SOUTHERN UTAH – Beginning today, state Route 14 will be open during daytime hours seven days a week.  For leisure travelers visiting Southern Utah, having 24-hour admittance means easier access to outdoor recreation sites located in the Dixie National Forest and Cedar Breaks National Monument.

A massive mountain landside and the subsequent construction made normal travel to mountain recreation locations challenging. With the full-time opening of SR-14 this allows access without having to take the alternate adjacent circuitous route through neighboring towns of Parowan and Brian Head.

Recreation avenues including Navajo Lake, Duck Creek Village, Cedar Breaks National Monument, campsites, hikes such as Cascade Falls and the Bristlecone Trail are now within reasonable reach. “The recreation options are diverse and plentiful,” Bonnie Char said, she is the public relations specialist for the Cedar City – Brian Head Tourism Bureau. “Now that the road is open, especially before the summer is over, there is abundant time for all to enjoy. The hiking trails, fishing spots and stunning scenery are just few of the outdoor options awaiting exploration.”

Those enjoying these and other areas in Southern Utah are advised to mind fire restrictions pertinent to the areas. Many of these have changed effective this weekend.  Reference is made to St. George News article linked here, outlining current restrictions.

The road opening comes at a time when travelers are still visiting form other parts of the world to see majestic national parks like Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks, while traveling SR-14 many visitors discover lesser visited Cedar Breaks National Monument.

“We feel like Cedar Breaks is our hidden treasure,” Char said, “with the road open, a quick little side trip to the monument often becomes the highlight of a visitors experience in Southern Utah.

Theatre goers attending the Utah Shakespeare Festival and Neil Simon Festival during August can now take the Scenic Byway loop that links SR-14 with National Scenic Byway 143 – “Patchwork Parkway.” This makes an exquisite afternoon drive and still gets theatre lovers back to Cedar City for the evening performances.”  The route is mapped here: Regional Map Utah’s Patchwork Parkway.

The SR-14 roadway is 80 percent complete and is still an active construction zone. Travelers are encouraged to please use caution, obey posted speed limits and watch for construction crew members.

The Cedar City ~ Brian Head Tourism Bureau suggests, “Now is a good time to plan your trip for fall leaf-peeping in Southern Utah. Char said, “Scenic Byway SR 14 is amazing in the Autumn!” Tips, updates and prime viewing locations will be available on the Fall Color Report at www.ScenicSouthernUtah.com starting September 1 through the end of October.

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