St. George to Cedar Breaks National Monument
A massive natural amphitheater carved 2,500 feet deep into the High Plateaus at 10,000 feet — Cedar Breaks is Southern Utah's most underrated wonder. Vivid hoodoo formations, ancient bristlecone pines, summer wildflower fields, and some of the darkest skies in Utah make this compact monument a spectacular destination year-round.
I-15 North → UT-143 East (Scenic Byway 148)
75 miles
Distance
1 hour 15 minutes
Drive Time
north
Direction
Late May - Mid October
Best Time
10,467 ft (Point Supreme) elevation
Driving from St. George to Cedar Breaks National Monument
Route: I-15 North → UT-143 East (Scenic Byway 148)
Head north on I-15 to Parowan (exit 75), then take UT-143 East up the mountain. The road climbs steeply through conifer and aspen forests from 6,000 feet at Parowan to over 10,000 feet at the monument rim, with switchbacks, forest meadows, and dramatic views. From Cedar City, take UT-14 East to Duck Creek Village and north on UT-148 — a longer but equally scenic route.
About Cedar Breaks National Monument
Cedar Breaks National Monument sits at the edge of the Markagunt High Plateau, where millions of years of erosion have carved a 3-mile-wide, 2,500-foot-deep natural amphitheater from the pink Claron limestone. The result is a concentrated explosion of color — deep reds, vivid oranges, purples, and whites — that rivals and in some ways surpasses the better-known Bryce Canyon just 40 miles to the east. Yet Cedar Breaks receives a fraction of the visitors, making it possible to stand at Point Supreme overlook in near solitude while taking in one of the most spectacular landscapes in Utah.
The monument sits at 10,000 feet elevation, which means it runs 30-40 degrees cooler than St. George in summer and receives over 400 inches of snowfall annually. The high elevation produces a compressed growing season where wildflowers burst into color in late July and August — the meadows around the rim explode with Indian paintbrush, columbine, lupine, and yarrow in a display that draws photographers from across the region. The ancient bristlecone pines along the rim are among the oldest living organisms on Earth, with some specimens exceeding 1,500 years old.
The scenic drive along Scenic Byway 148 connects all four named overlooks — Point Supreme, Sunset View, Chessmen Ridge, and Ramparts — in under five miles of easy driving. The Alpine Pond Loop trail (2 miles) descends through wildflower meadows to a reflective high-country pond surrounded by spruce and fir, offering the best interior views of the amphitheater from below the rim. Cedar Breaks is also designated as an International Dark Sky Park, and its elevation, low humidity, and distance from city lights produce stunning nighttime views of the Milky Way from June through September.
Gas Stops Along the Way
- Cedar City — 52 miles / 55 min from St. George (full services — best fuel stop)
- Parowan — 60 miles / 1 hr from St. George (gas at freeway exit)
- Brian Head Village — limited fuel, higher prices — fill up before going up the mountain
Weather & Climate
Cedar Breaks sits at 10,000-10,467 feet with true alpine weather. Summer highs reach 55-70°F (vs. 100°F+ in St. George) with cool nights dropping to 35-45°F even in July. Afternoon thunderstorms are common July-August. The monument receives 400+ inches of snow annually. Bring warm layers regardless of season.
Best Time to Visit
Late May - Mid October
Late July through mid-August is the absolute prime season for wildflower bloom — the meadows surrounding the rim are extraordinary. June and early July bring long days and fewer crowds. September through early October is ideal for fall aspen colors and cool hiking weather with minimal summer crowds. The monument road closes for winter by early November, but snowshoe access is beautiful December through April.
Things to Do in Cedar Breaks National Monument
From outdoor adventures to dining, here is everything worth experiencing when you visit Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah.
Overlooks & Hiking Trails
Point Supreme Overlook
Free with monument entryThe signature viewpoint of Cedar Breaks, located at the visitor center complex at 10,467 feet. A wide paved platform offers panoramic views across the full 3-mile width of the amphitheater. The colors are most vivid in the hour before sunset. Do not miss this viewpoint even if you only have one stop.
Arrive for the last hour of daylight — the warm light turns the amphitheater walls from orange to deep red
Chessmen Ridge Overlook
Free with monument entryNamed for the chess-piece-shaped hoodoos lining the ridge, this viewpoint offers a different perspective of the amphitheater with the distinctive spire formations in the foreground. One of the best spots for detailed hoodoo photography.
Ramparts Overlook
Free with monument entryThe most dramatic edge viewpoint, where the rim drops away sharply and the full depth and scale of the amphitheater becomes apparent. Ancient bristlecone pines frame the view. A short trail from the parking area.
Alpine Pond Loop Trail
Free with monument entryThe best hiking trail in the monument — a 2-mile loop that descends from the rim through wildflower meadows and subalpine forest to a tranquil reflective pond. Exceptional wildflower viewing in late July and August. Moderate with 325 feet of elevation change.
