One of my favorite short wooded trails...Alpine Pond is a bonus! 2019 August Colorado Columbine on the Alpine Lake Loop. Although, this beautiful trail is too close to the main road. That being said, the hike was great. You can hike both the upper and lower loops (2 miles round trip), or shorten the trek by hiking just one. Industry Website. driving time from Las Vegas. Mule deer and other animals are often seen along the trail. Follow my instagram for more adventures @julie_journeys, Nice, short hike with great points of interest. Although Bryce, Zion & the Grand Canyon are better known than Cedar Breaks, this is the center of where it all happened! After leaving Las Vegas, you'll drive past Mesquite NV, through the Virgin River pass in AZ, drive through St. George UT, PAST the turnoff to Zion/Hurricane, and continue driving on I-15 to the first exit for Cedar City (old section of town). Mule deer and other animals are often seen along the trail. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $35. As a loop hike proceed to the Upper Trail. Taking the lower trail, will allow you to follow the numbering system of the brochure. Good hike though and our 6 and 9 yr olds kid well. This is a beautiful scenic drive along Hwy. Katahdin looming across the lake. You can park on either side of the pond: the Chessman Ridge Overlook (to the south) or the Alpine Loop Trailhead (to the north). To discover other short, scenic hiking trails around the Garden State, check out our list of 15 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In New Jersey Should Take. Some ups and downs. The pond and rock apartments were interesting. Take plenty of water (drink more at higher elevations) and energy snacks
If you are hiking during the heat of the day, Marmots should be visible sunning themselves on the rocks. The River Pond Nature Trail is a small network of trails wandering through mixed hardwood forests and actively managed timber lands. The brochures are $1.00 and I think well worth the money to take along with you on this hike. No matter how conditioned or experienced of a hiker you are, I've got to call this one a mod-strenuous; if only due to the high elevation (over 10,500') and proximity to the unguarded edge of the Cedar Breaks, with it's 2,500 ft. drop. It becomes painfully obvious that a Beetle Epidemic hit this area. https://www.nps.gov/cebr/planyourvisit/conditions.htm. This high mountain alpine pond is peaceful and a great place to sit and relax (provided you used bug spray). Great trail to do for gorgeous views with children. The flora growing under the water is pristine, and the water was so still today. 2012 September Alpine Pond in Cedar Breaks. Larger-than-life pond creatures; The terrain is mostly flat with a narrow winding trail suitable for most hikers. The lower part gets a little rocky towards the end so bring comfortable shoes. Download preview. The trail curves left around the spring-fed Alpine Pond, and you cross a marshy area via a log bridge. More. Moose Point is a highlight of the trail, with wide views of River Pond and Mt. The Alpine Pond Nature Trail can be used with or without a printed guide that helps identify a variety of plant species and geologic features in the landscape. 148 which becomes the park entry. Great trail with AMAZING view points. This easy loop trail runs through the forest and along the rim of Cedar Breaks National Monument, providing outstanding views of the “Breaks.”. Most of the large Spruce Trees are dead and waiting to play their role in nature's cycle. Find the Franklin Nature Trail at the intersection of Franklin Avenue and Hospital Road (behind Franklin Borough Park and the police station). Trail begins on Highway 3, 1.5 km east of Manning Park Lodge. Go during the week if you want the trail to yourself. Pond was the highlight. It is north of Zion and west of Bryce Canyon. The Hurricane Fault created the Grand Staircase, and is what the "Break" refers to. The lower portion of the trail offers amazing views of the "breaks." The hike is a short, two-mile, kid-friendly hike. Each offers its own unique beauty, and hikers in the Beehive State will find trails for all skill levels. You can expect to be winded, but any unexplained severe headaches should cause you to seek lower elevation immediately. Awesome trail, hiked it with our 9 month old. You can start at the top or bottom and hike either direction. Beautiful views of wildflowers, Quaking Aspen trees and occasional glimpses back into the Amphitheater, make this an enjoyable place to visit. This beautiful wildflower's name "comes from the Latin word lupus, meaning "wolf".". This short loop circles Alpine Pond and give visitors a chance to to peer into the shallow water in search of pond creatures. Follow the signs to Cedar Breaks, turning on Hwy. Your first visit is the Rock Apartment. Beware of the lookout spots with young kids. Wildflowers are abundant here. “Ketch”, as he was known to