10 Hikes Near Cedar City, Utah
For The Whole Family To Enjoy
At 5,800 feet of elevation, Cedar City is the largest town in Iron County.
Due to its small town feel and beautiful backyard, Cedar City is one of the fastest growing towns in all of the United States. Cedar City is situated at the west end of Cedar Canyon, along interstate 15 in the southwestern corner of Utah. From here, the national parks, national monuments, and of course, plenty of scenic hikes are only a short drive away. Here are ten of my favorites that are great for the entire family! The hikes are listed in order of their distance from Cedar City, starting with the closest.
Best Time To Visit
My absolute favorite time to be in Cedar City is definitely in the fall.Â
Cedar City is stunning in the fall, and the weather is mild with very little chance of rain. It starts to cool off in late September and early October, and the leaves will change in late October. I highly recommend visiting at this time of year since the sun can be brutal in the summer months, and the snow in the winter makes it difficult to access hiking trails. However, if the summer is the only available time for you to travel, I recommend visiting in May or June, which is not so hot compared to July and August.
Hiking Trails
1. Rainbow Canyon
This trail winds through the hills east of Cedar City, and leads up to an overlook point with a beautiful view of town! The colorful sands in the mountains are so interesting, and make for great photos. The sunset is also amazing at this location, I love watching it set over town and the distant mountains.
Length: 1.4 mi. out & back
Difficulty: moderate
Elevation gain: 291 feet
Estimated time: 45 mins – 1 hour
Distance from downtown: less than 1 mi. – trail starts at the edge of town by Foothill Dr.
Dogs? Yes! Dogs are welcome on all of the winding trails in this area.
2. East Bench
East Bench is a paved trail that goes around the southeastern corner of town. Along the trail you will find native flora and views of nearby mountains and town. This trail can be used for walking, biking, running, etc. This trail connects with the Coal Creek Trail, making the perfect trail for a long run or walk.
Length:Â 5.3 mi. out & back
Difficulty:Â easy
Elevation gain:Â 321 feet
Estimated time:Â 2 hours
Distance from downtown:Â less than 1 mi. – trail starts at the parking lot on S 400 st.
Dogs? Yes! Dogs are welcome on all of the paved trails in this area.
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3. coal creek
This is another paved trail that runs through town as well as cedar canyon. It follows coal creek, and you don’t have to worry about crossing roads since the trail goes over or under them. It’s ideal for a longer local walk, run, or bike ride. I highly recommend walking here when the sun starts to set, and the mountains turn bright red. It’s absolutely stunning!
Length: 6.7Â mi. out & back
Difficulty:Â easy
Elevation gain:Â 187 feet
Estimated time: 3Â hours – 3 hours 30 mins
Distance from downtown:Â less than 1 mi. – trail can be accessed at the parking lot on S 400 st. To start at one of the ends, there is a parking lot at mile 1 of highway 14.
Dogs? Yes! Dogs are welcome on all of the paved trails in this area.
4. Red hollow
4. REd hollow
Red Hollow is located right behind the red hill, and the trail goes through a small valley and can be connected to other trails in the area. The trail is dirt and rocks, and slightly more challenging than the hikes listed above. Bring your hiking shoes for this one!
Length:Â 3.3 mi.
Difficulty: moderate
Elevation gain:Â 853 feet
Estimated time:Â 1 hour 30 mins
Distance from downtown: 1.5Â mi. – parking lot is located at mile 1 of highway 14, on the left.
Dogs? Yes! Dogs are welcome on this trail!
5. 13th Hole
This trail is easy, fun, and goes through red rocks, pinyon pines, and juniper trees. Enjoy scenic mountain views, and likely have the trail to yourself. The path is dirt, easy to follow, and has very mild elevation gain.Â
Length:Â 3.6 mi.
Difficulty: moderate
Elevation gain:Â 341 feet
Estimated time:Â 1 hour 30 mins
Distance from downtown:Â 2 mi. – trail starts at the parking lot on Knoll st.
Dogs? Yes! Dogs are welcome on this trail
More Trail Guides
6. Fiddler's Canyon
Fiddler’s Canyon is a short, paved trail that goes through the northern part of town. It’s great for walking, biking, and running in a quiet area. The trail continues further into the canyon, but is difficult to follow since it is not well marked. While it is possible continue, I recommend staying on the paved trail.
