Cedar City to Richfield Road Trip Guide: Best Stops & Hidden Gems

Did you know that the stretch of I-15 from Cedar City to Richfield crosses the ancient shoreline of Lake Bonneville, which 14,000 years ago covered a third of Utah? This geological history shapes the landscape you'll see today.

The drive from Cedar City to Richfield spans 77 miles (124 km) along I-15 north, typically taking 1 hour and 15 minutes without traffic. But slowing down reveals rich stories.

This guide covers how long to drive Cedar City, UT to Richfield, UT, the best stops Cedar City, UT to Richfield, UT, and whether it's worth driving Cedar City, UT to Richfield, UT without detours. For more insights, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Winter tires required November to April on I-15. Chain law possible near Beaver Summit (elevation 5,900 ft). Summer brings intense sun and high-altitude UV; pack water and sunscreen.

Family stops: Beaver's City Park (playground, splash pad) is ideal for kids. Richfield's Aquatic Center has water slides. The Parowan Dinosaur Track site offers fossil impressions.

Pet-friendly: Most rest areas allow leashed pets. Beaver's Maverik has a pet wash station. Richfield's Freedom Park has walking trails.

Fatigue management: Rest areas every 30 miles. For longer breaks, take exit 112 (Beaver) for a 30-minute walk on the Old Highway 91 interpretive trail. Caffeine stops: Starbucks in Richfield (exit 121).

Hidden off-route spots: The ghost town of Uinta (off old Highway 91) near Beaver; the Cove Fort (exit 135) offers self-guided tours of an 1867 pioneer fort.

I-15 is a well-maintained interstate, but winter can bring snow and ice. Check weather at mile markers 62-165. Gas stations cluster in Parowan, Beaver, and Richfield; prices drop slightly in Beaver.

• Fuel: Parowan (Chevron, Sinclair), Beaver (Maverik, Chevron), Richfield (Maverik, Sinclair).
• Rest Areas: Northbound milepost 105 near Beaver; southbound milepost 147 near Elsinore.
• Services: Restrooms, vending, picnic tables at rest areas; no full hookups.

Cellular coverage: Strong on I-15 except brief gaps near Parowan Canyon (miles 75-80). Verizon and AT&T have best coverage. Wi-Fi available at most gas stations and fast food.

North of Cedar City, I-15 climbs into Parowan Canyon, exposing red-rock cliffs and pine forests. Watch for the Parowan Gap petroglyphs, a side trip accessible via local roads.

Beaver offers historic Main Street with antique shops and the Beaver County Courthouse (1876). South of Richfield, detour to Big Rock Candy Mountain (milepost 153) for colorful sandstone hills—a natural wonder.

Local commerce: Parowan hosts an annual Plein Air Art Festival; Beaver's Old Spinning Wheel sells local crafts. Richfield's Historic Downtown has gallery walks.

UNESCO sites: None directly on route, but the drive connects to the High Country National Scenic Byway (Forest Road 137) leading to Cedar Breaks National Monument (a future UNESCO candidate).