From sunflowers to evening primrose, the wildflowers at Cedar Breaks add to the wonder of the landscape with vibrant colors.
In the heart of Southern Utah’s national parks, Cedar Breaks National Monument is tucked in the mountains just east of Cedar City. High atop the Markagunt Plateau, this giant amphitheater is over 2,500 feet deep and more than 3 miles across. Formed by an abundance of minerals, the colorful cliffs are awe-inspiring. Each summer the color multiplies as a spectacular display of wildflowers fill the grassy meadows and lines the trails. Cedar Breaks National Monument’s Wildflower Festival celebrates the stunning wildflower bloom as it peaks each July.
The Wildflowers and Plants
With over 250 species of wildflowers blooming in the park, it’s hard to see them all – popular wildflower sightings are the Colorado columbine, aspen bluebells, elkweed, Indian paintbrush, sunflowers, and yellow evening primrose. Aster, flax, fireweed, larkspur, lupine, pretty shooting star and marsh marigolds are also on the commonly spotted list.
Early bloomers such as cushion phlox, kittentails, and aspen bluebells emerge in late June, but to join in the Wildflower Festival activities and catch the peak bloom, plan a visit between July 7th – July 16th. As a part of the Wildflower Festival, specialists offer additional interpretive information to help you discover the variety of wildflowers. And family-friendly activities are available during the week of at the temporary ranger station, southeast of Point Supreme. The Information Center is in a new location on the east side of Rim Road.
“One of the really fun things is that the flowers in bloom change from day to day depending on where you are,” says Shannon Eberhard, Cedar Breaks National Monument Park Ranger. “It’s like if you sit and see the clouds move, but instead of the sky always changing, it’s the landscape. It really enlightens you to the diversity that’s out there.”
Hit the Trails or Take a Scenic Drive
With so many sites to take in, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Plan a scenic drive or a walk along the Alpine Pond Trail for an enjoyable, stress-free afternoon.
While there are multiple trails within the monument, a local favorite for wildflower spotting is the Alpine Pond Loop. This two-mile trail is a double loop through forest and meadows offering excellent views of the “breaks,” along with meadows of wildflowers, spruce-fir aspen forest, and ancient deposits of volcanic materials. Located halfway through the trail’s loop is the natural, spring-fed Alpine Pond. Keep in mind that this is a high-country trail; be prepared with a good supply of water, good hiking shoes, sun-screen and plenty of time. For a shorter hike, take the cut-off at the pond to make the hike a one-mile loop.
Plan Your Visit
Visitor Center
The Point Supreme Overlook, parking lot, and visitor center will be closed through the 2024 season due to the construction of the new Visitor Center!
Visitor Services are available at the Information Center and Picnic Area. Open daily 9 am – 5 pm.
Fees/Season
As of April 1, 2024, the entrance fee at Cedar Breaks is $15 per person, 16 years and older, and is good for seven days. Cedar Breaks is open to regular vehicle traffic generally from late May through mid-November, depending upon the snow levels. Call ahead to check road closures.
* Interagency Annual Passes, Senior Passes, & Access Passes are honored at all National Parks, National Monuments, & Federal Recreation Sites.
Distance from Cedar City
21 miles east on Hwy U-14
Elevation
10,100 to 10,500 feet. Bring a jacket.
Camping
The Point Supreme Campground is generally open from mid-June through late September. All sites are available for reservation through www.recreation.gov.
Winter Access
Highway 148 into Cedar Breaks is generally closed from mid-November to June due to snow conditions. Cedar Breaks can only be accessed in the winter by snowmobile, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing (For rentals and tours check Brian Head). The North View Overlook is accessible year-round and is located along Highway 143, about three miles south of Brian Head.
Additional Services
Comfortable lodging, restaurants, and ski shops are available in Brian Head, located four miles north of Cedar Breaks.
