Cedar Breaks National Monument

Up here at Cedar Breaks, we don't look for a cloud's silver lining, we look for its rainbow lining! This rare phenomenon is called cloud iridescence. Cloud iridescence occurs when a thin cloud contains many water drops or ice crystals that are close to the same size. The droplets or crystals then scatter the sun's light as it passes through the cloud, creating a rainbow. Exploring Cedar Breaks National Monument during the winter can lead to some fascinating discoveries, just remember to be prepared for winter weather conditions and to follow the park's winter guidelines! NPS Photo/Childs

What a perfect way to finish out 2024 and begin 2025! The first two weekends of our guided snowshoe hikes have gone great thanks to our adventurous participants who have braved the cold, wind, and snow to experience Cedar Breaks as a winter wonderland! Visit our website to find details about our guided snowshoe hikes and to make your reservation to join us on a snowshoe adventure of your own! NPS Photos/Childs

Volunteer Opportunity at Cedar Breaks National Monument! Are you a local resident who loves Cedar Breaks National Monument and wants to help others experience its beauty? We're looking for volunteers to join our team at the information desk! As a volunteer, you'll have the chance to connect with visitors from all over, sharing your knowledge of the park’s natural wonders and guiding them on recreational opportunities. Plus, you'll get to be part of special moments, like swearing in Junior Rangers and issuing badges! This is a fantastic opportunity to give back to the park, meet new people, and share your love for our stunning natural resources! If you're interested, please send your resume to us via email: [email protected] We’d love to have you join our volunteer team! NPS Photo/Ihler

Are you missing the scenic views of the Cedar Breaks amphitheater? While most of Cedar Breaks is closed to vehicles during the winter months, we’re happy to remind you that the North View Overlook is still open and accessible by car! It’s just a short, scenic drive from Brian Head via SR-143, offering breathtaking views of the monument’s stunning rock formations and snow-covered landscapes. Don’t miss out on this winter wonderland! 1: NPS Photo/Childs 2: NPS Photo/Gutierrez

Guided Snowshoe and Night Sky Tours Return to Cedar Breaks National Monument! Cedar Breaks National Monument is excited to announce the return of the beloved Guided Snowshoe Tours this winter season. The tours will take place every Friday and Saturday throughout the season, allowing visitors to experience the monument’s winter beauty up close. The event is free of charge, and snowshoes and ski poles are provided at no additional cost. The Guided Snowshoe Tours are designed for all skill levels, including families and beginners. With easy terrain and a 1-mile round-trip route, this tour is a gentle introduction to winter hiking. In addition to the snowshoe tours, Cedar Breaks is also resuming its popular Saturday evening Night Sky Tours. These tours, which also require reservations, are free of charge and offer visitors an opportunity to explore the night sky in a unique setting. The evening begins with an indoor ranger-led astronomy program, where visitors can learn about the wonders of the cosmos while cozying up near a wood-burning stove. Following the indoor program, participants will head outside to view celestial objects through telescopes. This special experience provides a perfect way to connect with the night sky in the tranquil surroundings of Cedar Breaks. Reservations for these tours are required, and space is limited, so visit the Cedar Breaks website soon to secure your spot! www.nps.gov/cebr/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

Attention all Veterans! Cedar Breaks National Monument is looking for Veterans to hire as Maintenance Workers this summer. A Maintenance Worker at Cedar Breaks enjoys a variety of work. Projects include painting, minor plumbing, minor electric, roof repair, trail clearing, asphalt maintenance and repair, water system maintenance, janitorial service, fence repair, and campground improvements. We enjoy a good work environment and great summer weather. Experience is beneficial, but not necessary. Verification of veteran status is required to qualify for the job. Apply today! Send your resume to [email protected] Need more information? Send your inquiries to: [email protected] NPS Photo/Ihler

Come explore the sky with Cedar Breaks this winter! Experience the wonders of the winter sky at Cedar Breaks National Monument’s Night Sky Tour. Begin with a cozy indoor ranger program where you'll learn about the stars, constellations, and celestial wonders visible in the night sky. After the presentation, head outside for the second part of the tour, where you'll have the chance to stargaze through telescopes. Take turns observing distant planets, stars, and galaxies, all while surrounded by the crisp winter air in one of the best stargazing locations in the state. Tours are free of charge; however, due to a small capacity in our Visitor Contact Station at North View Overlook, prior registration is required for participation in this event. Secure your spot: www.nps.gov/cebr/planyourvisit/calendar.htm 1: NPS Photo/Schmitt 2 & 3: NPS Photos/Childs

