Utah's Cedar Breaks National Monument

Photographer: Scott Honodel
Summary Author: Scott Honodel

A family trip to southern Utah last summer took me to the Cedar Breaks National Monument. This lesser-known "little brother" of Bryce Canyon National Park sits at an elevation of 10,000 feet (3,048 m). Like Bryce, it has the same brightly colored rock sequences of the Claron Formation, which are made up of soft lake sediments from the Eocene Epoch. Various volcanic sequences, including the Brian Head formation on the top of the Markagunt Plateau, act to cap and protect the highly erosional Claron Formation. Faulting and regional uplift have further contributed to erosion within the monument area.

A dirt access road to Brian Head Peak allows views of Cedar Breaks as well as views of the local Brian Head Ski Resort. Cedar Breaks is designated as an International Dark Sky site, an ideal location for stargazing. Photo taken on June 30, 2024.

 

Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah Coordinates: 37.63649, -112.84528

Related Links:
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Geologic History of Utah