.jpg "Columbine Ridge and Lavender Canyon Cedar Breaks NM UT")
Columbine Ridge and Lavender CanyonMy second day (first day) at Cedar Breaks National Monument I drove the 5-mile (8 km) park road to the farthest viewpoint called North View at 10435 feet (3180.5 meters) where it was cold (mid 40s F) and so windy (gusts up to 50mph). I was sure every photo would be blurry as I could barely hold on to the camera and stand upright. Sure glad it wasn’t blowing towards the canyon.
.jpg "Brian Head from Cedar Breaks NM UT")
Opposite the canyon to the northeast stands Brian Head Peak, 11315 feet (3448.8 meters)..jpg "Junior Ranger yurt Cedar Breaks NM UT")
The Jr. Ranger yurt complete with skylight and woodstoveNext stop was the Alpine Pond trail head and although it’s only a .5 mile (.8 km) trail I was too cold to go that far. If there had been a fire and Jr. Ranger program going on in the yurt I’d have been there.
.jpg "Elderberries Cedar Breaks NM UT")
I wonder if these elderberries will ever ripen at this elevation and short growing season..jpg "Big view Cedar Breaks NM UT")
Jericho Ridge, Arch Creek drainage, Bristlecone and Chessmen RidgesJust down the road at the Chessmen Ridge Overlook the scene changed again.
.jpg "Thistle Cedar Breaks NM UT")
Some kind of thistleThe Southern Paiute who first lived in the area called Cedar Breaks u-map-wich, meaning the place where the rocks slide down all the time.
.jpg "Sunset view overlook Cedar Breaks NM UT")
Sunset View overlook west into Arch Creek drainage towards Cedar CityLater, American settlers named the area Cedar Breaks; Cedar for the misnamed juniper trees, and Breaks which is a term for badlands.
.jpg "Fleabane Cedar Breaks NM UT")
FleabaneBack at Point Supreme where the visitor center is located was a little protected from the fierce wind.
.jpg "Cedar Breaks NM UT")
I watched in awe as cloud shadows flowed across the canyon. Yet it was cold and still windy so I headed home.
Gaelyn: That is certainly a wonderful show from the Lavender Canyon. that is an outstanding place. Thanks for sharing these grand sights.
Hello Gaelyn. Is the white on the rocks in the first picture calcium? What a beautiful picture that is with the contasting colors.
I can;t believe it is so cold there, something like the snow we are expecting no. How unseasonal. Isn't it supposed to be boiling hot now?
Those berries look good and healthy and I am sure they will ripen in no time and be a great feat for some bear. 🙂 Or the birds of course.
Another wonderful post on your part of the world. Thank you for sharing.
I'm surprised it was so cold. Lovely colors in the first image. And, I'm glad you explained how Cedar Breaks got it's name, as I was curious. Enjoyed the tour.
Terrific shots and great information as always, Gaelyn! It is so beautiful there. Your post brought back lots of memories!
Have a great week!
Sylvia
Breath-taking photos as ever. I can see why you chose to take up park rangering, it must be an amazing experience to live close to such surroundigns.
These are lovely views. I have never been to hiking this high of an elevation. I am just admiring the beauty! I love your side of the world!
Nothing beats the natural beauty you see every single day. I have enjoyed the tour.
Stunning scenery. The first scene with the layers of rock is magnificent. How lucky you are to live amongst this.
Janice.
What a magnificent place. I enjoy your tours of the natural wonders so much.
Jericho ridge is amazing! What an amazing place. I would not want to leave.
Great shots, we didn't get to Cedar Breaks when we did a ciruit of Utah parks a few years ago. We spent to much time a Capital Reef, a park we really liked.
Stunning views, thanks for showing us. I've never seen a white thistle before
Breathtaking! Loved the fleabane. Thanks for taking us with you!
That's an amazing landscape Gaelyn. Beautiful.
I love that first photo! stunning view, especially with the different hues of the rocks
Hi Gaelyn, I do love your part of the world. Fantastic images!
What spectacular canyons and view where you are! Thanks for sharing.
I had thought the Grand Canyon was all shades of only brown. I'm glad to see those other colours in plenty!
What a shame it was so windy. But it made for an interesting tale to share. Spectacular scenery!
What a great place to visit, even when it's cold and windy!
The views of Cedar Breaks National Monument are exceptionally beautiful.
Fantastic views. Nothing blurry here.
Superb formations, that first shot, wind or no wind, is fabulous!
A lovely place , and the Fleabane is spectacular as well.
It's cold somewhere in this part of the world right now?
Tremendous views and great shots.
Hi Gaelyn. You may be past your 50s but these travels you have doesn't show you are that age. =)
Oh wow!!! Breathtaking!! I went over to Yakima canyon and to Naches and up towards White Pass but not as high up as you were. gorgeous. I like the stripes of events in the rocks. i call them events because something happened then. Tomorrow i will post some of my Ea. Wa. pics. The Elderberries were perfect purple and I picked some to try jam, wine whatever. LOL MB
So glad you weren't swept away by either the wind or the beauty of it all! Great shots.
Always stunning images!
Makes me want to fly out there.
What a spectacular part of the world! Lavendar canyon is just awe inspiring.
The effect of sun and clouds on Cedar Breaks and Bryce is always amazing to me. The rocks look translucent in some light.
The yurt looks familiar. We've stayed in one near here on a cross country ski outing.
That top photo so isn't real. Are you a painter now and trying to paint, surreal, fantastical scenery and pull the wool over our eyes? =)
Stunning!
Beautiful photos Gaelyn, as usual…
Really enjoyed your (windy) tour, Gaelyn. That Fleabane is prolific! Sorry about your broken water heater – hope it's fixed soon.
Love your cloud shadows!
I'm astounded at the weather you had. We have NEVER had bad weather there. Once we had to buy a long-sleeved shirt for our daughter who didn't have a jacket, but it was in the upper 50's. We've always had bright sun and good weather. I have a friend that I learned yesterday was there a week before us. They had hurrican winds and precipitation. They said it was snow, but I'm not sure. We go every year. I guess we are extra lucky!