Following significant snowfall, Cedar Breaks begins winter season. Here’s what you should know.

Cedar Breaks National Monument file photo, Cedar Breaks, Utah, date unspecified | Photo courtesy of National Park Service, St. George News

CEDAR CITY —Following the first significant snowfall since early October, Cedar Breaks Scenic Byway (Highway 148) and Rim Road (the road through the park) were closed for the season early Friday, according to a press release issued by park officials.

Snow covers the scenery of the Cedar Breaks National Monument in this undated file photo. | Photo courtesy National Park Service

The closure of the roads comes a month later than last year and marks the end of a 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, the news release states. 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,” Superintendent Kathleen Gonder said in the release.

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.

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.  

For up-to-date road conditions, visit the Utah Department of Transportation’s website or call 511 in state, or 866-511-8824 out of state.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2021, all rights reserved.

Free News Delivery by Email

Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? Enter your email below to start!