Fill Up Once.
Explore Everything in Southern Utah.
Epic southern Utah landscapes, a base camp with affordable options, and easy driving distance to stunning National Parks; have you thought about staying in Cedar City or Brian Head?
Let's take a roadtrip!
What counts as a one-tank trip?
Generally, a round-trip drive is under about 250 miles. The destinations we picked are something that the average car, SUV or truck can handle on a single fill-up without sweating the gauge.
So, why Cedar City & Brian Head?
Cedar City and Brian Head are perfectly positioned between Zion and Bryce Canyon, and other must-see places! Zion, Bryce Canyon, Cedar Breaks, Kanab, and even the North Rim of the Grand Canyon all fall within that window. You can fill up once and explore one of the most geologically interesting and scenic parts of North America.
Every itinerary here was chosen because it's doable in a day and a single stop at the pump (for most vehicles).
One Tank Trip Itineraries
Day trips starting from Cedar City that will keep you within your budget and have you spending more time on the trails with incredible views.
Sitting above 10,000 feet with wildflowers in July and incredible dark sky views, Cedar Breaks is a great option for quiet adventure.
Trip Details: Half day or full day for evening stargazing
Open Memorial Day through October.
MORNING
Drive Hwy 14 (Cedar Canyon) to Cedar Breaks
From Cedar City, take Hwy 14. The drive through Dixie National Forest is gorgeous on its own. Stop at the Bristlecone Pine Trail to get in a quick hike to ancient trees and continue to Cedar Breaks.
Check in at Point Supreme Overlook and the Visitor Center
National park passes or day passes are required at Cedar Breaks, so check in at the visitor center to get a map, show your pass, and learn more about Cedar Breaks. The main overlook peers into a 3-mile-wide, red rock amphitheater packed with hoodoos, spires, and vibrant cliffs.
Hike the South Rim Trail for incredible views and ancient pines
Find more ancient Bristlecones and incredible views of the amphitheater along the 5-mile South Rim trail. Pack water, pace yourself, and enjoy the view!
AFTERNOON
Visit Brian Head for Lunch and Activities
Take a 10-minute drive from Cedar Breaks to Brian Head to grab lunch at a local spot, pick up any essentials you might need at Apple Annie's or the General Store.
Visit Brian Head Resort to take in the views from the scenic chairlift ride or enjoy resort activities.
EVENING
Return to Cedar Breaks for Sunset & Stargazing
Park at the Point Supreme Overlook and take the paved Sunset Trail to the Sunset Overlook. In July you'll find beautiful wildflowers along the trail. Catch a beautiful sunset before walking back to Point Supreme. On weekends, visitors can catch ranger-led stargazing events at Point Supreme Overlook.
Zion is iconic for a reason! The views throughout the canyon and trails in this popular Utah National Park are beautiful. A short drive from Cedar City, this one-tank day-trip is a must!
Trip Details: Full Day - leave early for lower temps and less crowds
Hot in Summer - carry water or start early | 1 hr 15 min drive from Cedar City
MORNING
Leave Cedar City
Pack water, top off the car, grab coffee from a local spot, and leave early for Zion National Park. Head South on I-15 to Exit 27, then follow UT-9 East into Springdale.
Zion Visitor Center and Shuttle
Park at the Visitor Center (or opt for paid parking in Springdale if parking is not available in the park) and hop on the free shuttle. The shuttle runs often and takes you to all major trailheads inside the canyon.
From there, hike the trails in Zion Canyon like the Emerald Pools Trail. Angel's Landing, Rieverside Walk, or others.
* If you plan on hiking Angel's Landing, secure permits ahead of time at recreation.gov
AFTERNOON
Grab lunch in Springdale before returning to the Park
A short walk from the park entrance, Springdale has great dining options and restaurants. Grab a bite before fitting in one more hike.
EVENING
Scenic detour through Kolob Canyons, the North side of Zion
Returning to Cedar City from Zion, use your Zion day pass (or annual America the Beautiful Pass) to visit Kolob Canyons too. The "quiet side" of Zion National Park, you'll find incredible views along the six-mile scenic drive, and you can even fit in another quick hike along the 1-mile Timber Creek Overlook trail if you want.
Famous for its towering hoodoos and bright orange/red formations, Bryce Canyon is a relatively short drive from Cedar City with incredible views along the way.
Trip Details: Full Day - leave early for lower temps and less crowds
Hot in Summer - carry water or start early | 1 hr 30 min drive from Cedar City
MORNING
Visit the Parowan Gap Petroglyphs & Parowan
Follow Cedar City Main Street (Hwy 130) about 16 miles north to the Parowan Gap Petroglyphs. Pause to take in over a thousand glyphs before continuing along Gap Road to the town of Parowan. From there, get a cinnamon roll and coffee for breakfast before taking the scenic route to Bryce Canyon.
Hwy 143 to State Route 12 & Red Canyon
Starting in Parowan, follow Hwy 143 through the town of Brian Head (past Brian Head Resort) to Cedar Breaks (pause at overlooks for incredible views) before following it to the town of Panguitch and eventually, to State Route 12 and Red Canyon.
AFTERNOON
Explore Bryce Canyon National Park
Start at the Visitor Center to pay your entrance fee or show your annual pass, grab a map, and start the scenic drive through the park. Take the scenic drive to the top before stopping at hiking trails on your way back to the visitor center. The 5.5 mile Rim Trail links Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, and Sunrise Point and can be a great option to take in those beautiful panoramic views of the rock formations and hoodoos below. Walk as much or as little as you like; every viewpoint is stunning.
Or, opt for a drop into the canyon with the 1.3 mile Navajo Loop Trail. Descend through Wall Street (a narrow slot between towering hoodoos) and back up. It's short, dramatic, and one of the most iconic spots in the park.
EVENING
Grab a Meal Just Outside the Park, Shop, and travel "home"
Before heading back to Cedar City, stop for dinner just outside the park and browse the gift shops at Ruby's Inn or the smaller shops just across the street. You'll find souvenirs, rest a bit, and have a chance to stock up on snacks for the drive back to Cedar City.
The most ambitious trip on the list, but totally worth it! The North Rim is a quieter side of the Grand Canyon, and the drive through the Kaibab Plateau is gorgeous.
- ~ 200 mile round trip
- 2 hrs 30 minutes drive from Cedar City
- Full day needed
- Park entrance fees or an annual National Park Pass are required
- The North Rim is only open May - October
Other Destinations To Add To Your Visit
Beyond the National Parks, there are must-see places within a comfortable day's drive (or less) from Cedar City and Brian Head that you can pack in on a single tank trip.
Find additional things to do and places to play on our blog, linked below.
