The resort community of Duck Creek Village, on Cedar Mountain near Brian Head Ski Resort, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Cedar City, and Kanab, Utah, is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery and offers a myriad of recreation activities for all seasons. The village, once a favorite local spot for sheepherders, now serves as a gateway to several National Parks and nearby summer hiking, fishing, camping, biking and a variety of winter activities. The village includes shops and restaurants, lodges, inns, cabin rentals and a campground for the more adventurous overnight guest. Many visitors enjoy this resort so much that they choose to make Duck Creek their permanent home, and there are several subdivisions and large variety of year-round homes from which to choose.
How to Get There
From Kanab, Utah go north on scenic highway 89 to the junction of SR-14. Turn left on 14 and go west about 12 miles to Duck Creek Village. From Cedar City, Utah, take Utah Scenic Highway 14 East.
From Cedar City you’ll climb to an elevation of 10,000 ft. by the time you reach the summit of Cedar Mountain, there are several scenic views offering amazing panoramas of Zion National Park. If you’re driving in the early morning or late afternoon, watch for deer, elk and antelope in the meadows along the highway. At mile marker 29, you’ll find Duck Creek Village, in the clear, crisp air at an elevation of 8,400 ft.
Fun Facts about Duck Creek Village
The truly spectacular scenery of this area makes it a popular location for movie and television filming. In the 1940’s, Elizabeth Taylor called the village home on several occasions while filming Drums Along the Mohawk and National Velvet in the area. Later, Duck Creek Village was featured on the television shows How the West Was Won and Daniel Boone.
Every year in July, the village celebrates Duck Creek Days with a Chili Cook off, music, dancing, crafts and even a Duck Derby in the nearby creek. Local vendors show their wares with booths and exhibits, and there are prizes and raffles. The entire community and many visitors come together to celebrate the summer season and enjoy the mild temperatures.
Recreation
Once visitors venture outside the village, they will find an amazing array of activities and attractions in both summer and winter. Some of these popular attractions include:
Dixie National Forest consists of almost two million acres and is the largest national forest in Utah. The large range of altitude (from 2,800 ft. to 11,322 ft.) plays a part in the diverse terrain the forest has to offer. In the lower altitudes foliage consists of sagebrush and desert-loving plants, in the mid-range altitude pinyon pines and juniper are plentiful. At the highest elevations, aspens, pine and spruce trees make up the landscape. Hiking trails are found throughout, and include slot canyons and high alpine trails. Anasazi ruins, caves and lava fields are some of the more unusual sights to see. Camping, mountain biking, horseback riding and photography are just a few of the many other activities available.
At the top of Cedar Mountain, at an elevation of 9,200 ft., Navajo Lake tempts visitors with boating, swimming and fishing. Stocked every year, the lake boasts rainbow and brook trout. Camping is popular at the campground during summer months, and for those who prefer a comfortable bed and shower, the Navajo Lake Lodge offers accommodations.
Cascade Falls emerges from a cave in the middle of a sandstone cliff. Fed by Navajo Lake, the falls drop 100 feet. Accessed by a short, easy hike on a well-maintained trail, the elevation begins at 8862 ft. and culminates at 8957 ft. Dogs are allowed on this trail, and the views of the valley below are stunning.
Virgin River Rim Trail is a 32 mile long trail that also allows mountain bikes, dogs and horses. Hikers can access the trail from a number of starting points (including a point at Navajo Lake), and there is a shuttle available for drop off and pick-up, as well. Elevation of this hike averages 9,300 ft with a total 4,200 ft. gain.
Mammoth Cave is a popular spot for hikers. Located on the Markagunt Plateau in the Dixie National Forest at an elevation of 8050 ft. this cave was formed by cooling lava, and extends over 2200 feet. Hikers will want to have a jacket and flashlight, and sturdy shoes since some water can be found in some portions of the cave. The height of the cave ranges from stand-up-comfortably to crawl-on-your-belly.
Ice Cave is a small cave, but one worth visiting. Found just past the Navajo Lake turnoff, this cave has icicles year-round!
Cedar Breaks National Monument offers a Junior Ranger Program and ranger-guided hikes and educational programs where visitors can learn about geology and history of the monument. Star parties are also a popular attraction and are held at Point Supreme Overlook, at an elevation of 10,350 ft. In the winter, the park services are closed, but Cedar Breaks Monument can be accessed by cross-country skis, snowmobile or snowshoe. Recently, a yurt was built and staffed by volunteers who offer cocoa during the winter months.
With its varied recreation possibilities and breathtaking scenery, Duck Creek Village is a great place to visit any time of the year.