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.

 

Ramparts Trail Cedar Breaks National Monument

We drove up to Cedar Breaks National Monument in Utah to do 2 hikes. The first hike was the Ramparts Trail, 4 miles round trip with 600 ft loss/gain, mostly around 10,000 ft.

We arrived at the trail as the sun was still low to the east and there had been rain last night, so the colors were intense.

Near the beginning of the trail we were walking on the layer of white rocks.

Panorama showing the contrast between the upper white rocks and the yellow/orange/red layers below.

I have lots of photos along this trail, with little to say, except "awesome beauty!"

another pano

view at Spectra Point looking west

view at Spectra Point looking northward

view at Spectra Point looking north 

Between Spectra Point and Ramparts Overlook, the trail took us past several large Bristlecone pine trees.

views along the trail towards Ramparts Overlook

fabulous Bristlecone pine stump

views from Ramparts Overlook

views as we hike back up to the trailhead when the sun is higher above the horizon 

After the hike, we walked over to the Point Supreme Overlook, accessed from the same parking area.