers a variety of outdoor activities. The Three Peaks Recreation Area is excellent for rock climbing, bouldering, mountain biking, and disc golf. In winter, Brian Head Resort offers skiing and snowboarding. You can find numerous routes for different sports, including easy hikes, road cycling, and running trails, by exploring the guides available at Easy hikes around Cedar City, Road Cycling Routes around Cedar City, and Running Trails around Cedar City.

Yes, Cedar City has several family-friendly options. The Southern Utah University campus is well-maintained with sculptures and art, offering a pleasant stroll. The Coal Creek Trail is paved and wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for all ages. The Frontier Homestead State Park Museum also offers hands-on activities like panning for gold, which can be engaging for children. Three Peaks Recreation Area provides disc golf and an RC car track.

The best time to visit Cedar City for outdoor activities largely depends on what you want to do. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures ideal for hiking and exploring natural monuments like Cedar Breaks and Kolob Canyons. Summer is great for higher elevation activities and water sports at Navajo Lake. Winter brings opportunities for snowshoeing at Cedar Breaks and skiing at Brian Head Resort.

Yes, for Kanarra Creek Canyon & Waterfalls, a permit is required due to a daily limit of 150 people. These permits are reservable online for a reasonable fee and often fill up at least a week in advance, so plan accordingly. For other trails within Zion National Park (like Kolob Canyons), standard park entrance fees apply, and specific permits may be needed for certain backcountry or technical routes like The Narrows.

Yes, the Coal Creek Trail is a smooth, paved trail that is wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenic river and canyon views. Additionally, the Southern Utah University campus is generally accessible and offers a pleasant environment.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and the variety of outdoor experiences. Many appreciate the consistent uphill challenge and rewarding views on trails like Red Hollow Trail. The unique geological formations and the opportunity to connect with nature, whether through a challenging climb or a leisurely stroll, are often highlighted. The accessibility of trails like Coal Creek Trail also receives positive feedback.

Yes, the Parowan Gap Petroglyphs are a significant cultural site located a short drive from Cedar City. This area features ancient Native American rock art, including geometric designs, animals, and human figures, some of which are believed to be solar and lunar calendars, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region's past.

Cedar City is a great base for scenic drives. The drive along Highway 14 through Cedar Canyon, which includes the challenging Cedar Canyon Climb, offers spectacular scenery as it rises into the high Markagunt Plateau. Another option is the scenic drive through Kolob Canyons, the less-crowded northern section of Zion National Park, known for its stunning red rock formations.

Yes, winter transforms the area into a wonderland for snow activities. Highway 148 to Cedar Breaks National Monument closes to vehicle traffic in winter, opening up opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Brian Head Resort, located nearby, is a popular destination for downhill skiing and snowboarding.