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Cedar Breaks National Monument wilderness guide
National Monument · UT

Cedar Breaks National Monument

Cedar Breaks National Monument is a stunning natural amphitheater known for its vibrant colored cliffs and high-altitude landscapes, appealing to hikers and nature enthusiasts.

National Monument6,1552+ Trails

Designation

National Monument

Total Wilderness Area

6,155

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Cedar Breaks National Monument

Cedar Breaks National Monument is a stunning natural amphitheater known for its vibrant colored cliffs and high-altitude landscapes, appealing to hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Cedar Breaks National Monument, located in southwestern Utah, is a geologic wonder characterized by a natural amphitheater that stretches over three miles wide and half a mile deep. The cliffs are composed of multicolored limestone, shale, and sandstone, creating vibrant reds, oranges, and purples. At over 10,000 feet in elevation, the monument is rich in subalpine meadows, pine and spruce forests, and wildflower displays, offering a habitat for diverse wildlife, including marmots and birds of prey. Created in 1933, Cedar Breaks preserves these unique geological features along with a history of Native American presence and later western exploration. Recreational opportunities include hiking along scenic trails, stargazing under clear night skies, and winter activities like snowshoeing. With its panoramic vistas and rural charm, Cedar Breaks is a cherished destination for visitors seeking natural beauty and solitude.

Field Guide · National Monument
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Cedar Breaks National Monument

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Dixie National Forest: Utah's Natural Wonderland★ 7.8⌖ 9 miHiking
Dixie National Forest

Dixie National Forest: Utah's Natural Wonderland

Explore Dixie National Forest with trails ranging from easy to moderate. Enjoy hiking, scenic drives along Highway 12, and fishing at Navajo Lake. Best visited in spring or fall for fewer crowds and cooler weather.

Waterfall Adventure at Kanarra Falls, Utah★ 8.2⌖ 18 miHiking
Kanarra Falls

Waterfall Adventure at Kanarra Falls, Utah

Kanarra Falls near Kanarraville, Utah, features a 3-mile roundtrip hike through a narrow slot canyon with waterfalls, ladders, and shallow water crossings. Moderate difficulty with stunning natural pools and sandstone walls. Visit in spring and early summer for best water flow and photography.

Kanarra Falls★ 8.5⌖ 19 miHiking
Kanarra Falls

Kanarra Falls

Explore this scenic hike to Kanarra Falls near Cedar City, Utah. The route features stunning slot canyons and a beautiful waterfall. It's popular for photography and adventure seekers, and has a moderate visitor level in peak seasons.

Spring Creek Canyon: A Natural Gem in Kanarraville★ 8.4⌖ 20 miHiking
Spring Creek Canyon Trailhead

Spring Creek Canyon: A Natural Gem in Kanarraville

Explore the moderate trails of Spring Creek Canyon near Kanarraville, Utah. This serene 3-mile hike offers stunning rock formations, rich wildlife, and is popular among photographers. Visit in spring or fall for the best experience.

Canyon Wonders: Kolob Canyons in Utah★ 8.7⌖ 22 miHiking
Kolob Canyons

Canyon Wonders: Kolob Canyons in Utah

Explore Zion's Kolob Canyons, a scenic area near New Harmony, UT. Known for its striking red cliffs, the area offers trails like Taylor Creek and Timber Creek Overlook. Ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing, it's peaceful with fewer crowds compared to other parts of Zion.

Kolob Arch: A Natural Wonder in Utah's Wilderness★ 9.2⌖ 23 miHiking
Kolob Arch

Kolob Arch: A Natural Wonder in Utah's Wilderness

Kolob Arch in Zion National Park is a challenging 14-mile round-trip hike through stunning vistas and diverse wildlife. Best visited in spring or fall, this remote landmark offers an adventure for wildlife observation and photography with its expansive views.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Point Supreme, a breathtaking overlook offering views across the amphitheater✦ Alpine wildflower displays typically at their peak in July✦ Bristlecone Pine Trail, known for ancient pine trees✦ Winter snow sports including snowshoeing and cross-country skiing
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Cedar Breaks National Monument

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Cedar Breaks National Monument
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Cedar Breaks National Monument
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Cedar Breaks National Monument
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Cedar Breaks National Monument
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Cedar Breaks National Monument
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Cedar Breaks National Monument
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Cedar Breaks National Monument.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entrance fees apply, and Interagency Passes are accepted.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Cedar Breaks National Monument

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Cedar Breaks Campground

Located near the visitor center, offering easy access to trails and overlooks.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Cedar Breaks National Monument

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Cedar City
⌖ 12.34 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cedar City, Utah

A vibrant gateway to outdoor exploration, offering access to red rock landscapes, alpine trails, and thrilling winter sports.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Duck Creek Village
⌖ 12.37 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Duck Creek Village, Utah

A serene mountain community offering a gateway to high-elevation forests, alpine meadows, and diverse outdoor pursuits with peaceful charm and fresh pine-scented air.

Late Spring through Fall for hiking and biking; Winter for snowmobiling and snow sportsExplore Town
Kanarraville
⌖ 19.94 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Kanarraville, Utah

A small gateway town offering dramatic slot canyon hikes and scenic desert access with a laid-back, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Glendale
⌖ 25.70 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Glendale, Utah

A serene gateway to remote red rock canyons and desert landscapes that offer rugged hiking, slot canyons, and horseback riding away from crowds.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Orderville
⌖ 27.31 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Orderville, Utah

A gateway to redrock canyons and desert adventures, blending small-town charm with rugged access to some of Utah’s most iconic outdoor playgrounds.

Spring and FallExplore Town
New Harmony
⌖ 27.70 miles
Gateway Basecamp

New Harmony, Utah

A quiet gateway to rugged landscapes, ideal for exploration and solitude in Southern Utah's red rock country.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Cedar Breaks National Monument

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.