Visit in late July through mid-August for peak wildflower bloom — the meadows are spectacular
Spectra Point / Ramparts Trail
Free with monument entryA more challenging 4-mile round-trip trail along the rim to Spectra Point, passing through ancient bristlecone pine groves with stunning views into the amphitheater. The oldest bristlecones along this trail are over 1,500 years old.
Stargazing & Night Programs
Night Sky Ranger Programs
Free with monument entryCedar Breaks is designated as an International Dark Sky Park. Free ranger-led astronomy programs run on select summer evenings, with telescopes provided for viewing planets, nebulae, and star clusters from 10,000 feet.
Milky Way Viewing
FreeThe combination of 10,000-foot elevation, low humidity, and minimal light pollution makes Cedar Breaks one of the best Milky Way viewing locations in Utah. On moonless summer nights, the galaxy stretches across the entire sky in extraordinary detail.
Plan around new moon dates for the darkest skies — use an astronomy app to check moon phase before your visit
Annual Wildflower & Astronomy Festival
Free with monument entryMulti-day event held each July celebrating Cedar Breaks's peak wildflower bloom and International Dark Sky Park status, with guided hikes, photography workshops, and evening star parties.
Seasonal Activities
Wildflower Season (Late July - August)
Free with monument entryThe peak wildflower bloom transforms the meadows surrounding the rim into a riot of color. Indian paintbrush, lupine, penstemon, columbine, and wild strawberry create dense carpets of color. Late July to mid-August is the optimal window.
Fall Color (Late September - October)
Free with monument entryThe aspen groves surrounding the monument turn brilliant gold in late September, contrasting with the red and orange of the amphitheater walls below. One of the most dramatic autumn color drives in Southern Utah.
Snowshoeing (December - April)
Free with monument entry (entrance fee may not apply in winter)The monument road is groomed as a snowshoe and cross-country ski trail in winter. The snow-covered amphitheater rim is extraordinarily beautiful and almost completely deserted. Bring your own equipment.
Scenic Byway 148 Drive
Free with monument entryThe 5-mile scenic byway connecting all monument overlooks is one of the most beautiful short drives in Utah. All four named viewpoints are accessible by car with short walks. Beautiful in every season.
Nearby Dining & Lodging
Cedar Breaks Lodge (Brian Head)
$150-$300/nightFull-service lodge just minutes from the monument at Brian Head Resort. The closest overnight accommodation to Cedar Breaks, with a restaurant, hot tub, and easy access to both the monument and the ski resort.
Brian Head Cabin Rentals
$100-$400/nightVRBO and Airbnb have extensive cabin rental listings in the Brian Head area, ranging from cozy studios to large group lodges. Popular for wildflower weekends and fall color trips.
Cedar City Restaurants
$-$$$Cedar City (23 miles west via UT-143 and I-15) has the region's best dining options including Centro Woodfired Pizzeria, The French Spot, and The Pastry Pub. An excellent pre- or post-visit dining stop.
Bump & Grind Coffee (Brian Head)
$Coffee shop and casual eatery in Brian Head Village serving espresso drinks, pastries, and sandwiches. A good morning fuel stop before hiking the monument trails.
Travel Tips for the St. George to Cedar Breaks National Monument Drive
Cedar Breaks road and visitor facilities are open late May through mid-October — the road closes for winter (snowshoeing access only)
The monument sits at 10,000+ feet — altitude sickness is possible, especially for visitors coming directly from St. George at 2,800 feet. Take it slow your first hour
Bring a jacket even in July — temperatures at 10,000 feet are 30-40 degrees cooler than St. George
Late July through mid-August is peak wildflower bloom — plan your visit accordingly for the most spectacular meadow colors
Fill up gas in Cedar City or Parowan before heading up — Brian Head has limited fuel options and prices are higher
The monument entry fee is $10 per person — the America the Beautiful annual pass covers entry
Visit on a weekday to have the overlooks nearly to yourself — this monument is far less crowded than Bryce Canyon or Zion
Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August at this elevation — plan hikes for morning hours
Frequently Asked Questions: St. George to Cedar Breaks National Monument
How far is Cedar Breaks from St. George?
Cedar Breaks National Monument is 75 miles (1 hour 15 minutes) from St. George via I-15 North to Parowan and UT-143 East up the mountain to the rim at 10,000 feet.
When is Cedar Breaks National Monument open?
Cedar Breaks is open for vehicle access from late May through mid-October, when the road closes for winter. The monument is accessible by snowshoe and cross-country ski in winter. Exact opening dates depend on snowfall — check the NPS website before your visit.
How is Cedar Breaks different from Bryce Canyon?
