Three Peaks: A Mecca for Outdoor Recreation

Posted by Sam Dodd on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at 2:31 PM By Sam Dodd / September 11, 2019 Comment

Big tractor tire for playground equipment

by Sam Dodd

Outdoor recreation is Southern Utah's specialty! Iron County is home to multiple outdoor recreation sites including parks, museums, lakes, hiking trails and more. Three Peaks Recreation Complex is a rare site that combines opportunities to meet the needs of ATV riders, campers, gun enthusiasts, rock crawlers, model airplane buffs and even disc golfers!

Massive granite boulders grace this high-desert playground along with volcanic rock formations and vegetation that helps keep things cool during Southern Utah's hot summers. Campers, bring your RVs and tents. Whether you are camping with a large group or camping solo, there's a perfect spot for you to build a fire, barbecue a steak or two and rest your weary head.

Residents of Cedar City, Iron County and the surrounding rural areas work hard; but, they play hard too and there is no better place for the kids to play. If rock climbing and bike riding aren't enough, large picnic pavillions are equipped with playground equippment.

The Cedar City~Brian Head Tourism Bureau boasts the following attractions at Three Peaks Recreation Area:

Hunch-backed granit outcroppings
27 miles of mountain bike trails
42 miles of OHV routes that zigzag over 6,500 acres
Picnic areas with tables and approved fire rings (many tables are covered
Restrooms
Two pavilions for large gatherings
A shooting range
Room for horseback riding
A radio control flying field
A disc golf course with 18 holes

The recreation trails are opened year-round! The creation of this complex is the result of cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Iron County and Cedar City. The area was first made popular by rock-crawlers who found the granite swells and sandy soil challenging and therefore thrilling! Adventure-seekers travel from all over the country to drive the trails and challenge each other to impressive rides over the rocks.

Own a home in Cedar City? Spend the day! Traveling through? Spend a night or several nights! Just looking for a fun place to observe wildlife and nature? You'll find it right there.

It's Easy to Find!

The complex signage is excellent. You will find all this and more just about 10 miles west of Cedar City.

Cedar City Brian Head Tourism Bureau Recommends this route: "Head north on Cedar City Main Street to Midvalley Rd, turn left (west), stay on Midvalley all the way to Three Peaks."

The road to the complex is paved and well-maintained. There are dirt roads throughout the area, so if you dare visit in the winter, beware of muddy roads.

There are some fees (understandably) and some of the larger camping and picnic areas require advance reservations. Visit https://www.visitcedarcity.com/three-peaks/ for detailed information.

The improved trails make family fun safe and exciting.

Why do they call it "Three Peaks?" It isn't all that evident when you're actually at the complex, but from miles away (looking west from the nearby town of Enoch) you will see three distinct peaks that literally glow when the sun sets behind them. The scenery is spectacular.

Yes, You Can Still Buy Lots and Homes Near Three Peaks

Because this is a developing area, you can still buy lots and occassionally existing homes for sale. The city, county and BLM have great plans for this area and I highly recommend getting in early as land prices are likely to increase significantly as our community's dreams come to fruition!