Tucked in southern Utah among red rocks and snow peaked mountains, Panguitch is an ideal basecamp for exploring some of the most stunning landscapes in the U.S. It is only a short drive from three of Utah’s “Mighty Five” National Parks- Bryce Canyon, Capital Reef, and Zion.
Plus, Grand Staircase-Escalante and Cedar Breaks National Monuments, Red Canyon, and the AMAZING Scenic Byway 12. Panguitch blends outdoor adventure with small-town charm.
Perfect for families, solo travelers, and culture enthusiasts, we couldn’t ask for a better basecamp for our 2-week adventure. Discover the top things to do and plan your visit to Panguitch, Utah!
About Panguitch
Founded in 1864, Panguitch is steeped in history and surrounded by natural wonders. Its proximity to iconic national parks, paired with events like the Quilt Walk Festival, makes it a wonderful destination for adventurers and culture enthusiasts alike.
Nearby cultural sites like the Parowan Gap Petroglyphs offer a glimpse into ancient history. Walking Main Street’s historic buildings feels like stepping back in time.
Top Things to Do in Panguitch
National Scenic Byway 12
Hop on this ‘All American Road’ in Panguitch and enjoy the stunning scenery from Bryce Canyon National Park to Capital Reef National Park. You’ll pass Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Dixie National Forest, Calf Creek Recreation Area, and Boulder Mountain.
The Escalante Interagency Visitor Center is a great stop along the way for short break. We explored the exhibits and had a picnic before continuing the journey. Grab a map and enjoy the numerous overlooks, trailheads, and picnic sites along the Byway.
Visit the Anasazi State Park Museum in Boulder to explore an ancient Anasazi village. Stop for lunch at Hell’s Backbone Grill & Farm, then take a waterfall hike to Calf Creek Falls or the short but scenic slot canyon trail to Singing Canyon.
Explore Bryce Canyon National Park
Just 30 minutes from Panguitch, Bryce Canyon National Park dazzles with its colorful hoodoos and unique formations. Hike the Navajo Loop Trail or visit Sunrise Point at dawn for unforgettable views. For a unique experience, cycle the park’s Shared-Use Path—read our guide, Best Utah National Park Bike Trail: Cycling Amazing Bryce Canyon.
Adventure at Panguitch Lake and Scenic Byway 143
Take Scenic Byway 143, The Patchwork Parkway, into the mountains to Panguitch Lake for a fabulous scenic drive. Just 20 minutes from town, Panguitch Lake is a haven for fishing, kayaking, or picnicking. In winter, try ice fishing or snowmobiling. The serene setting and mountain views make it a perfect day trip.
Stop by the Burger Barn at Panguitch Lake for lunch. This awesome local burger joint is owned and operated by the friendliest husband and wife team. The ‘Barn Burger’ is a must try! We enjoyed lunch so much, we stopped back by for a sweet treat after playing in the snow at Cedar Breaks. The huckleberry ice cream was stellar!
Visit Cedar Breaks National Monument
Continue along Scenic Byway 143 through Dixie National Forest , where you will see ancient lava flows and stunning overlooks. Make it a day trip with a visit to Cedar Breaks National Monument.
We visited Cedar Breaks in late May, and the park was still partially closed for the season due to snowpack. Even though the trails were closed, the overlooks were still accessible and absolutely worth the visit. Sitting at over 10,000 feet of elevation, North View Overlook offered breathtaking views of the geologic amphitheater.
Annual Events in Panguitch
- Quilt Walk Festival (Second Week of June): This vibrant event celebrates Panguitch’s history with quilt displays, a silent auction, quilting classes, and a dinner theater at the Social Hall. Book lodging early, as reservations fill fast.
- Panguitch Valley Balloon Rally & 5K Race (Late June): Watch dozens of hot air balloons glow on Main Street at dusk. Join the 5K race or enjoy live music and food vendors.
Where to Eat
- Cowboy Smokehouse Cafe: Locals raved about this spot, and it was packed when we arrived for an early dinner- a great sign! The Pig Tails Appetizer (like loaded fries) was big enough to feed a family of 4! The pulled pork was delicious, but our favorite dish was the smoked chicken and baked beans!
- Backroads Bistro: Fresh ingredients shine in their sandwiches and salads.
- The Flying Goat: A cozy spot for burgers and local brews.
Where to Shop
Stroll down historic Main Street and browse quilt shops, bistros, and cafes. Be sure to check out the Smokin’ Hot Antiques shop (located in The Old Firehouse)! For groceries, Joe’s Main Street Market offers fresh produce, quality meats, and friendly staff to fuel your adventures.
Where to Stay
- Two Sunsets Hotel: 25-room hotel located right on Main Street.
- Panguitch Countryside Cabins: modern log cabins with a rustic vibe in the heart of historic Panguitch.
- The Panguitch House B&B: A quaint bed and breakfast with beautifully decorated rooms.
We stayed just 10 minutes out of town at the Bear Valley RV & Campground Resort. The campground was clean and well maintained, and the pull through sites are big rig friendly. There is a delightful general store, laundry, a playground, and propane all on site.
The office staff and camp hosts were super friendly. Did I mention there is a gas station? Talk about convenience! Don’t have an RV? They also rent wagon-cabins (which are adorable, I might add) and teepee tents.
Nearby Attractions
If you want to explore more of Panguitch, we have included a list of other popular attractions:
- Frontier Homestead State Park Museum: Explore pioneer and early industrial history in Cedar City.
- Parowan Gap Petroglyphs: Visit this historical landmark featuring unique landforms and ancient petroglyphs. A 30-minute drive from Panguitch.
- Duck Creek Village: A beautiful mountain retreat in the Dixie National Forest. Popular for outdoor activities like camping, fishing, and OHV riding. We checked out a couple of the awesome lakeside campgrounds for our next trip to the area.
Panguitch Wrap Up
Panguitch, Utah, is more than a stopover—it’s a destination that captures the heart of southern Utah’s beauty and heritage. From the glow of hot air balloons and the serenity of Panguitch Lake to chasing sunrises at Bryce Canyon, Panguitch offers memories that linger. We hope that this post inspires you to visit this charming Utah town and find your own adventure!
Looking for more adventures nearby? Just a short drive north from Panguitch, Sevier County awaits, with its exciting small towns and endless outdoor activities. See our full post on the Top Things to do in Sevier County.
Happy travels!
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