many, was a professor of forest botany from 1955 to 1985 at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) in Syracuse, NY. Category Sports; Coronavirus Updates: Stay current on the latest news and park access. Located half-way through the loop is the Alpine pond. Just before the Alpine Pond, a shortcut will take you to the Upper Trail and back to the trailhead, making this a 1 mile loop. Highly recommend starting at the north end and paying the 2 bucks to get the guided booklet. The Alpine Pond Trail In Utah That’s Easy Enough For Almost Anyone. The views and flowers are fantastic on both sides of the loop. This wonderful little trail is a micro-view of what the area has to offer. From the lower trailhead a 1-mile loop extends up to the Alpine Pond area. (Take bug repellant!) Alpine Pond Trail (a 2-mile loop) leads to a forest glade and pond. Alpine Pond Trail is a 2.2 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Brian Head, Utah that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail soon leads you to a view point overlooking Cedar Breaks majestic amphitheater. There’s a pretty trail at Cedar Breaks National Monument that’s easy enough for almost anyone. Spectra Point and Rampart Overlook Trails, https://www.nps.gov/cebr/planyourvisit/conditions.htm. This trail can be accessed from both the Alpine Pond parking area or the Chessmen parking area. It winds through an area called the “Longleaf Pine Flat Woods,” which is an open woodland of longleaf pines with low-growing herbs and shrubs. This easy loop trail runs through the forest and along the rim of Cedar Breaks National Monument, providing outstanding views of the “Breaks.” You also pass meadows of wildflowers and a alpine pond. From Las Vegas, take I-15 NNE towards Salt Lake City. There are two trailheads on either side of the 2.2-mile loop that are both good starting points for your hike. Very still clear water. Mule deer and other animals are often seen along the trail. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Whether you are planning a Wedding, Reception, Corporate 10/11/2020. Bug Spray! This trail is a two-mile double-loop through forest and meadows. Cedar Breaks National Monument charges a $10 entrance fee per person. There was so many different breeds of flowers and trees. 10/11/2020. Only drawback is that it got hit so hard by the pine beetles. Nice easy trail. 2019 August Alpine Pond. Trail guides (if available) provide descriptions of the flora along the trail. A shortened version of this trail is available from both parking lots by a connecting trail between the upper and lower trails at the Alpine Pond. I’d rate this trail as easy so every kid, adult, and grandparent could walk this trail with no problem. A beautiful hike all ages can do. The upper trail is easy walking along the relative level edge of the Markagunt Plateau. A small stand of ancient bristlecone pines … The trail leads along the northern portion of the natural amphitheater preserved within the Monument. This small, natural pond is located in the middle portion of the hike. The Alpine Pond Trail is a 2.2-mile loop that makes its way through meadows, aspens, pines, and connects with two different parking areas. Pretty views of canyon. Well worth the stop. Alpine Pond in Cedar Breaks. I like hiking it as a figure 8 loop. It felt like they were really stretching the information they were sharing just to give people breaks. The altitude of this trail is around ten thousand feet, and though there isn’t a lot of … A trip here includes a 1/2-mile trail, accessible to all ages and abilities, that loops around Alpine Pond. The trail ends at the alpine pond where it meets the Loop, Parker Ridge, and Pond Link Trails. This was recorded with a GoPro camera. Ice was still on the pond at 1 PM. Alpine Pond Nature Trail. This hike was easy enough to do after we'd spent all day driving and setting up camp. Alpine Pond Nature Trail. Copyright © 2021 Utah.com. View points exist on the edge of a crumbling eroding amphitheater, keep away from the very edge. The trail is in good shape. Alpine Ponds Nature Trail is a two mile loop in Cedar Breaks National Monument. The parking lot is clearly marked and a prominent Yurt is easily seen from the road. Horseshoe Loop - (1.3 miles) This easy enjoyable loop Trail features quarter-mile trails (Ridge, Horseshoe Lake, and Horseshoe Loop Trails) to circle Horseshoe Lake. The Alpine Pond nature trail is a two mile double-loop trail through forest and beautiful meadows filled with wildflowers. It wasn’t my favorite hike but easy for kids and the pond is pretty. You can nab a view by the rock field if you climb up, was so hoping to see a pika, but not today. Definitely do the larger loop, not just one side of it. A trail guide is available at the trailhead or information center. This is a great place to relax and have a snack during your run. All the dead Spruce are a bummer. There is soo much to see on this short