Skiing, mountain biking, scenic lifts, and year-round alpine escapes — all 35 minutes from Cedar City.
Brian Head Resort sits at the highest base elevation of any ski resort in Utah — 9,600 feet on the Markagunt Plateau, roughly 35 minutes northeast of Cedar City. Two interconnected mountains, Navajo Peak and Brian Head Peak, deliver 650+ acres of skiable terrain across 71 runs, served by 8 lifts including two high-speed quads. In summer, the same mountains transform into a mountain bike park, disc golf course, and scenic chairlift destination with temperatures 25–30°F cooler than the desert valleys below.
What makes Brian Head unique isn't just the snow or the views — it's the proximity. Most ski resorts in Utah cluster near Salt Lake City, two hours from Southern Utah. Brian Head gives Cedar City residents and visitors a legitimate ski mountain in their backyard. Combined with Cedar Breaks National Monument next door and easy access to Cedar City's attractions, Brian Head is one of the strongest arguments for living in — or visiting — this part of the state.
Take I-15 north to Parowan (Exit 75). Turn south onto SR-143 and climb 12 miles to Brian Head. Total: ~35 miles / 35 minutes. This is the standard winter route — SR-143 is well-maintained and plowed regularly.
Take SR-14 east up Cedar Canyon, continue to SR-148 through Cedar Breaks, then connect north to SR-143 into Brian Head. Total: ~40 miles / 50 minutes. Stunning drive through Cedar Breaks — best as a summer loop.
Brian Head's 2025–26 ski season ran November through early May, making it one of the longest seasons in Utah. The resort operates two mountains with distinct personalities:
Family-friendly side with a solid mix of green and blue runs. Home to the new Kids' Adventure Zone with freshly gladed beginner and intermediate trails for tree skiing. The Giant Steps Express high-speed quad provides quick laps.
Where the steeper terrain lives. Mostly blue and black runs with the resort's highest elevation at 11,307 feet. Accessed via the Roulette Express high-speed quad. Better snow retention thanks to higher elevation and north-facing aspects.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Elevation | 9,600 ft |
| Summit Elevation | 11,307 ft |
| Vertical Drop | 1,707 ft |
| Skiable Acres | 650+ |
| Runs | 71 (32% beginner, 36% intermediate, 32% advanced) |
| Lifts | 8 (2 high-speed quads, 2 triples, 2 doubles, 2 surface) |
| Avg Snowfall | 360+ inches annually |
| Typical Season | November – early May |
| Night Skiing | Available on select runs |
Brian Head consistently offers some of the most affordable lift tickets in Utah. Advance online purchase starts from ~$29/day for select dates, with walk-up rates higher. Kids under 12 ski free all season — a major draw for families. Season passes and multi-day options are available at brianhead.com.
Brian Head's summer season typically runs mid-June through September, with the 2026 season kicking off June 12. At nearly 10,000 feet, daytime temperatures hover in the 60s and 70s while Cedar City sits in the 90s — making Brian Head a natural escape from the summer heat.
Lift-served mountain bike park with trails from beginner to advanced. Hundreds of miles of backcountry trails connect through the Dixie National Forest. The 2026 Mountain Bike Power Pass offers 4-day, 8-day, or unlimited options.
The Giant Steps lift operates for scenic rides with panoramic views of red rock canyons, alpine meadows, and distant peaks. Available daily mid-summer, weekends in shoulder season.
Base area activities include zipline, climbing wall, bungee trampoline, summer tubing, and disc golf access. Great for families with mixed ages and energy levels.
| Activity | Season | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain Bike Park (lift-served) | Mid-Jun – Sep | Day pass or Power Pass (4/8/unlimited day options) |
| Scenic Chairlift Rides | Mid-Jun – Sep | Included in all-day activity pass (~$49 adult / ~$39 child) |
| Disc Golf (18 holes) | Mid-Jun – Sep | Included with lift access |
| Zipline | Mid-Jun – Sep | Included in all-day pass |
| Climbing Wall | Mid-Jun – Sep | Included in all-day pass |
| Summer Tubing | Mid-Jun – Sep | Included in all-day pass |
| Hiking (lift-accessed) | Mid-Jun – Sep | Included with scenic lift ticket |
Brian Head is a small town, but it has a handful of solid dining options that keep visitors fed without needing to drive down to Cedar City.
Casual pizza spot with specialty pies. The go-to après-ski dinner for families. Reliably good and reasonably priced.
One of the most popular restaurants on the mountain. Thai classics at 9,800 feet — a local favorite year-round.
Coffee shop with excellent sandwiches. Best morning stop before hitting the slopes or trails.
Lodge restaurant at Cedar Breaks Lodge. Breakfast buffet, plus burgers, sandwiches, and salads for lunch and dinner. Patio seating with mountain views.
Brian Head has two full-service hotels plus a variety of cabins, condos, and vacation rentals scattered through town.
