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 for 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.
Featured Articles
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Panguitch Lake's Literal "Big Fish"
People have been traveling to fish at Panguitch Lake for a long time. Legend has it this popular high mountain fishery in Southern Utah was named by the Paiute people who once frequented the area and it translates to mean “big fish.”
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Best Hikes in St. George During Winter
While Utah's Greater Zion offers a few hundred trails, we’ve highlighted seven of the best hikes in the state's southwestern corner, from deep canyons to high peaks.
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7 Trails Near Zion National Park to Expand Your Hiking Experience
While Zion Canyon is the centerpiece of Utah’s most-visited national park, there are a number of options for well-prepared hikers looking to deepen their familiarity with the landscape of southwestern Utah and to seek solitude among the red rock. Start exploring with these seven trails and destinations.
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The Creature Comforts of Kanab
Visit Kanab, a welcoming town with classic Western roots and modern-day amenities sitting smack in the middle of Southern Utah’s greatest outdoors.
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Paddle Among Red Rocks and Waterfalls at Gunlock Reservoir State Park
Pack up your gear and head out to Gunlock Reservoir near St. George. Bring your SUP, kayaks, jet skis and power boats for a day full of watersport excitement.
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The Coyote Canyon Loop
An easy 20-minute trip south from Park City, the Coyote Canyon Trail is a gorgeous 20-mile loop that undulates through the sprawling expanses of Heber Valley and showcases some of its best features along the way.
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Paddling the Caribbean-Blue Waters of Bear Lake
At nearly 6,000 feet of elevation, temperatures at Bear Lake stay cool in the summer, making the basin a welcome respite from the heat and a great destination to enjoy water sports in a serene mountain setting.
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A High Elevation Southern Utah Mountain Bike Adventure
Mountain biking in Southern Utah usually inspires visions of red rock destinations such as Moab and St. George. But as the heat of summer kicks in and the triple digit temps become more frequent, heading south to ride may seem out of reach. Fear not my friend, as there are some riding destinations within Southern Utah, where the elevation will keep you cool.
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The Tour of Utah: A Most Excellent Adventure
Find your spot at the host venues to see some of the world's best pro-cyclists in action.
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Top 5 Rules of the Ride: How to Mountain Bike Responsibly on Utah Trails
Mountain biking is one of Utah’s most popular activities enjoyed by riders of all ages and skill levels. Be able to fly down that flow trail by, first, understanding and respecting the rules of the ride.
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The 5 Rules for Selfies: How to Capture and Post Responsibly in Utah
Explore Utah and be our best influencer by capturing incomparable and lasting memories safely and responsibly.
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At Lagoon, a Utah-grown Amusement Park where the Fun Never Ends
As the Farmington park marks the 100th-anniversary of its wooden roller coaster, Lagoon continues to attract crowds with its nostalgic rides and novel thrills.
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Seven Must-Ride Mountain Biking Trails in Utah
To help you plan a Utah mountain biking trip, we've assembled a list of seven of Utah’s best mountain biking trails followed by a roundup of Utah’s best fat-tire destinations.
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Ridin' Greater Zion
Southeastern Utah might be the state’s hidden gem of mountain biking. Learn about the top mountain biking trails in this area and plan a getaway you’ll never forget.
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Dog-friendly Utah: Northern
Explore the top dog-friendly places to hike and explore in the Northern Utah, including state parks, national forests and a bird refuge.
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Dog-Friendly Utah: The Road to Mighty
Want to bring your furry friend on your next vacation? Utah is home to several great dog-friendly national parks and other fun destinations. Check it out and plan your trip!
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Journey Through Utah's History at This Is the Place Heritage State Park
This Is the Place Heritage State Park has a major place in Utah’s history — quite literally.
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Moonscapes, Marscapes and More
If you want to know what Mars looks like — then the dramatic terrain of Capitol Reef National Park and the surrounding lands are a good place to start.
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Painted Pony Restaurant
Located in Ancestor Square in the heart of St. George, Utah, the Painted Pony, affectionately known as “The Pony,” gets rave reviews by all, as evidenced by its 4.5-star Trip Advisor rating.
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Remote Adventure on the Green River
150 years after John Wesley Powell mapped the Green, experience the same solitude and scenery with plenty of (safer) spills and thrills
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Snowfield and Stream
The ski lift may be closer, but the Provo River, one of the best fisheries in Utah and the country, is mere minutes down the road from Sundance Mountain Resort.
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Snowshoeing the Wasatch
Wondering where to go snowshoeing? Utah’s Wasatch Mountains are a popular destination. Learn more and plan your visit!
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Winter in Southeastern Utah: Arches and Canyonlands
Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude.
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Winter Wonders in Greater Zion
As you’re mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary.
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10 Routes Chosen by Utah Cyclists
We reached out to cycling experts and enthusiasts — in some cases to people who literally wrote the book on cycling in Utah — to get a feel for some of Utah's best road cycling routes.
