Cedar Breaks National Monument

Most visitors drive straight past Cedar Breaks on their way to Bryce Canyon. That’s their loss. This three-mile-wide, 2,000-foot-deep amphitheater sits at over 10,000 feet and offers some of the most dramatic geology in Southern Utah — violet, cream and red limestone formations that rival anything the more famous parks can offer.

Because Cedar Breaks sits between Brian Head Resort and Panguitch, it’s a natural stop whether you’re heading to the slopes or the hoodoos. In summer, the meadows along the rim erupt with wildflowers — subalpine blooms that peak in July and August and draw photographers from across the country.

There’s a short scenic drive along the rim with four overlooks, each one different and each one worth the stop. The Alpine Pond Loop is an easy two-mile trail through forest and past a small alpine lake. For families, it’s manageable. For groups, it’s a perfect morning add-on.

The road in (UT-143) closes in winter due to snow — usually from November through May — so this is a warm-season destination. Entry is $10 per person. No crowds, no queues. Just the canyon and the sky.