Cedar Breaks National Monument

Things have been a little crazy around here, lately. With work, everything that is going on in the world, and wedding planning, I’ve found myself feeling more and more stressed. So when my friends and I decided to plan a weekend away, I was so excited; especially since it would fall over my birthday! However, as the weekend came closer, I found myself feeling less excited and more anxious about putting life on hold. I knew I couldn’t back out, but part of me wanted to. How could I take a break at a time like this?! Of course, I went anyways and no surprise—it was exactly what I needed!

The weekend was spent in a cabin found on Airbnb (use THIS LINK to save $20 on your first trip!), with a few good friends. It was one of the first social events we’ve all had, since quarantine began, and I can’t tell you how good it was for us. Steve (my fiancé) had prepared some birthday surprises, and everyone made it such a special and memorable day.

As we drove into the area, we passed right through Cedar Breaks National Monument. Even though we planned to spend the entire next day in the park, we couldn’t resist stopping a few times and taking in the amazing views! The next morning, we did a couple of hikes and ate our packed lunches near the visitor’s center.

Cedar Breaks is one of my favorite parks in Utah. I like to call it a “mini Bryce Canyon”, as it has a very similar landscape, just on a smaller scale. There are a lot of hiking options in the park, and the surrounding area is absolutely stunning. I don’t think any of us could stop talking about how beautiful everything was, especially as it was early in the season, so all of the alpine meadows were filled with flowers and green grasses. We saw a lot of wildlife, too. Including a porcupine, elk, some kind of salamander, and deer.

Our little getaway ended much too soon, leaving all of us wanting a little more. But now that mine and Steve’s wedding is less than a month away, any other group trips will just have to wait a while.

It was so windy along the rim of the canyon! Apparently it is always like that.

(above: night shot of our cabin c/o @rondinasnaps // morning of my birthday // birthday card also c/o @rondinasnaps)

Our first hike was the Alpine Pond Loop. It’s the only hike I’d done in the park, before, and is such a pretty one!

(above: @rondinasnaps and I // overlooking the canyon // from where I sit // behind the scenes of previous shot // taking pics of the sun halo // group shot at point supreme)

Our second hike was to Point Supreme, and on the way back Steve looked up in the sky and saw a sun halo had formed! He ran to catch up with us (as he’d been taking pictures) to make sure we all saw it, too! It was an amazing way to end our day in Cedar Breaks National Monument!