Cedar Breaks and Bryce Canyon are geologically similar — both feature vivid hoodoo amphitheaters carved from the same Claron limestone formation. Cedar Breaks is higher (10,000 vs. 8,000 feet), smaller, and receives far fewer visitors, making for a more intimate experience. The wildflower season at Cedar Breaks is considered superior to Bryce.
When do the wildflowers bloom at Cedar Breaks?
The wildflower season at Cedar Breaks typically peaks from late July through mid-August. Indian paintbrush, lupine, columbine, penstemon, and wild strawberry create dense meadow carpets that attract photographers from across the region. The Annual Wildflower Festival is held each July.
Can I do Cedar Breaks as a day trip from St. George?
Yes, Cedar Breaks is an excellent day trip at just 1 hour 15 minutes from St. George. Combine it with a stop in Brian Head or Cedar City for a full day. Remember the road is only open late May through mid-October.
Is Cedar Breaks good for stargazing?
Cedar Breaks is an International Dark Sky Park and one of the premier stargazing destinations in Utah. The 10,000-foot elevation, low humidity, and minimal light pollution combine to produce exceptional night sky visibility. Free ranger-led astronomy programs run on select summer evenings.
Nearby Destinations from Cedar Breaks National Monument
Brian Head Resort
The closest ski resort to St. George offers affordable skiing, world-class mountain biking, and summer temperatures 30-40 degrees cooler. At 9,600 feet, Brian Head is Southern Utah's mountain escape.
Cedar City
Home of the Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival, Southern Utah University, and the gateway to Brian Head and Cedar Breaks. Cedar City runs 15-20 degrees cooler than St. George with a growing arts and dining scene.
Bryce Canyon National Park
A wonderland of orange, red, and white hoodoo rock spires unlike anything else on Earth. Bryce Canyon sits at 8,000+ feet, offering cooler temperatures and some of the darkest night skies in the world.
Pine Valley
The Pine Valley Mountains are St. George's backyard mountain escape — a cool, forested retreat just 45 minutes from the desert floor. With a peaceful reservoir, wilderness hiking, a historic chapel, and shaded campgrounds, Pine Valley offers the closest alpine getaway from Southern Utah's summer heat.
Complete Guide: Driving from St. George to Cedar Breaks National Monument
St. George to Cedar Breaks National Monument — 75 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes Drive
Cedar Breaks National Monument sits at the edge of the Markagunt High Plateau, where millions of years of erosion have carved a 3-mile-wide, 2,500-foot-deep natural amphitheater from the pink Claron limestone. The result is a concentrated explosion of color — deep reds, vivid oranges, purples, and whites — that rivals and in some ways surpasses the better-known Bryce Canyon just 40 miles to the east. Yet Cedar Breaks receives a fraction of the visitors, making it possible to stand at Point Supreme overlook in near solitude while taking in one of the most spectacular landscapes in Utah.
The route from St. George, Utah to Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah covers 75 miles and takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes via I-15 North → UT-143 East (Scenic Byway 148). Head north on I-15 to Parowan (exit 75), then take UT-143 East up the mountain. The road climbs steeply through conifer and aspen forests from 6,000 feet at Parowan to over 10,000 feet at the monument rim, with switchbacks, forest meadows, and dramatic views. From Cedar City, take UT-14 East to Duck Creek Village and north on UT-148 — a longer but equally scenic route.
Things to Do in Cedar Breaks National Monument
Overlooks & Hiking Trails: Point Supreme Overlook, Chessmen Ridge Overlook, Ramparts Overlook. Stargazing & Night Programs: Night Sky Ranger Programs, Milky Way Viewing, Annual Wildflower & Astronomy Festival. Seasonal Activities: Wildflower Season (Late July - August), Fall Color (Late September - October), Snowshoeing (December - April). Nearby Dining & Lodging: Cedar Breaks Lodge (Brian Head), Brian Head Cabin Rentals, Cedar City Restaurants.
Best Time to Visit Cedar Breaks National Monument
Late July through mid-August is the absolute prime season for wildflower bloom — the meadows surrounding the rim are extraordinary. June and early July bring long days and fewer crowds. September through early October is ideal for fall aspen colors and cool hiking weather with minimal summer crowds. The monument road closes for winter by early November, but snowshoe access is beautiful December through April.
Travel Tips
Cedar Breaks road and visitor facilities are open late May through mid-October — the road closes for winter (snowshoeing access only). The monument sits at 10,000+ feet — altitude sickness is possible, especially for visitors coming directly from St. George at 2,800 feet. Take it slow your first hour. Bring a jacket even in July — temperatures at 10,000 feet are 30-40 degrees cooler than St. George. Late July through mid-August is peak wildflower bloom — plan your visit accordingly for the most spectacular meadow colors.
For more things to do near St. George, explore our Things to Do guide, browse the Events Calendar, or discover local businesses in the St. George Business Directory. Check out all road trip destinations from St. George including Brian Head Resort, Cedar City, Bryce Canyon National Park.