North Overlook

The North Overlook at Cedar Breaks National Monument provides great views to the south and west of the giant natural amphitheater. It is the last stop in the monument before you head toward the town and ski resort of Brian Head. Because the overlook is north of the winter road closure, you can access it by car in winter, unlike the other overlooks in the area. The elevation here is 10,400 feet, so expect the weather to be cold and unpredictable at any time of year.

The geology of the area is a fascinating. At one point the area was completely underwater; the sandstone was shoved up by tectonic activity and later eroded by the heavy precipitation this area gets thanks to its steep heights. The yellows and reds come from iron oxides and the purples from manganese oxide. You can see a white layer on top, which is volcanic pumice from an explosion around 30 million years ago. It is even more impressive in winter when snow sits on the hoodoos and spires.