Length:Â 1.6 mi. out & back
Difficulty:Â easy
Elevation gain:Â 150 feet
Estimated time:Â 45 mins
Distance from downtown: 3.7 mi. – trail starts at northern edge of town at N Cottontail Dr.Â
Dogs? Yes! Dogs are allowed on all of the winding trails in this area.
7. kanarra falls
This is one of my favorite hikes near Cedar City, I have never seen anything like it. It’s a little bit further from town, but just a short drive on the interstate. Expect to get your feet wet, the trail goes right through the creek and into a slot canyon. At the end, there are two beautiful water falls. One lower waterfall, and one requiring climbing a ladder. It’s a really fun, yet challenging adventure!
Length: 3.6Â mi. out & back
Difficulty:Â moderate
Elevation gain:Â 692 feet
Estimated time:Â 1 hour 45 mins – 2 hours
Distance from downtown:Â 14 mi. – parking lot is located at E 100 N st. in Kanarraville
Dogs? No, Dogs are not permitted on this hike, unfortunately.
Note: permits are required, so plan ahead! Summer is most popular, when the water is warmest. Permits cost $12 per person.
Click here for my Kanarra Falls trail guide.
8. Spring Creek Canyon
This is another impressive canyon trail beginning on a dirt trail through a forest/meadow landscape, then the last mile of the trail is inside massive red canyon walls. It can be hard to tell where the trail ends, so just hike where you’re comfortable, and turn around whenever you’d like. Lots of people like to backpack further in the canyon, but it gets narrower and more challenging the further you go.
Length: 5.3Â mi. out & back
Difficulty:Â moderate
Elevation gain:Â 761 feet
Estimated time:Â 2 hours 15 mins – 2 hours 45 mins
Distance from downtown:Â 15 mi. – parking lot is located on a dirt road off of S Main st. in Kanarraville.
Dogs? Yes! Dogs are welcome to do this hike with you!
9. Taylor Creek
Located in the Kolob Canyon section of Zion National Park, Taylor Creek is a popular trail that leads to a giant cave called the double arch alcove. Expect to hop over the creek several times, but your feet won’t get wet as long as you stay on the rocks. The huge rock formation at the end is mind blowing, and the fall colors are great here.
Length: 5.1Â mi. out & back
Difficulty:Â moderate
Elevation gain:Â 620 feet
Estimated time:Â 2 hours – 2 hours 30 mins
Distance from downtown:Â 22 mi. – parking lot is located on Kolob Canyon Road, 2 miles past the visitor center.
Dogs? No, for their own protection and the protection of local plants and animals.
10. Timber Creek Overlook
Located in the Kolob Canyon section of Zion National Park, Taylor Creek is a popular trail that leads to a giant cave called the double arch alcove. Expect to hop over the creek several times, but your feet won’t get wet as long as you stay on the rocks.
Length: 5.1Â mi. out & back
Difficulty:Â moderate
Elevation gain:Â 620 feet
Estimated time:Â 2 hours – 2 hours 30 mins
Distance from downtown:Â 22 mi. – parking lot is located on Kolob Canyon Road, 2 miles past the visitor center.
Dogs? No, for their own protection and the protection of local plants and animals.
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Also nearby
A little bit further away is Cedar Breaks, which has several beautiful hiking trails at the rim of a red rock canyon, as well as through Dixie National Forest. There are four trails to choose from, my favorite being the Bartizan Arch trail.
Distance from downtown: 35Â mi. – take highway 14 east from Cedar City all the way to 148 north, which will lead to the visitor center and the hiking trails.
Dogs? Dogs are allowed only on the Sunset trail, since it is the only paved trail in the park.
Click here for my Cedar Breaks hiking guide.
Cedar City is home to many beautiful hiking trails and natural scenery. Whether you are roadtripping through Utah, or looking for a weekend trip, Cedar City is definitely worth checking out. There is a variety of hiking trails to choose from, so you can pick what fits best for your group of hikers. If you have time, you should also check out the national parks nearby, Zion (1 hour away) and Bryce Canyon (1 hour 30 mins away). The hiking trails at these parks are hard to miss!
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