Winter's heavy snows are starting to fall across the high country in parts of Utah, and at Cedar Breaks National Monument that means one access route to the monument has closed. It also means the monument will be a great destination for snowshoers and even cross-country skiers.

Access to the monument via Utah 148 to Highways 14 and 143 has closed for the winter, park officials say. 

According to Superintendent Paul Roelandt, “We have reached that time of year when expected heavy snow accumulation and constant drifting of snow across the road has made it unsafe to keep the road open.”

However, the portion of Highway 143 through Cedar Breaks National Monument connecting Panguitch with Brian Head and Parowan will remain open throughout the winter, except during and immediately after heavy snowstorms and during periods of blowing snow.  For current road conditions, you can call the Utah Department of Transportation Travel Information Service at 1-866-511-8824 or 511 if calling from within Utah.

Although the park road is now closed, Cedar Breaks provides many opportunities for winter recreation as more snow accumulates.

As in previous years, a yurt will function as a winter contact station.  The yurt is located in the northern part of the park and will be staffed on most weekends by volunteers from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting.  When sufficient snow falls, trails will be marked for use by snowshoers and skiers from the north park boundary along the north rim of the breaks and along the Alpine Pond Trail in the park. 

Guided snowshoe walks will be offered to the public every Saturday in January and February.  The park’s snowmobile route will also be marked, but remains closed until sufficient snow covers the unplowed road and enables the snowmobile route to be groomed through the park.  Snowmobiles must remain on the marked route within Cedar Breaks in order to protect park resources such as plants and wildlife.  Snowmobilers are reminded to stay alert for other recreationists to ensure a high quality, safe visitor experience for all.

Questions regarding winter recreational activities may be directed to the park’s administrative headquarters at (435) 586-9451.