10 Amazing Things To Do Near Cedar City, Utah (Local’s Guide for First-Time Visitors)
Cedar City, Utah may look like a quiet little town at first glance, but don’t let that fool you. This friendly spot in Iron County is one of the best home bases in southern Utah for outdoor adventures, national parks, and small-town charm.
If you’re planning a road trip along I-15, or looking for a less-crowded alternative to St. George or Springdale,
Cedar City is a smart choice. Below are
10 fun things to do in and around Cedar City that work for families, couples, and solo travelers.
1. Catch a Show at the Utah Shakespeare Festival
If you only do
one thing in Cedar City, make it the
Utah Shakespeare Festival.
Every summer and fall, the town fills with theater lovers who come to see world-class performances in beautiful, open-air theaters inspired by Shakespeare’s own playhouses.
- Where: Southern Utah University campus, right in Cedar City
- When: Main season usually runs June–October
- What to expect: Shakespeare plays, modern dramas, comedies, and family-friendly shows
The vibe is relaxed but professional. You don’t need to be a Shakespeare expert to enjoy it. I once met a couple from California in line who said, “We came for Zion, but we’re coming back for this festival.”
If you’re visiting in summer, book tickets in advance—weekend shows can sell out.
2. Explore Cedar Breaks National Monument’s “Mini Bryce Canyon”
Just a short drive from town,
Cedar Breaks National Monument feels like a quieter, more intimate version of Bryce Canyon.
From the rim, you look down into a huge natural amphitheater filled with orange and red hoodoos, cliffs, and rock spires.
- Drive time: About 30–40 minutes from Cedar City
- Elevation: Over 10,000 feet — cooler than town, even in summer
- Top things to do:
- Stop at the main overlooks for easy views
- Walk the Alpine Pond Trail (gentle, family-friendly loop)
- Come at sunset for stunning colors
Because it’s so high, Cedar Breaks is often cooler by 20 degrees than Cedar City. It’s a perfect escape from summer heat—but bring a jacket, even in July.
3. Take a Scenic Drive on Highway 14 (Cedar Canyon)
If you enjoy scenic drives,
Utah Highway 14 is a must.
This winding road heads east from Cedar City through
Cedar Canyon, past tall cliffs, forests, and sweeping views. It’s one of those drives where you keep pulling over because “just one more photo” turns into ten.
Highlights along the drive:
- Cedar Canyon Park: A nice stop along the creek with picnic tables and shade.
- Navajo Lake turnoff: A great side trip if you like fishing, kayaking, or walking lakeside trails.
- Viewpoints: Watch for pullouts with views across the canyon and down toward Cedar City.
If you’re driving an RV or pulling a trailer, just take it slow—there are curves and some steeper grades, but the road is well-maintained.
4. Visit Zion National Park (Without Paying Zion Lodging Prices)
Cedar City is about an hour from the
Kolob Canyons section of
Zion National Park, making it a great, more affordable base if Springdale lodges are full or pricey.
- Drive time: About 50–60 minutes to Kolob Canyons Visitor Center
- Why Kolob Canyons?
- Less crowded than the main Zion Canyon
- Beautiful red rock cliffs and deep canyons
- Short hikes and great viewpoints right off the scenic drive
The
Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive is just 5 miles long, but the views are huge. For a short hike, check out Timber Creek Overlook Trail.
Many travelers will spend one day in Kolob Canyons and another day driving down to the main Zion entrance by Springdale. From Cedar City, both are doable as day trips if you don’t mind early starts.
5. Stroll Historic Downtown Cedar City
You don’t have to go far for a nice walk—
downtown Cedar City has a cozy, small-town feel that’s very walkable.
Along Main Street and Center Street you’ll find:
- Local cafes and coffee shops
- Art galleries and murals
- Historic buildings and plaques
- Fun little shops selling books, gifts, and outdoor gear
One of my favorite things to do is grab a coffee, then just wander. You’ll often see college students from Southern Utah University, theater fans in town for the Shakespeare Festival, and families out for ice cream.
Tip: Check local events—Cedar City often hosts car shows, small festivals, and parades right in the downtown area.
6. Hike (or Bike) the Local Trails Around Town
Cedar City is a true
gateway to outdoor adventures. You don’t have to drive far to get onto a trail.
Some popular options near town:
- C Trail: A local favorite that climbs to the big “C” on the hillside above Cedar City, with great views over the valley. Moderate difficulty.
