Best attractions and places to see around Cedar Highlands include a high-altitude community nestled in the mountains east of Cedar City, Utah. This region offers expansive views and serves as a gateway to the natural and cultural features of Southern Utah. The area is characterized by red rock canyons, high plateaus, and alpine forests within the Dixie National Forest. Its elevated position provides access to diverse outdoor activities and scenic landscapes.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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Climbing Cedar Canyon on Utah's Highway 14 from Cedar City is an unforgettable journey through spectacular scenery, rising from the valley floor into a dramatic canyon carved through vibrant red and pink cliffs towards the high Markagunt Plateau. Prepare for a very long, sustained ascent of approximately 17 miles, gaining over 4,000ft to reach very high elevations near 10,000ft. The climb is predominantly steady, averaging around 4-5% with the steepest miles approaching 8%. You'll eventually reach aspen and fir forests high on the plateau. Be very mindful of the very high altitude and expect significant temperature drops from base to summit; variable mountain weather is common.
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This is a smooth paved trail following the river all the way. It’s a perfect trail to contemplate the landscape and see the different layers of rock that form the canyon. Along the way, you can find informative boards explaining the geology.
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Red Hollow Trail is easily accessible from Cedar City, a consistent uphill hike offering a good amount of exercise with nice views of the canyons and the city. A perfect day hike!
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Consistently ranked high on lists of the best colleges for outdoor enthusiasts, it's near stunning natural wonders like Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Cedar Breaks National Monument. The SUU campus is situated in a picturesque location with views of the Cedar Mountains. The campus itself is well-maintained and features a variety of trees, sculptures, and art installations.
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If you are riding in Cedar Mountains, this is the perfect spot for you to admire what you have just accomplished, or what you are about to embark on, depending on whether you get here at the start or the end of your ride.
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The region surrounding Cedar Highlands is rich in natural beauty, characterized by red rock canyons, high plateaus, and alpine forests within the Dixie National Forest. You can experience dramatic scenery along Cedar Canyon Climb, which ascends through vibrant red and pink cliffs. The area also offers expansive panoramic views, sometimes stretching to Nevada on clear days, and is known for spectacular fall foliage along Utah's Scenic Byway 14.
Yes, there's a comprehensive network of trails catering to various skill levels. For an accessible, paved option, consider the Coal Creek Trail, which follows the river and offers geological insights. An intermediate option is the Red Hollow Trail, providing uphill exercise and views of canyons and the city. For more options, explore the easy hikes around Cedar Highlands guide.
Cedar Highlands provides easy access to a wider array of cultural and historical sites in the broader Cedar City area. You can visit Historic Downtown Cedar City with its charming shops and historic buildings, or explore the Southern Utah University campus, known for its art installations and views. Other notable sites include the Southern Utah Museum of Art, the Utah Shakespeare Festival, and the Frontier Homestead State Park Museum.
Yes, several attractions are family-friendly. The Coal Creek Trail is a smooth, paved path perfect for leisurely walks with informative boards about geology. Southern Utah University offers a pleasant environment with trees, sculptures, and art installations that families can enjoy. Additionally, the Frontier Homestead State Park Museum provides engaging insights into pioneer history.
Cedar Highlands itself is known for its unparalleled panoramic views, which can stretch to the mountain ranges of Nevada on clear days and offer stunning night views of Cedar City. The Red Hollow Trail provides nice views of the canyons and the city, while the East Bench Trail also offers scenic vistas.
Absolutely. The region offers a variety of mountain biking trails. For example, the Lightning Switch Trail & Ghost Flats loop is a popular option through the Iron Hills. You can find more detailed routes and their difficulties in the MTB Trails around Cedar Highlands guide.
The area around Cedar Highlands is beautiful year-round, but the fall foliage along Utah's Scenic Byway 14 through Cedar Canyon and around Navajo Lake is particularly spectacular during autumn. Spring and summer offer ideal conditions for hiking and mountain biking, while winter provides opportunities for snow sports at nearby Brian Head Resort.
Yes, the Coal Creek Trail is a smooth, paved trail following the river, making it suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Additionally, the Southern Utah University campus is generally well-maintained and wheelchair accessible, offering a pleasant environment to explore.
Cedar Highlands is strategically located as a base for exploring several renowned national parks and monuments. These include the spectacular Cedar Breaks National Monument, known for its vibrant red rock formations, and Kolob Canyons, a less crowded entrance to Zion National Park offering scenic drives and hiking opportunities.
Yes, there are several cycling routes. The Cedar Canyon Climb offers a challenging and scenic road cycling experience. For other options, including easy and moderate routes, you can refer to the Cycling around Cedar Highlands guide, which lists routes like the Coal Creek Trail loop.
Southern Utah University is consistently ranked high for outdoor enthusiasts due to its proximity to natural wonders. The campus itself is well-maintained, featuring a variety of trees, sculptures, and art installations, all set against the backdrop of the Cedar Mountains, making it a pleasant and scenic spot to explore.
The Coal Creek Trail is an excellent place to learn about the local geology. Along this smooth, paved trail, you'll find informative boards explaining the different layers of rock that form the canyon, offering insights into the region's geological history.


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