FAQ's

What kind of clothing is appropriate for my vacation to Utah?

Layers are the best option, you can always add clothing if it becomes cold and take it off when it becomes hot. While Utah is dry climate, the weather can change often. Plus there can be dramatic temperature variations with the elevation changes. The elevation in southern Utah can go from just 3,000 feet above sea level (St George/Zion area) to over 10,000 feet (Cedar Breaks area). For spring, summer and fall bring a light jacket, coat or a sweater for cool evenings. Always bring appropriate footwear for walking and hiking. Light rain gear is suggested for summer when afternoon thundershowers are common in the Cedar Breaks and Bryce Canyon areas. In the winter, always bring a good winter coat or jacket and good weatherproof shoes or boots.

What's the weather like in southern Utah?

Click on our weather link on our home page for up-to-date weather information.

Average High and Low Temperatures:

Do I need a 4- wheel drive vehicle while I'm in southern Utah?

Most of the places you will be visiting are accessed by well,nmaintained state highways (sometimes referred to as byways).nYou would only need a four- wheel drive vehicle if you were planning on going off the highways and utilizing unpaved,ngravel or back country roads. These roads are generally indicated on state and federal agency maps. If traveling to Brian Head Resort in the winter, 4 wheel drive or chains are recommended and sometimes required when heavy storms come into the area.

How do I find out about Utah road conditions?

Upon arrival in Utah you can call the Utah Highway Road Condition hotline at 1-800-492-2400.

Can I buy a drink in Utah?

Utah's liquor laws are a bit different than other states, but are easy to understand:

1. You must be 21 to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages in Utah. Alcoholic beverages(wine, liquor, and beer) are available two ways in Utah: by the drink, or packaged by the bottle.
2. Mixed drinks and wine may be ordered with food in most restaurants from noon to 1:00am, and beer may be ordered from 10:00am-1:00 am. Patrons may be served at their tables or in waiting areas.
3. Although private clubs are primarily members only, most clubs offer temporary "visitor" memberships for a nominal fee (usually $5 for two weeks, which allows the visitor and five friends to use the club).
4. Taverns and beer establishments only sell beer. Sales are from 10:00am-1:00 am, in a variety of venues: taverns, lounges, cabarets, nightclubs, cafes, bowling centers, golf courses, etc. Beer may be purchased without ordering food and is sold on draft and in bottles and cans. Beer sales "to go" are also allowed, but not in open containers.
5. Packaged beer is also available at supermarkets, grocery, and convenience stores. The maximum alcohol content if four percent by volume, or 3.2 percent by weight for beer sold in taverns, beer establishments, and stores.
6. Packaged liquor, wine, and heavy beer "to go" are sold at state liquor stores throughout Utah. State liquor stores accept cash, check, and credit cards, and are closed on Sundays and holidays.

Other package agencies are often located in hotels and resorts for customer convenience. Hotels and resorts can offer alcoholic beverages via room service.

Can I smoke in Utah?

Smoking in Utah may be allowed in such places as private clubs, taverns, private functions and places where the general public is excluded. Most Utah lodging properties have smoking rooms available. When in doubt about whether to light up or not, it's probably best to ask about the location's policy. As in most states, Utah's Indoor Clean Air Act is intended to protect areas where the general public has regular access-regardless of whether the area is public or generally owned.

National Parks

Are the National Parks open year-round?

Most parks are open year round with the exception of Cedar Breaks National Monument (open late May through mid November) and the Grand Canyon-North Rim (open mid May through mid October). Zion, Bryce Canyon, Kolob Canyons, Capital Reef, Grand Canyon -South Rim, Great Basin and Grand Staircase Escalante are open year-round.

What is the cost to get into the National Parks?

Entrance fees for a seven consecutive days pass to Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon -North Rim are $20 per vehicle in each park. Payment is made at the entrance stations. The entrance fee for Cedar Breaks is $3 per vehicle, and at Kolob Canyons, $10 payable at the Visitor Center. Fees for use of the campgrounds or RV sanitary stations are not included in the entrance fee. The Zion National Park seven -day vehicle permit is honored at Kolob Canyons. The National Parks Pass, Golden Age, Golden Eagle, Golden Access passports are honored at all federal park fee areas and can be purchased at Park entrance stations.

