Will Cedar Breaks National Monument Be the Next National Park?


by Bob Therrien - Date: 2006-12-02 - Word Count: 391 Share This!

Cedar Breaks rests on top of the Colorado plateau, at over 10,000 feet in elevation. Millions of years have carved out this giant amphitheater. Due to minerals that have been deposited over time, the cliffs of Cedar Breaks National Monument display an amazing rainbow of warm hues. There are dozens of places for your Adventure in this area. Brian Head, Cedar City, Dixie National Forest, Mammouth Cave, and Duck Creek….and the list just goes on!

The rim of the canyon is over 10,000 feet above sea level, and is forested with islands of Engelmann spruce, sub alpine fir and aspen; separated by broad meadows of brilliant summertime wild flowers. There are lots to see when enjoying Cedar Breaks Tours!

Cedar Breaks resembles a miniature Bryce Canyon. It's been said that its brilliant colors even surpass Bryce. The Native Americans called Cedar Breaks the "Circle of Painted Cliffs." Down deep inside the coliseum are stone spires, arches, pinnacles, and intricate canyons and columns, in many different shades of red, yellow and purple. One of the world's oldest trees, the bristlecone pine, grows here and can be found along the Spectra Point Trail. The Forest that surrounds Cedar Breaks providing wonderful alpine meadows full of ponderosa pines and quaking aspens. During the summer months, the wildflower display is spectacular. The monument is bordered by Dixie National Forest. All services and roads are normally closed during the winter due to heavy snow.

Cedar Breaks National Monument is close to Cedar City, Utah. Driving distances to the Monument are:

• From Las Vegas 194 miles, 312 km
• From SLC 251 miles, 404 km
• From Phoenix 419 miles, 675km

Cedar City, Utah is home to SUU, Southern Utah University. It has most of what people would expect for accommodations and shopping requirements during your visit. In addition Brian Head Ski Area is just a few miles from the monument. It offers 4 seasons of activities. It is the highest elevation ski area in Utah. It receives over 400 inches of snow per year. It is a unique ski area because of its red rock views into Cedar Breaks. It is very possible to be in the desert in Las Vegas, Nevada or Saint George, Utah in the morning and ski Brian Head and be back to the desert for dinner! Some source content provided by The National Park Service and UT BLM


Related Tags: photography, southwest, park, usa, ce

Bob Therrien is a travel writer and has traveled all over North America. He currently operates the website at http://www.cedarcitytours.com

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