Tucked away in the mountains of Southern Utah on the edge of Dixie National Forest lies the quaint town of Duck Creek Village. A perfect getaway for the adventurer and vacationer alike, it is set in the beautiful scenery of the Cedar Mountains. Only 45 minutes up the mountain from Cedar City and a drive away from several national parks, Duck Creek is a perfect destination to see the surrounding attractions this summer and fall.
Lodging/Camping
Duck Creek Village offers many accommodation options including campgrounds, humble cabins, and a luxurious Lodge. The Lodge offers a variety of suites that sleep between eight and 13 guests, perfect for a group of family and friends. These spacious suites provide all the comforts of being at home away from home.
There are a multitude of cabins to choose from when renting in Duck Creek Village. Whether your party is small or large, you require a pet-friendly place, you want a secluded lakeside retreat or are looking for a cabin with a mountain view, there are accommodations for everyone.
Duck Creek’s campground lies right across from Duck Creek Pond allowing for easy access to fishing and a beautiful view. The campgrounds are open from May to September so visitors can enjoy the refreshing summer weather. They provide picnic tables and fire pits perfect for barbequed dinner and roasting s’mores with the whole family.
Activities
There’s much to do within Duck Creek Village itself. The area offers lakes perfect for fishing, many hiking paths, ATVs to drive, and guided horseback riding trails. For those who love to fish, Duck Creek Village is conveniently located within walking distance of Duck Creek Pond and Aspen Mirror Lake, connected by a meandering stream. A short drive away, visitors can enjoy Navajo Lake for boating, swimming, and fishing.
Hikers will find various trails in Duck Creek, such as the Cascade Falls, a 1.2-mile out-and-back trail, and the Virgin River Rim Trail, a 32-mile-long trail. For those seeking adventure, Duck Creek is home to Mammoth Cave, a lava tube with three entrances. Hikers should come prepared with a jacket, flashlight, and sturdy shoes, as there may be water in some parts of the cave, and the height ranges from stand-up-comfortably to crawl-on-your-belly. Regardless of where you wander, there is adventure around every corner to keep everyone active.
If you and your party are looking for something off the beaten path to enjoy after a day of hiking, take a short trip to Cedar City to see the Shakespearean Festival Theater. During the summer months, the theater performs several of William Shakespeare’s famous plays in an outdoor replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theater. The Utah Shakespeare Festival is a Tony-award-winning, professional repertory theater that is sure to create an unforgettable night.
Another thrilling evening option less than an hour’s drive from Duck Creek is Bryce Canyon City, home of Bryce Canyon National Park. Although Bryce Canyon is known for its spectacular hikes, Bryce Canyon City is full of many family fun activities. During the summer months, Bryce Canyon is home to the Bryce Canyon Country Rodeo. Nightly from Wednesday to Saturday, you can witness the thrilling skills of Bronco busters at Ruby’s Inn Rodeo Grounds. These skilled performers put on an unforgettable Western competition for all visitors to enjoy. For the hungry traveler, visit Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill, where you can indulge in a delectable BBQ dinner while enjoying live music entertainment.
National Parks
While there is plenty to do within Duck Creek Village itself, there are several national parks within a two-hour drive in any direction. Southern Utah’s national parks are known for their exquisite mountainscapes, unique red rocks, and hoodoo formations. These destinations bring people from all around the globe just to get a glimpse of nature’s beauty.
To the north lies Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon where you can see Thor’s Hammer, the most recognizable hoodoo, or forests of rock formations, in the park. To the south, there are Zion and Grand Canyon National Parks. You can hike many famous trails in Zion, such as The Narrows or Angels Landing, or take a mule ride through the north rim of the Grand Canyon. The Red Cliffs and Lake Powell are two great spots to stop at on your way down to the Grand Canyon. To the west, you can travel to Cedar Breaks and Snow Canyon where the colorful rock formations rival Bryce Canyon’s. These fantastic scenic and historic attractions of Southern Utah offer unique picturesque views, hiking trails, and so much more.
At the End of the Day
Whether you’ve spent the day exploring the area or simply unwinding, visitors to Duck Creek Village can look forward to peaceful evenings and a breathtaking display of stars overhead. The mountain air provides temperate evenings to have a relaxing night around the firepit, eating s’mores, and spending time with your family and friends, all under the sky of stars.
