Day 8
Monday, September 11, 2023
Today was all about Cedar Breaks National Monument. When I went to bed, the forecast called for clouds most of the day with rain. You can imagine my surprise to see sunshine when I woke up. Even better, the clouds were now expected late in the day with rain possible at night. With the high temp of 55 degrees, it seemed like a great day was ahead.
The lodge doesn't do breakfast and this time of year their coffee shop is only open on weekends. With no rush, breakfast and a cup at Mountain Peak Coffee hit the spot.
There were already a few cars in the lot when I arrived. Even at five miles the trail to the arches is popular one. The trip to the arch is two and a half miles is on a fairly steady down slope. Of course we know what that means for the trip back. The trail itself is nice and wide, well cared for and simple to follow!
The view from the one mile overlook...
Eventually, the trail leads away from the canyon rim and into the forest. When the trees end, it's a wide open area and you get the first glimpse of the arch. Another few minutes of walking and you get the frontal view...
I was joking with another guy about posing atop the arch. When we walked up the hill and looked, there was no way either of us would do it.
The trail back towards the car...
Feeling pretty good after shooting this compliant chipmunk, it was time to give my knees some rest over a late lunch. I picked up a map with a list of hiking trails in the greater Brian Head area. I definitely wasn't up for another tough trail, but could do another short one.
There isn't much to Brian Head. It's obviously geared toward the ski season. Even their park benches are old ski lift chairs. Dining options are a bit limited. By the time I got to the pizza place, the clouds were already rolling in.
A light but steady rain was falling when I came back out. So much for hitting another trail. Out of curiosity, I did make a dash back to one of the park's overlooks.
The clouds started breaking up just in time for another great sunset, once again shot through the lodge window.
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