Cedar Breaks National Monument (Southwestern Utah) With its vast amphitheater and towering red rocks, this park is a must-see for both nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. And from hiking to stargazing, this national treasure has something for every ability level.
What Is Cedar Breaks National Monument?
Located near Cedar City, Utah, Cedar Breaks National Monument. This monument covers more than 6,000 acres and is famous for a natural amphitheater that has been created through millions of years of wind erosion. Spanning three miles wide and over 2,000 feet deep colorful red/orange rock formations as beautiful colors line the walls of this giant amphitheater.
The cooler temperatures make the North Star Lounge at Cedar Breaks feel right for relaxing. That is what makes it an ideal summer travel destination for those wanting to avoid the scorching heat.
How to Get to Cedar Breaks National Monument?
There is a car park at the monument. For Traveling from Cedar City: Follow UT-14 East for 18 miles; turn South onto UT-148. It is a scenic highway where you will be directly led to the discretion center of Monuments.
Heading for the national parks of Utah, Cedar Breaks is a convenient pause. With the park being only a two-hour drive from both Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, this is an awesome add-on to any Utah road trip. Learn more about nearby attractions in Cedar City
Best Time to Visit Cedar Breaks
The most popular time to visit Cedar Breaks is during the late spring, summer, and early fall. Aside from winter when heavy snowfall can close the park, usually opens back up after late May for hiking and a wide variety of developed campgrounds. Wildflowers typically bloom in July and August; summer is the most common time to visit.
Aspen’s changing color in the fall provides a bright splash of background. With daytime temperatures between 60F-80F, expect gorgeous weather to go hiking and camping.
Top Activities at Cedar Breaks National Monument
Cedar Breaks provides a range of activities for visitors. No matter who you are — a hiker, nature photographer, or wildlife enthusiast, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
1. Hiking the Trails
Cedar Breaks has a few hiking trails that feature the brilliant amphitheater views of the monument. A four-mile round trip to the Spectra Point and Ramparts Overlook Trail is one of the most popular trails, which affords panoramic views into a dramatic amphitheater.
Alpine Pond Trail — A shorter, easy trail for a relaxing stroll into the alpines. This moderate two-mile loop offers views of an alpine pond, wildflower fields, and quiet forests.
2. Cedar Breaks Scenic Drive
The Cedar Breaks Scenic Byway (UT-148) is a must. The road winds through the park with views at every turn. Don’t forget to visit the Point Supreme Overlook, you can see from there the best of everything.
3. Camping at Cedar Breaks
Camping is also a fantastic option for people who want to spend more time exploring. The Point Supreme Campground has 25 campsites and room for everybody! from tents to RV camping. From one-of-a-kind views of Cedar Breaks under the stars to animals that come alive after dark, camping in this park is unlike any other experience given its isolated location with truly dark skies. Prepare for a comfortable camping experience with the best travel pillow for kids.
The Flora and Fauna of Cedar Breaks
With over 5000 years of history, Cedar Breaks National Monument boasts a diverse assemblage of plant and animal species. Wildflowers, such as paintbrush, columbine and lupine are vibrantly tinting mountainsides with broad swatches of color during the summer months. Few places on earth can rival the excitement of gaze upon bounties aspen, fir and spruce.
Keep an eye out for mule deer, and large hoary marmots—and if you are watching closely—mountain lions. It is a must for bird watchers and offers views of California birds like Clark’s nutcracker and Western Bluebird.
Recommended Gear: Garmin eTrex 32x, Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator
The Paved road will bring you to your designated trailhead, a reliable GPS device is a necessity when planning out Cedar Breaks’ hiking paths. The Garmin eTrex 22x Outdoor Handheld Navigator GPS.
About this item
- Explore confidently with the reliable handheld GPS
- 2.2” sunlight-readable color display with 240 x 320 display pixels for improved readability
- Preloaded with Topo Active maps with routable roads and trails for cycling and hiking
- Support for GPS and GLONASS satellite systems allows for tracking in more challenging environments than GPS alone
- 8 GB of internal memory for map downloads plus a micro SD card slot
- ETrex 32x adds a 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter
- Battery life: up to 25 hours in GPS mode with 2 AA batteries
Is Cedar Breaks National Monument free to enter?
Cedar Breaks does cost to get into, no As of 2024, the fee is $10 per person for a seven-day pass Interagency and annual passes are also accepted. Visit the official Utah National Parks site for up-to-date entrance fees and passes.
Can I visit Cedar Breaks during the winter?
Yes, but access is limited. Snow closes many of the roads here, but snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular winter recreation.
How long should I spend at Cedar Breaks?
The main viewpoints can be visited in a few hours, and there is even time for a short hike. On the other hand, if you want to camp or do any of their longer trails then definitely plan on staying a full day or overnight.
Can you bring pets to Cedar Breaks?
Pets are allowed, provided that you keep them on a leash at all times. Please note that pets are not allowed on hiking trails, in the amphitheater overlook areas, or inside the visitor center.
How high is Cedar Breaks?
Because the elevation at Cedar Breaks is just over 10,000 feet it can be several degrees cooler than Zion — and visitors may also start to experience altitude sickness.
Conclusion
This is one travel destination that you need to visit and experience — “Cedar Breaks National Monument.” This Utah hidden gem has something for everyone, whether you’re hiking alongside the amphitheater’s rim or spending a night camping beneath the stars. Its striking views and abundant wildlife make it an experience that can’t be missed. Read more about unique travel experiences in our Fort Lauderdale Travel Blog.
