Overview

Panguitch, a medium-sized town with an Old West past, serves as a launch point into Zion National Park.  Located only 63 miles northeast of Zion's East Entrance, it's close enough for even a day trip, but just far enough away to avoid the summer crowds.

Activities and Attractions

• National Parks and Monuments
  Centrally located, Panguitch is a convenient 'home base' to explore several national parks either as a day trip or extended backpacking trip.  Hikers, backpackers, climbers, and those on a scenic drive will enjoy the wonders of Zion, Bryce, and Capitol Reef National Parks.  For water sports on a hot summer day, visit Lake Powell (Glen Canyon Recreational Area) or Panguitch Lake. 
• Panguitch Lake
  As the Native American word meaning 'big fish', "Panguitch" Lake is appropriately named.  For the avid fisherman or fisherwoman, Panguitch Lake is famous for large Rainbow Trout and offers shoreline, ice fishing, and boat rentals. 
• Desperado Dual Bicycle Rally
  Utah's only fully supported, 200 mile road race, the Desperado Dual takes riders through 'Color Country' on scenic back-roads, passing by national parks and historic towns of the old west.  A 50 and 100 mile options are available for those wishing for a shorter route.
• Triple C Arena
  As an historic town, Panguitch stays true to it's old west roots.  The new Events Center and Arena features traditional rodeos and horse racing, as well as concerts and conventions.
• Panguitch Valley Balloon Rally
  Held annually on the forth weekend of June, there a number of events scheduled throughout town including a mass balloon ascension, a karoke competition, and a parade. 

Location

Lying between Markagunt and Pausaugunt Plateaus, Panguitch is 25 miles northwest of Bryce National Park and 63 miles northeast of Zion's East Entrance.  Cedar Breaks National Monument and Dixie National Forest are also easily accessible from Panguitch.

Services

As a mid-sized town situated amongst several national parks and forests, Panguitch offers a variety of lodging and dining options.  Visitors will also find several private campgrounds, as well as other services a traveler might need such as a grocery store, hospital, ATV rentals, and hunting/fishing permits.

Getting Here

From Panguitch travel south on Route 89. After seven miles you will pass Route 12, the access road to Bryce National Park. Twenty-one miles further south, Long Valley Junction has two options, Route 14 west to Cedar Breaks National Monument and Cedar City or continuing south on Route 89 to Zion's East Entrance. 

• Route 14 Option
  Scenic byway Route 14 travels through Cedar Breaks National Monument, an erosional wonder often referred to as Grand Canyon Small. From here, continue west to Cedar City and then south on Interstate 15. From I-15, there are two options for access to Zion National Park.  To explore Zion's Kolob Canyon District, take exit 40 onto Kolob Canyon Road.  To reach Zion's main entrance in Sprigdale, continue south to Exit 27, turning left on Route 17.  Follow to Route 9 and into the Zion's western park entrance.
• Route 89 Option
  The more direct and faster option to Zion, scenic byway Route 89 continues south from Long Valley Junction to Mount Carmel Junction. Here, turn left on Route 9 and follow into Zion National Park's East Entrance 12 miles away.