Southwestern Utah Feature

Cedar Breaks National Monument, a natural amphitheater similar to Bryce Canyon, spans almost 3 mi and plunges 2,000 feet into the Markagunt Plateau. Short alpine hiking trails along the rim and thin crowds make this a wonderful summer stop. Although its roads may be closed in winter due to heavy snow, the monument stays open for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

It's never crowded here, and most people who visit are content to photograph the monument from one of the handful of overlooks alongside the road—which means the intrepid hiker, skier, or snowshoer can easily find solitude along the trails. In fact, winter is one of the best times to visit, when snow drapes the red-orange formations. But call ahead for road conditions, and keep in mind that all visitor facilities are closed from October through late May.

Rte. 148, 9 mi south of Brian Head, 2390 W. Hwy 56, Suite 1, Brian Head, UT, 84720. 435/586-9451. www.nps.gov/cebr. $4 per person. Visitor center late-May-early-Oct., daily 8-6.