Cedar Breaks National Monument

Cedar Breaks National Monument is located in southwestern Utah, within the Dixie National Forest. It stands at an elevation of over 10,000 feet and covers an area of approximately 6,000 acres. The monument is situated in Iron County, near the towns of Cedar City and Brian Head.

The area's geological history dates back millions of years when the region was covered by a vast lake. Over time, sedimentary deposits accumulated and were later uplifted by geological forces, resulting in the formation of the colorful cliffs, spires, and amphitheaters that make Cedar Breaks a unique sight today.

Initially inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Paiute, evidence of their presence can still be seen through various artifacts found within the monument. Cedar Breaks gained recognition and preservation efforts in the early 20th century when President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared it a national monument in 1933.

Visitors to Cedar Breaks National Monument can explore its remarkable geological formations, including the famous Cedar Breaks Amphitheater, which spans three miles in length and is over 2,000 feet deep. Additionally, the monument offers several hiking trails that provide stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, wildflowers, and wildlife. Popular trails include the Spectra Point/Ramparts Overlook Trail, the Alpine Pond Trail, and the Spectra Point Trail.

Beyond the monument's boundaries, visitors can access nearby attractions within the Iron County area. For outdoor enthusiasts, Brian Head Resort offers skiing and snowboarding during the winter months, as well as mountain biking and hiking trails in the summer. Cedar City is known for its vibrant arts scene and hosts the renowned Utah Shakespeare Festival annually, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Overall, Cedar Breaks National Monument offers visitors a chance to witness the scenic wonders of southern Utah's high country. From its remarkable geological formations to the numerous recreational opportunities nearby, this hidden gem is worth exploring for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Cedar Breaks National Monument is situated in the southwestern part of the state of Utah in the United States. Nestled within the scenic Markagunt Plateau, the monument rests at an elevation of over 10,000 feet. It is positioned on the edge of the towering Cedar Mountain, overlooking a vast amphitheater of colorful cliffs, spires, and vibrant hoodoos. Situated in Iron County, the monument is located approximately 22 miles east of the town of Cedar City. The geographical location of Cedar Breaks National Monument provides visitors with awe-inspiring views, a cooler mountain climate, and a stunning panorama of the surrounding landscape.

Address & Contact

Cedar Breaks National Monument
4730 South Highway 148
Brian Head, UT 84719
Driving Directions
Phone: (435) 986-7120
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Cedar Breaks National Monument would be during the months of June, September, or October. These months offer the most favorable weather conditions for outdoor activities, with average maximum temperatures ranging from 76°F to 81°F. Additionally, they have relatively lower precipitation levels compared to other months, with average monthly precipitation ranging from 0.3 to 1.7 inches. Visiting during these months will also help you avoid large crowds, as visitor numbers are significantly lower compared to the peak months of May, July, and August.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Cedar Breaks National Monument are: Astronomy Stargazing Food Picnicking Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Arts and Culture Camping Hiking Skiing Cross-Country Skiing Snowmobiling Snow Play Snowshoeing

Topics

Learn about these topics at Cedar Breaks National Monument: Animals Birds Geology Groundwater Night Sky Native American Heritage Trails Forests and Woodlands Lakes Mountains Astronomy

Visitor Centers

Cedar Breaks Visitor Center

Start your visit at the Cedar Breaks Visitor Center! Here, you can talk with a ranger, pay your entrance fee, pick up a Junior Ranger activity booklet, buy a park pass, browse the gift shop, and get a new stamp for your park passport. Just up the path from the Visitor Center is a historic log cabin built in 1937. Once used as our Information Center, this building now features a self-guided display about the people who have called this area home. Stop in and explore the human history of Cedar Breaks!

Campsites within or near Cedar Breaks National Monument

Point Supreme Campground

Point Supreme Campground is surrounded by meadows of wildflowers in the summer! At 10,000 feet elevation, it is a comfortable place to camp during the hotter summer months. The Point Supreme Campground has 25 campsites and accommodates both tents and RVs. Camping is available from mid-June to mid-September. Note that the campground opening and closing dates may be vary & are subject to favorable weather.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Camping Fee - Standard Site), 15.00 (Senior or Access Pass Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 25
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: Hot - Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Hotels within or near Cedar Breaks National Monument

Baymont by Wyndham Cedar City

A stay at Baymont by Wyndham Cedar City places you in the heart of Cedar City, within a 10-minute walk of Southern Utah University and Southern Utah Museum of Art. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 80 S Main St, Cedar City, Utah 84720
Web: Link

Rodeway Inn

With a stay at Rodeway Inn in Cedar City, you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Southern Utah University and Southern Utah Museum of Art. Featured amenities include express check-out, multilingual staff, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 323 South Main St, Cedar City, Utah 84720
Web: Link

Amid Summer's Inn Bed and Breakfast

When you stay at Amid Summer's Inn Bed and Breakfast in Cedar City, you'll be in a national park, within a 10-minute walk of Southern Utah Museum of Art and Southern Utah University. Featured amenities include a computer station and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 140 S 100 W, Cedar City, Utah 84720
Web: Link

Cedar Breaks Lodge by Diamond Resorts

With a stay at Cedar Breaks Lodge by Diamond Resorts in Brian Head, you'll be just steps from Brian Head Ski Resort and Dixie National Forest. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 223 Hunter Ridge Rd, Brian Head, Utah 84719
Web: Link

Stratford Court Hotel

With a stay at Stratford Court Hotel in Cedar City, you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Southern Utah Museum of Art and Southern Utah University. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 18 S Main St, Cedar City, Utah 84720
Web: Link

Vagabond Inn Cedar City

Located in Cedar City, Vagabond Inn Cedar City is within a 5-minute drive of Southern Utah Museum of Art and Adams Shakespearean Theatre. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 479 S Main St, Cedar City, Utah 84720
Web: Link

Best Western Town & Country Inn

With a stay at Best Western Town & Country Inn, you'll be centrally located in Cedar City, just a 5-minute walk from Veteran's Park and 9 minutes by foot from Southern Utah University. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. Event facilities at this hotel consist of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 189 N Main St, Cedar City, Utah 84720
Web: Link

Bard's Inn

With a stay at Bard's Inn in Cedar City, you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Southern Utah University and Southern Utah Museum of Art. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 150 South 100 West, Cedar City, Utah 84720
Web: Link

Magnuson Hotel Cedar City

With a stay at Magnuson Hotel Cedar City in Cedar City, you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Southern Utah University and Southern Utah Museum of Art. Featured amenities include a computer station, laundry facilities, and a vending machine.
Address: 190 South Main Street, Cedar City, Utah 84720
Web: Link

Best Western Plus Cedar City

A stay at Best Western Plus Cedar City places you in the heart of Cedar City, within a 10-minute walk of Veteran's Park and Southern Utah University. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 50 W 200 N, Cedar City, Utah 84720
Web: Link