The sun is shining, the trails are dry, and we're ready to explore! Memorial Day Weekend is a great opportunity to get outside, spend time with family and loved ones, and enjoy quiet reflection and outdoor connection. Find a quick guide below to upcoming Memorial Day events, as well as some of our favorite places to play and things to do in Cedar City.
Memorial Day Events & Places to Visit
While the holiday weekend and chance for adventure are always great, we don't want to lose track of Memorial Day itself.
A day for reflection and gratitude, here are some places in the area to visit and Memorial Day events to add to your visit.
Memorial Day Destinations for Honoring the Holiday

Veterans Memorial Park (200 N 200 E)
A beautiful park with paved trails and monuments honoring those who served in conflict from WWI to the present day. The Veterans Memorial Park is a standout destination at any time of year, but holds a special place on holidays like Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
While you're here, consider painting a rock with a thank you or an American flag to leave in the Veterans Memorial Rock Garden.
Cedar City & Parowan Cemeteries
Both the Cedar City and Parowan cemeteries host Memorial Day events, along with placing American flags at each veteran's grave for both Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
Art & Culture
Pickleball Tournament
Art & Culture
Parowan: Memorial Day
Rodeo
Memorial Rodeo
Trails to Hike, Views to Take In, and Places to Explore
The trails are dry, the road to Cedar Breaks National Monument is open, and there are plenty of trails and overlooks to explore on Memorial Day Weekend!
Hiking, Biking & Outdoor Adventure
With the sun shining and the family/friend group together, it's time to get outside! We're ready for some outdoor adventure and a moment to connect with ourselves, loved ones, and nature, so let's play. Here are some of our must-hike trails, must-see views, and must-do activities in Cedar City, Parowan, and Brian Head to kick off summer.
*A note for high elevation destinations: Memorial Day marks the shoulder between winter and summer at high elevations. Cedar Breaks is just opening, but some high trails may still have snow.
It is an easy trail that is great for families from late spring to fall. Enjoy views of Zion National Park from an observation deck as you wander among a grove of ancient Bristlecone Pines. Trailhead location: At the top of Cedar Canyon (Hwy 14) near mile marker 17. Trail…
This trail is an out-and-back trail best in the summer and fall that offers spectacular views of Zion National Park and the Markagunt Plateau, ending at cascading falls from an underground lava tube. Portions of the trail are steep and water may be present on the trail…
Following Cedar City’s Coal Creek, this gently rolling paved trail leads to a pair of bridges and waterfalls in Cedar Canyon that are surrounded by views of the area’s famous red rocks. The trailhead is located in the Ann J. Gardner Canyon Park at 151 S 400 E, Cedar…
Lava Flow is a hike and bike downhill-only trail. This downhill single track includes tabletop jumps and high berms for fast riding. Restrooms are located at the trailhead. This is a dog-friendly trail, a leash is required.
CEDAR CITY, UT - Some steep climbs and switchbacks through fabulous red-rock country to a stunning view of Cedar City and unique rock outcroppings. This trail is dog-friendly and also popular with mountain bikers. Trailhead location: Thunderbird Gardens on 900 N (behind Cedar…
Perfect for an afternoon walk, the trail follows the ridge to a small peak, offering views of Timber Creek, Kolob Terrace, and Pine Valley Mountains. The trail is accessible year-round if the scenic drive is open. Trailhead location: At the end of Kolob Canyons Road. Trail Tips…

Disc Golf in the Area
With four 18-hole disc golf courses in easy driving distance, you can fill the holiday weekend with nothing but disc golf! We're not saying you should, but it's nice to know you could.
The course at Thunderbird Gardens climbs through stunning red rock scenery and offers a pretty good challenge with some scrambles up rock formations.
In Three Peaks there are two full disc golf courses with one being a higher difficulty than the other. You can tailor your experience to your disc golf skills pretty easily with these two courses right next to each other.
Parowan Canyon is a beautiful space with a challenging disc golf course and incredible views.
Arts, Murals & More in Downtown Cedar City
Beyond the outdoor recreation around us, Cedar City is also home to some incredible art and shopping opportunities. From the Southern Utah Museum of Art to the sculpture gardens at the Beverley Center, there's so much to explore.
Southern Utah Museum of Art
A state-of-the-art museum in downtown Cedar City, SUMA showcases artwork from SUU students, local and regional artists, as well as nationally and internationally recognized artists. SUMA is open year-round with infrequent closures and free admission.

Beverley Center for the Arts
With beautiful sculpture gardens decorating the grounds of the Beverley Center, this is a great place for an afternoon visit. Home to the Utah Shakespeare Festival and the Southern Utah Museum of Art, the sculpture gardens are only the beginning of what you can discover in downtown.

Murals in Cedar City, Parowan, & Brian Head
Vibrant murals and a variety of public art installations can be found throughout Cedar City, Parowan, and Brian Head. With new additions through Historic Downtown and beyond, it's a great time to get out and explore the art scene in Iron County.
Find a full list of murals in the area here.

Shopping in Historic Downtown Cedar City & Parowan
Find shops, dining, murals, public art, and more with a walk through downtown Cedar City and Parowan. Enjoy drinks on the patio at I/G Winery, grab a dessert from Ganache-d, visit the sculpture gardens at the Beverley Center, or the current gallery at the Southern Utah Museum of Art.
In Parowan, you can enjoy a quiet walk without traffic (no stoplights in sight!) and browse cute local shops, grab a cinnamon roll, or visit the Parowan Old Rock Church.
FAQs & Things to Know Before You Go:
- Road Conditions: Cedar Breaks National Monument (Hwy 148) opens May 15th, but it never hurts to confirm.
- Zion National Park: Zion is extremely busy on holiday weekends! If your plan includes a visit to Zion, have your pass ready, review 2026 fee and access changes, and check their travel updates page.
- High Elevation = colder temperatures, even in late May. So pack layers!
- Afternoon thunderstorms can develop quickly; check the weather before heading out.
- Check trail conditions: Cedar Breaks is open, but many of the trails will still be covered in snow, so plan ahead.
Travel safe, take lots of pictures
and share your adventure with us @visitcedarcity

