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Spectra Point Trail

The Spectra Point Trail is lined with wonderful wildflowers and spectacualr views of hoodoos. The rock formations in Cedar Breaks have a subtle color that fit in beautifully with the colorful flora. Enjoy the short two mile round trip or continue beyond Spectra Point to the Ramparts View Point.

Spectra Point at a Glance
Photo Album:
Spectra Point Photos
Trail Maps: Spectra Point Map
Day Hike: Yes
Distance: 2 mile round-trip
Average Hiking Time: 2 hours
Equipment: Be sure to take plenty of water for each person and energy snacks for the trip.
Difficulty: Moderate hiking
Trailhead: The parking lot near the toll booth.
Trailend: Same as trailhead
Trail Access: Utah SR-148 closes in the winter
Elevation: Descend 142' to the water towers and then drop 207' to Spectra Point.
Off the Beaten Path: No
Best Season:  Anytime road 148 is open.

Begin this hike from the parking lot of the visitor center. The trailhead is well marked and described at the kiosk at the trailhead. From the parking area the trail ascends a short distance north and arrives at the rim. The trail now skirts the rim to the southwest for .8 miles until arriving at the stunning Spectra Viewpoint. The flowers are abundant, but the views to the right unfold millions of years of erosion and towers of multicolored limestone. The trail ascends a small hill with a water tank and then immediately begins its descent to Spectra Point.

Spectra Point

Once at the Point, be sure to stop and get an eye full. There are two to three natural "windows" in the gorge far below. Spectra Point offers an impressive view of hoodoos. Along this trail, notice the different hues of color in the rock formations. On one side of the trail are hoodoos and on the other is a beautiful meadow of wildflowers and junipers. The Colorado Columbine adds a subtle beauty to this hike. A close up of the white cap rock is seen as well as ancient Bristlecone pines. One Bristlecone pine at Spectra point is 1,700 years old! There is an option at this point to continue on the Ramparts Trail.

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 short hike to Spectra Point at Cedar Breaks is rewarding at the point and along the way are wonderful and various wildflowers.
	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.

Utah's Dixie National Forest: Cedar Mountain
Cedar Breaks National Monument is surrounded by Utah's Dixie National Forest. From Mt. Carmel Junction, drive north on US-89 to the junction with SR-14. SR-14 is known as Cedar Mountain which is the scenic byway to travel to Cedar Breaks. Once on Cedar Mountain, travel through the beautiful forest, and then turn at the signed highway to Cedar Breaks - SR-148. It's 22 miles from Mt. Carmel Junction to boundary of Dixie National Forest and 45 miles to Cedar Breaks.

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Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah

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