Cedar City, Utah - Following the first significant snowfall since early October, Cedar Breaks Scenic Byway (Hwy. 148) and Rim Road (the road through the park) were closed for the season early Friday, December 10. The closure of the roads comes a month later than last year and marks the end of busy summer season at the park. While the roads were open May through this week, 666,076 people visited the park compared to 673,806 people during the same period in 2020.
After reaching record levels in 2020, visitation remained high through the 2021 season. Weather and operations were significantly different this year with heavy rains and several construction projects happening in the park. “Despite the closure of the Point Supreme Overlook this summer and construction of the visitor contact station, so many people continue to discover the wonder of Cedar Breaks," said Superintendent Kathleen Gonder. The Point Supreme Overlook is closed, winter users should not attempt to access the overlook or the construction site, which is marked by orange snow poles.
Although the roads are closed, the park remains open. Vehicles can access the northern side of the park via Highway 143, which will remain open throughout the winter but may close temporarily during and immediately after heavy snowstorms and periods of blowing snow. For up-to-date road conditions, visit the Utah Department of Transportation’s (UDOT) website at ww.udottraffic.utah.gov or call 511 in state, or 866-511-UTAH (8824) out of state.
As the snow continues to build, the scenic park road through the park will be transformed into a marked and groomed snowmobile route. The rest of the park will become a winter playground for those on snowshoes and skis. Snowmobiles are only permitted on the marked, groomed path through the park. Staying on the marked path ensures a safe and enjoyable recreational experience for visitors while protecting park resources such as plants and wildlife. Additional details will be released once snow coverage is enough to establish the snowmobile route.
About Cedar Breaks National Monument: Established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933, Cedar Breaks National Monument preserves the multicolored geologic spectacle of the Cedar Breaks amphitheater, scenic vistas, and natural and cultural resources of scientific interest for public appreciation, education, recreation, and enjoyment. Visit us at www.nps.gov/CedarBreaks, on Facebook www.facebook.com/CedarBreaksNPS, and Instagram www.Instagram.com/CedarBreaksNPS.
About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's more than 400 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice and Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice.
~NPS~
Tags: winter cedar breaks cedar breaks national monument utah
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
