Cedar Breaks

About two miles south of the town of Brian Head lies Cedar Breaks National Monument, a giant amphitheater high atop the Markagunt Plateau, over 2,500 feet deep and more than three miles across. With spectacular colors formed by an abundance of mineral deposits, Cedar Breaks National Monument is breathtaking to behold.

The formations in Cedar Breaks consist of ridges, pinnacles and buttresses carved from the steep cliffs by wind and water erosion over more than 30 million years. From the highest point of 10.662 feet to the lowest at 8,100 feet, guests are treated to spectacular views of dense forests of sub-alpine fir, Engleman spruce and quaking aspens, plus fields containing more than 150 species of wildflowers. Bristlecone pine, one of nature's oldest living trees, grows along the rim of the amphitheater and can be seen in abundance throughout the area.

A six-mile scenic drive leads past four overlooks, each offering a different perspective of the amphitheater. A log cabin constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937 still serves as the visitors' center.

For those who want to get off the beaten path, two hiking trails near the rim provide an added appreciation of the geology and flora and fauna of Cedar Breaks. The Spectra Point/Ramparts Overlook Trail is a four-mile round-trip hike along the rim, with spectacular views of the amphitheater. The Alpine Pond Nature Trail is a self-guided, double-loop trail through forests and meadows. The lower portion offers excellent views of the Breaks.

Cedar Breaks Video Tour

Cedar Breaks now offers a personal self-guided video tour as you walk or drive the spectacular Cedar Breaks Amphitheater. The GPS Ranger automatically delivers the story of the hoodoos and fins, Southern Paiutes, spectacular wildflowers, and much more. A Cedar Breaks Park Ranger is with you on the screen as you immerse yourself in the wonder of Cedar Breaks National Monument. Video and audio is automatically delivered using GPS technology. The GPS Ranger is available now to visitors for a $9.95 rental at the Cedar Breaks Visitor Center. Proceeds benefit park programs.

Visitor Center

From early June to early September, the visitor center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. From Labor Day until mid-October, it is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. All visitor facilities are CLOSED during the winter season (mid-October through late May).

Getting There

Visitors traveling south on I-15, exit at Parowan, then take Utah Highway 143 east, to Cedar Breaks National Monument. Visitors traveling north, on I-15 exit at Cedar City, then take Utah Highway 14 east for 18 miles, then Utah Highway 148 north, 4 miles to Cedar Breaks National Monument.

Winter Access

Highway 148 into Cedar Breaks is generally closed from mid November to late May due to snow conditions. Cedar Breaks can only be accessed in the winter by snowmobile or cross country skiing or snowshoeing (check in Brian Head for rentals and tours). The North View is accessible year-round and is located along Highway 143, about three miles south of Brian Head.

Accessibility

The visitor center, comfort stations, overlooks, picnic area and campground are wheelchair accessible.

For more information regarding Cedar Breaks National Monument, visit their website at www.nps.gov/cebr.

Cedar Breaks National Monument
Cedar City, UT 84720
435-586-9451