Zion National Park
Zion National Park is one of the most magnificent National Parks in the United States. Elevations within the park range from 4,000 to 8,700 feet. Visitors will see red and white sandstone formations that rise thousands of feet above them as they travel in the lower sections of the park. Visitors will enjoy walking on paved trails or venturing into the backcountry. During the springtime and on occasional rainy days, the park is filled with magnificent waterfalls that cascade from the upper reaches of the park to the valley floor. The water from these falls enters the Virgin River. Visitors will enjoy the east side of Zion National Park and may enjoy eating at the Buffalo Grill (just outside the east gate) at Zion Mountain Resort. At Zion Mountain Resort you may see a free-roaming herd of wild buffalo or take horseback or ATV rides. Also available is a Native American Cultural Center. Click here for more information.
Directions: Go east on Highway 9 (11 miles) to Hurricane. Follow the signs east and then north to LaVerkin where you’ll turn right and go up onto a plateau. Follow the road east through Virgin, Rockville and then to Springdale (total distance from Coral Ridge is approximately 35 miles). The southwest gate of Zion is accessed here. The east gate of Zion National Park is 11 miles away and worth the trip via the miles long tunnel that enters the side of a sandstone formation.
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Located to the east of Cedar City, Cedar Breaks National Monument sits atop the Colorado plateau, reaches 10,000 feet high into the air and is more than 2,000 feet deep. Mineral deposits have left the cliffs of the monument shining with an array of rich copper and golden hues. A huge natural amphitheater has been eroded into the cliffs, spanning 2 miles east to west and 3 miles north to south, and is over 2,000 feet deep. Rock formations such as hoodoos, fins, spires and columns decorate Cedar Breaks. There have been over 50 different hues identified in the hoodoos. While viewing the amphitheater remains the main draw of the monument, visitors also enjoy hiking, picnicking, driving the main scenic route. The park has two main hiking trails, and both require visitors to be prepared for cool days and freezing nights. This monument can be visited in the summer months for hiking, picknicking, and camping. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Photography is another popular activity sightseers enjoy at Cedar Breaks. Click here for more information.
Directions: Take I-15 to Cedar City. Once in Cedar City, take Highway 14 to Highway 148 and enter Cedar Breaks National Monument. The total distance is about 70 miles, just over an hour away.
