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Sightseeing

Cedar Breaks National Monument

📍 Cedar City · USA
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★★★★☆

Introduction

Cedar Breaks National Monument is located about 40 kilometers east of Cedar City, Utah, at the edge of the Markagunt Plateau, and is a breathtaking natural amphitheater rock wonder. This massive semicircular cliff drops 2,000 feet deep and spans over 3 miles, sculpted by millions of years of geological movement and wind and rain erosion. The cliff walls display brilliant layers of red, orange, yellow, purple, and white sedimentary rock, creating a natural giant open-air theater under sunset glow, with grandeur comparable to Bryce Canyon but more pristine and serene. The monument sits at an elevation exceeding 10,000 feet, representing Utah's high-altitude natural landscape. In summer, alpine wildflowers bloom along the cliff rim, creating picturesque scenes of flowers and colorful rock. The monument features a rim drive road and several hiking trails, with the Alpine Pond Trail being the classic route allowing visitors to descend into the cliff base for close-up views of hoodoos and arches. Due to high elevation, the monument is open only from June to October.

Highlights

1
Natural Rock Amphitheater
2
Colorful Sediment Layers
3
10,000-Foot Elevation
4
Alpine Wildflowers
5
Alpine Pond Trail

🛈 Practical Info

HoursOpen June to mid-October; closed in winter due to snow
Admission$10 per vehicle; America the Beautiful National Parks Pass accepted
TransportationDrive east from Cedar City on SR-14 for 40 km, then turn onto Cedar Breaks Scenic Drive
Best Time to VisitJuly-August for wildflowers; September-October for fall colors
Phone+1 435-586-9451
Websitewww.nps.gov/cebr

💡 Tips

Elevation exceeds 10,000 feet; move slowly to avoid altitude sickness
High elevation is cool even in summer; bring a warm jacket
High-altitude UV is intense; apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses
Check road conditions before visiting; roads may close after summer storms

FAQ

Any practical tips for visiting Cedar Breaks National Monument?

Elevation exceeds 10,000 feet; move slowly to avoid altitude sickness High elevation is cool even in summer; bring a warm jacket