If it were located anywhere else in the world except in America's canyon's region, Cedar Breaks National Monument would be picked as one of the scenic wonders of the world. Often overlooked because of the Grand Canyon, Zion or Bryce, Cedar Breaks offers a remote getaway with incredible views and wonderful hikes past high country ponds and thickly flowered meadows. 

Cedar Breaks is a huge natural amphitheater has been eroded out of the multi-colored Pink Cliffs into a deep canyon of red rock walls, fins, spires and columns and is over 2,000 feet deep.

CLICK HERE for the National Parks Service website about Cedar Breaks.

Where to Stay.

Overnight at Cedar Breaks Lodge Ski Resort ($99-139 a night per room) in nearby Brian's Head, Utah. Summer discounts usually available. Camping at Point Supreme Campground at Cedar Breaks is $12.00 per night for either tent or RV setups. Cedar City (on Interstate 15) is about a 1-1/2 hour drive, but it is a good stopping point if you are heading back to the highway.

Hiking Cedar Basin.

While a small area, it has some of the nicest scenic hikes anywhere:

ALPINE POND TRAIL. The 2 mile loop Alpine Pond Trail leads to a beautiful forest glade, high-country pond, and alpine meadow filled with many varieties of wild flowers. There are a number of scenic overlooks where you can sit and view out of the forest and over the amphitheater. Plan about 2 hours for this hike, not because it is difficult (there is no more than a few hundred feet of rise and fall along the trail and the hike is suited to most everyone), but because of everything you will see along the way.

RAMPARTS TRAIL. The 4 mile (round trip) Ramparts Trail follows the rim from Point Supreme (Visitor Center) past old bristlecone pine trees to Spectra Point and and ends at an amphitheater overlook. There is 400' of elevation change, but many good stop and view points along the way. Allow 3 hours.