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John Cletheroe's
USA and Canada Holiday Hints |
As well as the very short walks to the overlooks, some of the stopping points also have some hiking trails, but none descend from the rim.
On the rim several examples of ancient bristlecone pines can be seen. Some are thought to be as much as 1600 years old.
The alpine meadows on the rim within the Monument and in the surrounding area are also extremely scenic.
Because of the altitude of the rim there can sometimes be strong cold winds and I would imagine that the weather here in the winter would be severe. In 1998 the road to Cedar Breaks was still closed by snow in early June but this was regarded as very unusual. In several other years, including 1999, the road has been open in June.
Cedar Breaks derives its name from the cedar trees found here and from the word "breaks", meaning badlands.
The approach roads to Cedar Breaks National Monument pass through the Dixie National Forest.
I've finally found out what Utah's steepest paved road is, at least a state road. It's the road from Parowan to Brian Head and Cedar Breaks, Utah State Highway 143. It has a 13 percent grade and climbs from Parowan (6,000-foot elevation) to Cedar Breaks (10,480 elevation). It is also the state's second-highest paved road, second only to the Mirror Lake Highway at Bald Mountain Pass.
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Most recently modified 6-Feb-06