Visit Cedar City · Brian Head 3 Day Itinerary (Summer/Fall)
Nestled between Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, make Cedar City your base camp for adventure with this 3 day trip to nearby natural wonders. (Best traveled Memorial Day to Mid October)
DAY ONE: Cedar Breaks National Monument
MORNING | Grab breakfast from a local favorite before leaving Cedar City. The Pastry Pub, Grind Coffeehouse, and French Spot are great places in downtown to enjoy a fresh coffee and breakfast with outdoor dining spaces.
*LOCAL TIP: Order a wrap or a sandwich to go for lunch so that you don't have to backtrack later as there are no eating establishments at Cedar Breaks.
First stop on our National Parks itinerary? The red-rock wonder of Cedar Breaks National Monument! Only a 40-minute drive from Cedar City, there's a chance for incredible views along the way in Cedar Canyon (Hwy 14).
AFTERNOON | A stunning red rock amphitheater that's sure to inspire, there's so much to see and experience at Cedar Breaks National Monument! Follow the rim of the amphitheater to sweeping overlooks and a grove of ancient Bristlecone Pines on the Ramparts/Spectra Point Trail. Find wildflowers and incredible views along the easy two-mile paved Sunset Trail. Or hike the two-mile Alpine Pond Trail through the forest to a surreal alpine pond. Not feeling up for a hike? Follow Hwy 143 to the four unique scenic overlooks.
Admission Cost is $10 per person over the age of 16. National Park passes are accepted.
EVENING | Take a 5-minute drive to the town of Brian Head for dinner. Enjoy flavorful Thai dishes at Sook Jai, burgers and beer at the Last Chair Grill and Brews*, or steak and a full bar at The Lift Bar & Grill. Then travel back to Cedar Breaks for an incredible sunset and night sky views that are truly out of this world. Cedar Breaks is an International Dark Sky Park©, and many nighttime visitors get to see more stars than they've ever seen in their lifetime.
LOCAL TIP: Dress warmly for those nighttime temps at 10,000 feet!
DAY TWO: Zion National Park & Kolob Canyons
MORNING | Gather your gear and get ready for a day of adventure in one of Utah's most popular and picturesque destinations, Zion National Park! Only a 90 minute drive, we recommend getting there early, by 7 am, to find parking and start your day on the trails before it gets too hot. Take I-15 south to Exit 27. Then follow Hwy 9 through Springdale and into Zion National Park.
Admission cost is $35 for a pass, valid 7 days. National Park passes accepted.
AFTERNOON | Start your day on some of Zion's more popular trails within the Zion Canyon. Trails like Angel's Landing and the Narrows are certainly more well known, but be prepared for a challenge and crowds, as they are two of the busiest trails in the park. For easier trails with unique views consider the Lower Emerald Pool Trail or Riverside Walk. Pause for lunch at the Zion National Park lodge or Oscar’s Cafe before leaving for our next destination, Kolob Canyons.
LOCAL TIP: Don't skip a drive through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel!
EVENING | Next we’re taking an hour drive from Zion National Park along Hwy 9 to I-15 and north toward Cedar City. Take Exit 40 for Kolob Canyons. The north side of Zion National Park, this is a must-see part of the park that you won't want to miss. Take the 5-mile scenic drive along the Kolob Canyons Road to get an up-close view of the crimson canyons. There are several scenic pull-offs along the way as well as hiking trails. Find trail information at visitcedarcity.com.
Admission cost: $35 for a pass. The pass purchased earlier in the day at Zion will be accepted.
DAY THREE: Bryce Canyon National Park
MORNING | Start with breakfast and coffee, or a smoothie from either the Silver Silo Bakery & Espresso, The Berry Bar, and/or Bristlecone Company; all offer a wide variety of freshly made food and drinks. When leaving Cedar City for Bryce Canyon, we always recommend the scenic route! Take Hwy 14 through Cedar Canyon and onto scenic byway Hwy 89. It’s a 90 minute drive from Cedar City, so there are plenty of sights along the way!
LOCAL TIP: Stop at the Zion Overlook, mile marker 16 on Hwy 14 for unique views!
AFTERNOON | Explore the wonders waiting in Bryce Canyon National Park with a scenic drive, and hiking along some of their more popular trails. For views of some of the park's most unique features take the 2.9-mile trail combining the Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop trail. This will allow you to see Thor's Hammer, Two Bridges, and the bottom of Wall Street.
Looking for a way to make Bryce Canyon especially memorable? Consider booking a horseback ride for an exciting trip through the formations with one of their incredible local guides. For lunch check out Valhalla Pizza at the Bryce Canyon Lodge*.
*Restaurant is open seasonally, May - September.
Admission cost is $35 for a pass, valid 7 days. National Park passes accepted.
EVENING | Upon returning to Cedar City, relax with an evening in Historic Downtown. Visitors can find dining, shopping, art, and entertainment as well as something to remember your visit by from our local shops. Wrap up the evening with drinks and games at Cedar City's only nano-brewery, Policy Kings. Or enjoy a glass of wine on the patio at southern Utah's premier winery, IG Winery.
