| Cedar Breaks National Monument protects and preserves unique geologic formations of southwestern Utah. The most outstanding feature of Cedar Breaks National Monument is a huge natural amphitheater has been eroded out of the variegated Pink Cliffs (Claron Formation) near Cedar City, Utah. Millions of years of sedimentation, uplift and erosion have created a deep canyon of rock walls, fins, spires and columns that spans some three miles, and is over 2,000 feet deep. The rim of the canyon is over 10,000 feet above sea level, and is forested with islands of Englemann spruce, subalpine fir and aspen; separated by broad meadows of brilliant summertime wild flowers.The Cedar Breaks Scenic Drive offers beautiful views of the rock formations, meadows and forests. Four developed overlooks, and trailheads for two hiking trails, are located along the scenic drive.Spectra Point/Ramparts Trail: Moderately strenuous at 10,000 feet above sea level, this trail leads for one mile to the Spectra Point Overlook. Many visitors return to the trailhead from Spectra Point, making a 2-mile round trip. Hikers who are prepared for a slightly more strenuous stretch on this trail may continue one mile further to the Ramparts Overlook at trail's end, then hike the two miles back to the trailhead for a 4-mile round trip.Alpine Pond Trail: This is a 2-mile self-guided loop trail through meadows and forest to a small spring-fed pond. Illustrated trail guides may be purchased at each trailhead for this moderately strenuous hike.Geology programs are presented on the hour between 10 am and 5 pm daily, from late May through mid-October at the Point Supreme overlook.Evening Campfire programs: These ranger programs are presented at the campground amphitheater and begin at 9:00 each evening during the camping season (mid-June through Labor Day). Daily topics will be posted at the visitor center.Wildflowers: The meadows at Cedar Breaks are full of a wide variety of wildflowers. Take a camera and a field guide to discover the beauty of alpine flowers. A checklist of the plant species can be obtained at the fee booth. |
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