Photo Tips USA – Cedar Breaks National Monument

• Altitude 3300 m (10,827 ft)
• On average, 650,000 visitors per year
• Main month is July

How, Where, What

Cedar Breaks – Cedar for the trees, which are actually juniper bushes, and Breaks for the description of the surrounding badlands – that’s what the pioneers called this 800-meter-deep amphitheater (2,625 ft) that erosion has eaten into the western flank of the 3470 m high Markagunt Plateau (11,384 ft), the Pink Cliffs. More poetically, the Paiute Indians said „un-circap-i-cun-ump,“ or „circle of colored rocks.“ The semicircle spans nearly 5 km (3.1 mi), and its formations can rival those of Bryce Canyon in terms of color and variation, sometimes even surpassing them because of their more intense red and purple hues. An undeniable advantage is the significantly lower visitor count compared to Bryce.

The canyon rim is almost 3300 m high (10,827 ft) and covered with islands of spruce, fir, and aspen, between which vast wildflower meadows stretch from early July to mid-August. This is the best time of the year to visit. In the summer season, daytime temperatures can be expected to range between 10 to 15°C (50-60 °F). At night, however, the thermometer drops as low as -1 to -5° C (30-23 °F) even then. The high altitude allows the foliage coloration to begin as early as September. The first snow can fall as early as the beginning of October, providing beautiful contrasts to the colorful formations. Due to the altitude and openness, a more than fresh wind often blows along the plateau edge. Appropriate clothing is advisable if you want to stay there longer than just for a fleeting glance. You can always expect thunderstorms in spring, autumn, and winter, especially in the afternoon, which can enhance your pictures with beautiful cloud formations.

Directions

The park is located 37 km (23 mi) east of Cedar City on Rt-148. The season runs from June to mid-October; during the remaining months, the abundant snow at this elevation blocks access, and you can only get to the edge of the amphitheater by snowmobile or on snowshoes.
There is only one 30-site campground in the park with no hook-ups for RVs (first come-first served). Brian Head Ski Resort, located 8 km away and at an elevation of over 3750 m (12,300 ft), provides motels and other necessary supplies, along with a panoramic 360° view.

Geographical orientation and the most photogenic times of day

The amphitheater is open to the west, so the formations benefit especially from the direct, warm light of the afternoon and evening sun.

Motifs in and around Cedar Breaks Amphitheater

Four viewpoints lie north to south along the 8 km (5 mi) Cedar Breaks Scenic Byway. North View, Chessman Ridge Overlook, Sunset View, and Point Supreme all offer slightly different views of the hoodoo formations in the deep cauldron of the amphitheater. Point Supreme is probably the most beautiful, but also the most heavily trafficked.

The Wasatch Ramparts Trail winds past a group of ancient Bristlecone Pines at Spectra Point, with the oldest specimen standing at more than 1,600 years. The trail ends at a lookout overlooking the amphitheater and into the valley of Ashdown Creek, covering 6,7 km / 4.1 m round trip with an elevation gain of 280 m / 918 ft. The trail is ideal for strolling during the afternoon and early evening.

The Alpine Pond Loop Trail follows a loop in the northern part of the park around a dark, small Alpine Pond through heavily wooded countryside just below the rim of the amphitheater (3,3 km / 2 mi round trip, 187 m / 613 ft elevation gain).

Minimum program

A full day to work the Bristlecone Pines at Spectra Point extensively in the morning and record the amphitheater formations in the afternoon.

Main Photo Tips USA – Utah

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