Cedar Breaks

Located to the east of Cedar City, Utah, Cedar Breaks National Monument sits
atop the Colorado plateau, and reaches 10,000 feet high into the air.
Mineral deposits have left the cliffs of the monument shining with an array
of rich copper and golden hues. A huge natural amphitheater has been eroded
into the cliffs, spanning 2 miles east to west and 3 miles north to south,
and is over 2,000 feet deep. Rock formation such as hoodoos, fins, spires
and columns decorate Cedar Breaks. There have been over 50 different hues
identified in the hoodoos. While viewing the amphitheater remains the main
draw of the monument, visitors also enjoy hiking, picnicking, driving the
main scenic route

Hiking
The park has two main hiking trails, and both require visitors to be
prepared for cool days and freezing nights. The first trail is the Spectra
Point/Ramparts Trail, and is labeled as moderately difficult. It is two to
four miles round trip and passes Spectra Point, beginning at the Cedar
Breaks amphitheater and follows its southern rim. The Alpine Pond Trail,
which is a self-guided nature tour that is about 2 miles, is an easy hike,
but slick and rocky. It travels through meadows of wildflowers and leads
out to a forest glade and pond.

There are many other worthwhile hikes located just before or past Cedar
Breaks National Monument. The Twisted Forest Trail is off SR 143 just past
the monument and leads to the Cedar Breaks amphitheater. The Ashdown
Gorge/Rattlesnake Creek Route is a 10-mile hike. Because the hike is one
way, it is recommended that two cars be used to avoid hitchhiking back to
your vehicle. There is another hike called Cedar Breaks Bottoms, which
takes hikers to the bottom of Cedar Breaks through a maze of hoodoos.
Overlooks/Scenic Drives

There is a road that passes through Cedar Breaks and three main scenic
overlooks can be visited along the way. The visitor center is located at
one of them, Point Supreme. The view at each overlook allows visitors to
see the full three-mile span of the amphitheater.

History
The name Cedar Breaks was given to the area by settlers who mistook the Utah junipers for Cedar trees. The Paiute Indians had named the area the "Circle of Painted Cliffs."

We do not offer recommendations on any roads or activities. We do recommend that you check road conditions if you choose to set out for any scenic drive or hike by contacting the corresponding visitor center, state tourism office or the BLM. Roads may be slippery when wet, and weather may call for extra water, food, clothing or appropriate camping gear. Do not touch or attempt to feed any wildlife you come across, and ask federal or state officials before removing any fossils or artifacts, because in some areas a hefty fine can be imposed. Please be prepared for any emergency. Many of these areas are quite remote and cell phone service is limited. Have a safe and fun journey!