St. George to Brian Head Resort
The closest ski resort to St. George offers affordable skiing, world-class mountain biking, and summer temperatures 30-40 degrees cooler. At 9,600 feet, Brian Head is Southern Utah's mountain escape.
I-15 North → UT-143
74 miles
Distance
1 hr 20 min
Drive Time
north
Direction
December-March (ski), June-September (summer)
Best Time
9,600 ft (base), 11,307 ft (summit) elevation
Driving from St. George to Brian Head Resort
Route: I-15 North → UT-143
Head north on I-15 to Parowan (exit 75), then take UT-143 East up the mountain. The road climbs steeply from 6,000 feet to nearly 10,000 feet through beautiful aspen and conifer forests with switchbacks and stunning views.
About Brian Head Resort
Brian Head Resort is St. George's go-to mountain escape — the closest ski resort at just 1 hour 20 minutes, and a summer refuge where temperatures run 30-40 degrees cooler than the desert floor. At 9,600 feet base elevation (summit at 11,307 feet), Brian Head offers a dramatically different landscape of alpine meadows, dense aspen groves, and panoramic views stretching across Southern Utah.
In winter, Brian Head provides an affordable skiing and snowboarding alternative to the more expensive resorts in northern Utah. The resort receives over 360 inches of snow annually and offers 71 runs across two mountains — Giant Steps and Navajo. Lift tickets are significantly cheaper than Park City or Deer Valley, and the lack of crowds means minimal lift lines. The small village has rental shops, restaurants, and cabin accommodations.
Summer transforms Brian Head into a mountain biking paradise with lift-served trails, scenic chairlift rides, and hiking through wildflower meadows. Cedar Breaks National Monument — a spectacular natural amphitheater at 10,000 feet often called the "mini Grand Canyon" — is just minutes away and receives a fraction of the visitors that the national parks draw. The 28-mile Markagunt High Plateau Scenic Byway (UT-148) connects Brian Head to Cedar Breaks and beyond.
Gas Stops Along the Way
- Cedar City — 52 miles / 55 min (full services — last major stop)
- Parowan — 60 miles / 1 hr (gas and convenience store at freeway exit)
- Limited fuel at Brian Head itself — fill up before going up the mountain
Weather & Climate
Brian Head sits at 9,600 feet with alpine weather. Summer highs reach 60-75°F (refreshing escape from St. George heat). Winter brings heavy snow with temperatures 10-30°F. The resort receives 360+ inches of snow annually. Spring is muddy and fall is cool and colorful.
Best Time to Visit
December-March (ski), June-September (summer)
Winter brings 360+ inches of snow for skiing and snowboarding (December-March). Summer (June-September) offers mountain biking, hiking, and cool temperatures. Late September brings stunning aspen color. Spring (April-May) is mud season — most facilities are closed.
Things to Do in Brian Head Resort
From outdoor adventures to dining, here is everything worth experiencing when you visit Brian Head, Utah.
Winter Sports
Brian Head Skiing & Snowboarding
$65-$95 lift tickets71 runs across Giant Steps and Navajo mountains with 1,320 feet of vertical. Terrain ranges from beginner greens to double-black diamonds. Night skiing available on select nights.
Buy tickets online in advance for $10-$20 off window prices
Snowshoeing Trails
$15-$25 rentalMultiple groomed and backcountry snowshoe trails through the aspen forests surrounding Brian Head. Equipment rental available at local shops.
Cross-Country Skiing
Free (bring your own gear)Groomed Nordic trails near the resort and at Cedar Breaks offer peaceful cross-country skiing through alpine terrain.
Tubing Park
$25-$35Dedicated tubing hill at the resort for family fun. No experience needed, tubes provided. A hit with kids and non-skiers.
Summer Activities
Mountain Biking (Lift-Served)
$40-$55 lift tickets, $50+ bike rentalThe chairlift runs in summer to access downhill mountain biking trails. Trails range from flowy green runs to technical black diamond descents. Bike rentals and protective gear available at the base.
Scenic Chairlift Rides
$20-$25Ride the chairlift to 10,000+ feet for panoramic views across Southern Utah, Zion, and into Nevada. Beautiful wildflower meadows at the top. Open June through September.
Cedar Breaks National Monument
$10 per personA 2,500-foot-deep amphitheater of eroded rock formations at 10,000+ feet — like a colorful miniature Grand Canyon ringed by ancient bristlecone pines. Breathtaking sunset views. Just 5 miles from Brian Head.
Visit at sunset for the most spectacular colors
Brian Head Peak Hike
FreeDrive or hike to the 11,307-foot summit for 360-degree views of southern Utah. On clear days you can see across four states. The road to the summit is accessible by passenger car in summer.
Wildflower Meadows
FreeJuly and August bring spectacular wildflower blooms in the alpine meadows around Brian Head. Lupine, Indian paintbrush, and columbine blanket the hillsides.
Dining & Lodging
The Edge Diner
$$Casual breakfast and lunch spot at the base area. Hearty mountain food — pancakes, burgers, and hot soups. Perfect fuel before or after a day on the mountain.
