Cedar Breaks National Monument
Cedar Breaks National Monument
People have been visiting Cedar Breaks area for over 9,000 years. The monument rests on top of the Colorado plateau and at over 10,000 feet in elevation offers breathtaking views. The park's giant amphitheater, more than 2,000 feet deep, has been carved by millions of years of sedimentation, uplift, and erosion.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Paul RoelandtPhone Number: 435-586-9451
Entrance Fees: Individual Pass (valid for seven days): $4; Tour Groups/Commercial Vehicles (1
Sights: Spectra Point/Ramparts Overlook Trail; Alpine Pond Nature Trail; Rattlesnake Creek Trail; Cedar Breaks Historic Lodge; Historic Visitor Center; Pink Cliffs
Important Dates
By The Numbers
Acres: 6,154.60Highest Point: Colorado Plateau (10662 feet)
Annual Visitation: 488,376 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :37.631910 / -112.842610 (map it)
State: UT
Gateway Communities: Cedar City, UT; Brian Head, UT ; Parowan, UT; Paragonah, UT; Summit, UT
Nearby Airports: Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : No
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
Park Photos
Cedar Breaks Canyon
Stephanie Lupoli
Sunset Color and Stone
George Burba
Cedar Breaks Color
James M. Phelps Jr.
View More Cedar Breaks Photos
In Detail
Animals Animals of Cedar Breaks Mammals Bats Carnivores Even-toed Ungulates Rodents Pikas, Rabbits, & Hares ShrewsShrews Dusky Shrew (Sorex obscurus) Masked Shrew (Sorex cinereus) Northern Water Shrew (Sor ... read more.
Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between a National Monument and a National Park? A National Park is declared by an act of Congress, while a National Monument is declared by the President. Why are all the tre ... read more.
Geology Geologic Formations The geology of Cedar Breaks started around 60 million years ago. The amphitheater one can see from various viewpoints today, was created through 3 geological events: deposition, ... read more.
History Southern Paiute Indians Their range covered from the Great Basin to southern California. These desert dwellers lived beside water sources and would eat things such as grass seeds, pine nuts, agave ... read more.
In A Nutshell Directions Directions Visitors traveling south on I-15, exit at Parowan, then take Utah Highway 143 east, to Cedar Breaks National Monument. Visitors traveling north on I-15, exit at Cedar City, the ... read more.
Just For Kids Be A Junior Ranger During your visit, make sure to stop by the Visitor Center to pick up your Junior Ranger program. Once completed, see a Ranger to receive your badge! If you forgot during your vis ... read more.
Planning Your Visit Now that you are planning your trip, here are some questions you might be asking yourself... Where is Cedar Breaks National Monument? How do I get there? When does the road close? Is the visit ... read more.
Plants Wildflowers This is a list of the common types of wildflowers found at Cedar Breaks, for a complete list and description, visit our wildflower brochure. American Bistort (Polygonum bistortoides) As ... read more.
Preservation Centennial Initiative 2016 In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016, America invites the world to discover the meaning of national parks to their lives and inspire ... read more.
Things To Do Evening Programs Evening Programs are offered every night from mid-June to mid-October at 9:00 p.m. at the Campground Amphitheater. It can be cool at night so remember a jacket. In case of bad weathe ... read more.
Visitor Services Historic Visitor Center The VisitorCenter was constructed in 1937 by the CCC. It was built and designed to resemble the classic National Park Service rustic architecture. The building since its cons ... read more.
Walking & Hiking Hiking Pets, bikes, or motorized vehicles are not allowed on any of the hiking trails located within the monument. Spectra Point/Ramparts Overlook Trail This is a four-mile round-trip along the rim, ... read more.
Winter Activities Winter Events Winter at Cedar Breaks can be a wonderful experience for those prepared for extreme winder conditions. Although the Cedar Breaks Scenic Drive is closed by deep snow during the winter m ... read more.
Cedar Breaks In Depth
News from the Parks
Rainier Landmark Meets Wrecking Ball
November 18, 2008 - 11:29am
Paradise echoed Monday not with the voices of park visitors, but with the thump and crash of a 4,500-pound wrecking ball smashing through the old visitor center.
November 18, 2008 - 11:29am
Paradise echoed Monday not with the voices of park visitors, but with the thump and crash of a 4,500-pound wrecking ball smashing through the old visitor center.
New River Gorge National River Celebrates 30th Anniversary
November 18, 2008 - 11:24am
The New River Gorge celebrated its 30th year as part of the National Park System last week with the Nov. 10 anniversary of its 1978 designation as a National River.
November 18, 2008 - 11:24am
The New River Gorge celebrated its 30th year as part of the National Park System last week with the Nov. 10 anniversary of its 1978 designation as a National River.
Park to Go with 720 Sleds per Day
November 18, 2008 - 11:22am
Yellowstone National Park officials have opted to allow 720 snowmobiles a day in the park this winter, abandoning a temporary plan they proposed two weeks ago for 318 machines a day.
