Cedar Breaks National Monument, in the mountains above Cedar City, is an otherworldly 3-mile red rock amphitheater. The amphitheater elevation is over 10,000 feet above sea level and dives half of a mile into the earth. Geological wonders are interspersed throughout the amphitheater, including arches, hoodoos, towers, and canyons. 
Activities
With melting snow and mild temperatures, the prolific Cedar Breaks experience offers a range of activities for the whole family. Here’s what’s coming up in 2021:
- Hiking – There are four primary hiking trails that range from easy to moderately strenuous and one to four hours in length. Sunset Trail is a 2-mile paved trail between Point Supreme Overlook and Sunset View Overlook with rest areas and gentle inclines; pets are permitted. Nature Trail is an unpaved trail that is ideal for bird-watching and wildlife viewing. Alpine Pond Loop Trail is a 1- or 2-mile trail that cuts a figure-eight through forest and meadows. The South Rim Trail offers the most strenuous hike at 5-miles with all-encompassing views and trail stops at The Spectra Point Viewpoint, Ramparts Viewpoint, and Bartzen Viewpoint; the trail begins at 10,500 feet and follows the rim down to the viewpoints.
- Dark Sky Park – Unsurpassed astral viewing at one of the only dark sky parks in the world. NPS offers stargazing programs throughout the summer to bring awareness to pristine night skies as an ecosystem of natural resources. More information here.
- Festivals – The National Park Service (NPS) has planned regular monthly festivals throughout the warm months of the year, beginning with BioBlast – an exploration of everything wild – on June 19 and 20. July 2-11 features the Cedar Breaks Wildflower Festival which features incredible blooming native wildflowers throughout the park’s alpine meadows. Stories of the Breaks Festival, August 21 and 22, celebrate the culture and history of the people who have made Cedar Breaks the special place that it is today. And finally, the Southwest Astronomy Festival takes place September 10-12 in collaboration with Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument.
Best Time to Visit
Late spring through mid-fall is the best time to visit Cedar Breaks. Because of the elevation, during the winter months, snow can make the area impassable to vehicles. An NPS visitor center is open Memorial Day weekend through October, providing programming, maps, and guidance. Click here for current conditions, openings, and closures
