(EMAILWIRE.COM, February 20, 2009 )

CEDAR CITY, Utah–Thousands of visitors come to southern Utah for its vast scenery and national parks, such as the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park and Cedar Breaks National Monument. Cedar City is often the hub for visitors to these areas and the staff of the Cedar City-Brian Head Tourism Bureau spends a lot of time in them. They have used their vast experience to put together insiders’ tips for travelers.

Kolob Canyon is the most convenient national park, right off I-15, and is less crowded than the main canyon of Zion, yet offers up stunning scenery with finger canyons of soaring red Navajo sandstone. Kolob means “residence closest to heaven” and this area offers diverse animal and plant life along with a unique geological history. Kolob has the largest free-standing arch in the world. It takes some effort to get to it, but seeing it makes it worth the hike. Because the canyon faces west, photographers will want to visit in the late afternoon to capture the rich red rock as it lights up with the setting sun. A great view of the canyon is from the small town of New Harmony, located directly across from the canyon.

Cedar Breaks is a large, natural amphitheatre about three miles wide and 2,500 feet deep. The walls of Cedar Breaks are eroded into carved spires and dazzling rock formations. The scenic byway traverses the rim of this amazing natural wonder with several pull-outs points along the way. The meadows that surround the Breaks are famous for their incredible variety of wildflowers July and early August, plus fabulous fall colors in late September. Cedar Breaks and highway 14 was rated by USA Today and NBC Today Show as one of the “Top Unique Destinations for Fall Colors”. The park even stages a Wildflower Festival on July 3-19. Monthly “Star Parties” start with a program at the amphitheater, followed by star viewing through large telescopes at Point Supreme. Because of the lack of light pollution, stars are visible that aren’t in most areas of the country. Although the road is closed in the winter, the park isn’t. The yurt stays open with hot cocoa for snowmobilers and Nordic skiers. In the summer the yurt is used as an education center.

The cool elevation of Kolob Canyons and Cedar Breaks National Monument make both areas a great place to beat the summer heat, avoid the large crowds of Bryce and Zion all the while taking in the stunning scenery of southern Utah.

For more information on the national parks, as well as lodging and events, call the Cedar City-Brian Head Tourism Bureau at 800-354-4849.

Cedar City-Brian Head Tourism Bureau
WEB: www.scenicsouthernutah.com
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Contact Information:
Cedar City-Brian Head Tourism
John Kloster
Tel: 941-764-7975
Email us


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