Scenic Southern Utah Fabulous Fall Colors
By Cedar City/Brian Head TCB
07/02/2008
NBC’s Today Show recently rated the Cedar City/Cedar Breaks area as one of their “ Top Eight Unique Destinations For Fall Colors”. By utilizing the central location of Cedar City, Utah- Festival City USA , you can experience southern Utah’s wonderful red rock scenery surrounded by brilliant fall colors via an intricate system of Utah’s most scenic byways and backways..
Contact Information:
t: view phone 800-354-4849
e: view email tourism@netutah.com
w: view URL http://www.ScenicSouthernUtah.com
- Scenic Byway Loop through gorgeous red rock and high mountain scenery
- Utah Shakespearean Festival
- Cedar Breaks National Monument-an uncrowded scenic wonder
- Kolob Canyons-Zion’s secret canyon
Tour Dates:
Number of Days: 3
Day One-Parowan, Scenic Byway 143 and Brian Head Ski & Summer Resort
Arrive in the quaint small town of Parowan, southern Utah’s original settlement. Walk the historic downtown and stop at the quaint shops. From Parowan’s Center Street, take Scenic Byway U-143 through Parowan Canyon towards Brian Head. Along the way, take a scenic side trip up to Yankee Meadow Reservoir. You’ll experience the beautiful red and crimson colors of the maple and oak trees, unusual rock formations and an incredible pine forest. Once you reach the reservoir turn around and return to Scenic Byway 143 the way you came in. Continue south on Hwy 143 and arrive in the high mountain resort town of Brian Head. Take the chair-lift ride located at the Brian Head Ski Resort Giant Steps Base Lodge to the top of Brian Head Peak. From here you’ll encounter a spectacular view of the Parowan Valley and Cedar Breaks National Monument (Friday-Sunday only, 435-677-2035 or www.brianhead.com.) After your chairlift ride, head out in the backcountry via an ATV, mountain bike or by foot for an up-close, view of the fabulous fall foliage. Several ATV and mountain bike outfitters are located in Brian Head, contact the Brian Head Chamber of Commerce at 888-677-2810 or www.brianheadtown.com
Lodge in Brian Head
Day Two-Panguitch Lake, Mammoth Creek, Scenic Byway 14, & Cedar Breaks National Monument
Depart Brian Head via Scenic Byway U-143 and head southeast. Encounter ancient lava beds and the very unusual grove of aspen trees where the leaves turn red instead of gold. At Mammoth Creek Road, travel this paved path south past ancient lava beds and thick aspen groves. Take short side trip to explore Mammoth Cave, an ancient lava tube (not recommended for busses or for elderly participants). Continue on Mammoth Creek Rd. to Scenic Byway U-14 and head west. Take scenic side trip down the Navajo Lake Road to the Cascade Falls hiking trail. Cascade Falls is a beautiful one mile trail that takes in a view of Zion National Park and ends at a cascading waterfall. (* please note that the road to Navajo Lake has sections of gravel and pavement so drive with caution). Return to Scenic Byway U-14 and continue west. Stop at the Navajo Lake Overlook for fantastic photo opportunities. Continue on to Cedar Breaks National Monument (Scenic Byway U-148). Stop at the Visitor Center for trip planning advice or take a walk with one of the rangers. Visit the many viewpoints and hiking trails. Depart for Cedar City via Scenic Byway U- 148 to Scenic Byway U- 14,and turn west to the Zion Overlook for incredible views of the Virgin River and Zion proper. Fantastic photo opportunities! Continue on Scenic Byway U- 14 down through the Ashdown Gorge into Cedar City.
Lodge in Cedar City
Day Three- Cedar City & Tony Award Winning Utah Shakespearean Festival
Explore Cedar City’s quaint historic downtown with its fun shops, heritage sites and homey cafes. Head over to the Tony award winning Utah Shakespearean Festival for a matinee performance. The 2008 Fall season includes: Moonlight and Magnolias, Gaslight and Julius Cesar. Group discounts available at Festival Group Services at 435-586-1968 or www.bard.org. After the matinee have dinner at one of our Shakespearean themed restaurants. Then take in an evening performance at the Utah Shakespearean Festival or travel south 20 miles from Cedar City to Kolob Canyons, the northern section of Zion National Park. Kolob is Zion’s secret canyon and is a spectacular sight to see a sunset. Wonderful photographic opportunities.
Lodge in Cedar City
