Your Guide to Fall Adventures in Cedar City, UT

From the arts to the parks, there's adventure waiting at every turn in Cedar City & Brian Head this fall! Explore the best things to do in Cedar City this fall, from colorful scenic drives and hiking trails to harvest activities, local events, and cultural attractions.

When you're planning your fall visit, keep these 7 things in mind to make the most of your southern Utah adventure. 

Finding Fall Colors in Cedar Breaks National Monument

Combine vibrant red rock formations, scenic drives, and fall leaves, and Cedar Breaks National Monument becomes a perfect fall destination. For the best fall colors, hike the Alpine Pond Loop. This trail winds through spruce‑fir and aspen forest, then past the spring‑fed Alpine Pond. Or follow the rim of the amphitheater to stunning overlooks on the Ramparts/Spectra Point Trail. Cedar Breaks is open late May to mid-November.

*Fee Area: As a national monument, there is a fee for entrance at Cedar Breaks National Monument. 

The scenic drive and overlooks in Cedar Breaks are spectacular fall destinations, with different views at every stop along the way. Start with the Point Supreme Overlook and a quick visit to the Visitor Center to show your National Park pass and take in an outstanding view from the overlook. Continue on to the Sunset Overlook, then the Chessman Overlook (follow the trail off the side for bright aspens) before wrapping up your visit at the North Overlook. 

Exploring Brian Head with ATV & OHV Trails

A sure-fire way to find beautiful fall colors in the area is with an OHV adventure through the backcountry.

With rentals from Prime Adventure Outfitters and a map in hand, you're ready to find cool local spots and high mountain views with a ride through Brian Head town and the trails that wind through Dixie National Forest around town. A few views you won't want to miss include: High Mountain Overlook for a unique look at Cedar Breaks, and Bear Flat, for bright red rock formations that are just outside of town. 
 

Hike Nearby Trails For Bright Fall Colors

Start the day off with unbelievable views on some nearby hiking trails that are great for finding fall colors. The Twisted Forest Trail is two miles and offers up-close views of ancient Bristlecone Pine trees and fabulous vistas above Cedar Breaks. The Manzanita Trail follows the ridgeline above town with views of fall color in Parowan Canyon and the S-Curve on Hwy 143. The Alpine Pond Trail in Cedar Breaks National Monument blends views of the red rock amphitheater with bright fall leaves along the way. 

Take a Scenic Drive Along the Fall Color Loop

Starting in Parowan, the Fall Color Loop follows Scenic Byway Hwy 143 through Parowan Canyon to the town of Brian Head and Brian Head Resort. Pause for lunch, stretch your legs on the trails, or catch a scenic chairlift ride up Giant Steps Mountain for incredible views.

From Brian Head, take Hwy 148 through Cedar Breaks National Monument (pausing at all the scenic overlooks) and connect to Hwy 14 (Cedar Canyon). From there, drive the canyon to Cedar City and end the day with a walk along the paved Coal Creek Trail for fall views in the canyon. 

Hit the Trails and Check Out the Local Mountain Bike Scene

Fall in Cedar City is a great time to get out and take advantage of the variety of mountain bike trails around us! Cedar City is a designated Trail Town with three trail systems to choose from within easy driving distance.

• The Iron Hills Trail System is one of the most accessible places to start. With more than 30 miles of trails, it offers options for nearly every skill level. 
• Thunderbird Gardens brings a more technical edge with stunning views. The trails here are moderate to difficult, making it a favorite for riders who enjoy a challenge and strong scenery. 
• Three Peaks Recreation Area is a classic ride through high desert landscapes, rolling hills, and room to explore. This trail system is a great place to build skills, test endurance, or enjoy a longer ride without feeling crowded. 

Visit Local Farms & Harvest Events

Cedar City and Parowan are home to local farms and pumpkin patches that are a perfect fall destination. Catch community events and find fresh produce and hand-crafted items at their farm stores or weekly farmers' markets. Visit a pumpkin patch, explore local farm stores, and catch harvest events like Fall Fest in Parowan, the annual Sheep Parade in Cedar City, or Oktoberfest at Brian Head Resort. 

Fall is a Great Time to Visit the National Parks

Cedar City is a perfect base camp for adventuring in Utah's National Parks. Fall is a great time to visit Zion National Park to find bright leaves along the Riverside Walk Trail and Emerald Pools. The drive from Cedar City to Bryce Canyon is bright and colorful in the fall, and the scenery along the way is more than worth the drive. Kolob Canyons (the north side of Zion National Park) can be seen from an easy 5-mile scenic drive up the canyon and a quick hike on the Timber Creek Overlook Trail. The drive to Cedar Breaks National Monument is almost as stunning and bright as the red rock formations of the amphitheater!