General management plan development concept plan for Cedar Breaks National Monument Iron County, Utah

National Park Service

Cedar Breaks National Monument is a huge natural amphitheater which has eroded into variegated pink cliffs (wasatch formation) , which are 2,000 feet thick at this point. The area was proclaimed a national monument on August 22, 1933. Boundary changes occurred on March 7, 1942, and June 30, 1961. There are 6154.60 acres all in Federal ownership. When the monument was established the early facilities available were the lodge and cabins near Point Supreme operated by the Union Pacific Railroad. These buildings deteriorated through the years and were removed in 1971. In 1937 a temporary Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was established near Sunset Point. Camp members worked on construction of the log visitor center and the caretaker cabin. The visitor center (H.S.I) and caretakers cabin (H.S.2) remain in use today. In 1959, Mission 66 funding provided construction of a maintenance building, a four unit seasonal apartment building, and a new campground with a modern restroom. In 1980, a new restroom was constructed at Point Supreme to serve the visitor center area. Pioneer roads from nearby communities served visitor needs until 1961 when the road through the monument was realigned and an all weather surface was provided. Cedar Breaks National Monument has experienced an increase in visitation and changes in demands and needs. Since establishment as a monument the old lodge and cabin have been removed and the areas restored to a natural condition. The visitor center, a 750 sq. ft. structure was built in 1937. Access roads and visitor use have not changed substantially since the park was established, although some road realignment and resurfacing was done in the 50's. A master plan was developed in 1966 and changes in issues have arisen. The general management plan is an update of the master plan. Issues that have been identified are: A. The Point Supreme Visitor Contact Facility is Inadequate to Serve Visitor Needs B. State Highway 143 and Panguitch Lake Road is Not Safe for Modern Traffic Demands C. Limited Recreation Opportunities Restricts Visitor Use and Length of Time in the Park A range of alternatives has been developed to respond to these issues and they include: A. Point Supreme Visitor Contact and Administrative Facility 1. Retain as is 2. Enlarge the existing structure 3. Construct new facility B. State Highway 143 and Panguitch Lake Road 1. Repair surface only, improve drainage 2. Resurface and realign road 3. Resurface, realign, and widen road C. Limited Recreation Opportunities 1. Retain as is, improve Alpine Pond Trail 2. Improve existing trails 3. Improve existing trails, add Rim Trail and Forest Service trail links, improve campground facilities, and construct trail registration Kiosk at North View overlook.

General management plan development concept plan for Cedar Breaks National Monument Iron County, Utah

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