Cedar Breaks

Cedar Breaks National Monument National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Offcial Newspaper 2019 Visitor Guide Cedar Breaks Amphitheater NPS Photo by Nancy Julian Contact Information What to Do Today? Cedar Breaks National Monument Information Center (Late May - Mid October) (435) 586 - 0787 Get started with this guide to Cedar Breaks National Monument! Here you will fnd information and events that are not found on our park map. While here, please enjoy and respect the plants, animals and other people in this park. If we all do our part, those who follow will experience the same beautiful place for generations to come! E-mail: cedarbreaksinfo@nps.gov Mailing Address & Administrative Offce (Year-round) Cedar Breaks National Monument 2390 West Highway 56, Suite #11 Cedar City, Utah 84720 (435) 586 - 9451 Website: www.nps.gov/cebr Emergencies Dial 911, then contact a ranger at the Fee Station or Information Center. Cell phone reception is not reliable in the monument or surrounding area. Anybody Can Become a Junior Ranger! To earn your badge follow these three steps: 1. Pick up a free junior ranger workbook at the Information or Discovery Center. 2. Complete the activities required for your age. 3. Bring your completed workbook to the Information Center or Family Discovery Center to get your badge! Tag Your Memories! Get your posts shared on Cedar Breaks’ social media feeds! Facebook & Instagram: @CedarBreaksNationalMonument Hours of Operation When visiting after hours, please pay entrance fees at the Honor Fee kiosk behind the Fee Station. Service Time Open Season Information Center 9 AM - 6 PM 7 Days a Week Late May - Mid Oct. Family Discovery Center 10 AM - 12 PM 1 PM - 3 PM Wed - Sunday Late June - Mid Aug. Restrooms 24 Hours a Day 7 Days a Week Late May - Mid Oct. Campground 24 Hours a Day 7 Days a Week Mid June - Late Sept. (Dependent on weather) Scenic Drive 148 24 Hours a Day 7 Days a Week Late May - Mid Oct. (Dependent on weather) This publication and more are brought to you by the Zion National Park Forever Project, Cedar Breaks’ offcial nonproft partner. Learn more at: Mountain Bluebird w w w. z i o n p a r k . o r g Welcome 1 Trails, Kids & Camping Campground Trail 1 Mile (1.6 Km) Round Trip. This easy trail connects Point Supreme Campground and the Information Center. Begin by walking the Sunset Trail from the Information Center and crossing Hwy 148. The Campground Trail is a dirt path leaving the paved Sunset Trail, descending through meadows and majestic stands of subalpine fr, Engelmann spruce and quaking aspen before arriving at Point Supreme Campground. Although the Campground Trail is short, it allows hikers to experience all three of the monument’s habitats: the amphitheater, spruce-fr-aspen forest and meadows. For this reason, the Campground Trail is a favorite for wildfower enthusiasts and bird watchers. Sunset Trail Alpine Pond Trail Ramparts Trail 2 Miles (3.2 Km) Round Trip. 4 Miles (6.4 Km) Round Trip. This easy wheelchair-accessible paved trail leads visitors past the Point Supreme picnic area to the Sunset Overlook. This easy 2-mile double-loop trail meanders through forests and meadows. Trailheads are located at Chessmen Ridge Overlook and at the north Alpine Pond parking area. This strenuous out-and-back hike along the rim of the amphitheater features sweeping views of the monument’s spectacular geology. 2 Miles (3.2 Km) Round Trip. This trail is built to ofer all ages and abilities the opportunity to enjoy a walk in the woods. Because it was built to avoid steep grades, this trail provides gentle slopes and ofers many rest areas for children, the elderly, those using mobility devices and those just wanting to avoid mud and dirt. The trail meanders through the forest and near the amphitheater rim. It also traverses natural meadows, making it an ideal hike to see wildlife as well as wildfowers. The views seen from the Sunset Overlook are stunning , especially at sunset! At both ends, the path splits into a fat upper route that weaves in and out of subalpine meadows and a lower route that descends into a spruce-fr forest. Both feature the Alpine Pond, a lush spring-fed water source that supports many plants and animals. A series of short switchbacks connect the upper and lower routes at the pond. The distance from either trailhead to the pond is a half mile. The Alpine Pond