CEDAR CITY — From unique geologic features to vibrant wildflowers to breathtaking nighttime astronomy, Cedar Breaks National Monument is in full swing for the summer.
The annual Cedar Breaks Wildflower Festival begins Friday, July 7, and continues daily through Sunday, July 16.
The festival highlights the many beautiful species of wildflowers (some found nowhere else in the world) that bloom each year in the park’s subalpine environment along the rim of the Cedar Breaks amphitheater, according to a news release.
Several ranger-led Wildflower Walks of varying lengths and difficulty levels will be offered each day of the festival, including weekdays.
Interested participants should check in at the North View information booth or the temporary Visitor Center near Point Supreme for a daily schedule of programs and activities.
In addition to the daily Wildflower Walks, the National Park Service has partnered with the Southern Utah Museum of Art to offer artistic activities at the North View Overlook, the news release said.
Cedar Breaks rangers also began hosting dark-sky stargazing events on June 30. This will continue throughout the summer at 6:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at the North View Overlook with solar observing, and continue until approximately 11 p.m. with stargazing and constellation observing with telescopes.
Rangers will offer astronomy talks at 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. each night. These events will also take place during the Wildflower Festival.
Click here for a full list of summer events.
Cedar Breaks National Monument was established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933.
According to a news release, it is intended to preserve” 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.”