Story Starters - 10 Pitches for Scenic Southern Utah

Fall Foliage Destination – One of the “Eight Great and Unusual Fall Foliage Destinations” as recognized on the NBC Today show, Cedar City, UT receives accolades from Peter Greenberg, NBC correspondent. There are plenty of options to enjoy the breathtaking colorful panoramas of dancing golden quaking aspens as well as brilliant crimson oaks. A system of highways and designated as “Scenic Byways and Backways” await your adventure when you take a drive SR 14, 143 and 148.

Kolob Canyon – Zion’s “Secret” Canyon – less visited, equally spectacular. Soaring cliffs of red Navajo sandstone and deep pocket canyons just wait to be explored. Red rock panoramas are common place at this “uncommon” show of nature. The word “Kolob” hails from Mormon scripture meaning “residence closest to heaven”. And after visiting Kolob, you just might agree.

SLOTS and Slots – Visit the slot machines of Las Vegas and then cross the border into Utah and hike slot canyons like no other in Southern Utah. Just 2 ½ hours drive from Las Vegas, the natural beauty of Scenic Southern Utah gives a stark contrast to the fabricated glitz of Las Vegas. Experience the grandeur of hiking around famed National Parks, Zion and Bryce Canyon, but stay awhile longer and explore lesser known slots of Kanarraville Falls and Spring Creek. Both offer a unique slot canyon experience. No permit, no crowds, no problem.

Astro-Tourism Leader - Cedar Breaks National Monument – We all know “eco-tourism”. Now an added element to eco- tourism is “Astro-Tourism”. Professional and amateur astronomers travel all over the world to get the best view of skyward events like meteor showers, eclipses and star gazing. Because of light pollution, dark night skies may be a thing of the past in metropolis areas. However, the night skies of Cedar Breaks National Monument provide the perfect location for “Star Parties” to view the heavens through giant telescopes. Neighboring towns of Brian Head and Cedar City are getting on board with initiatives to protect and preserve the dark night skies.www.nps.gov/cebr/upcoming-events.htm

Live it UP at Brian Head- Utah’s Highest Resort Town – The highest (and coolest) resort in southern Utah is Brian Head. Known for skiing and snowboarding in winter, but what else? Brian Head Resort boasts amazing powder to float on skis or a snowboard, but for the non-skier, there’s the thrill of tubing, snowmobiling, and even snowshoeing through beautiful alpine mountain-scapes with spectacular red rock vistas. Additionally, escape the heat of summer to a cool 10,000 ft for stunning views of wildflower meadows, scenic drives and supreme mountain biking. Visit neighboring Cedar Breaks National Monument, take the Scenic Sky Lift at Brian Head Resort and hike down the new Vista Trail offering interactive nature adventures for the whole family. There are plenty of activities in Brian Head year round. From the winter snow and ski activities to summer zip line, horseback riding, mountain bike the challenging world-class trails, rappelling down 100 foot canyons, or taking a leisurely stroll to Hidden Haven waterfall - Scenic Southern Utah is the place to live it UP. www.BrianHead.com

Wildflower Festival at Cedar Breaks National Monument – Every summer Cedar Breaks is treated to a spectacular explosion of colorful wildflowers. During the month of July this show of color is celebrated with the annual Wildflower Festival. Join a specialist on a guided hike to learn about different wildflowers. Guided hikes are offered twice daily during the festival, or pick up a wildflower brochure and go on a self-guided hike at your own pace. Enjoy a fun afternoon with the kids and go on a Wildflower Scavenger Hunt. Junior Ranger activities are offered at the Education Yurt near the Alpine Loop trail head.

From Bard to Baaa? – “Festival City, USA” – Dubbed “Festival City, USA” due the varied and constant calendar of festivals and events, Cedar City, UT hosts a variety of festivals from the quirky to the fantastic. Most well known is the Tony Award winning, Utah Shakespeare Festival (www.Bard.org), however it’s the range of different festivals that earn the name “Festival City, USA”. From the Renaissance Faire, Great American Stampede, Rodeos and Pow Wows, Art Festivals, Groovefest Music Festival to the Livestock and Heritage Festival – there is year round fun and festivals keep “Festival City, USA” vibrant. For a full calendar of events and festivals visit: http://www.scenicsouthernutah.com/events_news/calendar/month.php

Parowan Gap – Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Parowan Gap is nationally recognized due to the number and quality of its ancient petroglyphs. The site is heralded as a kind of “gallery” of exquisite and well-preserved American Indian rock carvings. A place of historical and geological significance the Parowan Gap allows visitors to travel through time, imaging the people and stories these rocks have witnessed.

Bed and Breakfast Capital of Utah – Cedar City, UT boasts the most Bed and Breakfasts per capita in the state of Utah. Many of the patrons of the Tony Award winning Utah Shakespearean Festival love staying at one of the varied charming bed and breakfasts that dot the streets.

Sheep Parade? The Cedar City Livestock & Heritage Festival is an exciting celebration of the agricultural industry’s contribution to our community, yesterday and today, and of the annual trailing of 1200 sheep from mountain pastures to the valleys. It’s a perfect event for families and friends to gather and celebrate Cedar City’s heritage and almost all the events are free. See a video and more information: www.cedarlivestockfest.com Some favorite events include: the Stock Dog competition, Dutch Oven Cook-off, cowboy poetry and tractor pull