Cedar Breaks National Monument

How to Get to Cedar Breaks National Monument:

The park is located in southwestern Utah. From I-15 southbound, take UT 143 east; from I-15 northbound, take UT 14 east for 18 miles, then UT 148 north for 4 miles.

Park Size:

6,155 acres

Description:

A huge natural amphitheater has eroded into the variegated Pink Cliffs (Wasatch Formation), 2,000 feet thick at this point. Millions of years of sedimentation, uplift and erosion have created a deep canyon of rock walls, fins, spires and columns, that spans some three miles.

Things to Do at Cedar Breaks National Monument:

The Cedar Breaks Scenic Drive offers beautiful views of the rock formations, meadows and forests. Four developed overlooks and trailheads for two hiking trails are located along the scenic drive. The Spectra Point/Ramparts Trail is moderately strenuous at 10,000 feet above sea level, leading for one mile to the Spectra Point Overlook. Many visitors return to the trailhead from Spectra Point, making a two-mile round trip. Hikers who are prepared for a slightly more strenuous stretch on this trail may continue one mile further to the Ramparts Overlook at trail's end, then hike the two miles back to the trailhead for a four-mile round trip. The Alpine Pond Trail is a two-mile self-guided loop trail through meadows and forest to a small spring-fed pond.

Geology programs are presented on the hour between 10 am and 5 pm daily, from late May through mid-October at the Point Supreme overlook. Evening campfire programs are presented at the campground amphitheater and begin at 9:00 each evening during the camping season (mid-June through Labor Day). The meadows at Cedar Breaks are full of a wide variety of wildflowers. Visitors are encouraged to bring a camera and a field guide to discover the beauty of alpine flowers. Due to the darkness of its skies, Cedar Breaks is also a favorite gathering place for amateur astronomers. Contact the park for information on the Star Parties and come see it for yourself.

Cedar Breaks National Monument can get around 15 feet of snow during the winter months. Although the park is closed during this time, it is open to cross-country skiers and snowmobiles.

Operating Hours:

From late May to mid-October, the visitor center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. All visitor facilities are closed from mid-October through late May. The Cedar Breaks Scenic Drive remains open to vehicular traffic until snow and heavy drifting occur, normally anywhere from late October to early December. Call 435-586-9451 to check the status of the road before traveling to Cedar Breaks during this time. Winter recreational activities begin once there is sufficient snow depth for cross-country ski, snowshoe, and snowmobile trails.

Nearby Places to Visit:

Cedar Breaks is located near Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is also within a short driving distance. The 3,730-acre park features coral-colored dunes, surrounded by red sandstone cliffs and forests. For additional information on activities in southwestern Utah, contact the Cedar City/Brian Head Tourism & Convention Bureau.

Contact the Park:

Cedar Breaks National Monument
2390 West Highway 56, Suite #11
Cedar City, UT 84720
Park Headquarters: 435-586-9451