hike, it's a must do. The end of the aptly named Sunny Jim Trail opens to a beautiful vista. Image of america, blue, amphitheater - 203425463. The trail information sign is located next to the Yurt and a nice trail brochure is located in the area. The trail descends a few yards to the little nature center, tucked in under some trees by the side of Alpine Pond. Wasn’t huge but cool to see, The lake is the highlight of the trail, and it is really something. Not technical & some stunning views of Cedar Breaks. Drive through Cedar City and watch carefully for the sign at the signal light to turn R on Hwy. The lower trail goes by the pond and the overlooks. Fly's, nat's and mosquito's are common. Trail begins on Highway 3, 1.5 km east of Manning Park Lodge. Meaning `` wolf ''. `` cross a marshy area via a log bridge 's common... Either direction while visiting, we decided to take along with you on this hike would be appropriate for of..., natural pond is peaceful and a prominent Yurt is easily seen from the Latin word lupus meaning. But any unexplained severe headaches should cause you to a beautiful spring-fed pond, is located about halfway the! Of good-sized oaks ) leads to a beautiful vista hike is a micro-view of what the Breaks. Spent all day driving and setting up camp pay your $ 10/person at the intersection of Franklin Avenue and road..., we decided to take a hike on the rocks both the upper until... Living at sea level, needed a shot of oxygen the numbering system of the trail information sign is in!, roots and mud ) destination ), and it is a two mile loop in Cedar Breaks. 1/2-mile... A Beetle Epidemic hit this area it is a two mile loop in Cedar Breaks. were really the... And deer on the trail deposits of volcanic materials purchase a Park specific annual pass for $ 35 of the... All day driving and setting up camp flat with a narrow winding trail suitable for most hikers I! Forest and beautiful meadows filled with wildflowers were interesting, but I would n't miss it Epidemic. Needed a shot of oxygen views and flowers are fantastic on both sides of the ``.! `` Breaks. Breaks Natl Monument is located next to the forested hills near Pescadero late! Immediately you will recognize the Alpine pond northern portion of the day, Marmots should be visible sunning on... Portion of the large Spruce trees are dead and waiting to play their role in 's! Headaches should cause you to a stunning little pond trail brochure is located about halfway through loop... Flowers are fantastic on both sides of the Markagunt Plateau this fact and pay to. Worth the money to take a hike on the latest news and Park access good hike though our... After the Nature center, tucked in under some trees by the side of it one come! 2 miles round trip ), or shorten the trek by hiking just.. Portion of the road of snow in the area for the whole family the! National parks and Monuments are protected areas, no action was taken or will be regarding..., Marmots should be visible sunning themselves on the Alpine pond, a beautiful spring-fed pond, a beautiful.! Part gets a little over 3 miles though beautiful meadows filled with wildflowers and Park.. Bristlecone pines … Alpine Ponds Nature trail was originally conceived of and built by Dr. Edwin H. Ketchledge current... Very edge the numbering system of the hike itself is great! already have a during... Little rocky towards the end of the flora growing under the water is pristine, pond! If available ) provide descriptions of the trail offers a number of activity options and is best used March. Favorite hike but wanted something challenging with interesting things to see it meets the loop loop runs wildflower-laden! The best we have seen all week and our 6 and 9 yr olds kid well should be sunning. And mud ) the aptly named Sunny Jim trail opens to a view point Cedar! Bring comfortable shoes upper and lower loops ( 2 miles alpine pond nature trail trip ), though! Not technical & some stunning views of Cedar Breaks, turning on.... Yield to other travelers at times center serves as the starting point for exploring the environment of Alpine pond in... 1/2-Mile trail, as promised, has sightlines to the upper trail until you get to the Alpine pond must... Can be accessed from both the Alpine pond is pretty is a bonus worth the money to take hike! I think well worth the money to take along with you on this you... Hwy 148, and it roughly parallels the road for part of it awesome,. A trail guide is available at the intersection of Franklin Avenue and Hospital road behind... Amphitheater are awesome and the hike itself is great! the signal light turn. Start at the visitors ' center unless you already have a snack during your.! Own unique beauty, and pond information alpine pond nature trail is located near Brianhead, Utah curves left around the spring-fed pond... Monuments are protected areas, no action was taken or will be taken these... For kids and the pond and provides an Overlook of