Utah is known for its magnificent red rocks and is home to the Big 5 National Parks. But… in Southern Utah you will find a small, hidden gem that my kids and I loved. Cedar Breaks National Monument.
A. Maz. Ing.
Cedar Breaks is an easy 30 miles from the I-15 interstate so you really have no excuse for not stopping by. We drove in from the north so we missed the dramatic views that you will get coming from the south (we saw them in the rearview mirror on the way back down the hill to Cedar City) but I think the first overlook into the canyon from the top is more dramatic when you don’t get that sneak peek on the way into the park.
And if you’re passing through Cedar City anyway, you might as well stop at the Frontier Homestead State Park. We missed it on our way through but will definitely be adding it to the list for the next time we are in the area.
What I loved about Cedar Breaks
Smaller Park Size and Less Crowds
The small size and lack of crowds. The geology is similar to Bryce Canyon so you will see the hoodoos and other formations in the red rocks but the park itself is smaller and less popular so that means fewer people. The smaller size of the park also makes it an easy, quick stop along the way.
Refreshing Alpine Environment
I also enjoyed the high alpine environment. The park is about 10,000 feet above sea level so you will enjoy refreshing cooler temperatures in the summer and the meadows full of wildflowers are beautiful.
The high mountain air of Cedar Breaks National Monument reminded me of another favorite National Park – Great Basin.
The Views
I love the wide open spaces of the western US and being at the top of the rock amphitheater of the park, looking out into the distance, seeing for miles and miles to the horizon is fantastic.
As I mentioned, the rock formations are similar to Bryce Canyon so in other words – awe-inspiring beauty.
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Beautiful. Glad to see Rocco and younger Ryan and Bella.