Wildflowers & Outstanding Views: Why You Shouldn't Miss Cedar Breaks

With a 30-minute drive from Cedar City, you can find cooler temperatures, beautiful wildflowers, and sunsets that stretch across colorful cliffs nearly 10,000 feet above sea level. Summer is one of the best times to visit Cedar Breaks National Monument, and here's why. 

One of Utah's Best Wildflower Displays

In July, the meadows throughout Cedar Breaks National Monument come alive with brightly colored wildflowers. Hike the trails to find Columbine, Paintbrush, and Bluebells in high-elevation meadows and along trails like the Alpine Pond Loop and South Rim Trail. There are hundreds of wildflowers along the trails, so you're sure to find a variety of colors and a new favorite wildflower while you're here. 
 

Peak Bloom: The blooms peak in mid-July, with the Wildflower Festival happening July 3rd - 11th. 
Best Trails for Wildflowers: The Sunset Trail, from Point Supreme to Sunset Overlook. And the South Rim Trail.
Bring your camera to share your favorite blooms, but leave the flowers for others to enjoy. 

Beat the Summer Heat at 10,000 Feet

When the temperatures climb in the valley, locals run for the cooler views and temps on the mountain. Cedar Breaks is a great vacation destination in the afternoon for hiking and picnics. Trails like Alpine Pond and the Sunset Trail have great shade along the way, and the picnic area along the Sunset Trail is surrounded by wildflowers in summer, and tables are shaded, perfect for an afternoon escape. 

Temperatures: Typically 20 - 30° cooler than lower elevations.
Pack a picnic or grab something from nearby Brian Head town. (5 minute drive)
Don't forget water! Even with cooler temps and shade, you're still in the desert. Stay hydrated. 

Hiking the Sunset Trail in Cedar Breaks National Monument

Scenic Trails and Viewpoints for Every Skill Level

While the trails at Cedar Breaks are fewer than those in neighboring national parks, there is a lot of variety in views, difficulty level, and highlights for each trail. Cedar Breaks has four hiking trails ranging from the paved all-access Sunset Trail to the moderately strenuous South Rim Trail. We've broken the trails down by difficulty below and included our favorite feature for each trail. 

EASY

The Sunset Trail is a paved, all-access 2-mile trail that is easy to do with the entire family and has beautiful meadows and wildflowers along the way. The Nature Trail is an unpaved connection (.6 miles) between Point Supreme Overlook and the Sunset Trail. This path is great for viewing birds and wildlife while on a quiet walk. 

MODERATE

The Alpine Pond Loop Trail is a moderately difficult 1 to 2 mile trail that forms a figure-eight through forest and meadows. Kind of a Choose Your Own Adventure Trail, there are multiple ways to experience this trail. The lower trail offers excellent views of the amphitheater, and the upper trail offers views of meadows, lava rock flows, and wildflowers. 

MODERATELY STRENUOUS

The South Rim Trail has gorgeous views of the red rock amphitheater in all directions. You'll find wildflowers along the way and ancient Bristlecone Pine Trees at the overlook near the end of the trail. Following the rim, you have incredible views of the hoodoos, cliffs, and rock formations for the entire hike. 

Overlooks: The trails are a great way to take in the views, and most connect to scenic overlooks as well. 
Don't forget water! Even with cooler temps and shade, you're still in the desert. Stay hydrated. 

Beautiful Summer Sunsets & Night Sky Views

An International Dark Sky Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument, is home to unbelievable night sky views! With warmer evening temps, summer is the perfect time to join ranger-led star parties at the Point Supreme Overlook on weekends. And the incredible views start before the stars come out. Cedar Breaks is one of our favorite places to watch a summer sunset from. The aptly named Sunset Overlook is a great spot to catch a vibrant sunset over the colorful cliffs. 

Guided Star Parties: Every weekend on Friday & Saturday at 8:30 PM. The event is free to attend.
Pack an extra layer. Even in summer, the evening temperatures stay pretty cool, and an extra layer helps. 

Dark sky views at Point Supreme in Cedar Breaks National Monument  | PC Mike Saemisch

Travel safe, take lots of pictures

and share your adventure with us @visitcedarcity