Southern Utah is a photographer's dream. Around Cedar City there are many opportunities to capture stunning red rock landscapes, high-elevation amphitheater, scenic highways and byways, and beautiful mountain views. No matter if you're an experienced photographer or simply looking to capture the beauty southern Utah has, there is always new ways to discover these natural wonders through the lens of a camera.
Here are six places nearby worth adding to your next Cedar City adventure.
1. Thunderbird Gardens
Located behind the Cedar City Golf Course, Thunderbird Gardens is a unique red rock landscape with multiple trailheads and a disc golf course for people of all ages to enjoy. From sweeping views to stunning rock formations, including Thor in Thor's Hideout, there is plenty to explore and photograph while visiting. For the best hiking conditions, plan on early morning or evening when the temperatures aren't as hot.
Best spot for: stunning red rocks and landscape photography.
2. Kanarra Falls
Just 20 minutes from Cedar City, Kanarraville is home to several scenic hikes, including the iconic Kanarra Falls. This moderate to strenuous, 5-mile round trip, hike takes you through a stunning red rock slot canyon, with sections that require hiking through some water and navigating uneven terrain. Be sure to plan ahead and purchase your hiking permit at kanarrafalls.com.
Best spot for: waterfall and slot canyon photography.
3. Cedar Breaks National Monument
Just a short drive up Highway 14, Cedar Breaks National Monument sits at nearly 10,000 feet in elevation and offers some of the most stunning views in Southern Utah. The natural amphitheater stretches for miles, revealing layers of vibrant red and orange rock surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes and wildlife. As fall arrives, the surrounding trees begin changing to bright shades of red, yellow, and orange. Plan on staying after dark to capture the monument under the Milky Way.
Best spot for: fall foliage, red rock views, and night sky photography.
4. Kolob Canyons
Located in the northern section of Zion National Park, Kolob Canyons showcases panoramic red rock views and scenic overlooks with a quieter atmosphere than the park's main entrances. Take the scenic drive through Kolob Canyons and stop at the overlooks to capture fall colors then explore nearby trails including, Timber Creek, Taylor Creek, and Kolob Arch. Remember: you must have a valid park's pass to drive through Kolob.
Best spot for: red rock views, fall foliage, and panoramic photography.
5. Zion National Park
With towering red rock cliffs, winding canyons, and the Virgin River flowing through the canyon, Zion National Park is a photographer's dream in capturing Southern Utah's scenery. Spend the day and explore the park in the fall to see changing foliage contrast the vibrant red rocks. Stop along the scenic viewpoints and venture onto one of the nearby trails for different views of the park and wildlife.
Best spot for: iconic national park views, fall foliage, and hiking photography.
6. Bryce Canyon National Park
Just over an hour north of Cedar City along Highway 89, you'll find yourself heading towards Bryce Canyon National Park. Known for its iconic hoodoos, Bryce Canyon is another natural amphitheater. Take one of the park's scenic overlooks for sweeping panoramic views of the park or explore a trail that winds you down into the park for a closer look at the unique red rock landscape.
Best spot for: hoodoos, fall foliage, and sunrise/sunset photography.
Take lots of pictures
and share your adventure with us @visitcedarcity!