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Summary: If you have no fear of edges, enjoy some mud on your boots, and want a nice little 1 hour workout with big sensory payoff -- this loop (half of the figure 8) is great! Park at Chessman pkg instead of Alpine Loop pkg, but be warned that tour busses like to pull into this larger parking lot and give their passengers a chance to get out and stretch their legs. If it's a weekend in the summer between 9 a.m. and sunset, you may have company on at least the beginning of this trail. Just keep on hiking and you'll eventually outdistance the crowd and enjoy the spectacular views of Cedar Breaks from along the edge of the trail in relative isolation. If it's daybreak or dusk, you'll likely see more deer than people, especially at the pond and in the meadows, which are filled with flowers in the summer. Chipmunks and birds are active throughout this area, and the colors (flowers, lichen, rocks, amphitheatre) will knock your socks off! Heavy snow at this elevation in winter. Trailhead: Cedar Breaks Natl Monument is located near Brianhead, Utah (popular ski destination), and is about 3 1/2 hrs. driving time from Las Vegas. From Las Vegas, take I-15 NNE towards Salt Lake City. After leaving Las Vegas, you'll drive past Mesquite NV, through the Virgin River pass in AZ, drive through St. George UT, PAST the turnoff to Zion/Hurricane, and continue driving on I-15 to the first exit for Cedar City (old section of town). Drive through Cedar City and watch carefully for the sign at the signal light to turn R on Hwy. 14 (towards Brianhead, Navajo and Duck Creek). This is a beautiful scenic drive along Hwy. 14 and makes a wonderful day trip from Las Vegas -- beware of snow in the winter. Follow the signs to Cedar Follow the signs to Cedar Breaks, turning on Hwy. 148 which becomes the park entry. Driving past the visitor's center, you access this trail from the Chessman Parking Area. Busloads of visitors use this parking area on weekends, so go early. (Lat:37.63116 Lon:-112.83218) Trail Guides for Alpine Pond (lower loop) - from Chessman Pkg: Alpine Pond Trail by National Park Service (NPS & Zion Natural History Assoc) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: NPS - CBNM - 2390 W. Hwy 56, Suite 11, Cedar City, UT 84720 (435) 586-9451 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Kat Green, who has posted 86 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Utah Hiking, Utah Trails, Utah Hikes, Iron County Hiking, Iron County Trails, Iron County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
