Duck Creek, Utah...... What was that? ... Or better yet... Where is that?
If you're wandering through Southern Utah during the Spring or Summer and you've got the time...might we suggest taking Highway 14 East out of Cedar City. If you proceed East on Highway 14 -- and have enough oxygen with you! -- the road will take you straight up through some of the most beautiful country you may ever see.
It is uphill all the way until you get to the Summit (10,000 ft. elevation) which is called Midway by the locals. There are several places to pullover and marvel at the sights below, such as Zion National Park just a few miles to the south. At or about the 18 mile marker there is a turn-off that leads to Cedar Breaks National Monument. But, that's for another journey. Keep on going on Highway 14 East and you will encounter gorgeous mountain meadows filled with fresh spring foliage. This area is abundant with Deer, Elk and our newest resident, the Antelope. At mile marker 29 a little hamlet will appear. This is known as Duck Creek Village.
Duck Creek came in to being as a gathering place for local sheepherders. In the 1940's the movie companies from Hollywood were doing a lot work in the Kanab area and discovered the the picturesque mountain beauty the Duck Creek area had to offer. Among the many films of that era, Thunderhead with Roddy McDowell, the critically acclaimed Attack of the Killer Ducks, Drums Along the Mohawk and National Velvet with Elizabeth Taylor were filmed in or around the Duck Creek Village area. Television later came along to film How the West Was Won and the Daniel Boone series with Fess Parker. Today we find it a vivacious and cool-breezed mountain getaway that is enjoyed by many local Southern Utahn's as well as a destination resort for Nevada and the other Western States.
The area offers many different fishing spots, including as the Duck Creek Pond, Mirror Lake and of course the Duck Creek Stream. Just to the West, and just a stone's throw away, boating and fishing can be done on Navajo Lake or only a half hour away at scenic Panguitch Lake. In the winter months, the area offers great snowmobile trails and cross country skiing. There are snowmobile races and weekend rides throughout the Winter and with the new Mammoth Creek Road, Brian Head Ski Resort can be driven to in about 30 minutes.
The Duck Creek Village has several lodges that are open throughout the year. On the last weekend of July, the village holds it's annual Chili Cook-off. This is a great celebration you won't want to miss. The past couple of years it has grown to over a hundred booths, offering a variety of items from food to crafts. There are many games for the children as well as the adults and everyone is guaranteed a great time.. The celebration starts on Friday and ends Saturday night, with entertainment both days. Of course, don't forget the Chile Cook-off itself that starts at 8:00 am on Saturday. So, if we have tempted you enough with great views, cool summer days and clear skies, take a little time this summer and make the trek up Highway 14, just 29 miles East of Cedar City, Utah and come on up to the Duck Creek Village. We'll be waiting for you, just like old friends gathering after long journeys. Come Feel the Duck Creek Experience!
