Cedar City, Utah
Things to Do
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Camping
Camping near Cedar City is a nature lover's dream, with numerous sites in Dixie National Forest, Three Peaks Recreation Area and BLM lands. Pitch your tent among towering pines or beneath the starry skies of Southern Utah’s dark sky parks. Enjoy the serenity of the great outdoors, where hiking, mountain biking and breathtaking views are just steps away from your campsite.
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Hiking
Hiking near Cedar City offers access to stunning landscapes, from the Dixie National Forest to Cedar Breaks National Monument. Trails cater to all levels and showcase Southern Utah’s unique red rock formations and desert ecosystems. Hikes in the area promise memorable views and unforgettable experiences.
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Mountain Biking
Mountain biking in Cedar City provides thrilling rides for all skill levels. Ride through the diverse terrain of Dixie National Forest and Three Peaks Recreation Area, where you'll encounter everything from challenging red rock landscapes to scenic forest paths.
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Skiing
Skiing in Cedar City means access to premier slopes at Brian Head Resort, just a short drive away. Enjoy a variety of runs suitable for all skill levels, set against the stunning backdrop of snow-dusted red rock hoodoos and evergreen forests.
Local Highlights
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Brian Head Resort
It's just 40 minutes from Cedar City to Brian Head Resort where you'll have access to outdoor adventure on premier downhill slopes no matter the season. After a full day of exploring, you will have definitely earned a stop at a nearby spa. The terracotta-colored hoodoos made famous by Bryce Canyon creep in near Brian Head, where summer and winter adventure at elevation is as varied as Southern Utah's singular geology. From disc golf and scenic lift rides or hikes, to heart-pumping, downhill mountain biking and skiing, this is a resort you have to experience in the summer and winter.
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National Forest & Public Lands
In the expansive Dixie National Forest there are plenty of public lands and designated wilderness areas to help get you off the beaten path. Three Peaks is a recently developed recreation area encompassing BLM lands for picnicking, camping, mountain biking and off-road fun.
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National Parks
Cedar City has long billed itself as "gateway to Utah's National Parks." One excellent travel itinerary is to follow the loop from Cedar City, southeast to Zion National Park, then north to Bryce Canyon National Park and then back through Cedar Breaks National Monument to Cedar City. This tour of Utah’s top parks is not a trip that you should schedule for one day, however: two is doable, three is ideal and four is a bonus.
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Neil Simon Festival
The Neil Simon Festival celebrates the works of America's greatest comedic playwright, featuring three of Simon's 38 plays each season, which runs mid-July through mid-August.
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Shakespeare Festival
Utah's premier theatrical event each year is the Tony Award®-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival at Southern Utah University. Every summer and fall, thousands converge in Cedar City to participate in renaissance festivities and see three Shakespearean productions.
Hike Kanarraville Canyon Falls
A stunning slot canyon with one of the most photographed waterfalls in Utah. Kanarraville Canyon provides travelers with an approachable slot canyon experience as beautiful and awesome as any other, without the need for technical gear or training.
What's Nearby
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Brian Head Resort
Surrounded by contrasting evergreen spruce and aspen, Brian Head Resort boasts the highest base among Utah's resorts, and is the only ski and snowboard resort to showcase snow-dusted red rock hoodoos from the nearby Cedar Breaks National Monument.
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Bryce Canyon National Park
An alpine forest with as many red rock hoodoos as trees. At dawn and dusk, mule deer graze the forested plateau along the road into Bryce Canyon.
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Cedar Breaks National Monument
Hidden within the mountains above Cedar City is the brilliant geology and vibrant environment of Cedar Breaks National Monument. The geologic amphitheater and surrounding environs are home to cool hiking trails, ancient trees, high elevation camping, and over-the-top views along the “Circle of Painted Cliffs.”
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Dark Skies of Bryce Canyon
Utah has several certified Dark Sky Parks, with Bryce Canyon being Utah's fourth national park, and 13th location altogether, to receive dark sky certification from the International Dark-Sky Association.
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Dixie National Forest
This forest stretches for 170 miles across southern Utah. Visitors can experience its brilliant red spires and cliffs by car or by hiking one of the nature trails in the canyon.
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Kolob Canyons
Sometimes it’s nice to enjoy "America’s Best Idea" in solitude. Utah’s got you covered there — look no further than the Kolob Canyons corridor of Zion National Park.
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Quail Creek State Park
Quail Creek State Park welcomes day-trippers and overnighters to boat, camp, fish or paddleboard at Quail Creek Reservoir.
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The All-American Road: Scenic Byway 12
This is 122.863 miles (to be exact) of pure driving bliss. Welcome to Utah’s Scenic Byway 12, a designated All-American Road.
