| |
2390 W Hwy 56, Ste 11, Cedar City, UT 84720-4151
Phone: 435-586-9451
Fax: 435-586-3813
Open All Year
Overview. Carved into the western side of the 10,000-foot-high Markagunt Plateau, Cedar Breaks is a wonderland of bizarre limestone spires, hoodoos, and steep cliffs 2,000 feet deep and three miles across. The product of tectonic uplift and millions of years of erosion, the amphitheater of Cedar Breaks rivals Bryce Canyon, its larger cousin, for variety of color and vividness of hue. Deposits of iron and manganese have stained the rocks a spectrum of reds, purples, yellows, oranges, and pinks. Ancient bristlecone pines, some as old as 1,600 years, grow along the rim, while the lofty plateau is covered with dense, fragrant spruce forests. Wildflowers blanket the plateau from spring to high summer; a thick, silent layer of snow takes their place in winter. "Cedar" refers to the juniper trees growing at the base of the plateau, and "Breaks" is another word for "badlands." What to see and do. A five-mile scenic drive winds along the rim, where four overlooks provide glimpses of the ever-changing vista. Two plateau walks begin at trailheads along the drive. The two-mile Alpine Pond loop trail leads to a sylvan glade surrounded by aspen, fir, and spruce. The Wasatch Rampart Trail follows the rim of the Breaks for two miles each way, passing by a stand of bristlecone pine at Spectra Point. Hikers should keep in mind that, while these trails are relatively flat and not very long, the high elevation makes them fairly strenuous. Take your time and don't overexert yourself. The visitor center offers a wealth of exhibits and information on the human and natural history of the area, as well as its abundant wildlife. A small campground, operated on a first-come, first-served basis, is open during the summer. There are no hookups, but water and restrooms are available. Leashed pets are permitted in the campgrounds. Check at the visitor center for a schedule of ranger-led programs; many take place at the campground's amphitheater. At such a high elevation, winter comes swiftly and early. The campground closes in September, and all park roads and services are closed by first snow. The park is still open for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoe hiking. When the Cedar Breaks visitor center is closed (mid-October through early June), the Kolob Canyon Visitor Center in Zion National Park, 43 miles southwest and open year-round, can provide information about Cedar Breaks. The Cedar Breaks visitor center is open daily from early June to mid-October, from 8 AM to 6 PM.
| Activities and Services |
 |
| • |
Bird Watching |
|
| • |
Cross-country Skiing |
|
| • |
Geological Sites |
|
| • |
Guided Tours |
|
| • |
Hiking/Nature Trails |
|
| • |
Museum/Exhibits |
|
| • |
Picnic Sites |
|
| • |
Programs/Talks |
|
| • |
Self-guided Tours |
|
| • |
Snowmobiling |
|
| • |
Visitor Center |
|
| • |
Wildflower Viewing |
|
| • |
Wildlife Viewing |
|
Search All National Parks
Please call ahead to confirm details. We do our best to give you current information, but facts can change. Please let us know if you find something's changed.
|
