Located in Southern Utah, Cedar Breaks National Monument has 6,155 acres of beautiful alpine land and a canyon amphitheater. The park is small, but there’s enough to explore for a day or two for those who want to see this infrequently visited National Monument.
We help you plan your trip with this quick guide to the park.
About Cedar Breaks National Monument
Located mostly at over 10,000 feet, Cedar Breaks looks down on a canyon amphitheater broken into the Utah landscape. The amphitheater in many ways reminds me of Bryce Canyon, which also has a similar amphitheater. However, this amphitheater while also beautiful lacks the massive number of hoodoos. You’ll still see some though.
What it lacks in hoodoos it makes up for in beautiful alpine vantages, trails, and solitude. It’s compact but in a good way. The park allows you to quickly visit several overlooks and even some great hikes. And best of all you’ll likely be the only one there at the time.
Founded in 1933, the park is still fairly unknown to most people. But the beautiful and unique formations, flora, and fauna at this alpine elevation, and beautiful solitude make it a perfect place to explore
Best Time to Visit Cedar Breaks
The park is open year-round, however the main road through the park closes between November and April. And with it the visitor center as well.
The best time then is from Mid-May through Mid-October.
Spring can be cold and rainy (at times), but it’s still beautiful with the world returning to life after winter. You may still find snow in the park at higher elevations early in the season.
Summers are mild here given its elevation. So while Zion may be scorching hot, you’ll have 70s here in the high elevations of the park. It’s a great respite from the other areas around it.
Fall is the best time (in my opinion) in the park. The temperatures are cool (50-60s) and the trees are changing color. It tends to be drier (after August monsoons) so you’ll usually have good weather now. Late fall can experience snow at elevations.
For those coming in the winter, most folks park at one end and snow-shoe or cross-country ski into the park. I haven’t yet done it, but I imagine it’s a magical time to visit Cedar Breaks. There is a winter-warming yurt as the winter ranger station. It’s also located next to the Alpine Pond Loop.
Things To Do at Cedar Breaks National Monument
The main things to do in Cedar Breaks revolve around the amphitheater. There are observation points to explore as well as some hiking trails.
Observations Points
There are quite a few observation points within the park. Each gives a slightly different view of the cedar break amphitheater.
- Point Supreme: One of the nicest observation points. Located by the new contact center
- Chessman Ridge: A nice central overlook. Also a start point for the Alpine Pond loop
- North View: Overlook at north end and a small ranger post. [You can pay your entrance fee here]
- Sunset View: Nice view at the south end.
- Spectra Point: Great north-looking view. Requires a hike to reach
- Rampart’s: Beautiful viewpoint into the amphitheater along South Rim Trail
- Bartzen: Furthest viewpoint along the South Rim Trail. 2.5 miles away. Few ever visit this point.
Hiking
There are several hikes through the park. Below are ones that are the most accessed in the park
- Sunset Trail: 2 miles; An Easy paved trail that follows the rim between Point Supreme and Sunset View
- Nature Trail: 0.6 miles; mostly a connecter trail between the campground and the amphitheater
- Alpine Pond: 2 miles; a moderate trail that loops along a forested trail. It features a small alpine pond, interesting forest sections, and a few views of the amphitheater. There’s a shortcut to cut the trail in half.
- South Rim Trail: 5 miles; An out-and-back trail from Point Supreme. It’s moderate to difficult depending on how far you go. Most turn around at Ramparts as it gets way more difficult after.
Stargazing
Stargazing is a popular activity within the park. The high elevation and low light pollution of the area make for a perfect canvas for night-sky viewing. Most folks stop at an overlook and gaze over the amphitheater at the sky.
There are also ranger-led summer programs. Check the official website or with the rangers at the contact station for information.
Where to Stay
There’s one campground in the park. So for those looking to stay nearby there are some options with a little driving.
Camping
- Point Supreme Campground: 25 sites for both RV and tents. Available June – September.
- Te-ah Campground: 40 sites, south of Cedar Breaks. Reserve ahead of time.
Hotels
- Navajo Lake Lodge: Small rustic cabins near Navajo Lake
- Bard Inn: Cute, homey B&B. Very friendly folks. And a great breakfast.
- Big Yellow Inn: Lonely B&B with big rooms within walking distance of the University.
RV Parks
- Cedar Canyon: 40 RV sites as well as tent and cabins east of Cedar City
- Duck Creek: Small 3-site site in Duck Creek Village
- Cedar City RJourney: Large RV Park in Cedar City
Basic Information
Visitor Center
- Address: 4730 UT-148, Brian Head, UT 84719
- Visitor Center is open from June to Mid-October
As of 2024, there’s a new contact station available for Cedar Breaks National Monument. I’ve yet to visit it, but the plans do look great. They are planning some great exhibits and information.
The station is also located by Point Supreme Overlook, which provides easy access to the view. Lots of ranger information is also available.
Altitude
The entire park is located above 10,000 feet. There is a risk of altitude sickness for those who are not acclimated. Just be aware and prepared while in the park. Don’t do a long hike if you are not prepared and be well hydrated.
Fees
- $10 per person (16+)
National Park Annual Pass works for Cedar Breaks.
Address
Hours
The park is open 24 hours a day.
Note: The main road through Cedar Breaks does close seasonally.
Passport Stamp
There is a passport stamp for Cedar Breaks NM located at the visitor center
Website: Official NPS Website
Getting To Cedar Breaks
Cedar Breaks is located about 45 minutes away from Cedar City Utah along UT-148. The park is accessible either from the north or south and is pretty equidistant to each entrance from Cedar City.
Utah-148 does close seasonally. So you’ll need to plan if you are coming to the park in the off-season.
Distances to Cedar Breaks NM
- Duck Village: 17 miles (30 minutes)
- Cedar City: 26 miles (40 minutes)
- Bryce Canyon National Park: 55 miles (1.5 hours)
- St. George: 77 miles (1.5 hours)
- Zion National Park (Spring Dale): 85 miles (2 hours)
- Las Vegas: 200 miles (3.5 hours)
- Salt Lake City: 248 miles (4 hours)
By Air
The closest airport to Cedar Breaks is Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC). The airport is tiny and only has Delta connection flights from Salt Lake City.
The better option is St George Regional Airport (SGU), located about 2 hours from Cedar Breaks NM. It’s still small, but there are more options than the above.
Beyond that, Salt Lake City (SLC) and Las Vegas (LAS) are nearly four hours away from the park. The park is worth visiting, along with other sites in the area. Cedar Breaks is a perfect stop between Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks.
Tips & FAQs
- Prepare for Altitude: The park is over 10,000 feet, so altitude sickness is a risk
- Think about the weather: Snow is common early and late in the same
- Bring water and Sunscreen: Especially for the longer hikes
- Good footwear is a must on many of the unpaved hikes
- Stay late. Stargazing is one of the best things to do in the park
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