Cedar Breaks National Monument

Cedar Breaks National Monument Near Cedar City, Utah

Cedar Breaks National Monument is one of Southern Utah's most spectacular — and underrated — natural wonders. Located 23 miles east of Cedar City at over 10,000 feet elevation, this National Park Service site preserves a massive natural amphitheater more than 2,000 feet deep and over three miles across. The eroded rock formations display vivid bands of red, orange, yellow, and violet limestone that rival Bryce Canyon in beauty but with a fraction of the crowds.

Scenic Overlooks & Hiking Trails

The monument's 5-mile Scenic Drive connects four stunning overlooks — Point Supreme, Sunset View, North View, and Chessmen Ridge — each offering different perspectives of the amphitheater. Short hiking trails include the 2-mile Alpine Pond Trail through wildflower meadows and ancient Bristlecone Pine forests, and the 4-mile Spectra Point Trail along the rim with breathtaking drop-offs. During peak wildflower season (late June through August), the meadows explode with lupines, columbines, and Indian paintbrush against the backdrop of the colorful amphitheater.

Visiting Cedar Breaks From St. George or Cedar City

Cedar Breaks is approximately 30 minutes from Cedar City and 2.5 hours from St. George via I-15 and Highway 148. The monument is open seasonally (late May through mid-October) depending on snow conditions, as the high elevation receives heavy snowfall. There is a $10 per vehicle entrance fee or you can use an America the Beautiful pass. Visitors should bring layers — even in summer, temperatures at 10,000 feet are 20-30°F cooler than Cedar City and 40°F cooler than St. George. Combine a Cedar Breaks visit with nearby Brian Head Resort for a full day of mountain adventures.