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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- Nanatimes817 contributionsHidden Gem, don't miss it!A hidden gem before you get to Bryce Canyon! So worth the drive, especially if you are coming from Zion to Bryce & Moab. Beautiful scenic drive up to 10K feet, and out of nowhere, this gorgeous canyon! A mini-version of Bryce! Nothing much there yet as far as signage, visitor center, etc, etc -- but that is hopefully coming. We stopped and found the overlook, and took some stunning pictures. Very windy at that high point, hang on to your hats! Loved it, plus the drive past Panguitch Lake and down to town was really pretty as well.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 22 June 2024
- Jennifer Frady6 contributionsNice scenic driveWe left Bruce canyon and drove to Cedar Breaks. Scenic views and sort of a backs roads experience. Not very heavily traveled until you got close to the campground or lake. No cell phone service in many places. Made it to elevation of over 10,000 feet! Got back to I- 15 to head to Cedar City.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 23 June 2024
- SkwikiBurnaby, Canada1,786 contributionsBreathtaking, easy to do a quick visitThe drive from Cedar City was gorgeous and after the park, it continued on to Kanab. We had a short visit, just visiting the viewpoints. No hiking. Elevation is high, the air is much thinner up there. Simply stunning views. As others have mentioned it is abit like Bryce Canyon. They are building a new visitors center. Look forward to visiting again some day.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 July 2024
- Carrie D.Cleveland, Ohio2,395 contributionsNice Stop Between Zion & BryceThis was a really beautiful national monument—we felt like we were on top of the world by the time we reached it! It was perfect for a quick detour while we were driving from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park. We did the scenic drive and stopped at each of the overlooks to see the canyon breaks and the gorgeous wildflowers. They are currently (summer 2024) building a new visitor center, but they do have open a nice little temporary visitor center/gift shop. It was a lovely national monument and worth stopping for at least an hour or so!Visited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 19 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,288 reviews
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257
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Carrie D.
Cleveland, OH2,395 contributions
June 2024 • Friends
This was a really beautiful national monument—we felt like we were on top of the world by the time we reached it! It was perfect for a quick detour while we were driving from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park. We did the scenic drive and stopped at each of the overlooks to see the canyon breaks and the gorgeous wildflowers. They are currently (summer 2024) building a new visitor center, but they do have open a nice little temporary visitor center/gift shop. It was a lovely national monument and worth stopping for at least an hour or so!
Written 19 August 2024
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.
PapyRi
Chalons-en-champagne, France17 contributions
July 2024 • Family
Cedar City was a stop over between Mammoth Lakes and Tuba City. We spent a full day to visit the surrounding: Cedar Break NM (a little Bryce Canyon) and the Parawan gap Petroglyph (awesome).
This review is just a pretext to celebrate the Park rangers we've met during our different trips. There are available, knowlegeable and mostly very firendly. We always make sure to tke a field trip or request information from them. After traveling in different National Parks for the last 40 years we had only a couple of incidents which we quickly forgot.
This review is just a pretext to celebrate the Park rangers we've met during our different trips. There are available, knowlegeable and mostly very firendly. We always make sure to tke a field trip or request information from them. After traveling in different National Parks for the last 40 years we had only a couple of incidents which we quickly forgot.
Written 18 July 2024
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.
Skwiki
Burnaby, Canada1,786 contributions
June 2024 • Couples
The drive from Cedar City was gorgeous and after the park, it continued on to Kanab.
We had a short visit, just visiting the viewpoints. No hiking. Elevation is high, the air is much thinner up there. Simply stunning views. As others have mentioned it is abit like Bryce Canyon.
They are building a new visitors center. Look forward to visiting again some day.
We had a short visit, just visiting the viewpoints. No hiking. Elevation is high, the air is much thinner up there. Simply stunning views. As others have mentioned it is abit like Bryce Canyon.
They are building a new visitors center. Look forward to visiting again some day.
Written 11 July 2024
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.
Jennifer Frady
6 contributions
June 2024 • Family
We left Bruce canyon and drove to Cedar Breaks. Scenic views and sort of a backs roads experience. Not very heavily traveled until you got close to the campground or lake. No cell phone service in many places. Made it to elevation of over 10,000 feet! Got back to I- 15 to head to Cedar City.
Written 23 June 2024
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.
Nanatimes8
Russellville, United States17 contributions
June 2024 • Family
A hidden gem before you get to Bryce Canyon! So worth the drive, especially if you are coming from Zion to Bryce & Moab. Beautiful scenic drive up to 10K feet, and out of nowhere, this gorgeous canyon! A mini-version of Bryce! Nothing much there yet as far as signage, visitor center, etc, etc -- but that is hopefully coming. We stopped and found the overlook, and took some stunning pictures. Very windy at that high point, hang on to your hats! Loved it, plus the drive past Panguitch Lake and down to town was really pretty as well.
Written 22 June 2024
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.
roadtrip_ken_2017
Oakland, CA436 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
I visited Cedar Breaks in mid-May, my first time there. The trails were not yet accessible, due to snow, but all of the roadside viewpoints were open. The highest of these was at nearly 10,500-foot elevation, so be prepared for that. Each of the three overlooks I visited - Sunset View, Chessmen Ridge, and North View - were different from one another and all worth seeing. The scenery is somewhat similar to Bryce Canyon though not as spectacular. Still, I enjoyed my visit here and since it took less than an hour to stop at the three viewpoints it was well worth the time.
Written 10 June 2024
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.
Amy M
Moweaqua4 contributions
June 2024 • Family
Beautiful spot and interesting rick formation. It was quite cool and very windy the day we visited but that didn't matter. We did not hike we just parked at a couple we pull offs and walked to the overlooks. We even threw some snowballs. The 2 girls in the gift shop were super nice! We had visited Zion the day before so this was a welcome break from the crowds. We spent about 30-45 minutes here. There was only 1 road open due to snow there. This is fairly high elevation at over 10,000 ft. We were told the last year they only had 1 day above 80. A nice stop between Zion and Bryce.
Written 10 June 2024
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.
Ron G
26 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Drove through on our way. Back from Sedona. Snow on the cliffs was just amazing. Great views and wonderful vistas. We will be back.
Written 5 June 2024
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.
Jen
California150 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, NV6 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.
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!
Written 5 August 2020
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.
Written 5 August 2020
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!
Written 18 July 2019
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.
Written 19 July 2019
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
Written 18 July 2019
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.
Written 26 March 2019
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.
Written 26 March 2019
Will be there the middle of May which trails with views are on paved roads
Written 21 April 2018
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.
Written 22 April 2018
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.
Written 31 March 2018
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.
Written 9 April 2018
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?
Written 18 March 2018
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.
Written 19 March 2018
Dec 7 is the rim drive currently open? Is it paved?
Written 8 December 2017
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.
Written 8 December 2017
Going to Cedar City and visiting Zion,Bryce.Any other recommendations of must see , must do in the area?
Written 16 September 2017
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
Written 17 September 2017
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