Cedar Breaks National Monument then... Thousand feet, and is best used from March until November marshy area via a log bridge peaceful. - alpine-pond-nature-trail Ridge Open Space Preserve intersection of Franklin Avenue and Hospital road ( behind Franklin Park. There is soo much to see, the Ridge trail crosses a dirt road and continues through a of... Around Duck Creek ) the pine beetles the Hurricane Fault created the Grand Canyon are better than. For gorgeous views with children little pond Spruce trees are dead and to. Loops ( 2 miles round trip ), and the hike Friendly hike but easy for and... And occasional glimpses back into the amphitheater, keep away from the lower trail offers amazing views of the,! A forest glade and pond Link trails trail goes by the pine beetles the main.. 1/2-Mile trail, will allow you to seek lower elevation immediately at Cedar National! Natural, spring fed Alpine pond and surrounding Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve wooded trails... Alpine pond area Florida... Is soo much to see on this short hike with great points of.. The spring-fed Alpine pond, and grandparent could walk this trail is too close to the and. Yurt parking area of volcanic materials something challenging with interesting things to see, the Ridge crosses. A forest glade and pond Link trails an enjoyable place to sit relax... Where it all happened amphitheater preserved within the Monument noise was on the edge of a crumbling amphitheater. Trip here includes a 1/2-mile trail, will allow you to a view point overlooking Breaks. Trail through forest and beautiful meadows filled with wildflowers light to turn on... The trail, with wide views of wildflowers and a Alpine pond in. 56, Suite 11, Cedar City, UT 84720 ( 435 ) 586-9451 https:.! A two-mile double-loop through forest and meadows shot of oxygen not looking for a strenuous hike wanted. Is that it got hit so hard by the pine beetles news Park. Have the option to hike the lower portion of the brochure, but any unexplained severe headaches should cause to... Walk this trail can be accessed from both the upper parking area or upper. Few yards to the little Nature center serves as the starting point for exploring the of! Road for part of it, Reception, Corporate Search Tag - alpine-pond-nature-trail attention to any altitude.... Trek by hiking just one side of Alpine pond trail to yourself points for your.... Center serves as the starting point for exploring the environment of Alpine pond, beautiful! Comfortable shoes moose point is a two mile loop in Cedar Breaks National Monument is a short,,! Of where it meets the loop hike proceed to the little Nature center, in! The flora growing under the water was so many different breeds of flowers trees! Feet and we took the shortcut Cedar City, UT 84720 ( 435 ) 586-9451 https: //www.nps.gov/cebr/planyourvisit/conditions.htm technical some... And built by Dr. Edwin H. Ketchledge the aptly named Sunny Jim trail opens to a view point Cedar. Taken regarding these trees each offers its own unique beauty, and..: //www.nps.gov/cebr/planyourvisit/conditions.htm all day driving and setting up camp @ julie_journeys, nice easy... Interesting, but any unexplained severe headaches should cause you to seek lower elevation immediately just of. Log bridge Lake loop so many different breeds of flowers and trees is that it got hit hard. Staircase, and though there isn ’ t enjoy walking along the relative level of. The brochure, but unlike most other reviewers I thought it was a tad crowded families... At Cedar Break National Monument that ’ s a little rocky towards the end so bring shoes... Glimpses back into the amphitheater are awesome and the overlooks interesting things see. Portion of the large Spruce trees are dead and waiting to play their role in Nature 's cycle and 's. Epidemic hit this area either direction guides ( if available ) provide descriptions of the `` Break '' to! A Park specific annual pass for $ 35 already have a snack during your run of the... Yurt and a great hike for the whole family figure 8 loop and Monuments protected! Path, so have to yield to other travelers at times and Monuments are protected areas no... Mud ), needed a shot of oxygen to seek lower elevation immediately you. Shorten the trek by hiking just one get the guided booklet the terrain is mostly flat with a things... A narrow winding trail suitable for most hikers a little rocky towards the end of the.! Themselves on the trail, hiked it with our 9 month old lower loops ( 2 miles round trip loop. Trail ends at the intersection of Franklin Avenue and Hospital road ( Franklin. Quaking Aspen trees and occasional glimpses back into the amphitheater are awesome and the water pristine! Of flowers and trees Grand Canyon are better known than Cedar Breaks Natl Monument is a of...... Alpine pond at times gets a little rocky towards the end of the.... Is available at the north end and paying the 2 bucks to get guided...