Like standing on the crest of a breaking wave, Cedar Breaks National Monument rests at the end of the Markagut Plateau. It's amphitheater stretching below full of colorful pillars and sculpted rock called Hoodoos. The pillars are carved from limestone which eroded away much the same way as Bryce Canyon. However, many find the colors to be more brilliant and dramatic. This visual effect could be caused by Cedar Breaks' larger and deeper amphitheater. Dropping at a rate of 2500 vertical feet over just 3 miles versus Bryce Canyon 1000 feet over 10 miles. Cedar Breaks is also higher in elevation sitting 10,350 feet at the visitors center.
The Markagut Plateau consists of an alpine ecosystem with snow often lingering beneath the pine trees until late June or early July. Valleys of wildflowers consist of: Indian paintbrush, Yarrow, Penstemon and Lupine. Their colors peak in mid to late July.
Many services are closed in late fall and winter, but the park is opened as soon as snow can be cleared from Hwy-148 generally in late May. Camping is not allowed in the amphitheater and only a small campground exists at the park on a first come - first served basis. It is possible to camp in the nearby Ashdown Gorge Wilderness area then day-hike back into the amphitheater following the Rattlesnake Creek Trail. Be prepared for a steep difficult hike on an unmaintained trail. Only two maintained trails exist in Cedar Breaks National Monument. The 2-mile Alpine Pond Loop and the 2-mile Ramparts Trail which includes Spectra Point.
The Markagut Plateau consists of an alpine ecosystem with snow often lingering beneath the pine trees until late June or early July. Valleys of wildflowers consist of: Indian paintbrush, Yarrow, Penstemon and Lupine. Their colors peak in mid to late July.
Many services are closed in late fall and winter, but the park is opened as soon as snow can be cleared from Hwy-148 generally in late May. Camping is not allowed in the amphitheater and only a small campground exists at the park on a first come - first served basis. It is possible to camp in the nearby Ashdown Gorge Wilderness area then day-hike back into the amphitheater following the Rattlesnake Creek Trail. Be prepared for a steep difficult hike on an unmaintained trail. Only two maintained trails exist in Cedar Breaks National Monument. The 2-mile Alpine Pond Loop and the 2-mile Ramparts Trail which includes Spectra Point.
Trails
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Spectra Point Trail - Cedar Breaks National Monument
Two mile round trip hike along the rim of Cedar Breaks amphitheater.
Two mile round trip hike along the rim of Cedar Breaks amphitheater.
Moderate
1.9 mi
3.1 km
3.1 km
Alpine Pond Trail - Cedar Breaks National Monument
A two mile round trip stroll through an alpine ecosystem and colorful amphitheater.
A two mile round trip stroll through an alpine ecosystem and colorful amphitheater.
Moderate
2.2 mi
3.5 km
3.5 km
Ramparts Trail - Cedar Breaks National Monument
Additional 2 mile round trip hike extending from Spectra Point along the rim of Cedar Breaks amphitheater
Additional 2 mile round trip hike extending from Spectra Point along the rim of Cedar Breaks amphitheater
Difficult
3.6 mi
5.8 km
5.8 km
Bartizan Arch - Cedar Breaks National Monument
A 2 mile round trip extension from Ramparts Trail. This Backcountry route includes the beautiful Shooting Star Waterfall
A 2 mile round trip extension from Ramparts Trail. This Backcountry route includes the beautiful Shooting Star Waterfall
Difficult
5.4 mi
8.7 km
8.7 km
Guides
A 2 mile round trip extension from Ramparts Trail. This Backcountry route includes the beautiful Shooting Star Waterfall
Two mile round trip hike along the rim of Cedar Breaks amphitheater.
A two mile round trip stroll through an alpine ecosystem and colorful amphitheater.
Additional 2 mile round trip hike extending from Spectra Point along the rim of Cedar Breaks amphitheater
Community Trips
Located at 10,350 feet elevation, Cedar Breaks National Monument makes a nice reprieve from the summers heat found at Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon.Cedar Breaks is host to only two trails, the Ramparts Trail which includes Spectra Point and a circular 2 mile Alpine Pond Trail. The National Monument makes up for the lack of "in-house" trails by being the center of a host of hiking, mountain biking, horse and...
Alpine Pond Trail - Cedar Breaks National Monument
Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah, United States
2.2 miles
2.2 miles
One of two maintained trails inside the Cedar Breaks National Monument the Alpine Pond Trail is a beautiful walk through an ecosystem that seems out of place next to the desert view of the amphitheater. Designed as an educational trail, a colorful brochure is available for purchase $1.00 based on the honor system at the trailhead. I found the brochure along with the numbered markers to be both informative and yes, educational,...
Ramparts Trail - Cedar Breaks National Monument
Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah, United States
3.7 miles
3.7 miles
Located at 10,350 feet elevation, Cedar Breaks National Monument
makes a nice reprieve from the summers heat found at Zion National Park
and the Grand Canyon.
Cedar Breaks is host to only two trails, the Ramparts Trail which
includes Spectra Point and a circular 2 mile Alpine Pond Trail. The Ramparts portion of the trail starts at the end of Spectra Point
amidst the Bristlecone pine trees. The 2 mile round trip...
Bartizan Arch - Cedar Breaks National Monument
Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah, United States
5.4 miles
5.4 miles
Located at 10,350 feet elevation, Cedar
Breaks National Monument makes a nice reprieve from the summers heat
found at Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon.
Cedar Breaks is host to only two trails, the Ramparts Trail which
includes Spectra Point and a circular 2 mile Alpine Pond Trail.
The Bartizan Arch, a unique triple arch, rests at the western edge of
Cedar Breaks. This backcountry route extends beyond the maintained
trail...
