Cedar Breaks

We accidentally found this little gem on our way to Cedar City after a day in Bryce Canyon. Rather than take the main road we chose to go via a back road (Hwy 143). It took longer because it was a minor road and because we kept stopping to look at interesting things. Part of the road goes through Cedar Breaks NM which, on my map, was just a little smudge but all of the road is a designated scenic drive.

We saw lava interspersed with diverse forest of pines and deciduous trees that was the most beautiful we've seen. (I've since done some research and discovered that the road we went on is among the top 10 in USA for autumn colour.)

We saw deer, and deer hunters in forest just outside the park.

We saw a huge amphitheatre of eroded red and pink sandstone, from a lookout over 10 000 feet above sea level. That was a total surprise.

We then drove down Highway 14 to Cedar City on a road that dropped dramatically in height in the short distance, delayed by road works because a land slide closed the road earlier this year, stunned by the beauty of the mountains on both sides.

I want to go back and do it all again, more slowly, in the autumn.

Sunset View Overlook, Cedar Breaks NM. The photo really doesn't show how huge this view was. It must be spectacular at sunset - it was showering when we were there.

We had to follow a self-propelled cherry picker down the highway - that was a first!