Cedar Breaks National Monument
Cedar Breaks National Monument
4.5
About
A smaller version of Bryce Canyon, this 2,500-foot deep basin filled with strange limestone formations in a vivid array of colors and hues offers breathtaking views on a five-mile drive along the rim. This naturally formed amphitheater has guided walks in the summer and a few designated hiking trails.
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4.5
1,280 reviews
Excellent
993
Very good
253
Average
31
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Jen
California87 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Weather didn’t cooperate with us on this visit. Clouds blocked all views of the canyon. Consider looking at current trail photos before you head up to the rim. I’m sure it’s stunning.
Written 20 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet P
Mesquite, NV3 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
My husband and I went here for our 49th wedding anniversary. It was just gorgeous! Walked out to see the Bristlecone Pines, so wonderful to see.
Written 11 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
STraveler2
New York517 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
A long ride to Cedar Breaks National Monument and not much hiking possible. Pretty but not nearly as spectacular as Bryce. If you go to Bryce, this will look similar, smaller and less accessible. The visitors center was closed and fenced off.
Written 14 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa P
Lehi, UT24 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
We went there at sunset, and it was so beautiful! Then, once the sun went down, we were able to see the stars and the milky way. My six year old loved it.
Written 7 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Krr1975
Sevierville, TN963 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
We stopped here quickly while on a bus trip. Wish we should have had more time here. Got our passports stamp and a bathroom stop.
Written 7 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bekwindsor
Melbourne, Australia8 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
A guide from a river rafting tour we did from Glen Canyon Dam down to Lee’s Ferry told us about this place and we are so glad we detoured! It was like walking through a dreamland. You could spend days exploring the endless views and trails!
Written 18 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Salina R
Los Angeles, CA2 contributions
May 2023 • Family
We came toward the evening. Chilly but the views are amazing! We had our little girl… She loved the paved walk way. We loved the views and safety fencing made us feel safe.
Written 6 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rdsm77
Tucson, AZ406 contributions
Oct 2022
Cedar Breaks overall was disappointing. I didn't realize it was so close to my route so it was a last minute stop that I didn't plan out ahead of time. I figured I could get the info I needed at the visitor center. Nope. Not sure if there was a visitor center. Construction crews were working on what looked like the visitor center and they took up all of the parking. I learned later that popular trail may be right there so any parking left was full. If there was a temporary visitor center they didn't have any signage.
Drove around and saw a paved path that I thought I would go on later. Since there was no visitor center, I had no map and no idea what I was doing. Pulled off at an overlook which was cool. Great view. Then went to the next overlook and there was a trail there too. A sign said it was a two mile loop to an alpine pond.
I went on the lower trail which was steep downhill then flattened out. Lots of great views. Came upon an enchanting pond that was perfectly clear and had pretty green moss at the bottom. Saw a lot of birds. At the pond was where the upper trail started. It had a lot of switchbacks so it wasn’t too steep then a long flat walk back to the car.
Kept driving north but didn’t see anywhere else to stop and it looked like the park ended with a road going straight to Panguitch and a route to the east so I turned around. I really needed a restroom but couldn't find one so I left without walking on the paved trail. Never saw any other hiking trails.
People say this place is better than Zion or Bryce Canyon but I don't see it. Sure it was much less crowded overall, but there was still very little parking when I went and other than the two overlooks there wasn't much to see.
Drove around and saw a paved path that I thought I would go on later. Since there was no visitor center, I had no map and no idea what I was doing. Pulled off at an overlook which was cool. Great view. Then went to the next overlook and there was a trail there too. A sign said it was a two mile loop to an alpine pond.
I went on the lower trail which was steep downhill then flattened out. Lots of great views. Came upon an enchanting pond that was perfectly clear and had pretty green moss at the bottom. Saw a lot of birds. At the pond was where the upper trail started. It had a lot of switchbacks so it wasn’t too steep then a long flat walk back to the car.
Kept driving north but didn’t see anywhere else to stop and it looked like the park ended with a road going straight to Panguitch and a route to the east so I turned around. I really needed a restroom but couldn't find one so I left without walking on the paved trail. Never saw any other hiking trails.
People say this place is better than Zion or Bryce Canyon but I don't see it. Sure it was much less crowded overall, but there was still very little parking when I went and other than the two overlooks there wasn't much to see.
Written 2 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cryptoref
Aloha, OR146 contributions
Nov 2022
Fantastic formations. The colors and the shapes carved by the wind are very worth your time. It's easy to see with just a few steps from the car so no hiking really necessary.
