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Venture beyond a visit to Zion National Park to explore sandstone cliffs, hoodoos, epic water views and pioneer history with some of Southern Utah’s other fun adventures. Zion National Park has many other destinations in its backyard. Some Southern Utah favorites include Bryce Canyon, Cedar Breaks, Lake Powell, and Cove Fort.
Lake Powell Approximately 3.5 hours aways from Zion National Park, Lake Powell is a siren call for nature and water lovers. You don’t need a houseboat to enjoy Lake Powell’s beautiful views, although there are several options and marinas for renting a houseboat or pontoon boat. With the 150 miles long reservoir stretching through the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area on the Utah/Arizona border, there are opportunities for fishing, camping, boating, waterskiing, kayaking and paddle boarding. Or, just dip your feet into the water and enjoy the otherworldly views of sandstone cliffs and water in the desert. Plan your visit here. Bryce Canyon Famous for its sandstone hoodoos, Bryce Canyon National Park has a series of naturally carved amphitheaters full of the highest number of red rock spires or hoodoos anywhere on earth. Located in southeast Utah, Bryce is approximately 80 miles from Zion National Park. Be prepared for cooler temperatures and the crisp air of a higher elevation. Plan your visit or hike at Bryce Canyon’s website. Cedar Breaks Smaller than Bryce National Park but just a impactful, Cedar Breaks National Monument packs a visual punch with its half-mile deep geological amphitheaterfull of hoodoos and red cliffs. Surrounded by bristlecone pines (some of which are ancient), wildflower meadows and subalpine forest, Cedar Breaks is along Highway 148 in Brian Head, Utah. Located high above Cedar City at 10,000 feet, Cedar Breaks is also known for its clear night skies. The new visitor center is currently under construction and will affect some access. Check their website for more information. Cove Fort Step back in time to the 1800's at Cove Fort’s historical site located between Beaver and Fillmore Utah. Once a waystation for travelers, The Pony Express and telegraph lines, Cove Fort shows the life of the pioneer family of Ira Hinkley and how they helped travelers find a rest stop in their trek across the West. Tours are available through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, who run the Cove Fort site. Schedule for a visit or virtual tour here.
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A Cedar City vacation offers small town charm with activities for every interest. These five can’t miss Cedar City vacation stops are perfect for your trip’s bucket list.
Visit the Farmer’s Market Gather with the locals this summer at the Festival City Farmer’s Market on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The 13 year old farmer’s market is located in the heart of Cedar City on 100 West University Boulevard, making it the perfect place for a summer stroll to eat fresh food from the vendors and food trucks. Take a moment to listen to local musicians and find artisans that have been carefully curated to bring quality and unique finds to market visitors. Wednesday nights will include a different kid friendly activity each week and a spot for a refreshing summer dinner. Saturdays are bustling with locals and visitors purchasing their favorite artisanal treats and organic produce. Whether you want vine ripened tomatoes for your next summer BBQ or the perfect souvenir to top off your time in southern Utah, Festival City Farmer’s Market is a must stop on your vacation itinerary. Attend a Play See one, or all, of the seven productions playing at The Tony Award winning Utah Shakespeare Festival during the 2023 season. Matinee and evening performances are held in one of the three theaters at the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Center for the Arts on the campus of Southern Utah University, Monday - Saturday between June 22 - October 7. Finish out a day of busy activities with a comedy, musical, drama, or Shakespeare play at this renowned festival. Find out more at Bard.org. Discover Iron County’s Pioneer History Iron County has a rich pioneer and industrial heritage preserved at Frontier Homestead State Park Museum, located at 635 S. Main Street. Take an hour to see artifacts from Cedar City and Southern Utah’s beginnings. The museum includes exciting exhibits, interactive activities for families, and tours through historic homes and buildings like Cedar City’s oldest brick home. Summer hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday - Sunday. Take a Scenic Drive Find yourself in the mountains of Southern Utah just moments from downtown Cedar City. The scenic drive up Cedar Canyon on Highway 14 leads to dramatic vistas, cooler summer temperatures, and the entrances to Brian Head Resort, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Navajo Lake and the Virgin River Rim. Drive with a destination in mind, find a camping ground, or just explore a little to find the perfect spot for a picnic. Check out visitutah.com for more information on this drive and area. Take a Bike Ride Cedar City has an extensive trail system open to walkers, runners and bikers. The Coal Creek Trail has a variety of views including a ride through some of Cedar City’s best parks. The trail can be accessed along any point and runs from Bicentennial Park, south and east past the city ball fields and Rotary Centennial Veterans Park, through East Canyon Park, and up into Cedar Canyon. Don’t forget to stop along the Cedar Canyon stretch to admire the red rock cliffs surrounding the area. Find your path on the trail map. |
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