Cedar Breaks National Monument

About two miles south of the town of Brian Head lies Cedar Breaks National Monument, a giant amphitheater high atop the Markagunt Plateau, over 2,500 feet deep and more than three miles across. With spectacular colors formed by an abundance of mineral deposits, Cedar Breaks National Monument is breathtaking to behold.

The formations in Cedar Breaks consist of ridges, pinnacles and buttresses carved from the steep cliffs by wind and water erosion over more than 30 million years. From the highest point of 10,662 feet to the lowest at 8,100 feet, guests are treated to spectacular views of dense forests of sub-alpine fir, Engleman spruce and quaking aspens, plus fields containing more than 150 species of wildflowers. Bristlecone pine, one of nature's oldest living trees, grows along the rim of the amphitheater and can be seen in abundance throughout the area.

A six-mile scenic drive leads past four overlooks, each offering a different perspective of the amphitheater. A log cabin constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937 still serves as the visitors' center.

For those who want to get off the beaten path, two hiking trails near the rim provide an added appreciation of the geology and flora and fauna of Cedar Breaks. The Spectra Point/Ramparts Overlook Trail is a four-mile round-trip hike along the rim, with spectacular views of the amphitheater. The Alpine Pond Nature Trail is a self-guided, double-loop trail through forests and meadows. The lower portion offers excellent views of the Breaks.

Comments