"Cedar Breaks -Escape the heat!" Cedar Breaks National Monument by WinInZion

Cedar Breaks is a much smaller version of Bryce Canyon. If you're going to have an extra day for exploration don't miss this area.

We come up here from our home near Zion N.P. to escape the heat in Summer. This also means that it is cold in Winter, in fact it is closed. They do not keep the road open into Cedar Breaks, you need to inquire at Zion or Bryce to find out if the park is open.

There are numerous hikes in the area and I'll be going on some this Spring and adding them here. I have done the hike to Rampart and Spectra point. They are not too difficult and the views are stunning. You are at 10,000 feet and it will be difficult to breath

I've done the Alpine Pond loop and unfortunately don't have pictures from that hike. It's not very difficult but I didn't find it that interesting.

You can circumnavigate the rim of Cedar Breaks and stop at different overlooks. This is easy and should not be missed.

Heading north on Rt 143 takes you towards Brian Head, a ski area in Winter and mountain biking in Summer. There is a dirt road that exits to the right, not far from the last overlook in Cedar Breaks. This takes you to 11,000 feet and gives you 360 deg. view of the area. Well worth it!

Looking out over Cedar Breaks

In the late Spring and Summer wildflowers abound in this area. If you have a 4WD and feel adventurous take the Kolob Reservoir Rd over the mountain either from Rt 9 outside Zion or Rt 14 outside Cedar City. It takes about an hour and the meadows and views are outstanding. I've done this in late Spring and Fall. This road will be closed in Winter!

Bristlecone Pine at Spectra Point

The Bristlecone Pine is the oldest living thing on earth. There is one in California that is 4500 years old. The oldest one at Cedar Breaks is at Rampart Point and is 1700 years old. That particular tree stands exposed and shows evidence of many lightning hits.

There is a Scenic Backway called "Dry Lake Rd" that is a little north of Brianhead and crosses over to Rt 15 at Summit, UT. There is a hike off this road which is called "Twisted Forest" and takes you into the Bristlecones. This is a great hike of maybe 2 miles round trip, spectacular views!

I love the gnarly old trees and this one stood especially proud, I believe it was a Spectra Point.