Ramparts Trail - Cedar Breaks National Monument

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Ramparts Trail - Cedar Breaks National Monument

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Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 3.6 miles / 5.8 km
Duration: Half day

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Overview: 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 path is well maintained but steep, making this portion of the trail more difficult than the moderate Spectra Point portion of the trail.

Tips: Bug Spray! Fly's, nat's and mosquito's are common.
Elevation! You are hiking at 10,000 feet, respect this fact and pay attention to any altitude sickness. You can expect to be winded, but any unexplained severe headaches should cause you to seek lower elevation immediately.
Family Friendly Hike but use caution, this is a rim hike along a crumbling eroding amphitheater, keep away from the edge. And keep children close.
Take plenty of water (drink more at higher elevations) and energy snacks

Points of Interest

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Parking and Visitor Center

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 available near the visitor center.

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Spectra Point and Ramparts Trail Trailhead

The trailhead is located about the middle of the parking lot. 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.

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Ramparts Trail Trailhead

Just before arriving at Spectra Point you are greeted by one of Natures Oldest living things. These ancient Bristlecone Pine trees that exist in the harsh environment of a windswept ridge are a wonder to behold. One stands in reverenced awe at these masters of survival, some living as long as 5000 years.

Located at the base of one of these trees is the sign indicating the Trailhead for the Ramparts Trail.

While standing at Spectra Point look West and follow the amphitheater rim to the next extended point, the Ramparts Trail ends at that location.

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Switchbacks and Changing Perspective

After a short walk through the Bristlecone pine forest, a series of switchbacks begins to drop your elevation. The walking is easy until you meet someone struggling up the trail and you are reminded that it is 10,000 feet elevation and you too will have to make the return trip.

Several switchbacks lead to the rim and each provides a changing perspective into the amphitheater.

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Shooting Star Creek

During the switchback portion away from the amphitheater you become aware of running water. Shooting Star Creek is making is way through a lush back growth of vegetation on its way to the rim of Cedar Breaks and the stunning Shooting Star Falls. A stair drop waterfall into Ashdown Gorge Wilderness area.

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Bristlecone Pine tree and Rock formation

Following the rim again watch for the most amazing Bristlecone Pine tree and rock formation I have ever seen. Because Bristlecone Pine trees live so long, one wonders if this Bristlecone tree, as a sapling, during the time of the Roman Empire was safely away from the edge of the amphitheater?

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Spruce and Lupine

As the trail pulls back from the amphitheater you wander through the dead forest of Spruce. These trees were killed during a severe bark beetle outbreak in the 1990's. It will take more than 100 years before a mature spruce forest returns. Specie specific the bark beetle spared the mature Fur and other pine trees in the area.

More beautiful is the Lupine and other wildflowers that grow in the shade of the forest. Lupine is easily identified by a dense stalk of blue flowers. Larkspur, Shooting star, Penstemon and Red paintbrush all grow along the trail and meadows of Cedar Breaks.

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Ramparts trail end

Once again the Bristlecone pine tree awaits your entrance onto the edge of the Cedar Breaks amphitheater. Use extreme caution at the edge of this crumbling Ramparts area. To the West it seems natural to walk to the edge, but remember this is an ever evolving canyon and one quick look is all it takes to back quickly away from the edge. Beautiful views to the West show the Ashdown Wilderness area and Bartizan peak. Views to the North show Brian Head peak and looking back East you can pick out Point Supreme near the visitor center, and Spectra point.

Looing down from Ramparts trail end Photo

Pictures in this guide taken by: steve625

How does this work?

Cedar Breaks National Monument is stunning! The Ramparts portion of the trail is less traveled and allows for broader and deeper viewing of the amphitheater. Many spectacular Hoodoos and windows can only be seen from the lower portion of the Ramparts Trail.
Visited on Aug 12, 2011

by steve625 on Aug 15, 2011