Cedar Breaks National Monument

Cedar Breaks is a huge amphitheatre of orange and red rock spires and fins, about half a mile (800 m) deep, carved into the edge of a plateau more than 10,000 feet (3,050 m) high near Cedar City, Utah. Short rim trails lead to overlooks and ancient bristlecone pines, and a steep trail drops into the wilderness below.

Fast facts

• Established: 1933
• Size: about 6,155 acres (25 km²)
• Elevation: the rim is above 10,000 feet (3,050 m)
• Night sky: an International Dark Sky Park
• Gateways: Cedar City and Brian Head
• Managed by: the National Park Service

The landscape

The amphitheatre is cut into the same Claron Formation limestone as Bryce Canyon, eroded into hoodoos (tall, thin spires of rock), ridges and canyons in shades of orange, red and purple. The rim is subalpine forest and meadow, with wildflowers in July and August and bristlecone pines, some more than 1,500 years old, on exposed points.

Best time to go

Summer and early fall, when the road is open. Highs are usually 60-70°F (16-21°C), with lows of 30-40°F (-1 to 4°C), and it is often 10-20°F (6-11°C) cooler than surrounding parks. Wildflowers peak in July and August, and afternoon thunderstorms are common. In winter the road is closed, and visitors arrive on skis, snowshoes or snowmobiles.

Getting there and around

Cedar Breaks is on Utah State Route 148, east of Cedar City and I-15, and between Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks. SR-148 through the monument is usually open to vehicles from late May to mid-October, depending on snow.

Things to do

Pull-outs along the scenic drive give views into the amphitheatre. The Alpine Pond Trail is a loop of about 2 miles (3.2 km) through forest and meadow to a small pond, and the Spectra Point and Ramparts Trail follows the rim about 2 miles (3.2 km) each way, past bristlecone pines. Rangers hold stargazing programs in summer.

For more of a challenge, the Rattlesnake Creek Trail drops steeply from the high country outside the monument into the Ashdown Gorge Wilderness, a long day or overnight trip with stream crossings and a car shuttle.

Staying safe

At over 10,000 feet (3,050 m), altitude can cause headaches and shortness of breath for visitors coming from low elevations, so take it easy and drink water. Afternoon thunderstorms bring lightning to the exposed rim, so head for shelter when they build. Snow, sleet and hail can fall in any month, so carry layers.

Know before you go

An entrance fee applies (America the Beautiful pass accepted). Point Supreme Campground is open in summer by reservation. SR-148 closes in winter. This page is a general overview, not a live conditions report, so confirm road status with the National Park Service before you go.

Coordinates

37.6338, -112.8447

Magnetic declination

10.5° E (2026)

Set this declination on your compass, then align it to the map's north lines; it is the angle between true north and magnetic north, refreshed each year.

How declination works, and how to navigate with a map and compass

Best seasons

Summer, Early fall, Winter (skis and snowshoes)

Difficulty

Easy to moderate (strenuous on Rattlesnake Creek)

Access / trailheads

Utah SR-148 east of Cedar City, open to vehicles roughly late May to mid-October.

Water

At the visitor center and campground in season.

Cell / satellite coverage

Patchy on the rim.

Nearest ranger / SAR / emergency

Emergencies: 911. Cedar Breaks: 435-986-7120.

Permits & regulations

Entrance fee (America the Beautiful pass accepted). Campground by reservation in summer.

Leave No Trace

Stay on trails and behind rim barriers, leave wildflowers and bristlecone wood in place, and pack out all waste.