The Drive Up
Is Part of
the Day.
SR-143 climbs from Cedar City's 5,800-foot valley floor to Brian Head's 10,000-foot plateau in about 30 miles. It's a canyon highway that earns its reputation.
Cedar City to Brian Head:
budget 35-40 minutes.
SR-143 heads east out of Cedar City and immediately enters Cedar Canyon — dramatic red sandstone walls rising hundreds of feet on both sides of the road. From there it climbs through mixed forest, transitions to aspen and spruce, and arrives at Brian Head's plateau after about 30 miles. It's genuinely beautiful and worth slowing down for.
In summer the road is clear and easy. In shoulder seasons (late spring, early fall) check conditions — snow lingers at Brian Head elevation well into May and can reappear in September. We'll flag any weather issues when you confirm booking.
Fuel up in Cedar.
Breakfast too.
Fuel is available in Brian Head but limited and expensive. Fill up in Cedar City before you head up. Same goes for food — Cedar has every option from fast food to sit-down. Eat before you make the drive so you hit the trail on a full stomach, not looking for food at 10,000 feet before your pickup window.
Leave early.
The mountain rewards it.
"Every extra minute on the trail is an extra minute of the best scenery in Utah. If your pickup is at 9am, leave Cedar by 8:15. Riders who show up calm and early get more out of their day than riders who arrive rushed."
Thirty minutes from Cedar City
to one of the best trails in Utah.
Book your Brian Head rental now and we'll have your machine ready when you arrive.