Alpine Pond Trail at Cedar Breaks National Monument

Our second hike in Cedar Breaks National Monument this morning was the Alpine Pond Trail, a double loop trail out to the Chessmen Ridge Overlook and back for 2 miles with 200 ft of loos/gain.

The trail started in among the aspen trees.

We opted to hike via the Upper Trail first, not realizing we were going backwards as regards the Interpretive brochure. We started by passing the upper area of a large rock formation, then entered the forest.

After 1 mile, we reached the Chessmen Ridge Overlook (which has a parking area).

Pano at the Chessmen Ridge Overlook:

On the way back, we took the Lower Trail, here there were some views looking out over the Breaks. In the far distance is Brian Head.

some fall color along the trail

More views of the Breaks as we continue toward Alpine Pond.

Alpine Pond from the south end

Reflections in the pond

Alpine Pond from the north end

zoom of a bird we saw off the trail

Near the end of the loop, we hiked past the large rock formation from below 

Storm clouds were forming as we neared the end of the trail.

Hiking out through the quaking aspens before the thunderstorm hit.