National Parks and Monuments

The beauty of southern Utah's National Parks and Monuments is no doubt considered a precious treasure in the western United States. There are few places in the country where one can visit so many sites in such a close vicinity. The high desert scenery and world-renown hikes invite visitors from all over the world.

Bryce Canyon not only features its famous "hoodoos," unique formations whimsically arranged and tinted with colors too numerous and subtle to name, but also features numerous Ponderosa pines, high elevation meadows and fir-spruce forests that border the rim of the plateau. This area boasts some of the nation's best air quality.

Cedar Breaks affords breathtaking views to both the drive-by spectator as well as the avid hiker. The monument is just a short drive south of Brian Head and features spectacular red rock pinnacles, ridges and buttresses in addition to the dense alpine forests and wildflowers.

Grand Canyon - North Rim displays the most incredible example of water erosion in the world. The area encompasses 277 miles of the Colorado River and stretches 18 miles wide.

Grand Staircase encompasses a dramatic 1.9-million acre landscape and demonstrates rich natural and human history. The area has been preserved for its unique combination of archaeological, historical, paleontological, geological, and biological resources.

It is no doubt that the popular Lake Powell attracts visitors from all parts of the globe. It is the second largest man-made reservoir in the world and visitors are astounded at the striking beauty of the blue water surrounded by red and orange cliffs, archways, and canyons. Hollywood filmmakers capture the colorful array of natures finest in movies and films, while tourists bask in the endless array of recreational opportunities available, opportunities that can be found no where else in the world!

Kolob Canyons is often considered the hidden secret of Zion National Park. Lying along the north rim of the park, it features the famous Kolob Arch, a popular hike into the park accessible just a few miles south of Cedar City. Other popular locals include the Timber Creek Trail and Taylor Creek.

Zion National Park is home to one-of-a-kind geologic processes, which, after millions of years, have given birth to a diverse array of scenery. Zion showcases popular landmarks such as the Subway, the Narrows, and the Great White Throne. One of the well-known parks in southern Utah, it offers many convenient services to guests visiting for short or extended periods.

Rich in pioneer history, recreational opportunities, and music and theater arts, Cedar City has developed a reputation for the versatile lifestyle it offers visitors and residents alike through its many area attractions and opportunities for educational growth, cultural enhancement, and entertainment for the whole family.

The natural beauty of places like Brian Head Ski Resort, Cedar Breaks National Monument and Kolob Canyons attracts thousands of visitors year round.
Family Travel Forum recently selected Brian Head Resort as one of the top 10 getaways for family travel. It is the highest base level ski resort in the state and offers excellent terrain for skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and four-wheeling.

Summer Attractions

In addition to the stunning panorama surrounding the area, Cedar City also offers various opportunities for summer entertainment, including the Utah Summer Games, Utah Shakespearean Festival and the Cedar Ridge Golf Course.

Each June, Cedar City plays host to the largest amateur sports festival in the country drawing an estimated 65,000 athletes, spectators, officials, and volunteers. Utah Summer Games athletes participate in over 50 different sporting events ranging from skateboarding to rugby, BMX dirt jumping to inline roller hockey. USG's soccer tournament continues to be the largest in the state.
The Tony Award winning Utah Shakespearean Festival attracts over 150,000 visitors a year to its world-renowned theatricals. As one of southern Utah's main summer attractions, the Festival offers a relaxing break to the many tourists visiting the national parks, monuments and other area attractions.

The Cedar Ridge Golf Course is another well-known recreation activity in Iron County, located along the red cliffs on the east side of Cedar City. The course is an 18-hole course and offers golfers both a pleasant atmosphere and a challenging course.

Additional Attractions

In addition to playing host to the Utah Shakespearean Festival, Southern Utah University also offers other attractions to students, community members and visitors - from ballets and musicals to convocations and dance concerts.

* All of these links open to the Iron County Tourism and Convention Bureau's Web site. Additional information can be found by visiting their full site at www.scenicsouthernutah.com

________________________________________________________________________________________

Cedar City Public Library in the Park


303 North 100 East Cedar City, Utah 84720                                                435-586-6661

The Cedar City Public Library is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.. The library is closed on Sundays and holidays.

Adult Literacy classes are taught free of charge through the Cedar Read program. Contact Judy Kempter at 435.586.6244 for more information. An individualized curriculum includes ESL (English as a Second Language), Workplace Literacy and Adult Based Education.


FAQ  

What is available at the Library?
Books, magazines, audio books, reference materials, videos and DVDs are all available to the public.

How long can I keep an item?     

  • Books and audio books may be checked out for two weeks.
  • Magazines may be checked out for two weeks.
  • Videos and DVDs may be checked out for 1 week.

     What if I return the item late?
    Fines are issued at the rate of 10 cents per day per item. Overnight items are charged 25 cents per day and videos cost $1 per day per video.

    What other services does the Public Library offer?
    Meeting rooms are available with TV-VCR and overhead projectors. Other items available to the public include typewriters, word processors, Fax machines, copy machines, opaque projector and a die-cutter. Photocopies are 10 cents per page. The charge for the Fax machine is $2.50 for the first page and $1 each additional page, if you are sending. If you are receiving a Fax, the cost is $1 per page.

    Library Board Members

    Library Board Members
    Todd PetersenPam Crowther
    Mary Pearson Clarisse Lunt
    Councilman Joe BurgessShelly Goodwin
    Commissioner Wayne Smith 

    Library Director

    Library Director
    Steve Decker435-586-6661 ext. 1001

    Library materials are indexed in the Computer Catalog according to author, title, subject, keyword, and call number. You can check out the Card Catalog on the web by linking to cedarcitylibrary.org/

    What is the distance from Cedar City to?

  • Miles / KilometersApproximate Travel Time
    Brian Head Resort32mi / 51km45 minutes
    Beaver50mi / 80km45 minutes
    Bryce Canyon N.P. 78mi / 125km 90 minutes
    Capitol Reef N.P.183mi / 295km3 hours
    Cedar Breaks N.M.21mi / 34km30 minutes
    Grand Canyon North Rim157mi / 253km 3 hours
    Grand Staircase/Escalante85mi / 137km90 minutes
    Great Basin N.P.170mi / 274km3 hours
    Kolob Canyons-North Zion N.P.19mi / 31km15 minutes
    Lake Powell-Wahweap120mi / 193km3 hours
    Panguitch68mi / 109km1 hour
    Parowan19mi / 31km15 minutes
    Parowan Gap18mi / 28km15 minutes
    Snow Canyon State Park60mi / 97km45 minutes
    St George52mi / 84km40 minutes
    Zion N.P. 56 mi / 90km1 hour

    What is the distance from Cedar City to major cities?

    City /State
    Miles / KilometersApproximate Travel Time
    Page, AZ 151mi / 243km3 hours
    Phoenix, AZ 398mi / 641km7 hours
    Anaheim, CA 380mi / 612km6 hrs, 30 min
    Los Angeles, CA446mi / 718km7 hours
    San Diego, CA502mi / 808km7 hrs, 30 min
    San Francisco, CA780mi / 1255km11 hours
    Denver, CO 575mi / 925km8 hrs, 30 min
    Albuquerque, NM 614mi / 988km9 hrs, 30 min
    Las Vegas, NV 172mi / 276km2 hrs, 30 min
    Reno, NV 550mi / 885km9 hours
    Jackson Hole, WY515mi / 828km8 hours
    Salt Lake City, UT253mi / 407km3 hrs, 30 min