November 18, 2008 - 11:22am
Yellowstone National Park officials have opted to allow 720 snowmobiles a day in the park this winter, abandoning a temporary plan they proposed two weeks ago for 318 machines a day.
Falling Boulders Endanger Lives at Yosemite
November 18, 2008 - 11:20am
A major rockslide at Yosemite National Park's Curry Village has prompted officials to consider closing part of the lodging area permanently.
November 18, 2008 - 11:20am
A major rockslide at Yosemite National Park's Curry Village has prompted officials to consider closing part of the lodging area permanently.
Interior and Energy Team-up to Make National Parks “Green”
November 18, 2008 - 10:09am
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help the National Park Service (NPS) showcase sustainable energy practices and fulfill its mission of environmental stewardship. With equal amounts of initial “seed money” from DOI and DOE totaling $1 million for 2009, the Energy SmartPARKS program hopes to eventually draw private sector support to spark a green energy future in the United States. “This partnership will deploy energy efficient and renewable energy technologies throughout the national park system,” said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “We have the power to not only improve conditions in the parks, but also demonstrate for the public the impacts and benefits of green energy innovations.” “Our national parks are a showcase of this country's natural beauty and historical significance. With this agreement, we're ensuring that these parks are also models of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies,” said Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. “Our parks have always been an important way for Americans to learn about the environment, now they can learn about energy use as well.” “The Energy SmartPARKS program will make positive, tangible advancements by greening the parks and by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions,” said Mary A. Bomar, Director of the National Park Service. “This is a great way to demonstrate our environmental leadership as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.” On the ground, parks will use funding from Energy SmartPARKS to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as traditional solutions, including projects that retrofit lighting systems; purchase electric utility vehicles; install solar panel systems; upgrade meters and thermostats; replace windows and furnaces; study the feasibility of wind power; and conduct energy audits. Lessons learned from these projects can be used in other national parks and in the homes of every American. A list of some of the 2009 projects is available. Two recent projects illustrate the exciting possibilities of Energy SmartPARKS in the future: the exterior relighting of both the White House and the Washington Monument. With ground-breaking technology that improved the exterior illumination, these national icons now look beautiful while being energy efficient at the same time. Although the official assessment of the White House relighting project by DOE has not yet been conducted, early estimates anticipate over 50% energy reduction. The Washington Monument relighting project resulted in a 27% energy reduction with a cut of 36 tons per year in carbon emissions according to the official DOE assessment. The Energy SmartPARKS program will also develop new and expand existing partnerships with the private, non-profit, and academic sectors. These partners may help raise funds, identify projects, find technological solutions, and educate the public. The National Park Service is developing an Energy SmartPARKS website, in partnership with DOI and DOE, to showcase its commitment to a green energy future in America. Visit www.nps.gov/energy in the coming weeks.
November 18, 2008 - 10:09am
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help the National Park Service (NPS) showcase sustainable energy practices and fulfill its mission of environmental stewardship. With equal amounts of initial “seed money” from DOI and DOE totaling $1 million for 2009, the Energy SmartPARKS program hopes to eventually draw private sector support to spark a green energy future in the United States. “This partnership will deploy energy efficient and renewable energy technologies throughout the national park system,” said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “We have the power to not only improve conditions in the parks, but also demonstrate for the public the impacts and benefits of green energy innovations.” “Our national parks are a showcase of this country's natural beauty and historical significance. With this agreement, we're ensuring that these parks are also models of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies,” said Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. “Our parks have always been an important way for Americans to learn about the environment, now they can learn about energy use as well.” “The Energy SmartPARKS program will make positive, tangible advancements by greening the parks and by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions,” said Mary A. Bomar, Director of the National Park Service. “This is a great way to demonstrate our environmental leadership as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.” On the ground, parks will use funding from Energy SmartPARKS to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as traditional solutions, including projects that retrofit lighting systems; purchase electric utility vehicles; install solar panel systems; upgrade meters and thermostats; replace windows and furnaces; study the feasibility of wind power; and conduct energy audits. Lessons learned from these projects can be used in other national parks and in the homes of every American. A list of some of the 2009 projects is available. Two recent projects illustrate the exciting possibilities of Energy SmartPARKS in the future: the exterior relighting of both the White House and the Washington Monument. With ground-breaking technology that improved the exterior illumination, these national icons now look beautiful while being energy efficient at the same time. Although the official assessment of the White House relighting project by DOE has not yet been conducted, early estimates anticipate over 50% energy reduction. The Washington Monument relighting project resulted in a 27% energy reduction with a cut of 36 tons per year in carbon emissions according to the official DOE assessment. The Energy SmartPARKS program will also develop new and expand existing partnerships with the private, non-profit, and academic sectors. These partners may help raise funds, identify projects, find technological solutions, and educate the public. The National Park Service is developing an Energy SmartPARKS website, in partnership with DOI and DOE, to showcase its commitment to a green energy future in America. Visit www.nps.gov/energy in the coming weeks.