Trail provides a unique opportunity for self-guided learning. A numbered trail guide is available for purchase at the Information Center and at both trailheads. The trailhead is located at the south end of the Information Center parking lot. The trail climbs and descends for one mile to Spectra Point. Hikers may then continue down a short series of switchbacks before leveling out over the next mile to Ramparts Overlook. The Ramparts Trail provides a unique perspective of high-elevation life. Lowgrowing cushion plants cling to the exposed limestone, playful marmots sun themselves outside their burrows, and old bristlecone pines stretch their gnarled branches into the sky. You Are At 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) in elevation! Cedar Breaks National Monument can be up to 20 ° F cooler and more physically challenging than in nearby parks. Remember: drink plenty of water, take frequent rest stops, and apply sunscreen. Point Supreme Campground 2 • ½ mile East of the Information Center on Scenic Drive 148. • Camping is available mid June - late September. • Campsites can be reserved frst-come-frst serve or online up to six weeks in advance at www.recreation.gov. • Flush toilets, showers, and frewood by donation are available to all campers. • Camping is also available in the Dixie National Forest, ask at the Information Center for details. Trails, Camping, Fees 100% of your fees support projects that directly beneft Cedar Breaks National Monument, its visitors, and the local community. This year, your fee dollars are at work... • Installing upgrades to the Point Supreme picnic area, including a new shade pavilion, restrooms, picnic tables, and freplace. • Extending the Ramparts trail to connect with Bartizan Arch. • Improving parking-lot surfaces and capacity. • Funding ranger programs, including daily programing, special events and community outreach. Thank-you for your support! Ranger Led Programs & Events Weekly Program Descriptions: M T W R F S Su Check Information Center board @ Point Supreme for exact time and locations.) Geology Talk @ Point Supreme, 10 AM & 2 PM (15 min) Join a ranger for a closer look at the geologic forces that shaped Cedar Breaks. * * * * * * * Plant Walk @ Point Supreme (25 min) Go for a short walk with a ranger to learn about the plants currently in bloom, their medicinal use and other interesting facts. - - - - - * - Star Parties May 25 - Sept. 8, Begin at 8:30 PM @ Point Supreme (2.5 hours, drop-in’s welcome) Experience the dark skies of Cedar Breaks. Gaze at celestial objects through park telescopes and go on a laser-guided tour of the constellations. - - - - - * - Family Discovery Center/Jr. Ranger Program @ N. Alpine Pond Parking Area, 10 AM - 12 PM, & 1 PM - 3 PM (late June - mid Aug.) 20-30 min activities begin every hour) Participate with a ranger in hands-on activities about Cedar Breaks. (Children must be accompanied by an adult.) - - - - * * * Stop in the Information Center at Point Supreme for additional ranger programs and events. * * * * * * * 2019 Special Events June July August Bio-Blast: @ Point Supreme, Cedar Breaks Nat. Mon. June 28 & 29, 10 AM - 3 PM Wildfower Festival: @ Point Supreme, Cedar Breaks Nat. Mon. July 4-14, 10 AM - 3 PM Cedar Breaks 86th B-day @ Point Supreme, Cedar Breaks Nat. Mon. Aug. 22, 1 PM Join local feld experts in fnding and identifying various species of insects, birds and bats found in and around Cedar Breaks! There will also be family friendly activities near the Information Center to educate and entertain all ages. Volunteers and park rangers will lead guided walks daily to highlight what fowers are currently blooming. Wildfower checklists, “What’s in Bloom” handouts and photography tip sheets will be available during the festival. Enjoy a special ranger program about Cedar Breaks’ history. Full Moon Hike June 15 & 16 (1.5 hours) Time and Location Varies Go for a guided moonlit stroll along one of Cedar Breaks’ many trails. Call or visit the Information Center to register. Do Not Pick Flowers or Plants Protect park plants for future enjoyment and the animals who depend on them for food and shelter. Additional activities and special programs will be scheduled each weekend throughout the festival. Full Moon Hike July 15 & 16 (1.5 hours) Time and Location Varies Go for a guided moonlit stroll along one of Cedar Breaks’ many trails. Call or visit