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 Reporter |
Summary: There are both pros & cons to only hiking one of the double loops of the Alpine Pond trail. It only takes 1 hour and you avoid most of the slippery & steep parts of the lower section. Unfortunately, it's slippery where the forest is most lush and full of flowers, vines & ferns; and it's steep along the edge of the spectacular Breaks. But, if you have small children, older adults, or are short on time; at least you got to experience this high mountain forest, with it's serene and picturesque alpine pond, volcanic rock piles filled with chipmunks, marmots & pikas, wildflowers, colorful birds (look for the playful Northwest Tanager in the summer); and hopefully you saw very few people, but lots of deer and other wild creatures. The self-guided signs (buy trail guides at TH) are especially nice for children to learn as they hike, and for those adults who like to meander and savor nature. Just a few miles down the 148, Brianhead makes a great meal/overnight location. Trailhead: Cedar Breaks Natl Monument is located near Brianhead, Utah (popular ski destination), and is about 3 1/2 hrs. driving time from Las Vegas. From Las Vegas, take I-15 NNE towards Salt Lake City. 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). Drive through Cedar City and watch carefully for the sign at the signal light to turn R on Hwy. 14 (towards Brianhead, Navajo and Duck Creek). This is a beautiful scenic drive along Hwy. 14 and makes a wonderful day trip from Las Vegas -- beware of snow in the winter. Follow the signs to Cedar Breaks, turning on Hwy. 148 which becomes the park entry. Driving past the visitor's center,and past the Chessman Pkg Area (lower trail), you access this trail from Alpine Pond Parking Area. Hwy 143 joins 148 just past Cedar Breaks. (Lat:37.64181 Lon:-112.82174) Trail Guides for Alpine Pond (upper trail) loop - Alpine Pond pkg: Alpine Pond Trail by National Park Service (NPS & Zion Natural History Assoc) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: NPS - CBNM - 2390 W. Hwy 56, Suite 11, Cedar City, UT 84720 (435) 586-9451 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Kat Green, who has posted 86 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Utah Hiking, Utah Trails, Utah Hikes, Iron County Hiking, Iron County Trails, Iron County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