Written 16 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inspired to Travel
71 contributions
Oct 2022
We are so glad we decided to make the drive to Cedar Breaks Monument! The Fall colors were exceptional and we en joyed the relaxing drive and stopping at the different lookouts. We didn't have time to do any extensive hiking so want to definitely come back to hike some trails.
Written 16 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Husband and I are new to Las Vegas. We've been watching Persaids on August 12 for 25 years from Chicago. This will be our first year in a dark sky. 🌟🌟
We're not able to camp. What's our best chance of staying nearby. Our son and his wife will be flying from Indiana to join us. Is there a hotel in the park or nearby? (We have a dog that will be traveling with us).
Tia!
Ron W
Cedar City, UT172 contributions
Hi. Your best bet is to get an Airbnb (or VRBO, etc) in Brian Head, Utah (ski resort town). Lots of places available and it is only a couple of miles from Cedar Breaks (check it on Google maps - it is very close). You can stargaze in Cedar Breaks and drive the few miles back to Brian Head. Cedar Breaks also has star parties (depending on Coronavirus) and often has experts with telescopes that visitors can look through.
Is there enough parking if I am towing a trailer?
Nancy SC
Eloy, AZ361 contributions
Yes, there is an overflow parking lot just south of the main ranger station area. Some of the lookout pullouts are smaller.
Donna T
Poway, CA333 contributions
Is the Bristlecone trail parking easy to locate? Is there a restroom? What is the elevation? Will we need hiking boots or will athletic shoes suffice? We plan on hiking /walking this trial 7-23-19. Thanks!
Nancy SC
Eloy, AZ361 contributions
There is a great map and details if you go to the NPS website for Cedar Breaks, click on the maps and select the forest service trail maps. Because it is outside the park, I don’t think there is a restroom (not that I noticed). It’s an easy 1/2 mile hike, so regular athlete shoes are fine. It’s close to 10,000 feet up there, so we still had snow in June.
Donna T
Poway, CA333 contributions
We plan to hike the Bristlecone Trail July 23, 2019. Is the parking area for this trail easy to find? Are there good views of the pines? What is the elevation? Do you think we will need hiking boots or will athletic shoes suffice?
Thanks for all advice!
Donna Teeter
OCWeezer
Irvine, CA53 contributions
Hi. My family and I are currently in Brian Head and we’re heading back to Vegas on Wednesday morning. Instead of driving straight there, I thought we’d stop at a national park or monument. Initially we were thinking Bryce. But that might be a long day of driving. Instead, now we’re thinking Cedar Breaks.
My question is, can we still get to at least the North View Overlook? I know the 148 is closed, but I’ve read that the North View can be reached from the 143. Can anyone confirm this? Thanks.
Susan F
137 contributions
If you ever get the chance to go to Bryce Canyon you should go. Even with lots of snow, the park is open year round and it is beautiful. I think it's the most stunning of all of Utah's National Parks. It's about an hour and a half from Brian Head and you can enjoy many of the vistas and the visitor's center in just a few hours.
JBRetired
Apple Valley, CA472 contributions
Will be there the middle of May which trails with views are on paved roads
CrankingChick
Tucson, AZ7,872 contributions
Most of the trails start along UT148, which is a paved road. Check the park website to see if the road is open before you go. The park is at a high elevation and gets a lot of snow; UT148 won't be open until the snow is cleared (though you can still hike in). If UT148 is closed, you can still access North View overlook on UT143, and there is a trail head along the road just north of that overlook for Rattlesnake Creek Trail, which goes along the north edge of the park.
We are planning to visit Cedar Breaks NM in late September this year. Just wonder which date is better for viewing fall foliage at its peak: Sep. 23 or Sep. 30 ? We plan to spend a day there and stay overnight in Brian Head.
tetonhiker4141
West Jordan, UT25 contributions
It really depends on how much rain we get over the summer. The moisture in the leaves can make a spectacular fall, or a dry brown fall. Both weekends would work. Everything depends on the weather! Sorry.
dickmetz20
Wilton, CT16 contributions
I'm planning to stop at Cedar Breaks on Tuesday, May 1st. Is it reachable by car and
hiking (we don't have snowshoes)? What is the weather like that time of year? Are there any wild flowers blooming this early in the year?
