Richfield to Cedar City, Utah – 23 October 2025

Cedar City, Utah — Festival Spirit & Western Charm

We rolled into Cedar City and parked at our RV spot behind the Best Western, just off Main Street. After a long drive, we were ready to stretch our legs, so we headed to the far side of town and parked near one of the local parks. From there, we followed the paved trail through Cedar Canyon, with Jax happily leading the way.

The path winds along Coal Creek, a modest-looking river that’s spent thousands of years carving this impressive canyon. The surrounding rock walls were incredible — each layer a story from a different geologic era, some formed by ancient volcanic eruptions.

In autumn, the Cottonwoods and Maples put on a spectacular show. Their golden and orange leaves glowed against the red canyon walls. Between the rushing creek, crisp mountain air, and those stunning fall colors, it was the perfect little escape.

Festival City USA

Cedar City is a charming blend of Western roots and artistic flair. Set against a backdrop of towering red mountains, it’s fittingly known as Festival City. All summer long, the town buzzes with Shakespeare plays, live music, and community events.

The Utah Shakespeare Festival, held at the local Southern Utah University, has even earned a Tony Award — quite an achievement for a small mountain town! There’s a dedicated Shakespeare Theatre and an adjoining sculpture gardenfeaturing characters from his plays — a unique and creative touch that captures the city’s cultural pride.

A Parade Straight Out of the Old West

The next morning, we strolled through the historic downtown, grabbed coffee from a cozy local café, and admired several colorful murals. But what really caught our eye were the decorated wooden sheep and lambs displayed outside many shops. These whimsical figures are part of a fundraiser for the annual Heritage Livestock Festival, which celebrates Cedar City’s ranching traditions.

We soon learned we had timed our visit perfectly — just in time for the Sheep Run Parade. Thousands of sheep filled Main Street, herded just as they were during the old seasonal drives that once passed through this region.

But the spectacle didn’t stop there — longhorn cattle, beautiful horses, miniature ponies, farm dogs, antique tractors, wagons, and even modern ranch equipment rolled by, all parading through town. Cowboys and cowgirls waved as the crowd cheered. For a moment, it felt like we’d stepped straight into a classic western film.

Lasting Impressions

Cedar City is a town with a big personality — culture up front, cowboy roots never far behind. Between its artistic energy, friendly locals, and small-town western spirit, it’s a place we’ll definitely return to.