Saturday, August 26

Today I made my first ever visit to Cedar Breaks National Monument. This is so close to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks that I have ignored it until now, an oversight I am glad to have corrected. In addition the route from Cedar City to Kanab, UT included three scenic byways and was also impressive in several places. This can be seen on the map/video page here.

Cedar Breaks is similar to Bryce Canyon in that it is a spectacular red rock formation with hoodoos. Unlike Bryce it is in the shape of an amphitheater, smaller in area but much deeper. The rim, at 10,400 feet, is also significantly higher. The colors seem more varied than Bryce but the hoodoos are definitely less numerous and interesting. There are no established trails into the amphitheater so I had to settle for a hike along the rim – probably just as well as even slight inclines had me out of breath at this altitude.

After leaving Cedar Breaks I drove to the top of 11,400 foot high Brian Head, where there is a 360 degree view of the whole area, before heading to Kanab.

Cedar Breaks as seen from Point Supreme near the visitor center.
Due to the altitude the air was crisp and cool and summer wildflowers were everywhere.

The views were almost as impressive as the monument.
While the hoodoos were definitely not as fascinating as at Bryce
the colors were incredible. The next two photos are looking left and right from the same viewpoint.
From the summit of Brian Head you can see into Nevada and Arizona.