This moderate trail is about 2 miles long (one way) with a 580 foot elevation change. However, this trail does go both uphill and downhill, so there is more climbing during the trail than just the elevation change. The trail starts with some sections of uphill climbs before reaching the high point near some water towers about a half mile up the trail. From there, the trail mostly descends to the Spectra and Ramparts Viewpoints, though there is a short climb back up to the Ramparts Viewpoint at the end.
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| Topographical Map |
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| Graph of Elevation |
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| Trail in Google Earth |
This trail starts not far from the visitor's center in Cedar Breaks. The parking lot for the trailhead is shared with the visitor's center, gift shop, and Point Supreme.
About a third of a mile up the trail there is a turn off to see a little historical cabin. This cabin is all that remains from the Cedar Breaks Lodge built in the early 1920s. The lodge was torn down in 1972, but this little cabin was forgotten and so it remains in place today. It originally housed a generator used to create electricity for the lodge, and later was used for storage.
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| Little Cabin |
The trail past the cabin continues up to some water towers about a half mile up the trail.
Spectra Point is about a mile up the trail. There is a short turn-off to get to the viewpoint from the trail that continues on. The views from the point are indeed spectacular, and this is a nice turn-around point for those seeking a shorter trail.
There are also a lot of cool Bristlecone Pines all around this area and scattered about in other places on the way to the Ramparts Viewpoint.
After Spectra Point, the trail descends down some switchbacks and enters a lush forested area full of wildflowers during the summer. A pleasant stream runs through here that the trail crosses not far from the viewpoint.
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| Prickly Current |
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| Columbines |
Finally, the trail ends at the scenic Ramparts Viewpoint.
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| East View from Ramparts Viewpoint |
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| West View from Ramparts Viewpoint |
Of course, there are plenty of other nice views to enjoy along the way outside of Spectra and Ramparts Viewpoints as well. Enjoy them all again on your way back to the trailhead.
Restrooms are available near this trailhead. Please note that this trail is in a national monument and there is a per person fee to access the area. This fee can be paid at the booth at the parking area.
Directions
This trail is located in Cedar Breaks National Monument, which is about 23 miles east of Cedar City, Utah. If you are coming from the south, take Exit 57 from I-15 and head east on Main St. in Cedar City. Next, turn right onto Center St./UT-14. Continue along this road for about 18 miles, and then turn left onto UT-148, following the signs for Cedar Breaks. Continue another 3.5 miles along this road until you reach the visitor's center parking area.
If you are coming from Parowan or further north, take Exit 78 off I-15 and turn left onto Main St. Continue to Center St. and turn left again, then go to Canyon Rd./UT-143 and turn right. In 16 miles, continuing straight on this road will take you onto UT-148. Go about another 4 miles to reach the visitor center parking lot for Cedar Breaks. GPS Coordinates: N37 36.717 W112 50.261
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