the Information Center to register. Full Moon Hike August 13 & 14 (1.5 hours) Time and Location Varies Go for a guided moonlit stroll along one of Cedar Breaks’ many trails. Call or visit the Information Center to register. September Southwest Astronomy Festival: Sept. 27-29 Various Times & Locations Join us for the 3rd Annual Southwest Astronomy Festival, a regional celebration of astronomy and dark skies. The festival will consist of events for all ages taking place at various locations throughout Southwestern Utah. Come experience night sky art exhibitions, attend a star party, go on a night hike and look at the Sun with solar scopes. For updates on the festival, visit the calendar of events on our website at go.nps. gov/swastrofest or follow us on Facebook and Instagram @CedarBreaksNationalMonument National Public Lands Day: Sept. 28, 9 AM - 3 PM @ The Fee Booth, Cedar Breaks Nat. Mon. Give back to your community and Cedar Breaks National Monument by collecting native seeds, transplanting native forbs and grasses and helping with trail rehabilitation. Drop-in’s are welcome! National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest, single-day volunteer effort to give back to the lands where we play, learn, exercise, and relax! Ranger Led Programs & Events 3 Nearby Adventures Top 5 Nearby Adventures PAROWAN GAP 5 2 HIKE CASCADE FALLS (Spring-Fall) This (1 mile round trip) family friendly hike provides spectacular views of Zion National Park and ends at a waterfall cascading from an underground cave. Directions: From State Route 14, take the Navajo Lake Forest Road 30053 then take first left onto Forest Road 30370. Follow to the junction with Forest Road 30054. Turn right onto Forest Road 30054 and follow to dead end at Cascade Falls trailhead. 3 EXPLORE MAMMOTH CAVE (Summer-Fall) Not actually a cave but one of the largest lava 4 Nearby Adventures Patc h eser voir Roa d 4 Panguitch Lake 14 Navajo Lake 2 KOLOB CANYONS arkway 143 work Parkway 148 Directions: Drive to the peak on State Route 143 between the north entrance of Cedar Breaks and Brian Head Town. Turn east onto Forest Road 047 and drive a short distance to the stone overlook building. Another option during summer weekends is to ride Brian Head Resort’s scenic lift to the base of the peak. 17 Brian 1Head Pa Dixie NF Pa t chwo rk P 14 h Patc wo Mammoth C ree kR oa Cedar City CEDAR 4 BREAKS NM rk 143 Kolo bR (Late Spring – Fall) Brian Head Peak is the highest point (11,307 feet/ 3,446 meters) found in the area. From this vista, visitors can 56 enjoy views across Utah into Nevada & Arizona. Parowan Pa r k w a y Within a short drive of Cedar Breaks are many incredible places to explore! 1 VISIT BRIAN HEAD PEAK 89 d 3 2 Hatch Duck Creek 89 15 ZION NP tubes found in Utah, Mammoth Cave has four chambers adding up to 2200 feet of passages. Bring a flashlight and good footwear. Portions of the cave are closed from October - April to protect hibernating bats. Directions: East of Duck Creek Village on State Road 14, turn left onto Forest Road 067 (Mammoth Creek Road). Go 5 miles and turn right onto Forest Road 064. After one mile, turn left and look for the sign. 4 VISIT ANCIENT TREES (Spring – Fall) The surrounding National Forests offer up-close views of bristlecone pine trees. BRISTLECONE TRAIL: For those wanting a quick stop while driving State Route 14, the Bristlecone Pine Trail is an easy 0.6 mile loop. Directions: The trailhead is located at mile marker 17 on State Route 14, near the intersection of State Route 14 and 148. TWISTED FOREST: For those who want an adventure off the beaten path, the Twisted Forest trail offers lesser-seen views of Cedar Breaks and the ancient trees lining it’s amphitheater. Directions: Traveling on State Route 143 between Cedar Breaks & Brian Head, take Forest Service Road 204 (Sugar Loaf Road) about 2 miles until it connects with Forest Service Road 265, go left about 1/2 mile then follow signs to the trailhead. 5 VISIT THE PAROWAN GAP (Year Round) This site offers petroglyphs and dinosaur tracks. Directions: From Cedar City Mount Carmel Jct go north on Main (or take Interstate 15 Exit 62) to UT 130. Continue north 13.5 miles, and then turn east (right) 2.5 miles on a good gravel road to Parowan Gap. If traveling from Parowan, go north on Main to 400 North, turn west (left) and travel for 10.5 miles on a good gravel road (near Milepost 19).