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Cedar Breaks National Monument
2390 W. Hwy 56, # 11,
Cedar City, UT 84720-2606
(435) 586-9451
The Amphitheater
There is nothing subtle about the great natural rock amphitheater of Cedar Breaks. It is a spectacle of
gigantic dimensions full of extraordinary forms wrapped in bold and brilliant colors. Once you see it for
yourself, you may agree with the observer who said,"If Cedar Breaks were anywhere but in this region, it
would be picked as one of the world's greatest scenic wonders." The Cedar Breaks amphitheater is a
product of many of the same forces that created the Southwest's other great landscapes, including the
Grand Canyon, Zion Canyon and the Bryce amphitheater. It is, however, an original work of nature not
quite like any other. Shaped like a huge coliseum, the amphitheater is more than 2,000 feet deep and more
than 3 miles in diameter. Millions of years of uplift and erosion carved this huge bowl in the steep, west-
facing side of the 10,000 foot high Markagunt Plateau.
Exhibited like statues inside this natural gallery are stone spires, columns, arches, and canyons of intricate
design and weemingly infinite variety. The many forms are time-worn sculptures of rain, streams, ice and
wind. Saturating the rock throughout is a color scheme as striking as any found on the Colorado Plateau.
Varying combinations of iron and manganese give the rock its different reds, yellows, and purples.
Impressed with te artistic shading, early Indians called the amphitheater the Circle of Painted Cliffs.
Many years later early southern Utah settlers renamed the amphitheater Cedar Breaks: "Cedar" for the
cedar, or juniper, trees that grew nearby, and "Breaks", another word for badlands. In 1933 Cedar Breaks
National Monument was established, calling nationwide attention to the spectacular amphitheater.
The Highcountry
Atop the Markagunt Plateau is the highcountry of Cedar Breaks. It is a world every bit as rich in color and
delicate in form as the rock amphitheater below, yet it is a very different place. Here you can imerse
yourself in the lushness of the scenery, breathe in the intoxicating fragrance of the spruce-fir forests, and
tread softly through subalpine meadows of grasses and seasonal wildflowers. In this sanctuary of clean,
cool air, abundant rainfall, full sunlight, and fertile soil, nature exhibits its full irrepressible potential.
Seasons of Color
Cedar Breaks flaunts its natural flair for life most dramatically with an annual show of spring and
summer wildflowers. The floral display begins late in June, as sprays of mountain bluebell, pale pink
spring beauty, lavender fleabane, beardtongue and other penstemons, and other early bloomers appear. In
late July the display begins to peak, and the rolling meadows fill to overflowing with larkspur, lupine,
penstemon, columbine, Indian Paintbrush, and a variety of other flowers. for the next few brief weeks,
until about mid-August, the open fields are stages where the flowers of Cedar Breaks improvise one
spontaneous show of color after another.
Ancient Trees of Life
In sharp contrast to the flowers, which rush through their lives in months, is the bristlecone pine. This
native of the Cedar Breaks high country is the Methuselah of trees; one gnarled and weather beaten
individual at Spectra Point on the plateau rim has already lived more than 1600 years. In other
southwestern states, 4,500 year-old specimens have been discovered. That the bristlecone lives at all is
something of a miracle considering that it grows only in forsaken spots where water is scarce, soil is thin,
and fierce winds blow unchecked.
A Place of Refuge
Elsewhere in the highcountry are luxuriant forest retreats, like the one at Alpine Pond. This spring-fed
backcountry pool lies in a shady grove of engelmann spruce, subapline fir, and quaking aspen.
Interspersed among the trees are luxuriant meadows of grasses and wildflowers. Here, and throughout the
park's fields and forests, various kinds of wildlife roam. As you drive along a road or walk a trail, you are
likely to encounter many birds, including the neighborly Clark's nutcracker, the violet-green swallows that
fly along the plateau rim, and the common raven. You also may see or hear mule deer, pikas, marmots,
porcupines, red squirrels, and chipmunks. Rarer, harder-to-find animals, such as mountain lions, also
inhabit this protected area.
