Summer in Brian Head, Utah: Mountain Biking, Hiking & High-Elevation Adventure

When the temperatures climb, so do we! Brian Head is an ideal summer vacation destination in southern Utah. 

While the desert bakes, Brian Head sits at nearly 10,000 feet with chairlift-accessed mountain biking, wildflower hikes, ATV trails, and cool mountain air.

Here's how to plan the perfect summer getaway. 
 

Summer Activities at the Resort & Around Town

Surrounded by Dixie National Forest and home to Utah's highest base elevation resort, Brian Head has activities at the resort, outside of the resort, and anywhere else you might look on the mountain!

We've covered some must-do activities below (for each destination) to add to your itinerary. 

Brian Head Resort Information + Activities

Scenic Chairlift Rides: Take the lift to the top of Giant Steps for incredible views.

• Operating Friday - Sunday in June and September.
  • Daily service from June 29th - August 30th. 

​Resort Weekend Activities: A mini zip-line, mountain biking, alpine slide, disc golf and more.

Lift-Service Mountain Bike Park: Known as the "Downhill of the Gods" the trails at Brian Head Resort are fast, scenic, and exciting. Catch the lift up, and enjoy the ride down with the lift-serviced terrain. 

• Brian Head Resort features over 100 miles of downhill single track mountain biking. 
• The trails range mostly from Intermediate to Advanced, with one Beginner trail (Color Flow). 
• Find a full list of trails (including difficulty and terrain) at brianhead.com
• Trails to keep in mind include:
  • Color Flow is a beginner level modern flow trail spanning about 3.5 miles
  • Little Glitter and Lower Glitter are intermediate level trails with a few technical spots and freestyle features.

Resort Events + Festivals: In summer, Brian Head Resort hosts live music, weekend events, beer festivals, and an incredible 4th of July fireworks display (weather dependent). With a drink in hand, music playing, and incredible food on the patio, Giant Steps Lodge is the place to be on a summer weekend. Find upcoming events at brianhead.com. 

Tickets and rentals for all of the activities listed above are available at brianhead.com

Activities Around Brian Head Town

Beyond the slopes of the resort, there is so much more to discover in Brian Head! Relax at Bristlecone Pond, take an OHV/ATV tour through Dixie National Forest, or walk the town trail; no matter where you go, you'll find fresh mountain air and awesome views. 

Bristlecone Pond: Fish from the dock, play on the playground, or walk the paved path around the lake while still in view of Giant Steps Mountain. Fishing gear is available at the Brian Head General Store (within walking distance), and the tables at the pavilions provide the perfect shady spot for a picnic within view of the playground. 

• Pavilion Rentals: A great spot for summer picnics, the pavilion is available for rentals.
• Pickleball at the Pond: Bristlecone Pond features basketball and pickleball courts, plus a playground.

ATV / OHV Tours in Brian Head and Dixie National Forest: Get out and explore the backcountry in style along the miles of OHV trails around town! Find red rock views along the way, a unique look into Cedar Breaks National Monument from the High Mountain Overlook, and interesting hidden features in Dixie National Forest. Rentals are available in town at Prime Adventure Outfitters. 

Area Hiking Trails: Follow the Manzanita Trail along the ridgeline for unbelievable views of Parowan Canyon below. Find ancient Bristlecone Pine trees along the Twisted Forest Trail. Wind through meadows and alpine forest along the Aspen Meadow Loop Trail. Or, enjoy a quiet walk through Brian Head Town along the paved, all-access Town Trail. 

Where To Go Nearby

Did you know that Brian Head is only minutes away from Cedar Breaks National Monument? And a short drive from large lakes that are perfect for an afternoon getaway like Navajo Lake, Yankee Meadow Reservoir, and Parowan Canyon. With a short drive, you can switch up the view and enjoy some of the best scenery in southern Utah along the trails or from the lakeside.  

Cedar Breaks National Monument: A beautiful natural red rock amphitheater with vibrant formations similar to Bryce Canyon; Cedar Breaks should absolutely be on your southern Utah adventure list. In July, the meadows are full of brightly colored wildflowers, the trails each offer different views of the formation, and the dark sky views are out of this world! 
While you're there: 

• Hike trails like the South Rim Trail and Alpine Pond trail for a tougher hike and rewarding views. 
• Hike the Sunset Trail for a paved all-access trail that leads to a scenic overlook.
• Plan your visit for July to catch the wildflower festival.
• Check the calendar of events to catch a guided Dark Sky Program on the weekends. 

Navajo Lake: A high-elevation mountain lake surrounded by lava flows, Navajo Lake is a great afternoon destination for kayaking, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and cool views with even cooler temperatures. 14 miles from Brian Head Resort, you can take a scenic drive through Cedar Breaks with your mountain bikes and kayaks in tow for an afternoon. 
While you're there: 

• Hike the Navajo Lake Loop Trail (or at least part of the 13 mile trail) to wind through lava flows with great views of the lake. 
• Kayak or fish on the water. 
• Take a little detour and hike the Cascade Falls Trail for red rock views and a hidden waterfall. 

Parowan Canyon & Yankee Meadow Reservoir: A scenic lake located in Parowan Canyon, the drive to Yankee Meadow is almost better than the views at the lake! You can fish here, take a walk around the lake, check out the ATV trails surrounding the lake, or enjoy a picnic a little further down the canyon at Five Mile Picnic Area. 

Where to Stay in Brian Head

Looking for a place to stay? Browse the listings below to find the right fit for your visit! 

Where to Eat in Brian Head

Brian Head is home to some incredible local restaurants. Browse the listings below to find the right fit for your visit! 

Travel safe, take lots of pictures

and share your adventure with us @visitcedarcity