Whether you prefer your outdoor activities at a leisurely pace, like fishing or golf, or more hardcore, like powering your mountain bike down a steep slope or repelling into a slot canyon, Cedar City can deliver on both counts.
Billed as the gateway to Utah’s National Parks, Cedar City is a great base to explore the region’s natural beauty, monuments and recreation areas. Head south a few miles and you’ll reach Zion National Park’s Kolob Canyons; it’s a prime spot for hiking and canyoning. While you’re stopping at Cedar City, take in day trips to Bryce Canyon and Great Basin – both within easy driving distance.
Are you a mountain biking fiend? Then get your good self to Brian Head stat. Home to over 100 miles of downhill, single-track, plus 100 miles of cross-country trails, it’s little wonder Outdoor Action Magazine named the area ‘Downhill of the Gods’.
For hiking, Southern Utah’s Kodachrome and Snow Canyon state parks offer great trails flanked by strange rock formations. Meanwhile, Quail Lake and Sand Hollow parks are Mecca for bass fishing, boating and ATV riding.
Fishing
Drop your fishing line into a lake or stream and chances are you’ll pull up a rainbow, German brown, or brook trout.
Color Country has 20 reservoirs, 9 natural lakes, and 10 creeks and rivers that are open and stocked for fishing. Which is the best is a matter of opinion because every single place is some fisherman’s secret spot.
Hiking
The mountains surrounding Utah’s Cedar City offer excellent hiking trails. Overlapping with sections of Zion National Park, including Kolob Canyons, the hikes range from easy to strenuous.
Cascade Falls – A one-mile trail that’s both accessible and visually arresting. With views aplenty, like Cedar Mountain’s Cascade Falls, Kolob Terrace and Zion National Park. Please note: Cedar Mountain sits high to the east of Cedar City, therefore Cascade Falls can only be hiked in summer; the rest of the year it’s covered in snow.
Spectra Point/Ramparts Overlook Trail – Hugging the Cedar Breaks National Monument rim, this four-mile round-trip hike provides pristine 360 views. The trail, elevating to 10,500 feet above sea level, is dotted with Bristlecone pine trees – they’re amongst the earth’s longest-living organisms. Hike to the monument to see first hand a 1600-year-old pine.
C-Trail– Not for those anxious over heights, the C-Trail runs down the Cedar Mountain face. Over four miles one way, it’s a spectacular hike in autumn when the leaves are at their most colourful. If you don’t fancy making it a loop, arrange for someone to meet you at the end of the hike in Cedar City.
Mountain Biking
The Cedar City region’s Brian Head is one of Utah’s premiere mountain biking locales.
From easy trails to the highly technical, start at the top and run downhill – fast. Plus, don’t miss the top trails south of Cedar Mountain.
The C Trail – Not a trail for newbies, the C Trail’s for riders who want to go hard or go home. The twisty downhill romp is singletrack for a whopping 4.2 miles, dropping 2300 vertical feet.
The Brian Head Bike Park – A series of trails accessible from the Giant Steps ski lift. Just below the Brian Head Peak, pick any one of 16 miles of trails, varying from easy to advanced technical.
The Bunker Creek Trail – Pick up the downhill trail some 11,300 feet up, just above Brian Head Peak, then steer east to Panguitch Lake. While for the most part a fast, straight downhill descent, you’ll find the occasional small ridge and some loose steeps.
Skiing
Utah’s Brian Head and Eagle Point ski resorts sit smack-bang in the heart of red rock country.
Brain Head Resort welcomes skiers of all levels. With its constant conditions, uncluttered slopes, and enough variation to keep all members of your party engaged, it’s guaranteed good times.
Beginners, head to Navajo Mountain – you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to runs. Intermediate and advanced folk point your skis towards Brian Head’s Giant Steps.
Snowboarders are similarly well catered to at Brian Head Resort. Think sculpted parks, carvable groomers, and plenty of challenging terrain parks for maximum show-off opportunities.
In addition to its boarder-friendly credentials, Brian Head Resort delivers on hospitality, competitions and après ski.
Utah’s Eagle Point, meanwhile, boasts five lifts providing access to over 400 skiable acres and 40 runs; both beginner groomers to some of the state’s most challenging slopes.
Are you an adrenalin junkie? Then do yourself a favour and check out Eagle Point’s 18-foot half pipe, freestyle terrain and tubing park. And for the powderhounds, South Utah’s Fishlake National Forest back country can’t be missed.
