Situated in the southwestern section of the state of Utah, Cedar City is the biggest city in Iron County. The city is well-known as the home of Southern Utah University, as well as its various annual special events like the Utah Summer Games and Utah Shakespeare Festival. Cedar City covers an area of 36.8 square miles and has an estimated population of over 31,000 people. Cedar City has a close connection with St George and is situated in close proximity to the Mojave Desert and the border between Utah and Nevada.

⮕ Cedar City, Utah History and Elevation

Cedar City, Utah History and Elevation

© SebastianA/stock.adobe.com

  • What is the historical significance of Cedar City?
    • Historians and archaeologists have found traces of human life in the area around Cedar City going back thousands of years.
    • Rock art has been discovered just a short drive outside the city limits.
  • Who originally lived in the Cedar City area?
    • Various Native American peoples, including the Southern Paiutes, lived in the area over the years.
  • When was Cedar City settled and by whom?
    • The city was settled in November of 1851 by a group of Mormons searching for an iron works site.
  • Why was Cedar City chosen as a settlement location?
    • The settlers picked the location because it was situated between two major resource deposits, with iron to the west and coal to the east.
  • When was Cedar City incorporated?
    • Cedar City was incorporated in 1868.
  • How did Cedar City grow over time?
    • The original iron works closed down quickly, but mining helped Cedar City to grow and expand over time.
  • Why is Cedar City a popular tourist destination?
    • Cedar City developed a reputation as a prime touristic spot due to its proximity to major natural areas.
    • It is located near Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park.
  • What industries contribute to Cedar City's economy today?
    • In the modern era, tourism plays a big role in the city’s economy.
    • Southern Utah University and its students also contribute to the local culture and lifestyle.

⮕ Elevation of Cedar City, Utah

Elevation of Cedar City, Utah

© Austin/stock.adobe.com

  • What does the term ‘elevation’ mean?
    • The term ‘elevation’ is used to denote how high or low an area is in relation to the mean sea level of Earth.
    • Elevation has many practical uses, particularly in town planning.
    • Elevation can also have a big influence on an area’s weather conditions, with higher elevations often resulting in lower average temperatures.
  • What is the elevation of Cedar City?
    • Cedar City has an elevation of 5,846 feet (1,782 m).
    • This is more than double the national average elevation of 2,500 feet (760 m).
  • Why is Cedar City’s elevation so high?
    • The high elevation of Cedar City is mostly due to its inland position and its location in a mountainous state.
  • How does Utah’s elevation compare to other states?
    • Utah is the third highest state in America, after Colorado and Wyoming.
    • The mean elevation of Utah is 6,100 feet (1,860 m).
    • This means that Cedar City’s elevation is just slightly lower than the state average.
  • What is the highest city in Utah?
    • The highest city in Utah is Brian Head, which is located at an exceptionally high elevation of 9,800 feet (2,987 m).
    • Although Cedar City is much higher than most other major cities in Utah, it is not the highest.
  • What is the elevation of Salt Lake City?
    • The state capital, Salt Lake City, has an average elevation of 4,226 feet (1,288 m).
    • It is also home to Grandview Peak, one of the state’s highest elevation points at 9,410 feet (2,868 m).
  • What are the elevations of other major Utah cities?
    • West Valley City: 4,304 feet (1,312 m).
    • Provo: 4,551 feet (1,387 m).
    • West Jordan: 4,373 feet (1,333 m).
  • What is the highest and lowest point in Utah?
    • The highest point in Utah is Kings Peak, which has an elevation of 13,534 feet (4,125 m).
    • The lowest point in Utah is Beaver Dam Wash, near the Arizona border, with an elevation of 2,180 feet (664 m).

⮕ Cedar City Elevation, Climate and More

Cedar City Elevation, Climate and More

© walkingarizona/stock.adobe.com

  • What type of climate does Cedar City have?
    • Cedar City has a semi-arid climate typical of Mountain West locations.
    • Summers are warm and dry, while winters are cold and snowy.
  • When does Cedar City experience snowfall?
    • Snow falls quite heavily from November through April each year.
  • What is the hottest month in Cedar City?
    • The hottest month is July, with average highs of 89°F (32°C).
  • What is the coldest month in Cedar City?
    • The coldest month is January, with average lows of 19°F (-7°C).
  • What are some of the biggest attractions in Cedar City?
    • One of Cedar City’s biggest draws is Southern Utah University.
    • For older visitors, the Utah Shakespeare Festival and Utah Summer Games are very popular annual events.
  • What makes Cedar City’s Main Street special?
    • The historic Main Street is a highlight of Cedar City.
    • It features various stores and restaurants housed in old-style buildings.
  • What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Cedar City?
    • Cedar City is a great spot for outdoor activities.
    • The area offers opportunities for climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and more.
    • There are also various green and natural areas nearby.

Plan Your Trip