Things to do / Travel Guide
In the southern Utah region, it is truly Mother Nature that dominates the landscape. Her natural sandstone arches, striking canyons, stark deserts, and dense pine forests make up the primary attractions of this natural wonder-rich region. Hosting the highest concentration of National Parks in the United States, visitors come to southern Utah to hike, bike, camp, ride, raft, fish, and simply see the scenery - and for good reason. The region's first Mormon settlers called the finely sculpted rocks of regional highlight Zion National Park “natural temples of God.” Today, these rocks - in addition to the region's sparkling streams, deep canyons, natural arches, and towering mountains - attract millions of visitors to the southern Utah region each year.
In addition to National Park-hopping across the region, visitors to southern Utah will find countless outdoor recreation activities, a thriving arts and theater scene, award-winning festivals, art galleries, quaint little towns, historic sights, orchards, and lively nightlife. Located in the expansive Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, the nation's second-largest man-made reservoir, Lake Powell, offers visitors the opportunity to engage in every imaginable water sport and boating activity. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon provides perspectives on the canyon rarely seen by the average tourist, and Moab is a mountain biker's paradise. The region's two biggest towns, St. George and Cedar City, serve both as gateway cities to explore the region's expansive National Park district, and as vacation destinations in their own right.
St. George, originally established by Mormon pioneers in 1861, has become one of the fastest-growing towns in the country. Retirees increasingly flock to town, attracted to its mild climate, tranquil atmosphere, celebrated golf scene, and close proximity to regional attractions like Zion, Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon National Parks. Utah's first Mormon temple is also located in St. George, just one reminder of the region's rich Mormon history and heritage. It was Brigham Young who sent these settlers into southwestern Utah as part of the Mormon Church's cotton mission, giving the area the nickname of Utah's “Dixie.” Stories abound of the many challenges faced by these early pioneers in settling the rugged landscape of the southern Utah region.
With its thriving arts and theater scene, Cedar City is also known as “Festival City,” U.S.A. Home to the Tony-award winning Utah Shakespeare Festival, every summer the city comes alive with Renaissance-style performances, play productions, street vendors, dancing, and music. Cedar Breaks National Monument is nearby, as well as the area's only ski area - Brian Head.
Moab, near Arches and Canyonlands National Park, is in the heart of the region's famed red rock country. It boasts some of the country's most-highly-acclaimed outdoor recreation opportunities, including extreme sports, four-wheel-driving, and mountain biking its famous Slickrock Trail. Before bunking up for the night, whether at one of the thousands of area campgrounds or swanky ranch resorts, visitors can see another extreme side of Moab - its wild nightlife. Western-style dinner and dancing, simulated gunfights, live music, or even laser-light shows on the canyon walls, means Moab makes the grade during the day and throughout the night.
Time Zone
The southern Utah region is on Mountain Time, two hours behind Eastern Time and one hour ahead of Pacific Time.
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