Your Insider's Guide to Brian Head, Cedar Breaks & Zion
Local Spots and Tips You Won’t Find on TripAdvisor
(Created by your hosts at Beehive Basecamp in Parowan, Utah)
Whether you’re chasing snow in Brian Head, soaking up desert views at Zion, or stargazing over Cedar Breaks, this quick-hit guide shows you how to make the most of a two-day escape — local style.
Why This Guide Rocks
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Local-Only Spots
Curated by your hosts, not algorithms.
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Food You’ll Crave
From Parowan diners to Zion cafés.
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Perfect 2-Day Loop
No wasted miles, no guesswork.
Day 1 – Mountains & Small-Town Eats
Morning: Fuel up in Parowan
🥐 DeeDee’s Farmhouse Café – Cozy breakfast, walking distance from Beehive Basecamp.
🍳 Parowan Café or Dairy Freeze – Classic small-town diner and drive-in vibes.
🍕 Pizza Barn – Great pizza and comfort food, also walkable from Beehive Basecamp.
Midday: Scenic Adventure
🚙 Parowan Foothills Trails – Off-roading or hiking right behind Heritage Park with red-rock views.
🏞 Yankee Meadows Reservoir – Picnic, fishing, and mountain views.
Evening: Dinner & Local Vibe
🍕 Centro Pizza (Cedar City) – Wood-fired pizza and craft drinks.
🍸 The Pub (next door to Centro) – Relaxed local hangout for a drink.
Day 2 – Canyon Country Loop
Highlights:
🪐 Cedar Breaks National Monument – Stellar overlooks and world-class stargazing.
🥩 Milt’s Wagon Stop – Legendary prime rib dinner (reserve ahead).
🔥 Rusty’s Ranch House – Same owners, same great food if Milt’s is full.
🛍 Dry Lakes Beef – Parowan Main Street butcher; their beef is served at Milt’s.
🌅 Parowan Gap Petroglyphs – Ancient rock art west of town, incredible at sunset.
Hidden Gems & Local Tips
• 🏕 Farmers Markets
Parowan: Saturdays (summer)
Cedar City: Wednesdays & Saturdays• 🍑 Hurricane Peaches – Late summer only; locals drive hours for them.• 🏞 Parowan Gap Petroglyphs – Great quick trip with kids or for sunset photos.• 🎉 Small-Town Events – Parowan and Cedar City parades are full of small-townAmericana.• 🛒 Local Essentials – Parowan Market, Dollar Tree, and the new Ace Hardware have everything you need.• ☕ Fizz or Swig in Cedar City – Utah’s famous soda & flavor bar drinks.
Packing & Planning Tips
Weather Swings: Bring layers — you can go from 80°F afternoons to 40°F nights.
Altitude Tip: Parowan sits at 6,000 ft — great for sleeping easy before heading up to 9,500 ft at Brian Head.
Winter: 4WD or traction gear recommended for canyon roads.
Summer: Sunscreen, extra water, and a jacket for Cedar Breaks’ cooler nights.
Where to Stay
Your perfect home base between Zion’s red rock and Brian Head’s alpine air.Enjoy full amenities, walkable dining, and quick access to scenic drives, hikes, and ski slopes — all without the high-altitude fatigue.