Can I bring my pet into the National Parks?

Pets must be on a leash (6 foot maximum) at all times. They are not allowed into the backcountry, in public buildings, on the shuttles or on the trails with the exception of the Parus Trail in Zion National Park. Never leave your pet in a closed vehicle. Privately owned boarding kennels are available in Cedar City.

Can I reserve a camping spot inside Utah's National Parks and Forest areas?

Most of the Federal operated camping sites available in the national parks and forests are on a "first come-first served" basis. Some sites at the Watchman Campground in Zion National Park can be reserved at 1-800-365-2267 or http://reservations.nps.gov . A few sites in the Dixie National Forest may be reserved by calling 1-877-444-6777 or www.reserveusa.com . There are privately operated RV parks and campgrounds available outside national park boundaries that generally accept reservations. For a complete list go to www.utah.com .

Do I need a permit to camp or backpack in the backcountry of the National Parks?

Permits are required for any overnight trips into the backcountry, plus all hikes through the Virgin River tributaries (i.e. Narrows and the Subway) of Zion, and any canyon requiring the use of descending equipment or ropes. Backpacking permits are issued up to three days in advance of your trip. Canyoneering permits are issued the day before or the day of your intended trip. The cost is $5 per permit and is available at the National Park Visitor Center you are visiting. For Zion National Park, we suggest you request a back -country planner from the Zion Canyon or Kolob Visitor Center. Call them at 435-772-3256 (Zion Canyon) or 435-586-9548 (Kolob Canyon) or click on www.nps.gov/zion

Can I drive my vehicle through Zion National Park ?

Highway U-9 through Zion/Mt Carmel Junction is open to vehicle traffic all year. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is accessed by shuttle bus from late March through late October, private vehicles are not allowed during this time. The scenic drive is accessible to vehicle traffic from the first of November through March. The Zion National Park Service recommends the following steps to allow for an enjoyable trip through the park using the shuttle system.

1. Park at the Zion Canyon Visitors Center. If parking is full, park in the town of Springdale and utilize one of the free town shuttles to the park entrance. Enter the park on foot at the Zion Canyon Giant Screen. Pay your entrance fee as you enter the building (standard fee is $20). Ask about the National Park Pass. The cost is $50 for one year, and if you're planning on visiting more than three national parks in the year, it will more than pays for itself.
2. Use the exhibits at the Visitors Center to plan your visit based on your time (less than three hours or more than three hours), and your interests (sightseeing, hiking, and more). Check the schedule of ranger-led activities and the park bookstore for maps and books to enhance your visit.

Board one of the free shuttles. These buses are fully accessible to wheelchairs, walkers and strollers. They run from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and run as often as every six minutes. Pets are not allowed on the shuttle.

Can I go on a tour of the national parks from Cedar City?

Cedar City has two companies in the area that specialize in tours to the national parks. Please call ahead to make reservations. A minimum passenger load may be required.

Southern Utah Scenic Tours
435-867-8690
www.utahscenictours.com

Red Rock Shuttle & Tours
435-635-9104
www.redrockshuttle.com

Cedar City

Where is Cedar City, Utah?

Cedar City is located in the heart of southwest Utah. Located along the major transportation artery of Interstate 15, Cedar City and the Iron County area are accessible to 38 million people within 8 hours.

Is there commercial air service into Cedar City?

Commercial air service is available into the Cedar City Municipal Airport on a daily schedule. Consult your travel agent or favorite travel booking website to arrange flights or call Skywest Airlines / Delta Connection at 1-800-325-8224.

Is there ground transportation or shuttle service to Cedar City from Las Vegas or Salt Lake City?

