A huge natural amphitheater has been eroded out of the variegated Pink Cliffs (Claron Formation) near Cedar City, Utah. Millions of years of sedimentation, uplift and erosion have created a deep canyon of rock walls, fins, spires and columns, that spans some three miles, and is over 2,000 feet deep. The rim of the canyon is over 10,000 feet above sea level, and is forested with islands of Englemann spruce, subalpine fir and aspen; separated by broad meadows of brilliant summertime wild flowers.

The Cedar Breaks Scenic Drive offers beautiful views of the rock formations, meadows and forests. Four developed overlooks, and trailheads for two hiking trails, are located along the scenic drive.

Spectra Point/Ramparts Trail: Moderately strenuous at 10,000 feet above sea level, this trail leads for one mile to the Spectra Point Overlook. Many visitors return to the trailhead from Spectra Point, making a 2-mile round trip. Hikers who are prepared for a slightly more strenuous stretch on this trail may continue one mile further to the Ramparts Overlook at trail's end, then hike the two miles back to the trailhead for a 4-mile round trip.

Alpine Pond Trail: This is a 2-mile self-guided loop trail through meadows and forest to a small spring-fed pond. Illustrated trail guides may be purchased at each trailhead for this moderately strenuous hike.

Geology programs are presented throughout the day, from late May through mid-October at the Point Supreme overlook.

Evening Ranger programs: These informative and entertaining programs are presented each evening during the camping season (mid-June through Labor Day). Daily topics will be posted at the visitor center and other locations throughout the park.

Wildflowers: The meadows at Cedar Breaks are full of a wide variety of wildflowers. Take a camera and a field guide to discover the beauty of alpine flowers. A checklist of the plant species can be obtained at the fee booth.

• 2010 Field Institute Classes ZCFI classes offered for summer 2010. Enjoy Wildflower Photography at Cedar Breaks, Wildflower Journaling at Cedar Breaks, Cedar Mountain Wildflowers, and Cedar Breaks Geology.

Wildflower Festival Poster Contest

Each year Cedar Breaks conducts a Wildflower Festival Poster Contest. The winner of this competition will appear in the local newspaper and have their artwork used on the collectible 2010 Wildflower Festival poster. The competition will be judged by a committee composed of botanists, college professors, members of the Cedar City Arts Council and representatives from Cedar Breaks National Monument. A $100.00 cash prize will also be awarded to the winner of this contest!
The winning artwork will be selected in May of 2010.  Click here for the contest submission criteria and form.

• 2010 Wildflower Festival Join us for our annual Wildflower Festival July 2 to July 18, 2010.

• 2010 Cedar Breaks Events

December 12, 2009 - March 14, 2010:
Cedar Breaks National Monument Winter Season Begins.

Experience the amazing solitude, wildlife and winter landscape found at the top of this unique 10,000 foot high monument.

Cedar Breaks in winter is only accessible by snowmobile, cross country skis, or snowshoes.
Bring your gear. Stop by our Yurt for a cup of hot cocoa. Learn about the park from our warm, friendly park rangers or volunteers. Enjoy the sunshine, the snow and the fun.

The Yurt, which serves as a winter back-country ranger station is accessible via cross country ski’s, snowshoes or snowmobiles only. It’s located approx 1 mile south of the junction of Hwy 143 and 148, just south of Brian Head City. Nordic skiers and Snow Shoers can park at the intersection of Hwy 143 and Hwy 148 to begin their day of fun and frolic. Please, DO NOT park snowmobile trailers at this location. Parking for snowmobiles is available in Brian Head.

Note: the Yurt is manned by volunteers on weekends only and its availability is subject to weather conditions.

Call 435-586-9451 for more information
or check out the park website at www.nps.gov/cebr

March 6, 2010 – 10am -2pm: Cedar Breaks Winter Yurt- Open House  

Come join friendly rangers and volunteers for some refreshments and information in our warm cozy Yurt!

During the winter months, Cedar Breaks and the Yurt are accessible only via cross country ski’s, snowshoes or snowmobile. The Yurt is located approx 1 mile south of the junction of Hwy 143 and 148, just south of the city of Brian Head. Nordic skiers and Snow Shoers can park at the intersection of Hwy143 and Hwy 148 to begin a day of fun and frolic. Please, DO NOT park snowmobile trailers at this location. Parking for snowmobiles is available in Brian Head.

Note: this event is dependent on good weather.  

Call 435-586-9451, or visit our website at www.nps.gov/cebr to verify that this event is taking place.

May 29, 2010: Cedar Breaks National Monument Summer Season Opens.

The super activities of the summer and fall seasons begin at Cedar Breaks National Monument on Memorial Day weekend.

Come join us for ranger led hikes, geology programs, interactive exhibits and much, much more! Kids can become Junior Rangers and everyone can enjoy the spectacular beauty.

Call 435-586-9451 (mid/Oct-May), 435-586-0787 (May-mid/Oct) or visit our website at www.nps.gov/cebr for more details, dates, and information.

