You Won't Believe This Town Is In Utah
The remote deserts of Utah are filled with some of the best, most rugged scenery in the United States. The red rock landscapes, snow-capped mountains, alpine woodlands, and endless expanses of canyons exemplify this part of the Southwest, and it is no surprise that many of the country's best national parks are located right here.
It should also come as no surprise that the region is sparsely populated, with only a handful of towns and cities peppered amongst it, many with populations numbering in only the hundreds or even fewer. One such is Brian Head, an interestingly named community with an even more fascinating geography that avoids the crowds of other places like Moab or Saint George. Let's take a look at this quiet town that no more than 170 permanent residents call home.
A Bit More About Brian Head
At nearly 9,800 feet above sea level, Brian Head is in fact the highest town in Utah. Located in the southern part of the state near Cedar Breaks National Monument, this place sits in contrast to Utah’s dominant desert image. Here, instead of red rock canyons and arid basins, Brian Head's surrounding landscapes are defined by spruce forests, volcanic ridgelines, and a subalpine climate that turns it into a snow-heavy ski destination each winter.
The town was incorporated in 1975, but its modern development truly began about a decade earlier with the eventual opening of the Brian Head Ski Resort in the mid-1960s. This resort still heavily retains its economic and cultural importance for the area, drawing visitors from Las Vegas, Southern California, and beyond.
Even with its ideal conditions, this longstanding ski attraction is still somewhat of an underrated gem, sitting quite some distance from any major cities. Las Vegas is a 3-hour drive, while Salt Lake City is roughly 4 hours away. Its elevation means summer temperatures stay mild, also making it a year-round retreat for hiking, biking, off-roading, and exploring nearby state and national parks.
It is not exactly clear where the name "Brian Head " comes from. All that is known is that a nearby mountain, once called Monument Peak, had been renamed to Brian Head Peak sometime in the mid-1800s, eventually giving the town it its current title.
Brian Head Resort
As noted, Brian Head Resort is the primary draw to this high-altitude town, operating year-round and best known for its reliable winter conditions. This resort boasts two connected mountains, Brian Head Peak and Navajo Peak, giving it over 650 acres of skiable terrain across 71 runs. It caters to both advanced and beginner snowboarders and skiers, with local snowshoeing trails also abundant.
The area receives more than 360 inches of snow annually, making way for extended seasons and powder-rich runs that are an absolute pleasure to ride. On the other hand, summer means Brian Head Resort transforms into a hub for downhill mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, and hiking trails with expansive views of southern Utah’s high plateau. From high above, huge expanses of Utah, Arizona, and Nevada can be seen with the naked eye.
On-site lodging and dining also make it a convenient spot for an extended stay, and an ideal base for exploring the surrounding wilderness and nearby national parks.
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Located just a few miles south of Brian Head, Cedar Breaks National Monument preserves a dramatic natural amphitheater carved into the edge of the Colorado Plateau. About three miles wide and over 2,000 feet deep, the monument is renowned for its vivid bands of red, orange, and white rock, shaped by erosion over millions of years.
At an elevation exceeding 10,000 feet, the area has limited access in winter due to high levels of snow, but it offers wildflower-filled meadows and clear hiking trails when the weather warms up around the middle of the year. Perhaps the best way to see the park up close is on the short Spectra Point and Ramparts Trail, a nearly 4-mile route that provides panoramic views along the rim at various lookouts.
Cedar Breaks also serves as a certified Dark Sky Park, making it a prime spot for stargazing at nighttime.
Dixie National Forest
Dixie National Forest borders Brian Head to the east and stretches across a whopping 1.8 million acres of southern Utah wilderness, offering a diverse mix of high-elevation plateaus, lava fields, and dense pine forests. Within easy reach of town, the forest provides a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, ATV riding, camping, fishing, and snowmobiling.
Trails like the Alpine Pond Loop and the Rattlesnake Creek Trail give access to its unique volcanic landscapes and scenic overlooks, while in certain spots, elevations can reach well over 11,000 feet! This is a particularly scenic locale to visit in autumn, as the aspen groves surrounding Brian Head turn bright gold in unison, making the area one of the most sought-after leaf-peeping destinations in Utah.
Staying in Brian Head
Brian Head functions mainly as a resort town, and with that, there is a relatively large number of accommodations available for you to use during your stay. The Hilton Vacation Club Cedar Breaks sits at the very center of the main downtown core, with other options like the Brian Head Lodge and the Copper Chase Condominiums just steps away, amongst others.
Businesses in town include Thunder Mountain Motorsports, where you can book a snowmobile tour or even buy a machine for yourself. If you need to pick up or rent some ski, bike, or other outdoor-related gear, Georg's Ski Shop is the best local spot to hit up.
Restaurant choices will serve vacationers well, with the Last Chair Grill and Brews, Pizanos Pizzeria, Rosales Mexican Food, and Mountain Peak Coffee serving as popular picks outside of the hotel-based eateries. For snacks, drinks, and other supplies, Apple Annie's Country Store is a cozy little stop that acts as the community's primary shop/grocery store.
Spend Your Summer or Winter in this Lofty Southwestern Community
Whether it's just a stop along a road trip or the destination of your next weekend escape, Brian Head is the perfect place for nature lovers who need some peace and quiet. Outside of a handful of busy days during the ski season, this town is a safe bet for those in search of something new that they can explore in relative solitude. If you're either hiking or hitting the slopes, there is certainly no shortage of activities in the great outdoors for you to partake in here. Brian Head proves that there's more to Utah than just the desert.
