Bartizan Arch - Cedar Breaks National Monument

From the parking lot proceed to the visitor center to pay the $4 dollar entrance fee. Because Cedar Breaks is a National Monument the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass also allows entry.

Restroom facilities are also located near the visitor center.

From the visitor center, backtrack about halfway along the parking lot and follow the well designated path through the trees to the rim of the amphitheater. Looking South you'll see the established trail weaving itself through the trees along the rim.

Spectra Point is the first leg of a multi-leg trail continuing along the rim of Cedar Breaks. Also, serving as the trailhead for an additional 2 mile round trip along Ramparts Trail.

Stunning views across the amphitheater to Point Supreme and, Brian Head peak can be seen. Looking West, along the rim, Rampart point is the next visible point extending into the amphitheater. The point behind Ramparts is The Bartizan.

Ramparts Trail ends at another stunning point looking into the amphitheater. Views East toward Point Supreme, North toward Brian Head and West to The Bartizan and Ashdown Wilderness area are a beautiful sight to behold.

From Ramparts trailend look West and follow the rim of the amphitheater to the next prominent point called The Bartizan. Your direction of travel will be to follow the rim West for about 1/4 mile. There is a faint trail that wanders in and out of the Bristlecone pine trees along the edge.

Warning: Soft crumbling edge, stay back!

As you continue to follow the rim of the amphitheater you will be greeted by a pair of dead sentinels and a small clearing where most of the trees are dead. From this location bear left and begin to head downhill into the vegetation of the forest.

Carefully pick your way through the vegetation traveling the cleanest route possible. The forest floor is littered with decomposing trees, new growth, and large rocks. Large chunks of flint stone are scattered throughout the area.

Continue traversing the hillside heading West at the same time dropping in altitude. Avoid the temptation to drop directly to the creek, traverse the hill above the creek will make your way easier. As the trees begin to break and the amphitheater edge begins to take shape work your way to the stream. You should arrive at the point Shooting Star creek makes it's first 40' spill over the edge into Cedar Breaks.

The waterfall can best be viewed by hiking around to a prominent point to the right of the waterfall. Use extreme caution as limestone, especially wet limestone is weak and more likely to break. Work your way higher on the ridge, then drop down toward a dead tree at the tip of the lookout, then slowly and carefully walk back toward the waterfall, taking care to stay back from the edge. Beautiful views of the waterfall and a breathtaking panorama view looking West into Ashdown Gorge Wilderness area can be seen from this vantage point.

Shooting Star creek is a multi-stepped waterfall and water should be running throughout the year, especially if the snowfall was high in the previous winter. But it is a snow fed creek, and as such can run dry during the later summer months.

From the lookout point for the Shooting Star waterfall, work your way back up the hillside slightly. Looking for game trails that head West-North-West. Game trails are easy to spot on the barren crumbled limestone rock and make for easier travel in and out of several drainage areas that flow from off of The Bartizan.

Within a 100 feet you will begin to recognize the point directly West to be that of Bartizan Arch. This unique triple arch begins to take shape as you work your way long the game trails toward it. There is a spot about halfway between the waterfall and the arch where all three arches can be seen, but it takes a sharp eye to pick out the middle arch without sky behind the structure.

Continue to work your way along the game trail until you are standing directly beside the arch. Do not attempt to cross onto the arch! You can tell by close inspection the upper arch is reaching the end of it's life cycle as there are clear signs of fractures all along the bridge.

Continue West along the edge for breathtaking views into Ashdown Gorge Wilderness area, then turn North and climb to the timbered peak of The Bartizan.

From atop the Bartizan Arch, climb the rough limestone ridge line to the timbered point of The Bartizan. This lookout point gives you a perspective of Cedar Breaks amphitheater few will ever witness. The Bartizan summit is down a narrow ridge line from the point with extreme drop off's on both sides. I would highly recommend NOT to venture off the point.

Relax in the shade of Bristlecone pine trees, eat lunch and enjoy the views.

Upon leaving The Bartizan, work your way back toward the Bartizan arch, choose a game trail that leads higher on the hill side and in the general direction of travel. There is no need to backtrack all the way to the waterfall. Staying higher on the hill will allow for easier travel. Using a GPS allows you to recognize the point in which you should work you way toward the rim.