Best Viewpoints at Cedar Breaks National Monument

Cedar Breaks is one of those places where you pull off the road “for a quick look” and end up staying longer than planned. The amphitheater drops away in layered reds and creams, hoodoos stack like sun-baked cathedrals, and the viewpoints give you big payoff without needing to lace up your hiking boots. These overlooks are perfect if you are staying in Brian Head, passing through the area, or pairing them with short hikes like Spectra Point.

Below is what each stop is really like, what we think is worth your time, and how to plan a fun day exploring these amazing stops.

Quick Overview

• Viewpoints visited: North View, Sunset View, Point Supreme, Chessman Ridge
• Ease of access: All viewpoints are quick walks on paved paths
• Parking: Paved and generally easy, though small lots may fill on peak weekends
• Best time of day: Morning or late afternoon for softer light and better color
• Why stop: Massive views with minimal effort and cooler temps at altitude
• Location: Google maps directions to North View, Sunset View, Point Supreme, Chessman Ridge
• Our conditions: High 70s, sunny, light wind

Quick verdict: If you only have time for one, choose Chessman Ridge. If you like history and views, Point Supreme at the visitor center is your best bet.

Viewpoint Breakdown

North View Overlook

North View was our first stop and where we purchased our Cedar Breaks entry pass. The short paved path is lined by a wooden fence and leads to a partially angled view of the amphitheater.

One side of the bowl was still in shadow around 9 a.m., and an odd protruding hill blocks part of the panorama. It feels like a side glance at Cedar Breaks rather than the main event.

Pros:

• Easy access
• Quiet in the morning
• Good warmup for the rest of the viewpoints
• Self-service kiosk for a pass if the visitor center is closed

Cons:

• Partial view due to the terrain
• Morning shadows cling to the far walls
• Windy when we visited

Sunset View Overlook

The name is misleading. This viewpoint works any time of day and provides a more central perspective than North View, but photographing it is tricky.

The amphitheater is wide enough that you often end up taking one side, then the other. If you sit at the wooden log, the guardrail blocks the best angles, making it more of a rest spot than a photography stop.

Pros:

• Central angle
• Quiet during our visit
• Easy, flat walk

Cons:

• Hard to capture in one shot without stitching photos
• Sitting area looks through a rail

Point Supreme (Visitor Center Viewpoint)

This viewpoint is accessed by the longest path of the four, though it is still a quick walk. It leads to a wide, beautiful panorama with a clear look toward Spectra Point.

We also got lucky and watched two marmots cuddling on a sunlit rock, which felt like a fun bonus rather than something to expect.

This stop offers the most amenities. The visitor center has water, restrooms, a small gift shop, and a cabin filled with local history info.

Pros:

• Great view
• Visitor services
• Interesting cabin with exhibits
• Possible wildlife

Cons:

• Busiest of the viewpoints
• Slightly longer walk which may feel tiring to those sensitive to altitude

Chessman Ridge Overlook

This was our favorite viewpoint by a wide margin. We visited on a separate day while hiking the Alpine Pond Loop and were struck by how much more dramatic the amphitheater looks from this angle. The hoodoos stand tall and layered, the reds are vibrant, and the depth is clearer than any other official viewpoint.

The sun was overhead, so the lighting was a bit harsh, but the view still stole the show. Parking is right off the road, paved, and straightforward. Crowds were almost nonexistent when we visited.

Pros:

• Best overall angle
• Hoodoo details are crisp and obvious
• Easy, direct access
• Light crowds

Cons:

• Midday light can be harsh
• Limited shade

Tips for Visiting the Cedar Breaks Viewpoints

• Hydrate more than you think; the elevation is over ten thousand feet
• Bring a light jacket since wind is common
• Pair the viewpoints with a hike like Spectra Point or Alpine Pond
• Budget thirty to sixty minutes for all four viewpoints
• Visit early or late if you want solitude

Who These Viewpoints Are Best For

• Travelers who want big views without long hikes
• Visitors short on time near Brian Head
• Photographers looking for easy rim angles

Our takeaways

The viewpoints are quick, simple, and give you very different angles of the same amphitheater. Chessman Ridge ended up being the clear standout for us, followed by Point Supreme for its amenities and classic panorama. Sunset View was pleasant but hard to photograph, and North View felt more like a warmup than a must-see.

If you’re short on time, you can see everything in thirty minutes, pick one or two highlights, or pair the viewpoints with a nearby hike. Either way, the effort-to-reward ratio is high.

What We Liked Most

• Huge visual payoff for very little effort
• Multiple viewpoints with different angles on the same amphitheater
• Cool temperatures compared to lower elevation areas nearby
• Easy to pair with Brian Head activities or short hikes

What We Didn’t Like

• Small parking lots may fill on peak weekends
• Limited shade at most overlooks
• Weather changes quickly at this elevation
• Photographing wide shots was tough without a wide angle or a tripod

Add-On Adventures Near Cedar Breaks

FAQs

Do you need a pass?
Yes. A valid Cedar Breaks pass or an America the Beautiful pass works.

Is parking easy?
Usually. Lots are small and may fill on peak weekends but turnover is high.

How long does it take to see them?
Sixty to ninety minutes for all four.

Best time for photography?
Morning or late afternoon for the most even light.

Are drones allowed?
No. Drones are prohibited.