Suggested Drives:
Utah’s Patchwork Parkway; Hwy-143 & Hwy-148 – Parowan, Brian Head, and Cedar Breaks National Monument
This scenic drive is always beautiful no matter what time of year you drive it.
- Begin in Parowan (I-15 Exit #75 or #78) and from Main Street turn east on Center Street, which becomes the National Scenic Byway, Utah’s Patchwork Parkway, Hwy-143. Hwy-143 climbs past the colorful Vermillion Cliffs through Parowan Canyon, to the forested heights of nearly 10,000 Feet. The maple and oak trees that line this highway make this an incredible autumn drive later in the season.
- About five miles up Hwy-143 is the Yankee Meadow Road turn-off. This is a nice side trip on a good gravel road. The Yankee Meadow road leads from the pinion juniper forest past the Vermillion Castle picnic area, through some incredible red rock formations and canyons to the alpine reservoir of Yankee Meadow. Here you can fish or just wander around the lake for a pleasant morning in the pines and aspens.
- Return to Hwy-143 the same way you came in. Continuing south on Hwy-143, the road will wind through some intricate chimney-shaped formations, and the scar from the Brian Head Fire (June 2017) are visible, keep your eye out for the rebirth of a forest as new vegetation appears. The highway will then climb a 13% grade to Brian Head Ski and summer area. Here, you’ll find some great activities to enjoy including hiking and mountain biking.
- Continuing south on Hwy-143, about two miles past Brian Head, is the Brian Head Peak Rd, another nice side trip. This good gravel road travels for about 4 four miles to the heights of 11,000 ft. There’s an incredible view that stretches into Nevada to the west and into Cedar Breaks to the south.
- Return to Hwy-143 the same way you came in. Continuing on Hwy-143 is Cedar Breaks National Monument. Cedar Breaks is a large, natural limestone amphitheater about three miles wide and 2,500 feet deep. The walls are eroded in carved spires and dazzling rock formations. Small stands of Bristlecone Pines, the world’s oldest living tree species, grow along the rim. Stop at the Visitor Center to see the incredible view and hike the two-mile Spectra Point Trail.
- The highway through Cedar Breaks continues south and then connects with Hwy U-14. From here you either turn west and head into Cedar City or turn east to explore the Navajo Lake and Duck Creek areas.
Interagency Passes are also accepted.
*Visit Cedar City · Brian Head has made every effort to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information but assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or changes. This is a reference Fall Color Report only and implies no endorsement of any event or business listed.
When to Visit For The Best
Leaf Peeping Opportunities
To plan the best possible leaf-peeping opportunities, take a look below, or starting September 1st, find an up-to-date Fall Color Report on our homepage.
Mid-September:
The highest elevation areas traditionally experience 30-50% color at this time. Cedar Breaks National Monument and the surrounding area will be at their best.
Late September through early October:
Typically, the best time for leaf peeping in Southern Utah, the leaves around Brian Head and Cedar Breaks National Monument should be at peak and the Duck Creek, Navajo Lake, and Panguitch Lake should be close behind.
Mid-October:
The colors in the high elevation generally are past peak at this time; however, there should be some great color along Highway 14 from Cedar City to the Zion Overlook, as well as Parowan Canyon along Highway 143.
Late October through early November:
Zion National Park generally offers the best fall color viewing at this time.
*Visit Cedar City · Brian Head has made every effort to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information but assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or changes. This is a reference Fall Color Report only and implies no endorsement of any event or business listed.
