Cedar Breaks celebrates blooming summer

In early July, high-country wildflowers burst into full bloom, and Cedar Breaks National Monument burst with pride expressed in its annual wildflower festival, Thursday-July 20.

"During this spectacular display, visitors to the Monument will be able to see paintbrush and primrose, lupine and larkspur, and a spectrum of other flowers in meadows, woods and marshes," said park superintendent Paul Roelandt. "We have put together a series of special events and will have park rangers, volunteers, and other resources available for visitors to learn about and photograph the incredibly beautiful variety of wildflowers to be discovered at Cedar Breaks."

Wildflower specialists and volunteers will be available beginning at 10 a.m. daily to provide information. Festival highlights include guided walks, photography workshops and Zion Canyon Field Institute Classes.

Guided hikes will depart from the visitor center at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. every day of the festival. Children's activities include a Junior Ranger 'Wildflower Scavenger Hunt," beginning at 3 p.m. every Friday and Saturday. At 10 a.m. July 19 the park will offer a free workshop: "Wildflower Photography for Beginners." Throughout the festival, the visitor center will host an ongoing electronic display of wildflower images, provide free wildflower photography tip sheets, and offer discounts on related books and other merchandise.

Several Zion Canyon Field Institute courses will enrich the schedule, including "Wildflower Photography: Cedar Breaks" on July 8, "Wildflower Journaling at Cedar Breaks" on July 10, and "Lifezones II: Zion to Cedar Breaks" on July 12. Please contact ZCFI at (435) 772-3264 for more information and to pre- register.

Cedar Breaks National Monument is 23 miles east of Cedar City, along Highway 148 between Highway 14 and Brian Head. The park entrance fee is $4 per person aged 16 and older.

Daytime temperatures could be in the 60s, but because the monument lies at 10,000 feet elevation, those traveling to the festival should come prepared for cool nights and summer thunderstorms.

Updated festival events and activities, reference lists and more are available for downloading at the Cedar Breaks National Monument Web site: www.nps.gov/cebr. Schedules and events are also available at the visitor center and at the Monument's administrative office in Cedar City, 2390 W. Highway 56 Suite No. 11. Call (435) 586-0787 or (435) 586-9451 for more information.