This, then, is the world of Cedar Breaks highcountry atop the Markagunt Plateau. Small in size but great
in what it has to offer, this land of meadows and forests is a gentle and glorious expression of wild
America.
A Park Guide
Planning Your Stay: - A good starting point for your tour of the park is the visitor center. This
building is packed full of books, brochures, and exhibits on Cedar Breaks and its geology, history,
wildlife, and wildflowers. Rangers can help plan your stay and suggest things to do. The center is open
daily from early June to mid-October. The rest of the year, information is available at the Kolob Canyons
Visitor Center in Zion national Park, located 43 miles southwest of Cedar Breaks just off U.S. 15.
Throughout your travels, be aware that high altitudes may cause shortness of breath and tiredness. Slow
down and rest often. Also, remember that everything here - even the tiniest flower - is protected and
should be left undisturbed. Feeding wildlife, hunting, and carrying firearms are prohibited.
The Scenic Drive: - A 5-mile road through the highcountry of Cedar Breaks is the main route to
the park's scenic attractions. Scenic overlooks, trailheads, and all visitor services are located along this
road or on short side roads. The roads are designed for sightseeing, not speeding; observe posted speed
limits. Don't drive into easily damaged meadows; use designated roadside parking areas only.
Scenic Overlooks: - Four overlooks, where you can view the massive Cedar Breaks amphitheater,
are located along the scenic drive. Stop at each viewpoint, for no two give you the some perspective. Stay
behind overlook fences and away from the edge where the rock is loose and crumbly. Don't throw rocks or
other objects off the rim. Keep a close eye on children. During thunderstorms, avoid overlooks and other
exposed areas where lightning may strike.
Trails: - Cedar Breaks has two highcountry trails. the circular 2-mile Alpine Pond Trail leads to a
picturesque forest glade and pond. A trail guide is available at the trailhead or the visitor center. The 2-
mile Ramparts Trail along the plateau rim passes a stand of ancient bristlecone pine at Spectra Point and
ends at a viewpoint overlooking the Cedar Breaks amphitheater. Pets are not permitted on the trails.
Experienced hikers may want to explore Ralltlesnake Creek Trail, just north of the park. Before
attempting this hike, talk to a ranger about the hazards of steep terrain and flash floods.
Camping, Picnicking: - The 30-site park campground is open on a first-come, first-served basis
from June to mid-September. Daytime temperatures are commonly in the 60s and 70s F while nighttime
lows are in the 30s and 40s F. The campground has water, restrooms, tables, fire grills, and an outdoor
amphitheater where evening programs are given. Near the campground is a picnic area with water, tables,
and grills. Fires are permitted only in campground and picnic area grills.
Winter Activities: - Roads and services are usually closed from mid-October through May
because of heavy snow accumulations, but the park is open for crosscountry skiing and snowmobiling
(only on unplowed roads).
Nearby Accomodations: - Cedar City has lodging and other major visitor services. Closer by,
smaller towns, including Brian Head just to the north of the park, have year-round lodging, restaurants,
gasoline, and groceries. These services are not available in the park.
Information and Emergency Assistance: - For more information write: Superintendent, Cedar
Breaks National Monument, P.O. Box 749, Cedar city, UT 84720; or call (801) 586-9451. In an
emergency, come to the visitor center or contact any park employee.
Books, Maps, Accommodations
Browse through the Adventurous Traveler Bookstore's database to find an extensive collection of books and maps on Utah.
Creekside Plateau Townhomes - Kanab Utahs' furnished vacation condos for extended stay lodging/accommodations while touring Southern Utah National Parks. Within 90 minutes of Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Lake Powell, Grand Staircase Escalante Monument. Adventure tour packages available.
This information was kindly provided by:
Clinton Morse - Greenhouse Manager
Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
75 North Eagleville Rd., Box U-42
University of Connecticut, Storrs CT 06269
Email: ebgadm01@uconnvm.uconn.edu
URL: http://florawww.eeb.uconn.edu/
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