- Ann J. Gardner Canyon Park: Easy walking along the creek with shade and picnic spots—good for kids or a quick stretch after a long drive.
- Mountain biking trails: The area around Three Peaks and Brian Head offers a mix of beginner and advanced rides.
If you’re new to the area, stop by an outdoor gear shop in town and ask for trail suggestions. Locals are usually happy to share their favorites.
7. Cool Off in Brian Head and Hike or Ski the Alpine Slopes
About 35 minutes from Cedar City,
Brian Head is a high-elevation resort town with year-round fun.
- In summer:
- Lift-served mountain biking
- Scenic chairlift rides
- Hiking through alpine meadows
- Cooler temps—great escape from the heat
- In winter:
- Skiing and snowboarding
- Snow tubing and sledding
- Snowshoeing and winter walks
Because Cedar City sits lower, many visitors choose to stay in Cedar for cheaper lodging and food options, then drive up to Brian Head for the day.
If you’re not a hardcore skier, Brian Head is perfect—smaller, friendlier, and less intimidating than big-name resorts.
8. Hunt for Petroglyphs and Desert Views at Parowan Gap
If you’re into history or ancient cultures, drive about 20–25 minutes north to
Parowan Gap.
Here, you’ll find:
- Well-preserved Native American petroglyphs (rock carvings)
- Short, easy walks along the rock walls
- Open desert views and big skies
Some of the carvings are thought to be hundreds, even thousands of years old. As you walk along, you’ll see spirals, animals, and shapes. It’s like an outdoor museum in the middle of the desert.
Please remember:
look, but don’t touch. The oils from our hands can damage the rock art over time.
This is also a great sunset spot—and on clear nights, the stargazing can be incredible.
9. Play at Three Peaks Recreation Area
Just northwest of town,
Three Peaks Recreation Area is a local playground for outdoor fun.
- Activities:
- Hiking and mountain biking
- Disc golf on a rugged, rocky course
- Off-road vehicle areas (for ATVs and side-by-sides)
- Picnicking and camping
- Good for: Families, groups, and anyone who likes exploring rock formations
The landscape is a mix of big granite boulders and rolling desert. Kids love scrambling on the rocks—just keep an eye on little ones near steeper spots.
It’s close enough that you can spend a morning downtown, then be out at Three Peaks in the afternoon.
10. Discover Cedar City’s Museums and Local Culture
On days when the weather doesn’t cooperate—or you just want something mellow—check out a few of Cedar City’s
museums and cultural spots.
Some to look up:
- Frontier Homestead State Park Museum: Hands-on exhibits about pioneer life, old wagons, and local history.
- Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA): A modern art museum on the SUU campus with rotating exhibits, often featuring regional artists.
- SUU campus: Nice for a stroll, and often hosts events, concerts, and lectures open to the public.
These spots are great if you want a slower-paced day between hikes and road trips.
Planning Your Cedar City Trip: Quick Tips
- Best time to visit: Late spring through fall for hiking and national parks; winter for skiing at Brian Head.
- Altitude: Cedar City sits around 5,800 feet, and nearby attractions like Cedar Breaks climb over 10,000 feet. Drink water and take it easy your first day.
- Getting around: A car is the easiest way to explore Cedar City, Cedar Breaks, Brian Head, Parowan Gap, and Zion’s Kolob Canyons.
- Basecamp idea: Stay in Cedar City, then plan day trips: one to Cedar Breaks/Brian Head, one to Kolob Canyons, one to Parowan Gap and Three Peaks.
Final Thoughts: Why Cedar City Is Worth a Stop
Cedar City, Utah isn’t flashy. That’s exactly why so many travelers end up loving it.
You get:
- Easy access to national parks and monuments
- A real small-town downtown with local flavor
- Outdoor adventures in every direction
- Cultural experiences like the Utah Shakespeare Festival
If you’re driving through southern Utah on I-15, consider staying a night or two instead of just filling up on gas and moving on. You might be surprised by how much there is to do near Cedar City.
Have You Been to Cedar City?
I’d love to hear from you:
- Which of these Cedar City activities would you try first?
- Do you have a favorite hike, restaurant, or hidden gem in Iron County?
Share your tips and questions in the comments—your experience might help someone else plan their perfect Utah road trip.
And if you found this guide helpful,
please share it with a friend or post it on your favorite travel group or social media. It really helps more travelers discover everything Cedar City, Utah has to offer.
Comments
Post a Comment