Brian Head is a great area for exploring, and outdoor activities during all seasons of the year. Here are some of the most popular activities in the area.
WINTER AND SPRING ACTIVITIES
Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding:
Brian Head’s high elevation means skiing and boarding in famous Utah powder from mid November to mid April. Brian Head Resort has eight chairlifts, 63 runs on over 650 acres of terrain. Riders appreciate Brian Head’s commitment to freestyle riding, as demonstrated by their assortment of parks, pipes, rails and fun boxes. Enjoy several parks of varying ability levels with snow features, rails and boxes. Brian Head combines the best in family services, in a safe, friendly and relaxed atmosphere, with virtually no lift lines and uncrowded slopes. www.brianhead.com or 435-677-2035
Snowtubing:
Burn rubber at Brian Head’s Snow Tube Park. It’s like a water slide park on snow, complete with a surface lift to take you and your specially designed tube to the top. The park is open daily, mid December through April, with night tubing available most weekends and holidays. www.brianhead.com or 435-677-2035.
Snowmobiling:
Take a snowmobile ride through some of Utah’s most unique scenery. The Cedar Mountain Snowmobile Complex offers over 160 miles of pristine trails and wide open play areas. Guided tours and rentals available in Brian Head. Get detailed maps and information at
http://stateparks.utah.gov/ohv/snow-trails
Snowmobile tours: http://www.brianheadthunder.com/tours.shtml
Day Spa & Massage Therapy:
Relax in one of Utah’s most inviting and charming full service day spas. Offering a variety of treatments designed to ease the body and mind, including full body massage, facials, pedicures and aromatherapy baths. Open year round.www.cedarbreakslodge.com or www.grandlodgetBrianHead.com
SUMMER AND FALL ACTIVITIES
National Scenic Byway 143:
The PatchWork Highway SR143 from Parowan through Brian Head to Panguitch has recently been designated as a National Scenic Byway. The Byway features myriad of natural, scenic and historic qualities. Pick up a Scenic Byways guide at the visitor center or log onto www.hwy143.com
Mountain Biking:
Ride the only place on earth where you can drop over a vertical mile on eye-popping singletrack and round trip shuttle service is available to take you to over 200 miles of backcountry trails. The Brian Head Resort Mountain Bike Park has chairlift access on weekends where you can get into incredible trails featuring ups, downs, jumps, bank turns and freestyle elements. www.brianhead.com or 435-677-2035.
Brian Head has a trail for everyone from beginner to whopping rides that will test every aspect of your physical and technical abilities. Several in-town companies offer round trip shuttle service, repair shop, guided rides, rentals and gear.
Hiking:
Outdoor enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the endless hiking trails in and around Brian Head. Check out the Ramparts Trail, Twisted Forest and Alpine Pond. The area is famous for backcountry hiking and canyoneering. National Park staff at Cedar Breaks offer ranger led hikes and nature walks during the summer months. www.nps.gov/cebr
Bunker Creek Trail: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g56941-d103568-Reviews-Bunker_Creek_Trail-Brian_Head_Utah.html
Scenic SkyLift Rides:
The weekend chairlift service is available to hikers and sightseers in search of Utah’s famous red-rock vistas. Experience the stunning views of Cedar Breaks National Monument and Brian Head Peak at 11,000 feet.
www.brianhead.com or 435-677-2035
ATV:
Climb the summit to Brian Head Peak, journey past miles of ancient lava flows or meander aspen groves and alpine meadows. Tours and rentals available June –September in Brian Head.
Fishing:
Southern Utah fisheries are where you will discover fishing at it’s best. Meandering trout streams and pristine lakes surround Brian Head, including Yankee Meadow, Panguitch Lake, Lowder Ponds, Red Creek Reservoir and Mammoth Creek. Fishing licenses sold in town or online at www.wildlife.utah.gov/licenses
White Water Rafting:
You will thoroughly enjoy your experience on a Always Rafting & Kayaking River Trip at the northern gateway to Utah’s National Parks. Located 1 1/2 hrs north of Bryce Canyon National Park, 2 1/2 hrs north of Zion National Park’s east entrance and 4 miles north of Marysvale Utah. www.alwaysrafting.com or call 435-326-4310.
National Parks:
Explore Bryce Canyon, Zion, Kolob, Cedar Breaks National Monument, all within a short drive of Brian Head. Experience the hidden treasures of the southwest on a giant 6-story screen at the Zion Canyon Giant Screen Amphitheater.
Bird Watching:
Get out your binoculars and clean the lenses on your camera. Brian Head has great opportunities to view fabulous specimens of birds. Brian Head Peak Road and Cedar Breaks National Monument are the best areas to view Mountain Bluebird, Clark’s Nutcracker, even Golden Eagles have been spotted in the area. Pick up a Birding Trails Guide at the Visitor Center.
Brian Head Peak:
With an elevation of 11,307 feet, Brian Head Peak is the highest point for the geological formation known as the Grand Staircase and currently is the start for many mountain bike and hiking trails. A fort built by the Conservation Corp. sits atop the peak and is the perfect place for observing the view stretching clear into Nevada to the west and beautiful Cedar Breaks to the south. Road is generally open from late June thru October. Road is located three miles south of Brian Head along Hwy. U-143. The road to Brian Head Peak is a good gravel road but use caution while traveling.
Utah Shakespearean Festival:
Just a short drive from Brian Head, is the Tony Award wining Utah Shakespearean Festival. Enjoy matinee and evening performances, plus free greenshow, backstage tours and literary seminars. The Festival features a replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theater. The summer season runs late June through Labor Day and the fall season is mid September through October. www.bard.org or 1-800-PLAYTIX
If you find you’ve left something at home, try the Brian Head sports store: 269 S. Village Way, Brian Head, UT 84719
Here are food recommendations:
Brian Head:
Korner Cafe
295 S Village Way
Brian Head, UT 84719
Pizano’s Pizzeria
259 S Village Way
Brian Head, UT 84719
Cedar Break Lodge & Spa
223 Hunter Ridge Dr
Brian Head, UT 84719
Bump and Grind
435-677-3111
Sandwiches, Pasta & Pizza
259 S. HWY 143
Brian Head, UT – See more at: http://www.travelwest.net/brian-head-dining#sthash.5kliz7pd.dpuf
Espresso Express
Specialty Coffee (open during ski season)
329 S. HWY 143 Brian Head, UT
365 N. HWY 143 Brian Head, UT – See more at: http://www.travelwest.net/brian-head-dining#sthash.5kliz7pd.dpuf
The Summit Dining Room
435-677-3000
Regional Mountain Cuisine, With Daily Specials (open Wednesday thru Sunday)
223 Hunter Ridge Road
Brian Head, UT – See more at: http://www.travelwest.net/brian-head-dining#sthash.5kliz7pd.dpuf
Mountain View Cafe
435-677-2411
Hamburgers, Sandwiches, Soup & Salad
508 N. HWY 143
Brian Head, UT – See more at: http://www.travelwest.net/brian-head-dining#sthash.5kliz7pd.dpuf
The Blue Belly Grill
800-293-5444
Setting the standard for fine dining in the National Parks area
Scenic Highway 9 to North Fork Road – 5 miles north (East Zion) – See more at: http://www.travelwest.net/brian-head-dining#sthash.5kliz7pd.dpuf
Parowan (20 min drive):
Parowan Cafe
33 N Main St
Parowan, UT 84761
Hamburger Patty’s
197 W 200 S
Parowan, UT 84761
Markets:
Brian Head General Store
259 S Village Way
Brian Head, UT 84719
740 W 200 S
Parowan, UT 84761