As of January 22, 2008 Greyhound bus will be offering service to Cedar City at the Sinclair station off I-15 exit 59. It is expected that buses will stop in Cedar City eight to ten times a day and include stops in St George and Salt Lake City. Check the website www.greyhound.com for other stops made in Utah.

Passengers can purchase tickets at the Sinclair or on the website. A schedule will also be available at the station. The Sinclair station is located at 1495 West 200 North, Cedar City.

Utah Shakespearean Festival

Should I buy my tickets to the Utah Shakespearean Festival in advance?

The Festival recommends buying tickets at least a few weeks in advance just to ensure the best seating for you. You can purchase tickets the day of the performance at the Box Office window. The festival also offer's Gallery Bench seating which is where 66 Adams Theatre gallery bench seats go on sale at 10:00 a.m. the morning of the performance. Tickets (limit four per person) may be purchased at the Auditorium Box Office windows. These seats have a slight obscured view of the stage. For more information please visit the festivals official website at www.bard.org.

What kind of dress is appropriate for attending the Utah Shakespearean Festival?

The Utah Shakespearean Festival does not have a dress code. In fact you'll see people wearing everything from tuxedos to shorts and tank tops. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming to all. Patrons are asked not to wear hats during the performance (electronic devices such as tape recorders or cameras are not allowed during the performances and cell phones must be turned off). We suggest that if you are attending an evening performance in the outdoor Adams Theatre to bring a light sweater or wrap. The evenings in Cedar City can be cool.

Can I bring my child to the Utah Shakespearean Festival?

Some of the activities associated with Festival, including the free nightly Greenshow are very fun activities and appropriate for children of all ages. However, children under six years old are not admitted in to the Festival plays. Some of the plays may contain mature material that is not suitable for children. The festival has a professionally staffed child care center that is safe, clean and fun for your children. The cost is $10 per child per play. Contact the Festival Box Office at 1-800-PLAYTIX for more information.

What other kind activities can I do while attending the plays in Cedar City?

Cedar City has many options to fill your time here. There are several historic museums, art galleries, and quaint shops and antique stores to visit. Spend an afternoon of golf at the 18-hole Cedar Ridge Golf Course. Tour nearby national parks including Bryce Canyon, Zion and Cedar Breaks. Take the Scenic Byway Loop through Cedar Canyon, past Cedar Breaks then through Brian Head and Parowan Canyon. Visit the Parowan Gap Petroglyphs and the historic museums and homes in the community of Parowan. Stop by the Iron County Visitor Center located at 581 N. Main in Cedar City and the staff will be happy to assist you making the most of your trip to Cedar City.

Brian Head

When does Brian Head Resort open for the winter season?

Brian Head has a snowmaking system that ensures a Thanksgiving weekend, if not earlier, season opening. Brian Head generally operates daily through mid-April. Contact the Resort at 435-677-2035 or click on www.brianhead.com for actual opening and closing dates.

When does Brian Head Resort open for the summer mountain bike season?

Depending upon the spring thaw, Brian Head generally opens their mountain bike park the last week of June. Call the Resort at 435-677-2035 or click on www.brianhead.com for actual opening date and park operation hours.

Can anyone ride the summer chairlift at Brian Head?

Yes. The chairlift is available to mountain bikers, hikers and sightseers. The chairlift operates on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the summer and fall and is located at the Giant Steps Lift along Hwy 143. Contact Brian Head Resort at 435-677-2035 or click on www.brianhead.com for hours of operation and cost.

Are there other activities in Brian Head besides skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking?

Yes. In the winter you can enjoy sleigh rides, snowmobile tours, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, ice-fishing, at nearby Panguitch Lake, snowbikes, day spa and touring nearby Bryce Canyon and Zion. In the summer, the cool temperatures in Brian Head are perfect for enjoying the mountains. Activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, nature walks at Cedar Breaks, scenic chairlift rides, ATV tours, horseback rides, free summer concerts, day spa and touring the nearby the National Parks. Stop by the Brian Head Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, located at 56 N Hwy. 143 and staff there will be happy to assist you.