Cedar City is one of many towns of Iron County located in Southern Utah and is known as Festival City USA. It's multiple National Parks and monuments, located only a few hours away in all directions, has welcomed hundreds of thousands of world travelers! It is located at 5,840 feet above sea level with a unique surrounding area of Mountains and high deserts which makes Cedar City an ideal location for year-round outdoor activities; running, hiking, cycling, sledding and more.
You can take a short 45 minute drive Northeast to Brian Head for some Mountain fun (skiing, snowboarding, biking, and outdoor activities). Not feeling the Mountains? Then drive South, with a 3,000 elevation drop, to Sunny Saint George to swim in Sand Hollow or continue driving for another 2 hours to Las Vegas!
Cedar City hosts MANY events and activities, some of the following:
Utah Shakespeare Festival takes place in the center of Cedar City from late June to mid October. It was founded in 1961 in result to tourists requesting more evening activities after visiting the area's national parks and a young actor's desire to produce some good "old fashion" theatre.
Cedar City Half Marathon has been around for a decade and attracts runner's from all over! It's a rare opportunity to run a half marathon down a canyon without having to worry about traffic. The race starts at Wood's Ranch, at the base of Cedar Breaks National Monument, encompassed by an abundance amount of trees. Many non-runners enjoy this race just as much as runners do because of the spectacular nature they are surrounded by.
Kanarraville Falls, just outside of Kanarraville, is one of the locals favorite past time activities. A refreshing hike in a slot canyon while wandering up through a light stream and ending at a waterfall. **Permit is required, plan accordingly**
Wood's Ranch is a short 12 mile drive up the Cedar City Canyon, Highway 14, and a highly favorable recreational area for the Cedar City community. Sit in the aspen and pine forest for a picnic, take a hike and go fishing. Features covered pavilions, restroom facilities, volleyball court and fire rings. For larger gatherings, you may reserve space in advance through their application. Also, located up the hill is a Kid's Pond for all Children 12 and under to go fishing for free while being accompanied with an adult with a valid fishing license. For those ambitious hikers, the 32 mile Virgin River Rim trail head is located at Woods Ranch.
Cedar Breaks National Monument has been known for it's natural amphitheater that stretches for about 3 miles with the rim at an elevation of 10,000 feet! The Red Rock is beautiful all year around with it's high elevation snow will often sprinkle on the tops creating a dramatic contrast of red and white.
"C" Overlook and Trail is located just a half mile southeast of Cedar City. The "C Overlook" is located on the top of the trail and included a parking and viewing area, benches, multiple informational signs, and the large white painted "C" on the mountain side. The overlook affords panoramic views of the region's majestic mountain range, sage-studded valleys and quaint, rustic communities below.
The "C Trail" is rapidly becoming one of the region's most popular hiking and biking areas. The trail covers an elevation change of 2,200 feet and switch backs 4.2 miles to the large white painted "C" on the mountainside.
Check out the full schedule of all events and activities.
Leisure Services Department consists of the following divisions:
- Aquatic Center
- Sports & Recreation
- Cross Hollow Arenas
- Parks & Outdoor Facilities
- Cemetery
- Cedar Ridge Golf Course
- Community Events and Activities
Leisure Services Mission
To provide recreational facilities, programs and special events of uncompromising quality which creates opportunities for the social, cultural, and physical well-being of residents and visitors.
Leisure Services Parks, Trails and Recreation Master Plan