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, with spectacular views in all directions. The bristlecone pines, one of the longest-living species of trees, are found along this trail. The oldest known tree in the monument is over 1,600 years old. At 10,500 feet, this hike is moderately strenuous and is not recommended for persons with cardiac or pulmonary health problems. Bring adequate footwear for hiking, a hat and sunscreen, something to protect you from the cool winds, and lots of water to drink. If you just hike to Spectra Point Overlook, the trip is only a two-mile round-trip.

Alpine Pond Nature Trail

This trail is a two-mile double-loop trail through forest and meadows. The lower trail offers excellent views of the "breaks." The upper trail takes you past meadows of native wildflowers, through spruce-fir-aspen forest, and past ancient deposits of volcanic materials. Located half-way through the loop is the Alpine pond. This natural, spring-fed pond offers visitors a quiet location to enjoy and relax. A small strand of bristlecone pines can also be viewed from this trail. The Alpine Pond is easy to moderate in difficulty. There is a self-guided trail brochure available at the trailhead and Visitor Center for $1.00. For a shorter trail, take the cut-off at the pond to make the hike a one-mile loop trail.

Rattlesnake Creek Trail

Located just outside the park's north entrance, part of the Ashdown Gorge Wilderness Area. This rugged trail drops 2,500 feet in four miles where it intersects with Ashdown Creek. Hikers can then follow the creek upstream into the canyons of Cedar Breaks, or follow the creek down through the Ashdown Gorge Wilderness Area, dropping an additional 1,000 feet over five miles to the lower trailhead at the 7-mile marker on Utah Highway 14 east of Cedar City. Trail markers are poor or non-existent in places, so hikers should be versed in map reading. Be prepared to do some wading. Hikers should be advised to check the weather prior to trip in case of flash floods within the gorge.

NOTE: Almost all the trails into the Ashdown Gorge Wilderness Area travel through private property at some point. Please respect the landholders and follow all the guidelines outlined by Leave No Trace.

Major areas of private land include the northwestern end of the Potato Hollow Trail, Ashdown Creek from the beginning of the gorge east for about one mile, and all buildings located near the creek bed.

Spectra Point Trail

Join a Ranger on Saturdays or Sundays at 10:00 a.m. for a Guided hike down Spectra Point Trail.  Learn about the Bristlecone Pines, the animals, and geology of Cedar Breaks. Meet the Ranger at the Spectra Point Trailhead. Make sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat.

Alpine Pond Trail

Join a Ranger on Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. for a Guided hike down Alpine Pond Trail. Learn about the wildflowers, the plant life, and the animals that live in this area.  Meet the Ranger at the Alpine Pond Trailhead. Make sure to bring plenty of water.