Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
There's something special about fall in Cedar City
Tucked in the heart of southern Utah, the charming town really shines in autumn when temperatures drop but adventures still abound.
Bursts of yellow, orange, and red light up the nearby canyons while harvest festivals and theater performances bring Cedar City to life.
It's the kind of place where you can spend the morning hiking amongst red rock vistas and the evening enjoying world-class theater under the stars.
Cedar City also serves as a gateway to some of Utah's most spectacular landscapes—Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, Brian Head, and Cedar Breaks.
Whether you're seeking outdoor thrills, enlightening entertainment, or just a cozy weekend getaway, Cedar City has it all.
This guide will help you discover the area's best activities and help you make the most of your colorful fall escape.
Scenic outdoor adventures
Even if you'd classify yourself as the "indoorsy" type, you'll want to try something outdoorsy when Southern Utah is showing off its scenery in the fall.
There are lots of options to choose from, whether you're into hiking, biking, or just enjoying the views.
At Cedar Breaks National Monument, stand in awe at the edge of a panoramic natural amphitheater.
From the scenic overlook, visitors can spot arches, hoodoos, and other interesting rock formations in brilliant shades of orange, pink, and red. Trails like the South Rim trail or Alpine Pond trail let you explore other features of the majestic national monument.
Just north of Cedar City, the ancient Fremont people left their mark on the weathered sandstone. Look (but don't touch) at the Parowan Gap petroglyphs as you admire ancient art and imagine yourself in the same spot as travelers long ago.
Head to Brian Head Resort for a day of lift-serviced downhill mountain biking. The resort's scenic and well-maintained trails are the perfect place for adrenaline junkies to get their fill of downhill speed until ski season comes around.
Fall festivals and family fun
The Utah Shakespeare Festival should be at the top of your bucket list when visiting Cedar City. People come from all over the country for this world-class celebration of The Bard and his enduring works.
While you can't see "Shakespeare Beneath the Stars" right now because the outdoor theatre is closed, you can see "Steel Magnolias" and "The Importance of Being Earnest' in the gilded Randall L. Jones Theater.
And while you are there, make sure and visit the Character Garden as walking beneath the stars at this location is quite magical.
You'll find pumpkin patches aplenty in the Cedar City area.
Visit smaller local operations like Robinson Family Pumpkin Patch and Judd Pumpkin Patch for a more personal picking experience with homemade treats. Or visit Nature Hills Farm for the Harvest Fest, where little ones will love the train ride and cute farm animal encounters.
To continue your agricultural foray, stop by the Cedar City Farmer's Market, Saturday mornings from 9-1, the Festival City's Farmer's Market at various times, depending on the date, or the Midvalley Farmer's Market in Enoch on Wednesday afternoons.
Visit Cedar City has a great list of all the fall pumpkin patches, farms, and markets you can make memories at, so check out the list here.
Beer enthusiasts (or just Bavarian enthusiasts) won't want to miss Oktoberfest at Brian Head! Every weekend in September the resort brings the spirit of the Alps to Utah with live music, local brews, and activities for the whole family.
Local favorites: Food and art
With Cedar City's reputation for arts and culture, two must-visit stops are the Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA) and the Frontier Homestead State Park Museum.
SUMA showcases stunning contemporary works and regional landscapes by local artists, all housed in a sleek building that feels like a piece of art itself.
Just across town, the Frontier Homestead Museum offers a completely different experience, immersing visitors in Utah's pioneer past.
You can try your hand at panning for gold or making rope and admire the historic structures and antique wagons.
The local food scene is bustling, so fuel your fall adventures with local eats like coffee and brunch at the Bristlecone Cafe, delicious pizza at Centro Woodfired Pizzeria, hearty barbecue at Porkbelly's or Fire + Smoke. Make sure to sample a Utah favorite—Navajo tacos—which can be found at Hermie's Drive In, among other places.
The best time to visit is right now
It's time to acknowledge the secret: Fall truly is the best time to visit Southern Utah.
The summer crowds have thinned, leaving trails and viewpoints quiet.
Cooler temperatures make hiking and exploring more comfortable, whether you're wandering Cedar Breaks' golden aspen groves or biking down Brian Head's slopes.
The mix of alpine foliage and red rock scenery creates a magical atmosphere, and Cedar City's fall festivals, cozy cafés, and welcoming vibe make it the perfect hub for both adventure and relaxation.
If all you want to do is drive, that's fine too—scenic byways in the area earned a designation as one of the top eight unique destinations to view fall colors by NBC's Today Show!
Check Cedar City's fall color report here for the latest updates on color changes.
With so many options to put on your trip itinerary, from a Shakespeare play or musical to a hike in nearby Zion National Park, there's no time like the present to plan your fall trip to Cedar City. Discover a hidden gem packed with the arts, outdoors, and autumn fun, all without the big crowds or price tag. For more ideas, check out visitcedarcity.com.
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