Some of Southern Utah's best adventures are less than an hour away; you just need to know where to go! These afternoon adventures are doable within an hour's drive from Downtown Cedar City and can easily be done in an afternoon. Between a campus tour, cheering on the Thunderbirds, attending graduation, and just trying to get to know your new backyard, these are a few places we would add to our itinerary. 


Spend a Day at Cedar Breaks National Monument
 

  • Drive time: ~45 minutes
  • Fee Area: National Park day use fee or pass required
  • Tip: Don't miss the wildflowers in late summer! (July - August) 

Cedar Breaks National Monument is a great afternoon day trip for incredible views, accessible scenic overlooks, and hiking trails that each offer different views. Even if you don't hike, the scenic overlooks each have a unique view of the formations within the breaks. Take the scenic drive (make sure your camera is charged!) and don't forget to check out the Visitor Center and Point Supreme Overlook while you're there. 


Explore Parowan and the Parowan Gap Petroglpyhs
 

  • Drive time: ~20 minutes
  • Tip: Don't forget a cinnamon roll! A visit to Parowan isn't complete without one. 

The cutest small town combined with one of the coolest historic sites, Parowan and the Parowan Gap are an underrated day trip destination that should absolutely be on your radar! With preserved historic homes, a beautiful Old Rock Church, and adorable shops and restaurants lining Main Street, Parowan is like a breath of fresh air and an invitation to slow down. Grab lunch, visit local shops, take a scenic drive up to Yankee Meadow Road, or visit the Old Rock Church Museum and learn more about Parowan. 

From Parowan, take a short drive (18 minutes) to the Parowan Gap Petroglpyhs site, stopping at the dinosaur tracks along the way. Here you can find over 1,500 glyphs carved into dark stone panels that are visible from the sidewalk, so you don't have to hike to see the glyphs. 


Spend an Afternoon in Brian Head
 

  • Drive time: ~45 minutes
  • Brian Head Resort & Town: Activities at Brian Head Resort have fees; tickets can be purchased here. 
  • Tip: Don't skip the scenic chairlift ride! The views are incredible. 

Brain Head is the "coolest" place to be in summer! At 10,000 feet in elevation, the temperatures are cooler up here, and the views are spectacular. Start your day at the resort with a scenic chairlift ride and mountain biking on the lift-serviced terrain at Brian Head Resort. Grab lunch from a local restaurant before hiking a trail in nearby Dixie National Forest and Cedar Breaks National Monument. 

One local view that should absolutely be on your list is the view from Brian Head Peak. At 11,307 feet, this is the highest peak in Iron County, and the view of the surrounding mountains, forests, valleys, and Cedar Breaks National Monument is an absolute must. 


Relax in the "Quiet" Side of Zion National Park - Kolob Canyons
 

  • Drive time: ~20 minutes
  • Fee Area: National Park day-use fees apply. Annual passes/senior passes permitted. 
  • Tip: You don't have to hike to see Kolob. The scenic drive has outstanding views along the way. 

Kolob Canyons is the northwest corner of Utah's most popular national park, Zion. Home to towering cliffs of vibrant red rock, green forest valleys, and interesting historic sites along the trails, Kolob is a unique destination that fits perfectly into an afternoon visit. A five-mile scenic drive takes you through views of the crimson canyons from top to bottom, and hiking trails allow for closer views. 

The Timber Creek Overlook Trail at the top of the scenic drive is a 1-mile trail that leads to sweeping views of Zion in the distance and the wilderness in between. (30-60 minutes to hike) The Taylor Creek Trail is 5 miles long and follows the creek along the valley floor to a large red rock double arch and past two historic homestead cabins. (3-4 hours). 


Lava Fields, Lakes, and Landscapes - Play at Navajo Lake
 

  • Drive time: ~40 minutes
  • Tip: This is a must-visit in fall for brightly colored leaves along the way and gorgeous views.  

A short (but scenic) drive from Cedar City, Navajo Lake is a beautiful high-elevation destination known for cooler summer temperatures, limitless adventure opportunities, and beautiful views. Kayak among the clouds in the clear mountain lake, fish from the shore or a small boat, hike through lava fields on the Navajo Lake Loop Trail, or bike the same trail for a change of pace. In fall, the aspens around the lake turn bright orange and golden yellow, and in summer, wildflowers bloom along the trail. 

For a quick afternoon getaway to cooler temperatures and classic southern Utah scenery, this is a great option. 


Other Daytrip Destinations to Add to Your Radar
 

Cedar City is a perfect center point for national parks, state parks, art and cultural destinations, and must-see scenic drives. For other doable day trip destinations to keep in mind between your campus events or plans, use the links included below. 

Or venture a little further to: 


 

Travel safe, take lots of pictures

and share your adventure with us @visitcedarcity