Canyon Park and Coal Creek Trail Cedar City Utah
A serene green space along Coal Creek, offering shady spots, a playground, and a beautiful trail leading to a hidden waterfall.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures & fewer crowds
Canyon Park and Coal Creek Trail Cedar City Utah
Best Time
Cooler temperatures & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene green space along Coal Creek, offering shady spots, a playground, and a beautiful trail leading to a hidden waterfall.
"Beautiful, peaceful and relaxing thank you for a clean park with a really awesome stream running through it."
🤫 Seek Quiet Spots
The west side near the pavilion can be loud. Find peace by the stream in the trees. :ear:
👟 Trail Ready
Wear good shoes for the hike to the waterfall; it's about a mile from Main Street. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Coal Creek Waterfall
West of Cedar City
Discover a hidden waterfall tucked away in volcanic canyons, a serene escape with minimal crowds.
Shady Creekside Retreat
Canyon Park
Enjoy the cool, green grass and the gentle sound of the stream in the park's quieter, tree-lined areas.
Scenic Coal Creek Trail
Cedar City
A beautiful and accessible trail perfect for a leisurely walk, bike ride, or a family 5K.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Water Fun & Trail Prep
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 Seek Quiet Spots
The west side near the pavilion can be loud. Find peace by the stream in the trees. :ear:
👟 Trail Ready
Wear good shoes for the hike to the waterfall; it's about a mile from Main Street. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Water Play
The creek is cold in June but perfect for wading and playing. :droplet:
📱 Limited Cell Service
Be prepared for little to no cell service in some canyon areas. :iphone:
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Seek Quiet Spots
The west side near the pavilion can be loud. Find peace by the stream in the trees. :ear:
👟 Trail Ready
Wear good shoes for the hike to the waterfall; it's about a mile from Main Street. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Water Play
The creek is cold in June but perfect for wading and playing. :droplet:
📱 Limited Cell Service
Be prepared for little to no cell service in some canyon areas. :iphone:
☀️ Beat the Sun
Evenings offer beautiful red rock views and shade. :city_sunset:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Canyon Park and Coal Creek Trail for its beautiful, peaceful atmosphere, especially the shady creek areas. The accessibility of the trail and the refreshing water are highlights, though some find the park can get noisy and busy, particularly near the pavilion. The hidden waterfall is a significant draw for those seeking a more secluded natural experience.
"Sensory review at 7pm on July 22, 2025.
Sight: Shady in the evenings, beautiful views of red rocks. Watching the water in the concrete ditch is very nice.
Sound: Stream in trees is 50 dB, east
grassy area is similar with background noise of people talking, children playing (and yelling), and cars and semis passing by. The west side of the park was much louder, at a max average of 60 dB by the pavilion.
Touch: Grass is very green and soft and you can play in the clear water running across concrete.
Smell: People were grilling so it smelled like cooking meat.
I found the traffic and background noise to be too much, but I would definitely go and play in the water in the trees where it’s quieter."
Alex
"It was quite busy the afternoon we stopped in. There's a large creek down the embankment if you care to climb. Otherwise, cross the bridge near the street and you can get close to the small stream easily."
Jen Lz
"Nice Park along coal Creek. Has wading pools, restrooms, playgrounds, picnic tables."
Tim Hayward
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Las Vegas, you'll typically drive Hwy 9 through Springdale and the Zion South entrance to reach areas like Orderville. For Canyon Park and Coal Creek Trail in Cedar City, continue north on I-15. The park is conveniently located near Main Street, making it easily accessible.
Yes, Canyon Park offers parking, particularly near the picnic pavilion. However, it can get busy, especially during peak times.
Yes, biking is a great option! It takes about 20 minutes to bike to the waterfall, and the ride back is a quick 10-minute cruise.
Absolutely! The Coal Creek Trail is a popular spot for events like a 5K, making it a great route for runners and walkers.
The drive to Cedar City is generally straightforward, primarily via I-15 North from Las Vegas. Be aware of potential weather changes, especially in winter.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Canyon Park and Coal Creek Trail are generally free to access, offering public green space and recreational opportunities without an admission fee.