June 12, 2010: Cedar Breaks National Monument Campground Opens

Cedar Breaks National Monument offers a spectacular camping experience at an elevation of 10,000 feet.

Our 28 site campground accommodates both tents and RV’s. Beginning in 2010, hot showers are now available. Campfire programs presented by Park Rangers begin with the opening of the campground. These diverse and entertaining programs are offered each evening in the campground amphitheatre.

Note that the actual campground opening date may be slightly earlier or later as it is subject to favorable weather.

Call 435-586-9451 (mid/Oct-May), 435-586-0787 (May-mid/Oct) or visit our website at www.nps.gov/cebr to confirm opening dates. We do NOT reserve campsites.

June 10 - Sept 10, 2010: Cedar Breaks National Monument Monthly Star Parties: 
Tentative Dates - June 10, 12, 14 - July 8, 10, 12 - August 7, 9, 11 – September 6, 8, 10

Seeing a galaxy through a telescope brings the universe within your grasp. Come view the night sky at Cedar Breaks.

To celebrate and share the beauty of our dark night skies, Cedar Breaks is throwing a series of monthly "Star Parties" beginning in early June. These events are scheduled in June, July, August, and September near the new phase of the moon. The nights of the new moon are the darkest, and are, therefore, the best time to experience the amazing galaxy in which we live.

Each star party will be conducted by park staff and astronomy volunteers.

Each star party begins with a special evening program held in our campground amphitheater at 8:30p.m.

The party continues after the evening program when we journey to Point Supreme, bring out our large telescopes, and look to the sky.

Be sure to dress warmly and, if you have your own telescope, you’re welcomed to it.

For more information call 435-586-9451 (mid/Oct-May), 435-586-0787 (May-mid/Oct) or visit our website at www.nps.gov/cebr.

2010 Wildflower Festival July 2 - July 18, 2010

Cedar Breaks National Monument 5th Annual Wildflower Festival:

Visiting Cedar Breaks in July is a feast for the eyes, as a wide variety of high country wildflowers burst into full bloom. Don’t forget your camera.

Wildflower Festival highlights include guided walks, interpretive fieldtrips, photography workshops, Junior Ranger scavenger hunts, and classes offered by Zion Canyon Field Institute. Throughout the Festival, the visitor center will be hosting an ongoing electronic display of wildflower images as well as discounts on wildflower related books and items.

For more information call 435-586-9451 (mid/Oct-May), 435-586-0787 (May-mid/Oct) or visit our website at www.nps.gov/cebr.

August 21-22, 2010 Cedar Breaks National Monument 77th Anniversary

Celebration: Come join park rangers, volunteers and special guests as we

celebrate the 77th anniversary of Cedar Breaks National Monument.

The events for this weekend include special guests and programs that highlight Cedar Break’s history, magnificent scenery, natural resources and wildlife.

Experience the release, back into the wild, of a rehabilitated raptor.

If you ever wanted to get up close to some of the world's most powerful birds of prey and to learn their life history from Utah's best loved environmental educator, this is your opportunity. On Saturday August 21, Martin Tyner, founder of the Southwest Wildlife Foundation, will give an informal wildlife program accompanied by a Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon, and Harris Hawk. This event will end with the wild raptor release from Brian Head Peak

Other anniversary events will focus on pre-Monument history, the  Civilian Conservation Corps, the Cedar Breaks Lodge, and stories about working for the Utah Parks Company.

Call 435-586-9451 (mid/Oct-May), 435-586-0787 (May-mid/Oct) or visit our website at www.nps.gov/cebr for more detailed information.

September 18 - October 10, 2010: Fall Color Festival : Cedar Breaks National Monument:

According to USA Today Cedar Mountain is "one of the top ten places to experience fall colors" in the United States.

Join us on Saturday, Sept 18 as we kick off the "Technicolor" fall display with a special one night only showing of a great movie filmed at and near Cedar Breaks National Monument. The popcorn is on us! Other special events during the Fall Color Festival include guided walks, interpretive fieldtrips, Junior Ranger programs and scavenger hunts.

For more information call 435-586-9451 (mid/Oct-May), 435-586-0787 (May-mid/Oct) or visit our website at www.nps.gov/cebr.

• Plan Your Visit

The visitor center at Cedar Breaks National Monument is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. beginning in early June and continuing through mid-October. All visitor facilities are CLOSED from mid-October through late May. The camp ground is open mid-June through mid-September depending upon the weather.

The Cedar Breaks Scenic Drive remains open to vehicular traffic until snow and heavy drifting occur, normally anywhere from late October to early December. Please call 435-586-9451 to check the status of the road before traveling to Cedar Breaks during this time. Winter recreational activities begin once there is sufficient snow depth for cross-country ski, snowshoe, and snowmobile trails.

Cedar Breaks National Monument

2390 W Hwy 56 Suite # 11

Cedar City, Utah 84720

435-586-9451

NPS Cedar Breaks National Monument Information.