Cedar City (approximate pop. 28,000), known for its scenic setting and its summertime Utah Shakespearean Festival [1], is a handy base for exploring a good chunk of southern Utah. Just east of town rise the high cliffs of the Markagunt Plateau [2]—a land of panoramic views, colorful rock formations, desolate lava flows, extensive forests, and flower-filled meadows. Also on the Markagunt Plateau is the Cedar Breaks National Monument [3], an immense amphitheater eroded into the vividly hued underlying rock.
Within an easy day's drive are Zion National Park [4] to the south and Bryce Canyon National Park [5] and Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument [6] to the east.
Cedar City is just east of I-15, 52 miles northeast of St. George [7] and 253 miles southwest of Salt Lake City [8]; take I-15 Exit 57, 59, or 62.
SkyWest (Delta) has flights between the small Cedar City Municipal Airport (435/586-2950) and Salt Lake City. Rent a car from Enterprise (435/865-7636) or Hertz (435/586-9806) at the airport.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/utah/zion-and-bryce/cedar-city/events
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/utah/zion-and-bryce/the-markagunt-plateau
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/utah/zion-and-bryce/the-markagunt-plateau/cedar-breaks-national-monument
[4] http://www.moon.com/destinations/utah/zion-and-bryce/zion-national-park
[5] http://www.moon.com/destinations/utah/zion-and-bryce/bryce-canyon-national-park
[6] http://www.moon.com/destinations/utah/the-escalante-region/grand-staircase-escalante-national-monument
[7] http://www.moon.com/destinations/utah/zion-and-bryce/st-george
[8] http://www.moon.com/destinations/utah/salt-lake-city