Cedar Breaks National Monument is 18 miles east of Cedar City via Route 14. It is also a short detour if you are traveling between Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks on Route 89. This drive is particularly spectacular in September when the aspens turn a glorious bright yellow.  About 15 miles from Cedar City or three miles west of Route 143 is the Zion Overlook looking south into the northern section of Zion National Park.
   Often bypassed by travelers, Cedar Breaks is very similar to Bryce Canyon and a lot less crowded. Some may even say it is more spectacular than Bryce with its bolder colored amphitheater of spires and columns in reds, yellows and purples. Photographically it has some advantages. If you are traveling in the area in late September or early October, you might be able to photograph the contrast of white snow on red rock--Cedar Breaks is at 10,000 feet and gets snow a lot earlier than other areas.
   There are also beautiful contrast of trees and rocks. Forests line the rim and dip into the basin. In September aspens turn golden yellow. Ancient bristlecone pines also grow here, twisted into photogenic shapes that make good photo subjects by themselves or as a frame for the bold forms of colorful spires and cliffs
   However, the best time to visit is during the wildflower season. This is high alpine country and meadows are carpeted with wildflowers from late June through August with July being the peak season. The five-mile, rim drive takes you to four overlooks, each providing you with a different view of the formations below. Meadows of flowers can be found along the route. The wildflowers come in succession with mountain bluebells, lavender, and fleabane early in the season followed by penstemons, larkspur, lupine, columbine, and Indian paintbrush..

   
   Two trails are worth trying. The Wasatch Ramparts Trail follows the rim past ancient bristlecone pines at Spectra Point. The Alpine Pond Trail takes you on a four-mile loop below the rim through a forest of aspen, fir, and spruce. Although the trails are fairly easy, they are at a very high elevation that may make it strenuous if you are not in good condition.
   If you can, plan to spend at least a day here. The formations are best photographed early and late in the day when the shadows are deep and the colors are brilliant. During mid-day you can photograph the bristlecone pines and the glorious displays of wildflowers.
   The season at Cedar Breaks runs from May through mid-October, when snow closes the road. During the winter you can still visit the park by cross-country skiing or via a snowmobile.
   The campground is open from June 15 to September 15. Lodging, food, and other services are available in Brian head just north of the park or in Cedar City.

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