11 Feb 2021
5 Must-Visit Spots in Cedar City This Winter
There’s nothing quite like winter in the desert. Crimson rock formations dusted with snow, adventure at high elevations and the right mixture of fun and relaxation are just waiting to be discovered in Cedar City. The opportunity to reset, relax, and rediscover the beauty of southern Utah is calling our name. Take in stories of the past between rock walls adorned with petroglyphs. Discover new and exciting views on a snowshoe hike into Cedar Breaks National Monument. Grab a drink, and explore Historic Downtown Cedar City, and ignite a creative spark at the Southern Utah Museum of Art.
Explore the list below then start planning your trip.
1. Snowshoe Hike into Cedar Breaks National Monument
With incredible high elevation views hitting the trails throughout and around Brian Head is a must! Whether you have gear of your own or need to rent some these trails are ready to show off the wonders of southern Utah. You can choose a trail that keeps you closer to town from the Brian Head Town Trails map or embark on a little high adventure with a snowshoe hike into Cedar Breaks National Monument. Parking is available at the north overlook.
For a unique winter view of Cedar Breaks National Monument, check out the Cedar Breaks Rim Trail. (Highlighted in pink on the linked map) This is a long trail but it can be shortened as needed and it is well worth the views!
Brian Head is a 40-minute drive from Cedar City
Checking weather conditions and snowpack ahead of time is recommended.
2. Find That Creative Spark
It’s no secret that the stunning landscapes of Southern Utah are a favorite for artists. The vistas and canyons of Zion National park, the sweeping desert views, the intricate formations of Cedar Breaks National Monument, have all found their way onto canvas, print, or digital art.
Spark creativity with a visit to the Southern Utah Museum of Art before heading out to visit other local galleries, or create a masterpiece of your own. This state-of-the-art museum on the campus of Southern Utah University features the artwork of regional artists known for their landscapes, as well as emerging and distinguished artists from around the country. The robust collection from local artist Jimmie F. Jones exemplifies the beautiful landscapes of the area.
Minutes away you can continue your Cedar City art journey with a visit to Artisans Gallery. This local gallery offers art and handcrafted items from local artists in a wide variety of mediums.
3. Connect and Reset – Yoga and Relaxation
With a year spent so far apart, a chance to reconnect with ourselves and the world around us through yoga in a calm and relaxed environment is high on our list of things to do. So treat yourself to a class from one of our incredible local studios, Bristlecone or Cedar Yoga Space.
A new addition to downtown Cedar City, Bristlecone offers a combination of hot yoga classes as well as classic yoga throughout the day. With a mission to offer inclusive classes for everyone’s health routine, they are thoughtful in the way they structure their courses. At Bristlecone they believe the “process of coming home to your body is worth sharing and worth showing up for.” With a restorative yoga class behind you, a hot tea in hand, and a Tuscan bagel sandwich in front of you, it’s an ideal afternoon.
Designed to create a calm, nurturing atmosphere for practicing yoga, Cedar Yoga Space is a great option for an afternoon of relaxation and uplifting company.
Their studio is open to all skill levels and provides various yoga styles and special events. These special events include anything from sound bath ceremonies, to handstand workshops, to yoga for panic and anxiety. A schedule of special events, private sessions, and classes can be found on their website.
4. Hike in Kolob Canyons, North Zion National Park
Have you had the chance to take a winter drive through the north side of Zion National Park? The Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park is located at Exit 40 on I-15 and is less than a half-hour drive from Cedar City.
The 5-mile scenic drive along the Kolob Canyons Road allows visitors to view the crimson canyons and gain access to various trails and scenic viewpoints. For sweeping views and a little fire and ice effect as towering crimson cliffs are dusted with snow, this short scenic drive is a must. If you need an extra dose of adventure plan for a hike along the Taylor Creek (Middle Fork) Trail. The trail follows the middle fork of Taylor Creek in Kolob Canyons; winding past two homestead cabins and ending at the Double Arch Alcove.
Kolob Canyons requires a National Park Pass or the purchase of a Zion National Park day-use entrance fee. As a designated wilderness area. The road may close due to snow or ice so be sure to check conditions and learn more at the National Park Service website.
5. A Visit to the Parowan Gap Petroglyphs
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of stepping into a place that calls you back in time. A place that connects you with those who walked there before can be almost therapeutic in the power of connections found there. Between the walls of the Parowan Gap and the stories of the past etched into the dark sandstone, it’s easy to immerse yourself in the quiet and your surroundings.
With over 1,500 petroglyphs on 90 panels, there are so many stories to discover here. The walls of dark Navajo sandstone are adorned with stories of the past, etched into history by various tribes and peoples who used this natural thoroughfare. From the iconic Zipper Glyph to a small mountain goat etched carefully behind a larger stone, it’s incredible what can be found here.
The Parowan Gap is 13 miles north of Cedar City on Hwy 130.