Summer is the season of fun, especially in Southern Utah. The area is known for amazing outdoor adventure, and the season's warm temperatures and sunny skies bring extra excitement to every experience. The lakes are refreshingly cold, the foliage is in full bloom, and the trails are free of winter closures. Plus, extended park hours mean extra time to explore the lush landscapes and soak in some stunning summer scenes.
While there are countless summer activities to choose from, some are more special than others. So, you can plan a spectacular (and stress-free) summer in Southern Utah, we've made a list of our favorite summer attractions in the area.
A day at the lake is a summer staple, and Panguitch Lake does summer in style. The lake itself stretches across 1,248 acres, offering plenty of space for swimming, boating, lounging, and other forms of water-based fun. The season is especially good for fishing, and the lake is home to some of the best trophy-sized Rainbow Trout in the state. Anglers can cast a line by boat, on a floater tube, or right from the shore - you may even reel one in right from your Panguitch Lake rental!
Cedar Breaks National Monument
There's no bad time to visit Cedar Breaks, but summer is especially spectacular. Temperatures are mild, wildlife is on the move, and the park comes alive with color as its many alpine meadows become blanketed in beautiful blooms.
The park also brings something extra to the season by hosting a variety of summer events and activities that are fun for visitors of all ages. You can attend a daily Ranger Program to enjoy expert-led Geology Talks, evening campfire programs, guided nature walks, and more. Depending on when you visit, special events like the annual Wildflower Walks can make your summer visit even more special.
Brian Head Resort may be known as a winter wonderland, but the slopes are just as fun during the summer. The warmer months mean even more ways to explore the mountain, from avalanche tubing to mountain biking to ziplining and more. Families can fill an entire afternoon with amazing activities like archery, cliffhanger climbing, scenic chairlift rides, and bouncing on a peak shot bungee trampoline.
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
Nestled on the shores of the Wide Hollow Reservoir, this small but stunning state park is an ideal way to spend a summer afternoon. The petrified wood shines brightly under the high summer sun, creating a kaleidoscopic forest of white, red, yellow, and purple. You can explore the forest on two linked loop trails that wind above the campground, offering a birds-eye view of the entire park. Temperatures are high on the trails, so bring plenty of water and finish with a refreshing visit to the reservoir for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
Spend your summer with Family Time Vacation Rentals!
You can't have a spectacular Southern Utah summer without a stunning place to stay! Family Time Vacation Rentals has a variety of amazing accommodations to help you spend the season in style. Whether you're looking for a large and luxurious condo or a cozy mountain cabin, browse our area rentals to secure your summer stay today.