By May Hunter, For Iron County Today
Southern Utah offers a wide variety of family-friendly activities that are perfect for enjoying in the crisp air and the start of vibrant color changes. It is a blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and seasonal festivities.
There is still time to enjoy the beauty of Southern Utah, while temperatures are dropping. This is the best time to experience some of the coolest outdoor adventures. We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm, and adventure.
Rising K Ranch: “A Utah Horseback Adventure” for all experience levels. Open all year for trail rides and even riding lessons. Located perfectly between Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks in Southern Utah. At Rising K Ranch you can ride horses through the Southern Utah mountains and see amazing scenery, and especially the sunsets.
The Famous Shakespeare Festival is a magical place. Henry Vlll, A Winters Tale, and Taming Of The Shrew will continue until Saturday, September 7, 2024. The “Green Show” will, also continue through September 7, starting at 7:10 in the evenings, and is Free! Also, visit 2 amazing Gift Shops open throughout the day and evening during performances. The plays, 39 Steps, Silent Sky, Mountain Top, and Much Ado About Nothing will continue Tuesday-Saturday through October 5, 2024.
The Parowan Gap Petroglyphs is a short drive from Cedar City. It’s made of Navajo sandstone and started forming 200 million years ago when sand dunes covered most of the area. It also has the most concentrated collections of petroglyphs in the West, with over 90 panels featuring some 1,500 figures, dating back to 500 A.D. when the Fremont Indians roamed the region. The Gap is located 11 miles west of the town of Parowan, Utah. From Cedar City Utah, go north on Main (or take Interstate 15 Exit 62) to UT 130. The narrow, 500-foot deep pass through the Red Hills is only wide enough for a two-land highway.
Brian Head Resort is an adventure in itself. It is a hidden gem in Utah all year round. It is the perfect getaway, nestled among the red rock between Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks and only 5 minutes from Cedar Breaks National Monument. They offer activities and events, Mountain Biking, Disc Golf, Scenic Rides, Hiking, Avalanche Tubing, Brian Head Slugger, Peak Shot Bungee Trampoline, Zip Line, Rock Climbing Wall, Live Music Saturdays, Fishing Bristle Cone Pond, Canoe, Paddle Board. All Brian Head activities will continue until September 29.
Cedar Breaks National Monument is filled with incredible things for you and your family to see and do. This National Monument features 150 species of wildflowers. Crowning the Grand Staircase, Cedar Breaks sits at over 10,000 feet and looks down into a half-mile deep geologic amphitheater. Cedar Breaks is just 23 miles east of Cedar City, offers one of America’s only “Dark Sky” parks, making stargazing spectacular. The park is open year round, but access varies by season. The new Cedar Breaks Visitor Center is now open daily from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.
Frontier Homestead State Park located at 635 N. Main Cedar City Utah tells the story of the development of Iron County. Museum displays include horse-drawn vehicles used from 1850-1920, a collection of pioneer artifacts. To enhance the quality of life by preserving and providing natural, cultural and recreational resources for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. Open daily 9AM-6PM.
Kanarraville Falls, a route through a narrow canyon with tree ladders and rope climbs to dramatic water cascades. 40 South Main Kanarraville Utah, has gained notoriety as a favorite destination for adventure seekers. This is a water hike that requires a bit of sure-footedness. The hike to the base of the first waterfall is short and easy. If you want a moderate challenge, then climb the falls and continue up the canyon. Hiking the falls requires a hiking permit.
Iron Springs Statues and Structures, located at 3196 North Iron Springs Road. Your Base Camp For Adventure. History comes alive at the Iron Springs Resort. Native American’s used the area as hunting and gathering grounds, the historic Spanish Trail passes nearby and the occupation of the pioneers brought in the iron mines to form the history of the region. The original lodge was built in 1950 for the iron ore operation.
Nearby is Three Peaks Recreation Area which has many activities, mountain biking, hiking, disc golf, OHV and ATV riding, RC car driving, model airplane flying, camping, and horseback riding. With more that 6,000 acres of land to explore there is sure to be something for everyone.
As the temperatures get lower is the best time for Southern Utah hiking.
● Thor’s Hideout Trail tucked in Thunderbird Gardens is 3.2 miles.
● Red Hollow Trail starts in Cedar Canyon is 3.3 miles.
● Alex Canyon Trail is located above Cedar City Golf Course is 1 mile.
● C-Trail overlooks a wide view of Cedar City and the surrounding mountains and is 7.3 miles.
● Cedar Canyon Trail is part of a large trail system in and around Cedar City and is 2.7 miles.
● In Parowan, Utah, Valentine Peak Trail is 6.5 miles. Noah’s Ark Trail is 3.0 miles,
● Vermillion Castle Trail is 1.3 mile, Parowan Gap Dinosaur Footprints is 0.4 miles.
Head in any direction in Southern Utah and you will find several lakes, and reservoirs to cast your line or any water sport. Fishing areas include: Navajo Lake, Panquitch Lake, Lake On The Hill, Yankee Meadows, Duck Creek Pond, Red Creek Reservoir, New Castle Reservoir, Enterprise Reservoir, Minersville Reservoir, Bristle Cone Pond, Brian Head, Otter Creek Reservoir.
You can fly fish year-round. March through October are going to be more productive with longer windows of opportunity. Trout are cold-weather species, and their activity levels are primarily regulated by water temperatures between 50 and 68 degrees, trout remain active, feeding, and growing. Best time to catch trout is autumn while temperatures are getting a little cooler.
Being outside reduces stress, increases brain function, and makes us happier. Get Outside and find yourself, it’s what makes these places wonderful.