Cedar Breaks National Monument

00:00     Title
00:14     Point Supreme Overlook
08:23     Sunset View
13:12     Chessmen Ridge

​Cedar Breaks National Monument is a spectacular destination that is simply a must to experience when touring southern Utah. The rim of the Cedar Breaks amphitheater canyon is over 10,000 feet above sea level. At this high elevation the sky is crystal clear and visibility is nearly unlimited. The vivid colors of the red rock outcrops, tall hoodoos, green forests, cobalt blue skies with snow capped mountains create truly unforgettablel views!

Cedar Breaks is often compared to Bryce Canyon, because both of these majestic landscapes are natural geologic amphitheater shaped canyons. Both of these canyons were formed by freeze and thaw erosive forces over a eons of time. The difference between these two famous amphitheater canyons is that Cedar Breaks faces the setting sun, while most of Bryce Canyon faces east.  The golden light from the setting sun does have a way of intensifying the orangish red color of the Cedar Breaks landscape. Simply put, Cedar Breaks is a western landscape artist’s paradise, especially at sunset. 

When I visited Cedar Breaks it was late in the month of May and there was still plenty of snow on the ground at that high elevation. In fact, a storm passed through while I was there and the strong winds were howling up through the canyon. The wind was icy cold and the light misty rain occasionally turned into brief snow flurries. Standing on the rim of a tall canyon and trying not to shiver from the cold while aiming a camera is no easy task, so be sure to pack some warm clothes for the trip in case the temperatures drop without warning. 

Fortunately the storm front passed by in a short time. The long rays of the setting sun started lighting up Cedar Breaks and the beautiful views grew more dramatic with each passing moment.  The contrasting shapes of the cedar color sandstone and shadows create a unique visual effect. At that time of day, the lower sections of Cedar Breaks literally look like splintered fragments of exploding red cedar. I just stood there and stared at the spectacular view while saying wow! 

I was chatting with a National Park Ranger at the visitors center and I asked a few questions about Cedar Breaks. The ranger stated that he likely knew about the legends that surround this place and the conversation went in that direction. The ranger started talking about some of the local Paiute Tribal lore concerning how those who do bad things in real life are condemned to an eternity as a stone hoodoo. 

The animated hoodoos in Cedar Breaks can have an evil look about them and thoughts of the Paiute tribal legend come to light with every hoodoo that is gazed upon. Before long, a visitor realizes that there are thousands of these odd looking animated hoodoos in this sacred place. Some of the hoodoos look scary, but fortunately there enough funny looking ones to prevent getting the creeps.  

At Cedar Breaks, the layers upon layers of eroded multicolor ancient ocean bottom sandstone combined with pale color volcanic ash tuff creates panoramic views like no other place on earth! The Brian Head mountain ski area looms over the far end of the canyon, which adds yet another layer of color to the amazing views. There are hiking trails in the forest down below that also offer spectacular vantage points. A few Dixie National Forest picnic areas and campgrounds are located nearby, so spending some extra time in this pristine wilderness area will be fulfilling. The nearby Duck Creek Village is another option for setting up a basecamp.

There are three scenic overlooks at Cedar Breaks and there are hiking trails in the lower elevations of the Dixie National Forest that lead to the mouth of the canyon. The Point Supreme Overlook is located on the southwestern edge of the canyon, where unobstructed views of the red rock amphitheater with Brian Head Mountain in the background. The Sunset View  overlook is located on the middle of the canyon rim where the full spectacle of the exploding red cedar effect can be seen. The Chessmen Ridge Overlook offers views of the army of strange looking hoodoos. 

All it takes is looking at a few photos of Cedar Breaks National Monument to be convinced that this destination belongs high on the lifetime travel destination list. Because this park is almost two miles high, it is best to keep in mind that the window of opportunity for a summer season visit will be narrow. A heavy winter snow pack can delay opening day till late June or July and an early season blizzard can cause closures in October. For this reason, it is best to check on the conditions when planning the trip. Cedar Breaks National Monument is one of the most unique natural wonders on earth and the memories definitely will last a lifetime!