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Cedar Breaks National Monument - history

Ever wondered why the monument is called Cedar Breaks when there are no cedar trees around? Simple error is why. Early settlers mistook the Utah junipers, found at lower elevations, for Cedar trees. When the area was named by the early pioneers it was common to call badlands "breaks" and thus, the name Cedar Breaks was given. Prior to this, the Paiutes named the Cedar Breaks amphitheater "Circle of Painted Cliffs" or "un-cap-i-un-ump." Although the "Circle of Painted Cliffs" was the first name, it is Cedar Breaks that stuck.

1919 the first vehicle traveled to the Breaks
Cedar Breaks was named a national monument on August 22, 1933 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Just prior to this, the National Park Service was formed, and the guidance of Cedar Breaks was given to them. This separated the area from the surrounding Dixie National Forest, which is governed by the Forest Service. Interest in the monument increased and cars began to make their way to the breaks. In 1919 the first vehicle traveled to Cedar Breaks. Between 1920 and 1923, a road was built connecting Cedar Breaks to the east side of Zion National Park, further increasing visitation. Travel to the monument became even more popular in the 1930's after advertising showcased the monument. An example of 1930's advertising reads: "countless grotesque and magnificent geological forms, caused by water erosion, anointed with all colors of the spectrum ..."

Directions to Cedar Breaks U-148 Closure Dates. U-148 to Cedar Breaks closes in the winter due to snow depth. From Las Vegas: Take I-15 north to Cedar City. Take U-14 east from Cedar City to U-148 and turn left to Cedar Breaks. From Arizona: Take US-89 north through Mount Carmel Junction and turn west on U-14. Turn right at U-148 to Cedar Breaks. From Salt Lake City: Take I-15 south, exit at Parowan. Take U-143 to Cedar Breaks. From Mount Carmel Junction: Take US-89 north to U-14. Follow U-14 to U-148 and Cedar Breaks. Cedar Breaks Road Map - Cedar Mountain Map			The historic Visitor Center at Cedar Breaks National Monument is small, and charming. There is a book store inside and helpful rangers. Behind this quaint building is a gorgeous amphitheater of hoodoos shaded in various hues of pink.
	Lodging and services are available on the gorgeous east side of Zion National Park, where guests are close to Zion National Park (12 miles), Bryce Canyon National Park (60 miles), Cedar Breaks National Monument (45 miles), Coral Pink Sand Dunes (12 miles), and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon (85 miles). It's where city traffic is absent and the skies are bright and clean.

Cedar Breaks: Human History - Indians lived in the area for thousands of years before they were disturbed by the white man. There are many archeological records that attest to their presence. It was the Southern Paiutes (Pah-Utes) that were the first to meet the early pioneers. Mormon settlers moved into Cedar Breaks in 1851, forging a wagon trail to transport logs. Life was hard in those days and the "break" in the road added to the hardships. Thus the term "break" was used often when referring to the amphitheater. Life as these Southern Paiute's knew it changed when their land was taken and disease was brought to the area. The traditional ways of life slowly changed and more white men came to the forest.

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Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah

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