Guide to Memorial Day Weekend in Cedar City

Three-day weekends are few and far between, so we are all for making the most of one! Kicking off summer, Memorial Day Weekend is a time for adventure, reflection, and soaking up the sun. Along the trails and beneath the stars of southern Utah there's plenty to do and see!
 

Here's our quick guide for things to know, places to go, and more for Memorial Day Weekend in Cedar City and beyond. 

Outdoor Adventures

Hiking and Biking Trails

While some of our high-elevation trails (including those around Cedar Breaks) are still snowy, there are some incredible options for hiking and biking in the valley! With options ranging from just outside the hotel door to a short scenic drive away and a wide range of difficulty, you're sure to find the perfect trail. For gear and bike rentals while you're here visit our friends at Cedar Sports Shop in downtown. 

Hiking Trails

Trails like Thor's Hideout and Red Hollow wind through the vibrant red rock of Thunderbird Gardens recreation area and are minutes from downtown Cedar City. Meanwhile, in Kanarraville you'll find stunning slot canyons and beautiful views with a little extra work on trails like Kanarra Falls* and Spring Creek. (*permits required) The Cedar Canyon/Coal Creek and East Bench trails are great paved options that are accessible for all with views of Cedar Canyon. The Timber Creek Overlook Trail in Kolob Canyons is a great family-friendly trail with unique views of north Zion National Park. 

Biking Trails

Miles of trails wind through and around Cedar City with a wide variety in difficulty and experience! Check out the trails in the nationally recognized trails in the Iron Hills Trail system on the south side of Cedar City. Flow trails like the "C" Trail, Lava Flow, and Black Ops are a great opportunity for some fast-track flow. While the loop trails in Three Peaks Recreation Area offer a great progression opportunity for beginners. 
 

Find the right trail for your experience level and expectations using the links included below. 

Camping and RV Spots

Finding the right place to stay goes a long way in shaping your vacation. Luckily, tucked among historic downtown, just up the canyon, and out west of Cedar City there are some scenic and quiet spots to camp/park an RV that we recommend for Memorial Day Weekend. You can camp beneath the stars in the quiet of Three Peaks Recreation Area at the Rocky Peak Campground. Take in scenic views minutes from downtown at Cedar Canyon Retreat, or glamp it up a bit with a stay at Little Village Retreat. 

No matter where you stay, you're close to all the action. Find a list of lodging options in Cedar City using the links included below. 

*Note: Stick to the lower elevation areas as all of Cedar Mountain is still covered in snow and/or soggy from snowmelt.

ATV and Off-Roading

Explore the areas around Three Peaks and the Parowan Gap on an ATV ride using area maps provided by our local public lands offices. Step back in time with a visit to the Parowan Gap, explore among the rolling hills of lava rock in Three Peaks, or take in the wide views of the high desert out by Iron Springs Resort. 

Arts, Events, and Historical Activities

Beverley Center for the Arts 

Home to the Utah Shakespeare Festival, sculpture gardens, and the Southern Utah Museum of Art, the Beverley Center is a great start for exploring the arts and culture scene in Cedar City. While the Southern Utah Museum of Art is closed for gallery rotations, the building is still a work of art, designed with Utah's slot canyons and night skies in mind. The two sculpture gardens at the Beverley are full of bronze-cast Shakespeare characters and modern art pieces. 

Downtown Cedar City Murals & Events

Historic Downtown is home to local shops and restaurants that are favorites for locals and visitors alike. Snap a pic with one of the many vibrant murals, grab a drink or enjoy a tasting with IG Winery, and browse shops like Artisans Gallery, Little Sunshine Mercantile, and Front Porch Twang, before enjoying a frozen treat from the ice cream/soda bar at Bulloch's. The Saturday before Memorial Day visitors can shop local produce and artisan goods from the Festival City Farmer's Market in downtown, or venture out to Red Acre Farm or Sweet Pea Farm & Orchard for the first farm breakfast events of the season! 

Historical Sites and Destinations

Step back in time with a visit to the Frontier Homestead State Park, Parowan Gap Petroglyphs, or an afternoon in downtown Parowan. Explore the historic homes and grounds of the Homestead with hands-on activities at every step in between, stand in an iron ore shovel, climb all aboard the caboose, and immerse yourself in the history of the west. At the Parowan Gap find incredible petroglyphs etched in stone throughout the canyon walls. Parowan is a picture-perfect small town with a history of preserving historic buildings and sights throughout. 

National Parks & Monuments

Cedar Breaks National Monument

The monument opens officially on Friday, May 24th, which means that the scenic overlooks, visitor contact stations, and Zion Forever shop will be open for visitors on Memorial Day Weekend! Trails will still be largely buried under snow, but the paved Sunset Trail is normally cleared as part of their opening. Take the scenic drive along Hwy 148 to connect to the town of Brian Head from Cedar Canyon to drive the full scenic loop. 

Zion National Park

Memorial Day Weekend in Zion National Park is busy. The park rangers and staff work diligently to provide the best experience for all visitors so our advice for a busy holiday weekend in Zion is pretty simple. Be prepared and plan ahead with any permits or passes you might need, proper equipment, and a shuttle schedule/park map. Pack your patience as you will find long wait times for shuttle stops, on trails, and for any facilities. Check park status before arriving. Zion National Park will sometimes limit vehicle entry when parking fills and it's best to check their frequent status updates online at go.nps.gov/ZionConditions

Bryce Canyon National Park

Like Zion, Bryce will see an increase in visitors. The park rangers and staff are incredible and can help you to navigate your visit with ease. If you're planning on a horseback tour or any guided event be sure to secure your reservations ahead of time. The main road is fully open and all trails are open and mostly dry, though boots are recommended. Like Zion, be sure to check the park current conditions ahead of time at nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/conditions

Memorial Day Places & Events

Of course, the reason for the three-day weekend looms large, creating an opportunity for reflection and remembrance through local events and relevant places. Spaces like the Veteran's Memorial Park, Cedar City Cemetery, and Parowan Historic Cemetery are ideal places to visit this weekend. Attend Memorial Day events in Cedar City and Parowan. Or find a quiet space along a trail or scenic byway for reflection and remembrance on your own. Thank you to all who fell in defense of what we love and those who continue to serve. 

Travel safe and we hope you enjoy your visit!