Brian Head, Utah

Experience the thrill of night riding at Brian Head Resort. Open every Friday and Saturday from 4pm to 9pm on the Blackfoot Lift, night riding offers a more affordable and less crowded way to experience the slopes, whether you're trying a new sport or seeking fresh powder. Carve through the soft, glistening snow under the starry sky and enjoy a unique perspective of the mountain. During the holiday season, night riding is available 7 days a week.

Brian Head Resort offers a fantastic summer experience from June through September, trading powder for lush greenery. Take a scenic chairlift ride to the top of the mountain and enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding red rock formations and the vast Dixie National Forest. Explore hiking trails, discover hidden meadows, and breathe in the fresh mountain air.

Brian Head Resort offers over 200 miles of mountain biking trails, utilizing old cattle trails that wind through the scenic landscape. The trails range in difficulty from beginner-friendly paths to challenging expert routes, all clearly marked for riders of all levels. From June through September, the resort transforms into a mountain biking paradise with 19 lift-serviced trails starting at 11,000 feet. Enjoy the thrill of downhill riding and experience the beauty of Brian Head from a new perspective.

Cedar Breaks National Monument is a national park located less than half an hour from Brian Head. It features meadows full of wildflowers, forests, and a geologic amphitheater. There is no lack of activities, as people enjoy the opportunities for trailblazing, hiking, photography, bird watching, wildflower spotting, stargazing, and more.

Cedar Ridge Golf Course, an 18-hole, par 73 course set against the scenic red hills east of Cedar City, offers a challenging and rewarding experience for golfers of all skill levels. With five par 5s, birdie and eagle opportunities abound. Choose from three sets of tees to match your playing ability, and take advantage of club rentals for added convenience. Enjoy the stunning scenery and test your skills on this well-maintained course.

Park Discovery, designed with input from local children, offers a variety of play areas and educational exhibits for all ages. Explore the interactive science-themed playground, or enjoy the open fields and pavilion. Kids will love the dinosaur sand pit, while the amphitheater provides a space for performances and events.

Veterans Memorial Park in Cedar City serves as a testament to American veterans. Memorials are erect for those who served in both World Wars, as well as conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam, and Korea. Benches are there for your relaxation.

Step into a world of ancient artistry at the Parowan Gap, where Native American petroglyphs adorn the smooth faces of large boulders. Witness a thousand-year-old collection of petroglyphs, showcasing geometric patterns, images of lizards, snakes, mountain sheep, bear claws, and human figures, all etched into the sun-drenched canyon walls. Arriving early or coming later in the day offers the best viewing conditions.

National Scenic Byway 143 is known as Utah's Patchwork Parkway because early pioneers used quilts to survive while crossing the plateau during the cold, snowy winters. It traverses from Parowan to Brian Head, and then northeast from Brian Head to Panguitch. Drive or even bike along stunning wildflowers and passing streams.

The Utah Shakespeare Festival, one of the largest Shakespearean theater exhibitions in the nation, runs from late June through mid-October on the campus of Southern Utah University. Performances take place on three stages, including the Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre, an outdoor replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. This renowned festival, winner of the 2000 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, has featured acclaimed actors like Ty Burrell. Experience the magic of Shakespeare's works in a unique and captivating setting.