|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 Reporter |
Summary: No matter how conditioned or experienced of a hiker you are, I've got to call this one a mod-strenuous; if only due to the high elevation (over 10,500') and proximity to the unguarded edge of the Cedar Breaks, with it's 2,500 ft. drop. Although Bryce, Zion & the Grand Canyon are better known than Cedar Breaks, this is the center of where it all happened! The Hurricane Fault created the Grand Staircase, and is what the "Break" refers to. This wonderful little trail is a micro-view of what the area has to offer. This self-guided (buy guide at either trailhead) hike takes you past volcanic (rhyolitic tuff) rocks & rubble, a sinkhole, the pond (look for water insects, marmots, deer, elk, their tracks -- listen to hear the spring that feeds the pond), alpine forest (spruce, fir, pine, aspen, Bristlecones -- observe ravages of the bark beetle), wildflowers (lupine, mountain bluebell, paintbrush, yellow bush, penstemon), amphitheatre (unique unobstructed views), meadows! 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 Breaks, turning on Hwy. 148 which becomes the park entry. Driving past the visitor's center, you can access this trail from either the Chessman Parking Area (lower trail) or Alpine Pond Parking Area (upper trail). Continue on 148 for Brianhead. (Lat:37.64181 Lon:-112.82174) Trail Guides for Alpine Pond (figure 8 loop): 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