Brenda B
4 contributions
Weather is very unpredictable at this time of year. We had some family venture up to Cedar Breaks a couple weeks ago. The weather was fine in Cedar Valley but they encountered heavy snow on their way up the mountain, tried turning around, went off shoulder and had tires spinning (They are not experienced snow drivers) My advise is check weather and road conditions by calling Utah DOT, Brian Head Ski Resort or Parks department before you head out on your adventure. Also take a 4 wheel drive vehicle, fuel up vehicle before you head out and carry emergency kit (water, granola bars, blankets) with you just in case you get stuck. Might want to check out Snow Canyon - less likely to see snow and warmer climate.
JBRetired
Apple Valley, CA472 contributions
Dec 7 is the rim drive currently open? Is it paved?
Chet B
Cedar City, Utah21 contributions
It is currently open. But usually closes when we get some significant snow. No snow so far. The road is paved. It is a loop road. Goes between state 143 and state 14. Drive up from Cedar City on 14 and turn onto Cedar Breaks and continue on to 143 and come down the mountain on 14 into Parowan. Road is 8% grades in places. Not recommended for Class A motorhomes or trailers over 30 foot.
Randi S
Elwood, IN28 contributions
Going to Cedar City and visiting Zion,Bryce.Any other recommendations of must see , must do in the area?
Cecilia C
Toronto, Canada9 contributions
You may want to visit Cedar Breaks Monument. Once you are in Cedar Breaks, you should see a road sign for Cedar Breaks Monument.
Routes to Cedar Breaks National Monument
Traveling south on I-15:
Take exit 78 to Parowan
Travel south on Main Street for 1.3 miles
Turn left onto E. Center Street. Travel 0.3 Miles
Turn right onto Utah Highway 143 East
Continue approximately 15 miles to Cedar Breaks National Monument
Traveling north on I-15:
Take exit 57 to Cedar City
Travel north on Main Street for 2.2 miles
Turn right onto E Center Street/Utah Highway 14
Continue east on Utah Highway 14 for approximately 18 miles
Turn left onto Utah Highway 148 and continue 4 miles to Cedar Breaks National Monument
Traveling south on U.S. Highway 89:
At Panguitch, turn right onto Utah Highway 143 West
Continue west for approximately 32 miles to Cedar Breaks National Monument
Traveling north on U.S. Highway 89:
At Long Valley Junction, turn left onto Utah Highway 14 West
Continue west for approximately 23 miles
Turn right onto Utah Highway 148 and continue 4 miles to Cedar Breaks National Monument
From Bryce Canyon National Park: (60 miles)
Travel west on Utah Highway 12 for 13.6 miles
Turn right onto U.S. Highway 89 and continue north for 6.9 miles to Panguitch
At Panguitch, turn right onto Utah Highway 143 West
Continue west for approximately 32 miles to Cedar Breaks National Monument
Alternate route:
Travel south on U.S. Highway 89 and take Utah Highway 14 West.
Continue west for 23 miles.
Turn right onto Utah Highway 148 and continue 4 miles to Cedar Breaks National Monument. (72 miles)
From Zion National Park, Springdale: (79 miles)
Travel east on Utah Highway 9 for approximately 23 miles
Turn right on U.S. Highway 89
Continue north for 23 miles and turn left on Utah Highway 14
Continue west on Utah Highway 14 for 23 miles
Turn right onto Utah Highway 148 and continue 4 miles to Cedar Breaks National Monument
From Zion National Park, Kolob Canyons: (45 miles)
Travel north on I-15 and take exit 57 to Cedar City
Travel north on Main Street for 2.2 miles
Turn right onto E Center Street/Utah Highway 14
Continue east on Utah Highway 14 for approximately 18 miles
Turn left onto Utah Highway 148 and continue 4 miles to Cedar Breaks National Monument
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Frequently Asked Questions about Cedar Breaks National Monument
- Hotels near Cedar Breaks National Monument:
- (10.27 km) Cedar Breaks Lodge Spa
- (10.29 km) Brian Head Lodge Hotel & Spa
- (4.57 km) Affordable Luxury at the Base of Brian Head Peak
- (6.77 km) Snowy Days and Warm Cozy Evenings Our Black Diamond Condo Is The Place to Be.
- (7.38 km) Bristlecone Cabin great location and easy access
- Restaurants near Cedar Breaks National Monument:
- (13.51 km) Milt's Stage Stop
- (9.00 km) Pizanos Pizza
- (8.99 km) Sook Jai Thai Cuisine
- (9.00 km) General Store
- (10.21 km) cedar breaks cafe
- Attractions near Cedar Breaks National Monument:
- (4.88 km) Dixie National Forest
- (10.40 km) Thunder Mountain Motorsports, Inc.
- (8.85 km) Brian Head Resort
- (2.46 km) Point Supreme
- (6.92 km) Brian Head Peak Observation