Mini Utah Vacay Day 2: June 22, 2024

We woke up early on Saturday to hike the Cedar Breaks National Monument South Rim trail, a total of 6 miles round trip from where we parked at the picnic area located at the mid-point of the Sunset Trail.  The trail follows the plateau rim of the Cedar Breaks amphitheater boasting spectacular views and ancient bristlecone pines.  

Views from the North Rim Overlook before heading to the South Rim and our hike.  

A chipmunk stuffing it's cheeks with peelings from the wooden fence posts for nesting.  He or she was not afraid of us in the slightest! 

A view out towards our first waypoint, Spectra Point.  

A giant bristlecone pine.  You can see Derek to the left and Ashton sitting next to it on the right.  These were huge- a lot bigger and taller than those we saw at Bryce Canyon National Park a few years ago.  

Spectra point! (10,350 ft)

Panoramic view at Spectra Point

A look over to our next waypoint, Ramparts Point. 

More bristlecone pines with the backdrop of the beautiful mixed pine forest.  

Derek admires a giant bristlecone.  

Our path followed a rushing stream which eventually became a waterfall down into the Breaks.  

Wonderful hoodoos and other formations in the orange stone.  

Walking out to Ramparts Point.  

Zach at Ramparts Point (9952 ft).  

Hiking out to our final destination, The Bartizan Arch (9795 ft).

The double arch.  

Can you spot Ash and Zach atop the ridge to the right of the arch? 

Out of the world scenery- like a Dali painting or a Mars landscape.  

The boys next to a large bristlecone pine.  Nice and shady as it nears the noon heat-of the day.  Seventy degrees.  Very pleasant . 

We did encounter some snow remnants, but not much.  Basically trail conditions were very dry.  

After completing our hike, we had a nice picnic lunch.  The park had really nice facilities! 

We then drove 17 miles down to Cedar City to gas up and pick up a few grocery items needed for dinner and the next day's picnic lunch.  It was a bit shocking to go from 65/70 degrees at Bryan Head and Cedar Breaks to 90 degrees in Cedar City.  However we were treated to some amazing views on the drive as we descended and then again ascended in altitude.  In the picture below, you can see the giant tabletop mesas of Zion National Park in the distance on the right.  

We then returned to Cedar Breaks for more afternoon hiking.  We started off with views at Chessmen Overlook and then taking the 2 miles Alpine Pond trail.  

Zach bought chessmen cookies to enjoy at chessmen ridge!!! 

Views from the Alpine Pond trail boasting wildflowers, spruce-fir-aspen forest, and of course a pond! 

Derek and I spotted a salamander swimming in the pond.  He was about a foot-long including tail.  

On our way out of the park, we drove up to the top of Brian Head Peak (11,307 ft)  to enjoy the 360 degree views.  Outstanding! 

A view of Brian Head village where our Air B&B condo was located.  

A view of Cedar Breaks National Monument 

Upon returning to condo/cabin, Derek gave the boys a grilling lesson.  We spent the evening relaxing and enjoying each other's company- resting up for more early-morning hiking on Sunday.