Canyon Park is a public park and is typically open from dawn until dusk. Specific hours may vary, but it's generally accessible throughout daylight hours.
No, there are no tickets required for the hike to the waterfall. It's a natural trail accessible to the public.
Generally, no special permits are needed for casual photography in Canyon Park or on the Coal Creek Trail. However, for commercial shoots, it's always best to check with local Cedar City authorities.
While not explicitly stated in the provided information, many public parks have leash laws for pets. It's advisable to check local Cedar City ordinances regarding pets in parks.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Families can enjoy the playground, picnic areas with BBQ grills, and playing in the shallow waters of Coal Creek. It's a great spot for a relaxed afternoon outdoors.
The water in Coal Creek is cold, even in June, but people do swim in it. It's generally shallow and clear, but always exercise caution.
You'll find beautiful views of red rocks, shady trees, and the gentle flow of Coal Creek. Autumn brings lovely fall colors to the area.
The park can be quite busy, especially in the afternoons. The area near the pavilion tends to be louder with more people, while the tree-lined creek offers a quieter escape.
Yes, restrooms are available at Canyon Park, which is convenient for families and longer visits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Canyon Park has picnic tables and BBQ grills, making it ideal for a picnic. Cedar City's Main Street is also nearby and offers various dining options.
Yes, Canyon Park is equipped with BBQ grills, making it a perfect spot for a cookout with family and friends.
During peak times, you might smell cooking meat from BBQs, adding to the park's lively atmosphere.
While the trail itself is more natural, Canyon Park is close to Cedar City's Main Street, where you'll find a variety of restaurants and cafes.
Absolutely! Bringing your own food and drinks is encouraged, especially for picnics and BBQs at Canyon Park.
📸 📸 Photography
The shady areas along Coal Creek, the red rock views, and the waterfall itself offer beautiful photographic opportunities. Autumn foliage adds extra charm.
Yes, with its diverse plant life, flowing water, and scenic canyon views, it's an excellent location for nature photographers.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the park's beauty. Evenings provide lovely red rock views.
While not guaranteed, you might spot local flora and fauna. Be respectful and maintain a safe distance if you encounter any wildlife.
Drone usage in public parks can be restricted. It's best to check with Cedar City authorities for any regulations regarding drone operation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
🏃♀️ Runners and Fitness Enthusiasts
It offers a scenic and relatively flat path, perfect for a morning jog or an afternoon run. The trail provides a refreshing environment, especially during warmer months, with the creek providing a pleasant backdrop. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Coal Creek Trail
One of the trail's highlights is the hidden waterfall, a serene spot tucked away in volcanic canyons. Reaching it is a manageable hike, approximately a mile from Main Street, and can be accomplished by walking (around 40 minutes) or biking (about 20 minutes). The return journey, especially by bike, is a quick cruise.
Beyond the waterfall, the trail is also known for its accessibility and beauty throughout the year. In autumn, the foliage adds a vibrant splash of color, making it a picturesque destination.
The trail is also utilized for community events, such as 5K runs, demonstrating its versatility and appeal. Canyon Park: A Family-Friendly Oasis
A key attraction is the playful interaction with Coal Creek. While the water is cold, especially in early summer, it's a popular spot for children to wade and play. The park provides easy access to the creek, with a bridge near the street allowing for simple access to the small stream.
Visitors often note the park's sensory experience. While the area near the pavilion can be lively with the sounds of children playing and background traffic, the shadier, tree-lined sections along the creek offer a more tranquil atmosphere.
Discovering Ashdown Gorge and Rattlesnake Creek
This hidden gem is characterized by its lack of signs and minimal crowds, providing an opportunity for a truly immersive nature experience. The journey to these spots involves navigating less-traveled trails, appealing to hikers looking for solitude and the thrill of discovery.
The mention of adapting and overcoming, like water flowing around obstacles, suggests a resilient and beautiful natural environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit