St. George to Panguitch

Just 25 miles (30 minutes) south of Panguitch via US-89 and UT-12. The park features the world's largest collection of hoodoos — towering spires of colorful rock in massive natural amphitheaters. Sunrise and Sunset Points offer unforgettable views.

The 18-mile scenic drive through Bryce Canyon features 13 viewpoints along the rim, each offering a unique perspective on the hoodoo formations. Rainbow Point at the end of the road sits at 9,115 feet with sweeping views.

The most popular hike in Bryce Canyon descends into the hoodoo amphitheater via steep switchbacks (Navajo Loop) and connects to the Queen's Garden Trail for a 2.9-mile combined loop. Walking among the towering hoodoos is a completely different experience than viewing from the rim.

Panguitch makes an excellent base for Bryce Canyon visits — lodging and dining are more affordable than the park area, and the 30-minute drive is scenic. Arrive at the park early (before 8 AM in summer) to avoid parking congestion. The free park shuttle runs during peak season.

Highway 12 passes through two tunnels carved into brilliant red rock formations in Red Canyon, part of the Dixie National Forest. The drive alone is spectacular, with pulloffs for photos at every turn. A free alternative to Bryce with similar crimson hoodoos.

Multiple free hiking and biking trails wind among red rock hoodoos and ponderosa pines. The Arches Trail (1 mile) leads to a natural arch. The Golden Wall Trail (2 miles) features stunning red and gold cliff faces. Pink Ledges Trail (0.7 miles) is an easy family walk.

A popular mountain biking trail that follows a scenic route through Red Canyon with hoodoo views, red rock tunnels, and ponderosa pine forest. The 7.5-mile point-to-point trail is rideable by intermediate cyclists and hikeable as well.

A Forest Service campground nestled among the red rock formations with 37 sites. Ponderosa pine shade, clean facilities, and a scenic setting make it a popular base camp. Reservations recommended in summer.

Panguitch Lake is stocked regularly with rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and tiger trout, making it one of the most productive fisheries in Southern Utah. Shore fishing and boat fishing are both productive. The lake sits at 8,200 feet surrounded by meadows and forest.

Several marinas on Panguitch Lake offer pontoon boats, fishing boats, kayaks, and canoe rentals. Motors are allowed but the lake is relatively small, so non-motorized craft work well too. Perfect for a relaxing day on the water.

Panguitch Lake freezes solid in winter, creating one of Utah's best ice fishing destinations. Anglers drill through the ice for rainbow and cutthroat trout from December through March. Ice fishing gear rentals and guided trips are available in the area.

Multiple campgrounds and RV parks surround Panguitch Lake, offering sites with mountain views and easy lake access. White Bridge and Panguitch Lake North are popular Forest Service campgrounds. Private resorts offer cabins and full hookups.

Hundreds of miles of designated OHV trails wind through the Dixie National Forest surrounding Panguitch. Trails range from easy dirt roads to challenging single-track through aspen groves, meadows, and mountain terrain at elevations from 7,000 to 10,000 feet.

Local outfitters in Panguitch rent ATVs, UTVs, and side-by-sides by the half-day or full day. Guided rides are available for those unfamiliar with the trail system. Rentals include helmets and basic trail maps.

Guided ATV tours take riders through the best scenic routes in the surrounding mountains, including aspen forests, alpine meadows, and ridgeline trails with panoramic views. Tours accommodate beginners to experienced riders.

Even without an ATV, the dirt roads around Panguitch offer scenic drives through mountain country. The road to Panguitch Lake, the Brian Head area, and various Forest Service roads provide beautiful high-country scenery accessible in most vehicles.

Panguitch's Main Street features well-preserved brick buildings from the late 1800s housing shops, restaurants, and the town's small museums. The architecture tells the story of a prosperous ranching and lumber town. Several murals depict local history on building walls.

Held annually in June, this beloved festival commemorates the 1864 founding story when pioneers laid quilts on deep snow to walk across and save the struggling settlement. Features a quilt show, craft fair, dutch oven cookoff, historical reenactments, and community celebrations.

A beautifully restored 1908 social hall that serves as a community gathering space and event venue. The brick building is a centerpiece of Main Street and hosts dances, performances, and community events.

Several shops along Main Street sell Western wear, cowboy hats, handmade crafts, and local artwork. The shopping is low-key and locally focused — a refreshing change from tourist-oriented gift shops.