What To Expect: Cedar City Winter Getaway

Looking for a winter escape that blends playing in the snow with hiking, biking, and more?

Cedar City is a great winter basecamp for exploring in southern Utah. We've answered a few frequently asked questions about visiting Cedar City in the winter here and can't wait to see you out there!

Can I Get My Lift Tickets for Brian Head Resort Early? 

Yes! brianhead.com is your best friend when it comes to a quick and easy visit to Brian Head. You can check the weather conditions, get lift tickets ahead of time for the best deals, and even book rentals, schedule a lesson, and explore deals and offerings. If you're a first-time visitor, there are some great resources on the Resort's First Time Visitors page. 

How Do I Get to Brian Head Resort? Where is the Lodge? 

Getting to Brian Head Resort, you'll take Hwy 143 through Parowan Canyon. It's a beautiful drive but can be a bit tricky in winter conditions. Check the road conditions ahead of time with the UDOT traffic cameras, and leave extra time in your itinerary so that you can take it nice and slow if you need to. And if you're really nervous about it, there are shuttle options! The Brian Head Shuttle and the Brian Head Drivers services can be a great alternative!

Once you're there, Brian Head Resort has two lodges and two separate mountains to explore! You'll see the Navajo Lodge off to the right first when you arrive in town. This is a great option for beginners; most lessons will take place at Navajo, and a few runs on this side of the mountain can be a great way to ease into your day. Next is Giant Steps Lodge, just a little farther down Hwy 143. This side of the mountain has some of the more difficult terrain and a great restaurant upstairs. 

Do I Have to Ski to Have Fun There in Winter? 

Honestly, no! There is so much to do beyond the slopes of Brian Head Resort that you can add to your ski vacation, or do while your friends hit the slopes if skiing isn't your thing. Book a snowmobile tour with Thunder Mountain Motorsports, snowshoe into Cedar Breaks National Monument, or ice skate at Brian Head Ice. 

Should I Still Stargaze On A Winter Visit? 

Absolutely, but bundle up and bring extra layers! The stars are still gorgeous in Brian Head, Cedar Breaks, Kolob Canyons, and Cedar City in winter. The skies are usually clear, and it can be a great time to take in beautiful views, but it gets cold so plan ahead and stay warm. 
 

What Are Some Cool Things to do in Cedar City in Winter? 

Are you feeling an indoor adventure or an outdoor adventure? Because we've got a little bit of both!

For Outdoor Adventures this winter in Cedar City you can play disc golf at Thunderbird Gardens or Three Peaks Recreation Area, hike on trails like the Red Hollow Trail or Thor's Hideout Trail, or step into the past at the Parowan Gap. Take a scenic drive (and do some more hiking) in Kolob Canyons. Or book a guided horseback ride with Rising K Ranch. 

For Indoor Adventures this winter, we love a visit to the Southern Utah Museum of Art, an evening on the ice at KJ's Ice Barn, or an evening out at Cedar Bowling Alley or Cedar Fun Center. You can step back in time with a visit to the Frontier Homestead State Park or visit the local shops and restaurants in downtown.

Should I do a Winter Visit to the National Parks While I'm There? 

A winter visit to the nearby national parks of Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park is a great idea! Cedar City is about an hour and a half from Zion National Park and just over an hour drive from Bryce Canyon National Park. So it's easy to basecamp in Cedar City (you can even fly into the Cedar City Regional Airport!) for a winter visit to both parks. And the parks are gorgeous in winter. 

• Zion National Park: While the shuttles aren't running and the park is a bit quieter, you should still plan ahead for some crowds and wait times. In winter, you're able to drive your personal vehicle along the canyon scenic drive, but you will need to find parking. There are designated parking areas along the scenic drive, and you will need to stay in those designated areas. Bundle up, pack layers, and don't forget sturdy hiking shoes with good grip! Plan your visit using the link here.
   
• Bryce Canyon National Park: You'll want to check road conditions ahead of time for this one! Bryce Canyon is unbelievably beautiful in winter with snow atop the red rock formations. But at a higher elevation, they get quite a bit of snow, and this can impact which trails are open and how much of the scenic drive is available. Plan your visit using the link here.
   
• Cedar Breaks National Monument: Snowmobile or snowshoe in, trust us, it's worth it! Hwy 148 is closed in winter to vehicles and becomes a path for snowmobiles and x-country skiing. The forest is quiet and snow-covered, and the overlooks are incredible with snow along the bright red rock formations and views of Cedar City out into the valley. Plan your visit using the link here.

Will I See As Much Snow in Cedar City as I Will in Brian Head? 

Even in the middle of a blizzard, it would be unusual to see as much snow in Cedar City as you find in Brian Head. And that's a great thing! The elevation difference (6,000 ft vs 10,000 ft) means you can get two different winter experiences within a half-hour drive of each other. If you dress warmly and pack layers, there's no reason that you can't hike and golf in Cedar City for half the day and hit the slopes at Brian Head Resort for the second half of the day. 
 

Happy exploring

and don't forget to share your adventure with us @visitcedarcity!