Guided Snowshoe Tours Are Returning to Cedar Breaks National Monument! Ready to explore the winter beauty of Cedar Breaks? Sign up today for our FREE Guided Snowshoe Tours, starting soon! The tours are family-friendly, beginner-friendly, and cover just 1 mile round-trip, making them perfect for all ages and skill levels. Snowshoes and ski poles are provided, and you’ll enjoy a short, fun hike through the snowy sub-alpine forest. Along the way, a ranger will share insights into the wonders of Cedar Breaks and lead you to an exclusive view of the amphitheater. Sign up is required in advance, so don’t wait—spots fill up fast! https://www.nps.gov/cebr/planyourvisit/calendar.htm NPS Photos/Gutierrez

Did you know that rocks in Cedar Breaks have a life cycle? They are first broken down into long narrow walls of rock known as fins. As these fins get battered by the elements, small cracks start to appear in the walls. Slowly over thousands of years these cracks get larger and larger and begin to form breathtaking arches. Those arches continue to erode, getting thinner and thinner, until eventually the bridge of rock connecting the two sides collapses, leaving behind lonely rock towers, known as hoodoos. Given enough time, even the hoodoos will fall. The landscape of Cedar Breaks is constantly changing and never stays the same for too long. Next time you’re in the Breaks see what formations you can find! NPS Photos/Ihler

Happy Thanksgiving from Cedar Breaks National Monument! As we reflect on this season of gratitude, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has made 2024 such a memorable year at Cedar Breaks. To our visitors, thank you for exploring and appreciating the breathtaking landscapes that make Cedar Breaks so unique. Your respect for the land and the spirit of adventure you bring enrich us all. To our dedicated staff, thank you for your passion and commitment in preserving the beauty of this special place, and for sharing its wonder with visitors from near and far. To the amazing team at Zion National Park Forever Project, our nonprofit partner, thank you for your unwavering support in helping us achieve our shared mission of conservation and education. Your partnership strengthens everything we do. To our incredible volunteers, your selfless contributions of time, energy, and expertise make a world of difference. We are so thankful for your dedication to helping us maintain and enhance Cedar Breaks for everyone to enjoy. To our donors, we are deeply grateful for your generosity, which helps fund vital projects and initiatives that protect this treasured national monument for future generations. And to our community partners, thank you for your collaboration and for being such an integral part of Cedar Breaks' success. Together, we’ve made 2024 a year to remember, and we look forward to even more shared successes in the years ahead. Wishing you all a wonderful and peaceful Thanksgiving! NPS Photo/Meanea

Road Closure Alert at Cedar Breaks National Monument The main road through Cedar Breaks, SR-148 (Rim Road Scenic Byway), is now closed for the season due to snowpack. This means road-based vehicles will not be able to drive through the park from SR-14. But don't worry, Visitors can still access the northern end of the park via SR-143! This route will offer stunning views of the Cedar Breaks amphitheater from the North View Overlook. Please note, SR-143 may close occasionally during severe winter weather, but closures are typically lifted after daytime plowing. Before heading out, be sure to check current road conditions on the Utah Department of Transportation's website: https://www.udottraffic.utah.gov When conditions permit, a groomed pathway for snowmobiles will be established along the SR-148 closure. Check back for updates as snow continues to accumulate. Stay safe and enjoy your winter visit! NPS Photo/Gutierrez

Planning to hike at Cedar Breaks soon? Think twice (or at least, think snow)! Despite being buried in several inches of snow, the trails are open! Rangers recommend being cautious if you're thinking about hiking. These trails are unmaintained right now, and without snowshoes or proper winter gear, it's easy to get stuck or hurt. That said, if you're prepared with the right gear, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking winter views and the quiet beauty of Cedar Breaks in its snow-covered splendor. While SR-148 is still open, it can close at any time due to accumulating snow. There's no set date for this—it's all about the snowpack! So, if you're planning a visit, stay flexible and check the road conditions on the Utah Department of Transportation's website: www.udottraffic.utah.gov A few important things to note for winter visitors: ❄️ All 4 roadside overlooks are open, but you will need to walk through some snow -- so come prepared with sturdy shoes and warm layers! ❄️ The Visitor Contact Station, Zion Forever Park Store, and Human History Museum are CLOSED for the season. ❄️ Trails are unmaintained and not recommended during winter, with snow expected on all paths. ❄️ The only restrooms available are the vault toilets at the Point Supreme Picnic Area.