National park
National monument · Southern Utah
Cedar Breaks National Monument
A 2,000-foot-deep amphitheater of orange and purple rock at more than 10,000 feet, ringed by meadows and bristlecone pines. Think of it as Bryce’s cooler, quieter sibling.
Photo: Fsendek1904 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Cedar Breaks is a giant bowl eroded into the western edge of the Markagunt Plateau, three miles across and about 2,000 feet deep, with the same kind of limestone spires and fins as Bryce Canyon. The rim sits at more than 10,000 feet, so summers are cool and the meadows fill with wildflowers in July and August.
Highway 148 runs along the rim with several overlooks, including Point Supreme near the visitor center and Chessman Ridge. Short trails lead to Spectra Point, where ancient bristlecone pines cling to the rim, and Ramparts Overlook. At night the monument is one of the best stargazing sites in the region, and rangers run summer astronomy programs.
In winter the road closes and the monument belongs to snowmobilers, cross-country skiers and snowshoers who come up from Brian Head.
Don't miss
- Point SupremeThe main overlook near the visitor center, with the full sweep of the amphitheater.
- Spectra Point and Ramparts TrailA rim walk past bristlecone pines, some well over a thousand years old.
- Alpine Pond TrailA loop through spruce forest and meadows to a small, quiet pond.
- Summer wildflowersMeadows bloom with lupine, paintbrush and columbine in July and early August.
- Star partiesRanger-led astronomy programs under very dark skies in summer.
Good to know
- At over 10,000 feet, the air is thin and weather changes fast. Bring a jacket even in July.
- Summer afternoon thunderstorms are common; head back from exposed overlooks if you hear thunder.
- Check current conditions for Highway 148 in shoulder seasons. Early snow can close the road in October.
- Pair it with Brian Head for mountain biking in summer or Cedar City for the Utah Shakespeare Festival.