Panguitch
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Outdoor Adventures
A town whose name means "big fish" surely will deliver on a promise of great angling. Indeed, four Blue Ribbon Fisheries, so called for their combination of exquisite settings and sustainable, healthy fish populations, are within about a half-hour of Panguitch: Paragonah Reservoir, Panguitch Lake, Panguitch Creek and Asay Creek. Scenic Byway 143 leads to Brian Head Resort, one of Utah's most unique resort experiences thanks to the high elevation of its base and proximity to Utah's iconic red rock (Watch: Red Rock, Rock n' Roll & Ribs). In addition to exploring the nearby national parks (Zion, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef), this area has vast expanses of distinct national forests (Fishlake and Dixie), two national monuments (Cedar Breaks and Grand Staircase-Escalante) and several state parks, including Kodachrome Basin and Escalante Petrified Forest.
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Quilt Walk Festival
In 1864, so the story is told, a group of pioneers were sent eastward from Parowan, Utah, along a stretch of the Old Spanish Trail to establish a settlement. At more than 6,600 feet, that early settlement, which became known as Panguitch, was surprised with a particularly short growing season, cutting off the settlers' harvest. With the situation growing dire, a group set out over the snowy 8,000 foot pass, heavily wrapped in quilts, back to Parowan for supplies to save the settlement. The challenges of walking through deep snow eventually led the team to discovering the surface area of their quilts would make the difficult journey easier. Every year, this historic town now hosts the three-day Quilt Walk Festival commemorating the famous quilt walk that saved this early settlement (watch the video). Learn more about Panguitch and Utah's pioneer heritage through its enduring arts and storytelling.
Panguitch Lake
Ariel view of the town of Panguitch.
Local Highlights
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Dixie National Forest
The Dixie National Forest is Utah's largest national forest, stretching 170 miles across Southern Utah. Red Canyon, one of the most spectacular colored cliff canyons in southern Utah, is located in the heart of the Dixie National Forest.
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Events
A great example of classic "small town USA," Panguitch is just 25 miles northwest of Bryce Canyon National Park. In addition to June's Quilt Festival, watch for The Sky's the Limit Bike Rally & Panguitch Valley Balloon Rally, held annually during the last FULL weekend in June and the Bryce ATV/UTV Rally, held annually in August.
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Scenic Byway 143
Steeped in history and painted with some of Southern Utah's most stunning and unexpected scenic beauty, Utah's state Route 143, the Patchwork Parkway, is a designated National Scenic Byway. Travel 48 spectacular miles from Parowan to Panguitch with multiple interpretive sites, an essential side trip down S.R. 148 to Cedar Breaks National Monument, and access to resort skiing or boarding on The Greatest Snow on Earth®.
What's Nearby
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Brian Head Resort
Surrounded by contrasting evergreen spruce and aspen, Brian Head Resort boasts the highest base among Utah's resorts, and is the only ski and snowboard resort to showcase snow-dusted red rock hoodoos from the nearby Cedar Breaks National Monument.
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Bryce Canyon National Park
An alpine forest with as many red rock hoodoos as trees. At dawn and dusk, mule deer graze the forested plateau along the road into Bryce Canyon.
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Cedar Breaks National Monument
Hidden within the mountains above Cedar City is the brilliant geology and vibrant environment of Cedar Breaks National Monument. The geologic amphitheater and surrounding environs are home to cool hiking trails, ancient trees, high elevation camping, and over-the-top views along the “Circle of Painted Cliffs.”
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Dixie National Forest
This forest stretches for 170 miles across southern Utah. Visitors can experience its brilliant red spires and cliffs by car or by hiking one of the nature trails in the canyon.
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Escalante
Between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon national parks and perched on the edge of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, the town of Escalante offers access to some of the most beautiful parts of Southern Utah.
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Zion National Park
Whether you are trying to catch your breath while climbing the trail to Angel's Landing or watching the shadows constantly change the mood of the Court of the Patriarchs, Zion National Park is always ready to quench your appetite for outdoor wonder.
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Escalante River Canyon Trail
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