At 9,600 feet, Brian Head is one of the highest towns in the United States and a year-round adventure basecamp. In summer, it offers panoramic overlooks, high-alpine hikes, mountain biking, and fast access to Cedar Breaks National Monument. In winter, Brian Head transforms into a snow-covered playground with skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and scenic drives.
Use this guide to plan your summer or winter trip, find the best adventures, and explore the highlights both in town and around Cedar Breaks.
Quick Takeaways
- Brian Head works best as a basecamp for high-elevation adventures: hikes, overlooks, mountain biking, and slow scenic days around Cedar Breaks.
- Most activities sit between 9,000–10,500 feet, so pacing yourself helps if you’re not used to altitude.
- Summer has the widest range of things to do; winter is quieter and focused on skiing, snowplay, and lodge time.
- Cedar Breaks is only minutes away and adds several must-see viewpoints and trails.
- Food, groceries, and lodging options are limited, most visitors bring supplies or stop in Cedar City.
- A 2–4 day trip is the sweet spot for seeing the best overlooks, a couple hikes, and either hiking or skiing.
Who will love Brian Head
- You love high-elevation scenery and actively avoid crowds
- You’re comfortable planning around weather, closures, and limited services
- You like early mornings and short drives to viewpoints rather than in-town wandering
- You’re happy centering a trip on a small set of high-value outdoor activities rather than sampling lots of options
Who will be frustrated in Brian Head
- You expect resort-style lodging with concierge-level service, multiple dining options, and polished amenities (Four Seasons–level expectations)
- You want multiple restaurant options, nightlife, or evening energy
- You want constant activity variety where most options feel like “must-dos”
- Higher altitude consistently affects your energy or sleep
- You prefer destinations where most things are walkable and open late
Map of Adventures
Here’s a quick overview of the major hikes, overlooks, and activities around Brian Head. Click any pin for photos, details, and more information.
Brian Head Itineraries
Two easy trip plans to help you explore Brian Head in the summer or winter.
Summer Getaway
A full itinerary featuring high-alpine hikes, Cedar Breaks viewpoints, panoramic drives, OHV riding, and easy day trips to Parowan and Duck Creek.
Winter Getaway
A relaxed winter itinerary with skiing/snowboarding at Brian Head, cozy lodge time, snowplay areas, easy scenic overlooks, and nearby small-town stops.
Top Outdoor Adventures – Summer
Hike Spectra Point, Ramparts and the Bartizan
A dramatic high-elevation trail along the Cedar Breaks rim with sweeping drop-offs, vivid hoodoo formations, and cool alpine air above 10,000 feet.
Downhill Mountain Biking at Giant Steps
Lift-served downhill riding with routes for beginners to advanced riders. One of Brian Head’s signature summer adventures.
Cedar Breaks Scenic Drive and Viewpoints
Explore North View, Sunset View, and Chessman Ridge for quick, breathtaking overlooks with minimal walking. Great for sunrise, sunset, or quick sightseeing.
OHV Adventure with Utah ATV Rentals
High-elevation OHV riding through meadows and unique alpine terrain. A local favorite and one of the best warm-weather activities in Brian Head.
Hike Alpine Pond Loop
A gentle forest and meadow hike with shade, wildflowers, and the picturesque Alpine Pond.
Top Outdoor Adventures – Winter
Snowmobile Tours (independent or guided)
Race through high elevation slopes of Brian Head on a snowmobile adventure you won’t soon forget.
Nearby Small Town Adventures
Duck Creek Village
A small mountain village with food, shops, and easy strolling. Perfect after a day of hiking, OHV riding, or scenic driving.
Parowan Gap Petroglyphs
A short, fascinating detour featuring ancient rock carvings and a dramatic natural rock corridor.
Parowan Canyon Disc Golf
A fun, low-key disc golf course set in a rugged canyon backdrop. Great for an easy hour outdoors.
Other Adventures You Can Do in Brian Head
Here are additional activities in the Brian Head and Cedar Breaks area. They’re popular options depending on the season and road conditions.
Winter
- Tubing at Brian Head Resort – Multiple lane tubing hill with conveyor lift access. Open in winter; check conditions.
- Cross Country Skiing: There are occasional groomed routes in Dixie National Forest, though availability changes from year to year.
- Ice Skating: Some winters feature a small outdoor rink in Brian Head. Availability depends entirely on temps and maintenance.
- Snowshoeing: Brian Head’s high-elevation forests make for quiet, scenic snowshoeing on ungroomed trails and forest service roads. Gear availability varies by lodge and rental shop.
Summer
- Kayaking at Navajo Lake – Alpine lake 25 minutes away from Brian Head. Winds can be high; water levels vary by year.
- Ice Cave (Mammoth Lava Tube) – A short walk into lava tubes near Duck Creek.
- Cascade Falls – A scenic cliffside waterfall (seasonal) hike fed by Navajo Lake.
- Blowhard Mountain Lookout – An old fire tower site with big views.
- Twisted Forest – Hiking through a surreal grove of ancient bristlecones overlooking Cedar Breaks.
- Brian Head Peak – Driving (4WD) to the summit for a scenic view.
When to Visit Brian Head
| Season | What to Expect | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Prime hiking, biking, OHV, wildflowers | Warm temperatures, wildlife and scenic views |
| Fall | Cool temps, lighter crowds | Best time for fall colors and late season hiking |
| Winter | Ski/snowboard season | Snowplay & lodge visits |
| Spring | Snowmelt, muddy trails | Some roads/trails not fully open |
Where to Stay and Eat in Brian Head
- Lodging is limited to AirBNBs/VRBOs and the main Brian Head Lodge (they often run specials, check their website). We liked the lodge, but recommend a place with a kitchen because food options are so limited.
- The best location we found was within walking distance to Giant Steps. We spent most of our time there and didn’t have to fight parking issues at our AirBNB.
- Restaurants are few and close early. You can drive to Duck Creek Village or Parowan, but they are also limited.
- The local Brian Head grocery store is tiny and expensive, we recommend bringing food or stopping in Cedar City for a larger shop.
Read more about our stay at the Brian Head Lodge.
Practical Information
Altitude
Brian Head sits around 9,600 ft. Most visitors feel the elevation (we did). Stay hydrated and take it easy.
Fees
Brian Head is free. Cedar Breaks charges an entrance fee or accepts the America the Beautiful Pass.
Parking
- Trailheads and overlooks have small lots, arrive early in summer.
- In winter, some pullouts close or have limited plowing.
FAQs
How many days do you need in Brian Head?
Most visitors find 2–3 days is enough to see the main overlooks, do a couple hikes, and fit in hiking or skiing depending on the season.
What’s the best month to visit?
July–September for hiking and biking; late January–February for skiing. Fall is underrated and quiet, but some trails and roads start closing.
Is Brian Head a good home base for Cedar Breaks?
Yes, it’s the closest place with lodging and sits only a few minutes from the park’s main viewpoints.
Is Brian Head worth visiting in summer?
Yes! It’s cool, quiet, and packed with outdoor adventures like hiking, mountain biking, OHV, and scenic viewpoints.
Can you hike in Brian Head if you’re not used to altitude?
Yes, but go slow. The elevation is high enough that most people feel it.
Can you visit Cedar Breaks and Brian Head in one day?
Absolutely. They’re minutes apart.