First-Time Visitor Guide to Brian Head, Utah

 

Planning your first trip to Brian Head, Utah?

Brian Head is a year-round mountain destination in Southern Utah best known for its high-elevation scenery, outdoor recreation, and access to Brian Head Resort. Brian Head offers a relaxed alternative to larger resort towns with dramatic landscapes and easy access from Cedar City and Las Vegas. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

There's a lot to know in planning a getaway, so we've got you covered with a few frequently asked questions at the top. 

Is Brian Head good for beginners? : Yes! With a free on-ski experience for all first-time skiers, a Kids Ski Free program, and two mountains with varying difficulty, Brian Head is great for beginners. 

How high is Brian Head, Utah? : Brian Head is the highest base-elevation resort in Utah at 9,800 feet with a summit of 11,000 feet at the top of the Giant Steps Lift.

When is the best time to visit Brian Head? : For skiing and winter recreation: November - early May. For mountain biking, cooler temps, and hiking: Late June - September. 

What can you do in Brian Head besides skiing?: In winter: snowshoe hiking, stargazing, snowmobile tours, ice skating, x-country skiing. In summer/fall: Scenic drives, ATV tours, hiking, mountain biking, and more. 

 

📍 Where is Brian Head & How do You Get There?

Brian Head is located in Southern Utah, a short drive from the towns of Parowan and Cedar City, Utah. Visitors can fly into the Cedar City Regional Airport for a short 40-minute drive up Parowan Canyon (Hwy 143) to Brian Head. Visitors can also fly into the Salt Lake City (SLC) or Las Vegas (LAS) airports and drive to Brian Head. 

If you don't feel comfortable driving the canyon, there are local transportation options available. 

Brian Head is 40 minutes from Cedar City, a 5-minute drive from Cedar Breaks National Monument, an hour and 15 minutes from Bryce Canyon National Park, and 52 minutes from Zion National Park. 

Brian Head in Winter - First Time Visitor's Guide page

🏂 Visiting Brian Head in Winter

The highest base elevation resort in Utah, Brian Head, is a great winter getaway destination with a side of nearby national parks and stunning red rock views. 

What do I need to know about getting to the resort? (Driving Hwy 143) : 

  • Getting to Brian Head Resort, you'll take Hwy 143 through Parowan Canyon.
  • ​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.
  • There are shuttle options! The Brian Head Shuttle and the Brian Head Drivers services can be a great alternative!
     

Where is the lodge? 
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.

Directions Button - Navajo Lodge for BlogDirections to Giant Steps Lodge Button - Blog



What things can I do that aren't skiing? 
Honestly, no! There is so much to do beyond the slopes that you can add to your vacation. 



Can I get lift tickets and rentals for the resort ahead of time? 
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. 

 

Brian Head Mountain Biking

🚵 Visiting Brian Head in Summer

Beat the heat with high elevation temperatures, incredible scenery, a mini zip line, gravity-fed mountain biking, and scenic lift rides. 
 

What activities can you do at Brian Head Resort in the summer? 

  • Gravity-fed mountain biking and lift-serviced terrain
  • Mini zip line
  • Bungee trampoline
  • Disc Golf 
  • Scenic lift rides
  • Alpine tubing


Are there summer events that I shouldn't miss?
Yes! The annual Festival of Flavors event has drinks and live music. The 4th of July weekend is a great time to visit for live music, activities, and incredible food, and their annual Rocktober Fest event is a must! Find more information as events get closer using the link included here. 


Is Brian Head a good place for hiking? 
Brian Head is a great place for summer/fall hiking! Take the Twisted Forest Trail for views of ancient Bristlecone Pines, find unbelievable views along the Manzanita trail,  a paved, all-access trail through town, or wildflowers along the Aspen Meadows Loop Trail. 

What is the weather like in Brian Head in summer? 
The temperatures are much cooler at 10,000 feet than they are in the valleys around us, so almost perfect! We would still recommend packing an extra layer, because it cools down at night. 

Brian Head elevation

⛰️ Elevation, Weather, and Things You Need to Know

There are a LOT of questions about Brian Head's elevation, and we completely understand that! So we're here to answer a few of those below. 
 

How high is Brian Head? Is the Resort Higher? What's the Highest point in Brian Head? 

Brian Head town and the Giant Steps Lodge of Brian Head Resort sit at 9,800 feet in elevation (2,987 meters). The highest point in Brian Head is Brian Head Peak at 11,312 feet (3,447 meters). 
 

Does altitude affect visitors in Brian Head? 

The simple answer is, yes. Most visitors notice the elevation difference in cooler temperatures and a little less endurance on the hiking trails.
If you start to feel ill or like elevation sickness might be affecting you, a drive down the canyon for dinner in Parowan and a little time at lower elevations can usually help. If you continue to feel ill, our friends at Intermountain Health can help at their clinic in Parowan, Utah. 
 

What should I pack for a Brian Head visit? 

Layers! In winter, you'll want layers and snow boots, snow pants, goggles/sunglasses, and any gear you might need for your winter adventures. In summer, bring sturdy hiking boots, a light jacket, and a heavier jacket/coat for evenings. It cools off quickly at 10,000 feet +, and those layers make all the difference. 
 

Do I need 4wd or AWD to get to Brian Head in Winter? 

Yes, 4WD (4 wheel drive) or AWD (all wheel drive) is strongly recommended to get to Brian Head in winter. The road from Parowan to Brian Head (Hwy 143) is well-maintained, it is a steep mountain ascent that can quickly get covered in drifts, snow, and ice. Check the UDOT cameras ahead of time to check conditions and UDOT recommendations for travel. 


🍲 Dining, Shopping, and Local Culture

Brian Head is a small mountain town with some great dining and drink options and local gear/rentals!

Local Dining & Drinks ButtonShops & Businesses

🛏️ Lodging & Where to Stay

Choose from hotels, inns, vacation rentals, and nearby cabins, all with easy access to the slopes of Brian Head Resort.

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Have more questions? 

Send us a message @visitcedarcity on your favorite social platform or visit our FAQ page here.