When Does Cedar Breaks Close for the Season? Quick Answer
Cedar Breaks National Monument is winding down its summer season. The Visitor Center, Human History Museum and Zion Forever Project park store close after Saturday, October 17, 2026, according to an October 7 Park Service release. The Point Supreme Campground has already closed, and the 2026 Night Sky Tours and summer special events are over.
The monument itself doesn't close. It's open year-round. What changes is how you get there: once snow arrives, the main road through the park, State Route 148, closes to cars, and the rim is reached on snowmobile, skis or snowshoes.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Visitor Center, museum, park store | Last day Saturday, Oct 17, 2026 |
| Point Supreme Campground | Closed for the season |
| Night Sky Tours | Ended for 2026 |
| Water at the Visitor Center | May be shut off before Oct 17; bring your own |
| SR-148 and Rim Road | Close to vehicles when snow arrives, usually mid-November to mid-May |
| Winter access | Snowmobile (groomed SR-148 trail only), cross-country skis, snowshoes |
| Entrance fee | $25 per vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, $15 per person; no cash |
What Should You Know Before a Late-Season Visit?
The Park Service says the monument sits above 10,000 feet, where freezing temperatures and winter weather "can arrive early." A few things to plan for this week:
- Bring water. The park says water service at the Visitor Center may be shut off before October 17 to prevent freeze damage.
- Check conditions first. The park asks visitors to check its Current Conditions page for weather, road and facility updates before driving up.
- Pay by card. Cedar Breaks' fee page says the monument doesn't accept cash.
- Fee-free days still apply. October 27 and November 11 are on the 2026 fee-free list for U.S. citizens and residents. See our national park fee-free days guide.
Looking for other fall drives? Our Southern Utah fall colors guide covers more spots within a drive of St. George.
When Does State Route 148 Close for Winter?
The park's conditions page says SR-148 "closes each year due to snowpack" and is closed to vehicles "from mid-November to mid-May, on average." The park's winter access page says Rim Road closes along with it, from about mid-November.
The park's winter access page lists two plowed parking areas for winter visitors:
- Highways 14 and 148 junction: plowed except during and right after storms. Highway 14 stays open all winter. Point Supreme Overlook is 3.5 miles away on foot or by snowmobile.
- Highway 143 and the park road junction: plowed, about 4.1 miles from Point Supreme Overlook. No trailers, and cars park diagonally. Highway 143 is plowed during daylight hours, and the park says snow tires or chains are generally required on that road from November 30 to March 1.
Highway 143 is also the road to Brian Head Resort, which plans to open for skiing November 6; see our Brian Head opening day guide.
What Can You Do at Cedar Breaks in Winter?
The Park Service says the overlooks "can still be accessed by snowmobile, cross-country skis, and snowshoes" during the road closure.
- Snowmobiling is allowed only on the marked, groomed trail that follows SR-148. To visit a viewpoint, park the sled and walk, snowshoe or ski. The park says violators can be fined up to $5,000 and have their snowmobiles impounded.
- Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are allowed on the park's trails. The park says all trails are open to both, though track is set only on the snow-covered park road.
The park also warns that winter weather at the rim changes quickly and can be severely cold and windy, and that the elevation can leave visitors short of breath. Plan on moving slowly.
How Far Is Cedar Breaks From St. George?
About 75 miles, or roughly an hour and 15 minutes, by way of I-15 north to Parowan and Highway 143. Our St. George to Brian Head guide covers the drive up SR-143; Cedar Breaks is past Brian Head on SR-148 when that road is open. For other things to do in the area this season, see our Cedar City events calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Cedar Breaks visitor center close for 2026?
Saturday, October 17, 2026, is the last day of the season for the Cedar Breaks Visitor Center, Human History Museum and Zion Forever Project park store. They close after that day.
Is Cedar Breaks National Monument open in winter?
Yes. The monument is open year-round, but State Route 148 and Rim Road close to vehicles when snow arrives, usually from about mid-November to mid-May. In winter, the overlooks can be reached by snowmobile, cross-country skis or snowshoes.
Is the Point Supreme Campground open?
No. The campground has closed for the season. The park says it is open seasonally, weather permitting, from June to mid-September.
Can you snowmobile at Cedar Breaks?
Yes, but only on the marked, groomed trail that follows State Route 148. Riders who want to visit viewpoints must walk, snowshoe or ski off the trail. Violators can be fined up to $5,000 and have their snowmobiles impounded.
Sources: Cedar Breaks National Monument news release, October 7, 2026: Cedar Breaks National Monument Winds Down Summer Operations; Cedar Breaks: Current Conditions; Cedar Breaks: Winter Access; Cedar Breaks: Ride a Snowmobile; Cedar Breaks: Ski and Snowshoe; Cedar Breaks: Fees.
Last updated October 12, 2026. Check the park's current conditions page before you go.
