Provided by:
Benji Thorne/shutterstock
Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.
*this will be downloaded as a PDF.Price
€4,95
The Town
The guide was updated:
Brian Head, perched at Utah's highest base elevation of 9,800 feet, is a winter wonderland that beckons outdoorsy travelers. With a peak elevation reaching 11,300 feet, this charming town provides the perfect setting for skiing, snowboarding, and other snow-filled adventures from November through April. Over 650 acres of pristine slopes, dotted with trails and runs for all skill levels, await exploration.
The Brian Head Resort itself caters to both novice and experienced alpine explorers. One mountain is dedicated to beginners and families, offering gentle slopes and learning opportunities, while the other challenges seasoned skiers and snowboarders with its steeper terrain. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, visitors can embark on thrilling snowmobile rides through the snowy wonderland.
The town of Brian Head, with its intimate population of around a hundred residents and a compact area of 3.1 square miles, is the smallest town in Iron County. Located less than an hour from Cedar City, the county's largest city, and half an hour from Parowan, the county seat and oldest town, Brian Head offers a tranquil escape from the relentless rhythm of urban life.
Iron County's history dates back to the Mormon pioneers who settled the area under the leadership of Brigham Young. Named for the rich iron deposits found within its borders, the county initially focused on iron production. However, when the iron foundry faltered, farming and agriculture emerged as the mainstays of the local economy.
It wasn't until 1964, with the opening of Brian Head Resort, that tourism became a driving force in Iron County. The resort, having undergone numerous improvements over the years, has become a beloved destination for residents of nearby metropolitan areas like Salt Lake City and Las Vegas.
Brian Head's central location provides easy access to three of Utah's most stunning natural wonders: Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and Cedar Breaks National Monument. Bryce Canyon captivates with its otherworldly hoodoos — spire-shaped rock formations — creating a landscape of vibrant colors and unique geological formations. Zion National Park enchants with its towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyons carved by the Virgin River, and verdant hanging gardens. Cedar Breaks National Monument, often referred to as a "miniature Bryce Canyon," astounds with its amphitheater-like setting. These natural wonders, combined with Brian Head's winter sports offerings, make it an ideal destination for those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic beauty.
The Brian Head Resort itself caters to both novice and experienced alpine explorers. One mountain is dedicated to beginners and families, offering gentle slopes and learning opportunities, while the other challenges seasoned skiers and snowboarders with its steeper terrain. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, visitors can embark on thrilling snowmobile rides through the snowy wonderland.
The town of Brian Head, with its intimate population of around a hundred residents and a compact area of 3.1 square miles, is the smallest town in Iron County. Located less than an hour from Cedar City, the county's largest city, and half an hour from Parowan, the county seat and oldest town, Brian Head offers a tranquil escape from the relentless rhythm of urban life.
Iron County's history dates back to the Mormon pioneers who settled the area under the leadership of Brigham Young. Named for the rich iron deposits found within its borders, the county initially focused on iron production. However, when the iron foundry faltered, farming and agriculture emerged as the mainstays of the local economy.
It wasn't until 1964, with the opening of Brian Head Resort, that tourism became a driving force in Iron County. The resort, having undergone numerous improvements over the years, has become a beloved destination for residents of nearby metropolitan areas like Salt Lake City and Las Vegas.
Brian Head's central location provides easy access to three of Utah's most stunning natural wonders: Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and Cedar Breaks National Monument. Bryce Canyon captivates with its otherworldly hoodoos — spire-shaped rock formations — creating a landscape of vibrant colors and unique geological formations. Zion National Park enchants with its towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyons carved by the Virgin River, and verdant hanging gardens. Cedar Breaks National Monument, often referred to as a "miniature Bryce Canyon," astounds with its amphitheater-like setting. These natural wonders, combined with Brian Head's winter sports offerings, make it an ideal destination for those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic beauty.