Bump & Grind Coffee House
$Coffee shop and casual eatery in Brian Head Village. Great espresso, pastries, and sandwiches. The go-to morning stop.
Brian Head Cabin Rentals
$100-$400/nightMultiple vacation rental properties offer cabins ranging from cozy studios to large group lodges. VRBO and Airbnb have extensive listings in the Brian Head area.
Cedar Breaks Lodge
$150-$300/nightFull-service lodge at the base of Brian Head Resort with ski-in/ski-out access, restaurant, hot tub, and fitness center.
Travel Tips for the St. George to Brian Head Resort Drive
UT-143 can be icy and snow-packed in winter — carry chains or have AWD/4WD and check road conditions
Brian Head lift tickets are 40-60% cheaper than Park City or Deer Valley resorts
Summer temperatures at Brian Head are 30-40 degrees cooler than St. George — bring warm layers
Cedar Breaks is free to visit and usually far less crowded than national parks
The drive up UT-143 from Parowan is steep with many switchbacks — take it slow, especially in winter
Gas up in Cedar City or Parowan — Brian Head has limited fuel options
Fall aspen colors (late September to early October) are spectacular along UT-143
Frequently Asked Questions: St. George to Brian Head Resort
How far is Brian Head from St. George?
Brian Head Resort is 74 miles (1 hour 20 minutes) from St. George via I-15 North and UT-143. The last 14 miles climb steeply from Parowan at 6,000 feet to Brian Head at 9,600 feet.
How much are Brian Head lift tickets?
Brian Head lift tickets range from $65-$95 for adults depending on the day. Online advance purchase saves $10-$20. This is significantly cheaper than Park City ($200+) or Deer Valley ($250+).
Is Brian Head good for beginners?
Yes, Brian Head has excellent beginner terrain with wide green runs and a dedicated learning area. The smaller size and fewer crowds make it less intimidating than major resorts.
What is Cedar Breaks National Monument?
Cedar Breaks is a spectacular 2,500-foot-deep natural amphitheater at 10,000+ feet elevation, just 5 miles from Brian Head. Think Grand Canyon in miniature, with vivid red, orange, and purple rock layers. It is often much less crowded than the national parks.
How much cooler is Brian Head than St. George?
Brian Head is typically 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than St. George due to its 9,600-foot elevation. When St. George is 105°F in July, Brian Head is a pleasant 65-75°F.
Nearby Destinations from Brian Head Resort
Cedar City
Home of the Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival, Southern Utah University, and the gateway to Brian Head and Cedar Breaks. Cedar City runs 15-20 degrees cooler than St. George with a growing arts and dining scene.
Bryce Canyon National Park
A wonderland of orange, red, and white hoodoo rock spires unlike anything else on Earth. Bryce Canyon sits at 8,000+ feet, offering cooler temperatures and some of the darkest night skies in the world.
Salt Lake City
Utah's capital city offers world-class skiing, a thriving food scene, professional sports, and the international airport that connects Southern Utah to the world. The I-15 corridor is the most-traveled route for St. George residents.
Complete Guide: Driving from St. George to Brian Head Resort
St. George to Brian Head Resort — 74 miles, 1 hr 20 min Drive
Brian Head Resort is St. George's go-to mountain escape — the closest ski resort at just 1 hour 20 minutes, and a summer refuge where temperatures run 30-40 degrees cooler than the desert floor. At 9,600 feet base elevation (summit at 11,307 feet), Brian Head offers a dramatically different landscape of alpine meadows, dense aspen groves, and panoramic views stretching across Southern Utah.
The route from St. George, Utah to Brian Head, Utah covers 74 miles and takes approximately 1 hr 20 min via I-15 North → UT-143. Head north on I-15 to Parowan (exit 75), then take UT-143 East up the mountain. The road climbs steeply from 6,000 feet to nearly 10,000 feet through beautiful aspen and conifer forests with switchbacks and stunning views.
Things to Do in Brian Head Resort
Winter Sports: Brian Head Skiing & Snowboarding, Snowshoeing Trails, Cross-Country Skiing. Summer Activities: Mountain Biking (Lift-Served), Scenic Chairlift Rides, Cedar Breaks National Monument. Dining & Lodging: The Edge Diner, Bump & Grind Coffee House, Brian Head Cabin Rentals.
Best Time to Visit Brian Head Resort
Winter brings 360+ inches of snow for skiing and snowboarding (December-March). Summer (June-September) offers mountain biking, hiking, and cool temperatures. Late September brings stunning aspen color. Spring (April-May) is mud season — most facilities are closed.
Travel Tips
UT-143 can be icy and snow-packed in winter — carry chains or have AWD/4WD and check road conditions. Brian Head lift tickets are 40-60% cheaper than Park City or Deer Valley resorts. Summer temperatures at Brian Head are 30-40 degrees cooler than St. George — bring warm layers. Cedar Breaks is free to visit and usually far less crowded than national parks.
For more things to do near St. George, explore our Things to Do guide, browse the Events Calendar, or discover local businesses in the St. George Business Directory. Check out all road trip destinations from St. George including Cedar City, Bryce Canyon National Park, Salt Lake City.