Carved into the western edge of the 10,400 foot-high Markagunt Plateau is an amphitheater of colorful spires and columns. It plunges 2,500 feet deep as it scoops away three miles of the green alpine meadows, revealing various shades of red, purple and yellow ribboned through the eroded limestone. When the early settlers saw it, they named it Cedar Breaks - "breaks" to describe the badlands, and "cedar" for the trees that were actually junipers.

The Rim Drive (Scenic Byway 148) travels through the monument offering four major viewpoints with panoramas of the breaks and the high country. When snow blankets the area, the eight mile-long road closes to vehicles and becomes a winter wonderland for cross country skiers and snowmobilers. Nearby Brian Head has delightful powder skiing.

In the summer and fall interpretive talks are offered. You can hike along the wildflower lined trails and see mule deer and ancient bristlecone pines. Or drive to nearby 11,307 foot-high Brian Head Peak and take in the 360-degree panorama view. Mountain bikers will find exciting trails in the surrounding Dixie National Forest.

Stop at the visitor center which was built in 1938 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It is open from late spring through early fall.

Cedar Breaks National Monument
Cedar City, Utah 84720
801-586-9451