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 an opportunity for quiet reflection and outdoor connection. 

We've included a quick guide below to some of our favorite places to play and things to do, and remembrance events for Memorial Day weekend in our corner of southern Utah. 

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. 

Veteran's Memorial Park in Cedar City 

A beautiful park with paved trails and stunning monuments honoring those who served in conflict from WWI onward, the Veteran's Memorial Park is a must-see place in Cedar City any day of the year but holds a special place on holidays like Memorial Day. 
 

Veteran's Park, Cedar City

Events & Observances

Cedar City and Parowan hold Memorial Day observations at the Cedar City and Parowan cemeteries every year. 

Cedar Breaks National Monument & Brian Head

The road is open, the views are incredible, and we can't wait to explore Cedar Breaks and Brian Head! The Cedar Breaks visitor center opens Monday, but the scenic overlooks at Point Supreme, Sunset, and the North Overlook are open. Take a scenic drive along Hwy 148 through Cedar Breaks, stopping at the scenic viewpoints along the way, on your way to Brian Head. 

While Brian Head Resort doesn't open for summer operations until mid-June, there are still trails to hike, OHV adventures, and incredible views to find. Grab OHV rentals from Prime Adventure Outfitters, enjoy lunch at Pizzano's, and hike the Twisted Forest Trail or walk the Town Trail. 
 

South Rim Trail in Cedar Breaks National Monument
South Rim Trail - Spectra Point Overlook in Cedar Breaks National Monument

A few hiking trails in Brian Head & Cedar Breaks that we recommend for this weekend are: 

This paved trail follows Hwy 143 through the forest and wildflower meadows of Brian Head. There are several access points in Town, but the trailheads exist at the intersection of Aspen Drive and 143 as well as Bear Flat Road. This trail is also popular with bikers, so be aware as…

This accessible paved trail runs between the Point Supreme Overlook and Sunset View Overlook. The park picnic area is located at the halfway point of this trail near the campground. Built to offer all ages and abilities the opportunity to enjoy a walk in the woods and avoid steep…

Featuring a labyrinth of Bristlecone Pines and a unique view of Cedar Breaks, this is a high-elevation hike with a sheer drop-off at the end. From the trailhead, there is a brief downhill followed by a steady climb that is worth it! Trailhead location: Trailhead is located on…

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. 

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.

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 Ridge Golf Course in…

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 Thunderbird Gardens, Three Peaks, and Parowan

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. 

 

Area Disc Golf (except Brian Head - out of season)

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 in town! 
 

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. 

Three kids sitting on a wood bench in front of a landscape painting at the Southern Utah Museum of Art.

 

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. 

Blooming flower gardens with modern sculptures and a large theater in the background.

 

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.


creating a mural- in progress

 

Shopping in Historic Downtown Cedar City & Parowan 

The local businesses in Cedar City & Parowan are some of our favorite places to visit in an afternoon! Find murals, treats, and places to shop in Cedar City & Parowan using the buttons included below. 

Shopping in Downtown Cedar City

Shopping in Parowan Button

We hope you travel safely and have an incredible Memorial Day Weekend!