CEDAR BREAKS National Monument • Utah

ITUATED HIGH ON the Markagunt Plateau National Forest. Two-thirds of the area is in southwest Utah at elevations reach­ high cliffs and steep talus slopes. S ing 10,700 feet, the monument contains The name "Cedar Breaks" is confusing to a gigantic multicolored natural amphitheater. many visitors since cedar trees are not evident The Pink Cliffs, a part of the Wasatch forma­ in the area. Junipers, which the early settlers tion, have a thickness here of nearly 2,000 called "cedars," grow nearby, but at eleva­ feet. They are eroded into fantastic shapes tions considerably below the rim of the am­ and display an amazing variety of color, phitheater. The settlers also referred to the 47 different shades having been recognized. canyons and cliffs as "breaks" or "badlands." With everchanging lighting accentuating tints of the vividly colored rock formations, HISTORY sweeping vistas, and attractive wildflowers, Early exploration of the Markagunt Plateau Cedar Breaks National Monument offers began in 1851 when the Mormons settled in superlative scenic values. One of the most Parowan and Cedar City, in the valley to the spectacular views is from nearby Brianhead, west. In 1852, church leaders explored the which has an elevation of 11,315 feet. headwaters of the Sevier and Virgin Rivers, The monument is roughly 4 miles long by which rise on the plateau, but made no report

2l/2 miles wide, covering an area of almost concerning the cliffs known today as Cedar 10 square miles. It is surrounded by Dixie Breaks.

Photo: Amphitheater from Point Supreme (Courtesy Union Pacific R. R.) Revised 1956 U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1956— 0-379279 It was 20 years before anyone described the tation. They are widely distributed over the At Point Supreme, only 1 mile by paved Pets must be under physical restrictive colorful amphitheater at Cedar Breaks. Both plateau. road from the south entrance of the monu­ control at all times. the Wheeler and Powell Surveys of 1872 ment, is the building which houses the If you need information or are in any diffi­ made extensive topographic records, as well Administrative Office and the museum. A culty, see a park ranger. Please help us keep as observations of flora, fauna, and geology. FLOWERS, TREES, AND WILDLIFE naturalist provides interpretive and informa­ your monument clean. For more than three decades following Throughout the monument, as soon as the tional service. Informal talks on plants, ani­ these scientific surveys, use was made of the snow melts in the spring, the meadows and mals, history, and geology of the area are grazing and timber resources of the area as slopes become resplendent wildflower gar­ given several times each day at Point Supreme. ACCOMMODATIONS need developed. The first protection afforded dens. Good moisture conditions and fertile Viewpoints offering varied scenes can be this unique area was in 1905 when it was in­ In the monument, a concessioner operates soil encourage the growth of such flowers as reached by driving the 6 miles of unimproved cluded as part of the Sevier (now Dixie) a lodge with snack bar, dining room, and the marshmarigold, green-gentian (swertia), road along the rim of Cedar Breaks. On National Forest, and was administered by the cabins with bath. For reservations and rates mountain buttercup, Indian paintbrush, lu­ this drive, many flowers are seen, particularly Forest Service of the U. S. Department of write to the Utah Parks Co., Cedar City, pine, larkspur, white columbine, monkshood, during July and August. Agriculture. The area was established as a Utah. and bellflower (bluebells). Regulations have been designed for the national monument by Presidential proclama­ A free picnic area is maintained near Point Of much interest is the bristlecone (fox­ protection of the natural features and for your tion on August 22, 1933, and was placed Supreme, with water and sanitary facilities. tail) pine, which ekes out an existence on the safety and convenience. Park rangers will under the administration of the National Groceries, gasoline, and oil cannot be ob­ poor and scanty limestone soil. help and advise you, as well as enforce regu­ Park Service of the U. S. Department of the lations. tained within the monument. Interior. The higher portions of the rim of the Cedar Breaks amphitheater are dotted with Natural features. Please help us pre­ serve the wildlife, shrubbery, trees, and other subalpine meadows and clumps of dwarfed ADMINISTRATION natural features. The use of firearms is not GEOLOGY fir and spruce. permitted. The area is a favorable wildlife habitat. Cedar Breaks National Monument is ad­ The layers of rock making up the Wasatch Mule deer may be found grazing in the Picnicking. Picnic only in the established ministered by the National Park Service of formation at Cedar Breaks had their origin meadows almost any morning or evening. picnic area. Keep your fire small and within the United States Department of the Interior. about 55 million years ago as limy ooze de­ Marmots make their dens among the rocks. the fireplace. The superintendent of Zion and Bryce Can­ posited in shallow lakes on a land surface Ground squirrels, chipmunks, and red squir­ Hiking. Refrain from shortcutting trails. yon National Parks, whose address is Spring- near sea level. About 13 million years ago rels find the cones of the spruce a good For your safety, seek the advice of a ranger dale, Utah, is in charge of the monument, the land was uplifted to its present height food—ideal for winter food caches. concerning climbing or hiking. and all inquiries should be addressed to him. and gradually eroded into canyons, spires, Driving. Please drive only on the estab­ An acting superintendent resides in the and cliffs. Some of the surrounding region lished roads and use the parking areas. monument during the summer. was raised in separate blocks. The landscape HOW TO REACH THE MONUMENT at Cedar Breaks and eastward remained as one large plateau, with only minor breaks at Cedar Breaks National Monument can be its weaker points. As this plateau lifted, it reached by paved road from either U. S. 89 The National Park System, of which this area is a unit, is dedicated to the conserving produced a very steep escarpment facing west­ or 91 by traveling on State Routes 14 and 55. of the scenic, scientific, and historic heritage of the United States for the benefit and ward while the plateau surface tipped east­ It is 26 miles from Long Valley Junction enjoyment of its people. ward. Rain and snow water rushing down located on U. S. 89, and 21 miles from Cedar the escarpment cut canyons into the soft City on U. S. 91. The monument is 62 miles limestone. Oxidation of impurities in the from Zion National Park and 64 miles from limestone—iron in particular—gives the Bryce Canyon National Park. United States Department of the Interior cliffs their color. Lifting of the land was accompanied by ABOUT YOUR VISIT volcanic eruptions. Lava from the more re­ National Park Service cent eruptions appears to be only a few thou­ The travel season extends from early June sand years old. Many of these lava beds are to late October, depending on weather condi­ fresh in appearance and remain without vege­ tions.