Full-service hotel with pool, hot tub, spa services, and on-site restaurant (Lift Bar & Patio). Walking distance to the lifts. The most established lodging option on the mountain.
Full-service hotel with pool and spa amenities. Condo-style suites available for larger groups. Convenient base camp location.
Dozens of privately-owned cabins and condos available through vacation rental platforms. Range from budget studios to large group homes. Many are ski-in/ski-out or within short walking distance of lifts.
More hotel options at lower price points. Parowan is 20 minutes down the mountain; Cedar City is 35 minutes. Budget-friendly for multi-day ski trips.
Cedar Breaks National Monument is literally next door to Brian Head — the south entrance to SR-148 connects directly to SR-143 at Brian Head. This proximity makes the two destinations a natural pair:
Drive from Cedar City up SR-14 through Cedar Canyon, tour Cedar Breaks' five viewpoints and hike a trail, continue north on SR-148 to Brian Head for mountain biking or lunch, then take SR-143 back to I-15 and home. A full day with zero backtracking.
When the Cedar Breaks road is closed (Nov–May), access winter activities — ranger-led snowshoe hikes, cross-country skiing, the warming yurt — from the Brian Head side via SR-143. Ski in the morning, snowshoe in the afternoon.
| Season | What's Happening | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Nov – Dec | Early season skiing. Snow builds fast at this elevation. Fewer crowds. | Locals, early-season skiing, holiday trips |
| Jan – Feb | Peak powder season. 360" average means deep days. Night skiing available. | Skiing, snowboarding, families (kids free) |
| Mar – Apr | Spring skiing. Warm days, soft snow. Some of the most enjoyable conditions. | Spring skiing, longer days, value deals |
| May | Season closing. $1 lift ticket specials. Snow may still be rideable at summit. | Bargain skiing, end-of-season fun |
| Jun – Aug | Mountain bike park, scenic lifts, disc golf, Adventure Zone. Cool temps. | Mountain biking, family activities, heat escape |
| Sep – Oct | Fall colors in aspens. Hiking. Mountain biking shoulder season. Quiet. | Fall foliage, hiking, solitude, photography |
At 9,800 feet, Brian Head is 25–30°F cooler than Cedar City. A 95°F summer day in town means 65–70°F on the mountain. Winter wind chill can push below zero. Layer up regardless of season.
Limited gas and grocery options in Brian Head. Fill your tank and pack snacks in Cedar City or Parowan before heading up the mountain.
SR-143 from Parowan to Brian Head is steep and can be icy. Snow tires or chains recommended. UDOT maintains the road well, but conditions change fast at elevation. Check road conditions before leaving.
Coverage is spotty throughout Brian Head. Most lodges and restaurants have WiFi. Download trail maps and directions before heading up.
Yes. Navajo Peak has a strong lineup of green and blue runs, and the new Kids' Adventure Zone adds gladed beginner terrain. The free kids' skiing (under 12) and affordable lift tickets make it one of the best beginner-friendly resorts in Utah.
Brian Head is smaller and less crowded, with significantly lower prices. You won't find the same terrain variety as the Wasatch resorts, but you also won't deal with canyon traffic, $200+ lift tickets, or hour-long lift lines. For Southern Utah residents and Cedar City visitors, it's a legitimate ski mountain 35 minutes from town.
Absolutely. The mountain bike park, scenic lifts, and Adventure Zone make it a full day of activities. At 9,800 feet, temperatures are 25–30 degrees cooler than the valley — reason enough to visit when Cedar City hits the 90s. Combine it with Cedar Breaks for an epic day.
In summer (roughly June–October), yes. SR-148 connects directly between Brian Head and Cedar Breaks National Monument — about a 15-minute drive. In winter, SR-148 is closed to vehicles, but you can access Cedar Breaks winter activities (snowshoeing, XC skiing) from the Brian Head side.
For a dedicated ski trip, stay in Brian Head to maximize slope time. For a multi-activity trip combining skiing with restaurants, Shakespeare Festival, Zion access, or nightlife, Cedar City is the better base — you're 35 minutes from the mountain but have far more dining, shopping, and lodging options.
Not necessarily, but snow tires or all-wheel drive are strongly recommended. SR-143 is steep and can be icy. UDOT plows and treats the road regularly, but conditions deteriorate quickly during storms. If you're renting, choose an AWD/4WD vehicle in winter.
A ski resort 35 minutes from your door changes the equation. Whether you're looking for a primary residence in Cedar City, a mountain cabin in Brian Head, or a short-term rental investment in Southern Utah, I can help you find the right property.
Talk to a Local ExpertGerardo Lopez | RE/MAX Properties | Cedar City & Southern Utah
Last updated: June 2026. Lift ticket prices, operating dates, and trail conditions change seasonally — always verify at brianhead.com before your visit. Explore more Cedar City guides →