Continued from part 1
The most sensible point to start your exploration of the park is the rim visitor center at Pointe Supreme. The visitor center opens daily 9 AM until 6 PM from around mid-May until around mid October. The winter ranger station is open Saturdays and Sundays only, from 10 AM until 2 PM mid-November until late March here operations are weather dependent.
At the visitor center you will find restrooms, exhibits, a small gift shop and information about ranger activities.
Daily ranger talks are held during the height of the season and cover subjects such as geology and the flora and fauna of the park. All the ranger talks take place at the Pointe Supreme overlook and the schedule can be found in the visitor center or on the notice board at the payment station. If you have the time it' s is well worth stopping by and listening to the rangers who are both passionate and knowledgeable about their subject and you will glean lots of information about the park, it' s history and its residents. During July and August evening ranger talks are held at the campground on Fridays and Saturdays.
Because of the park' s high elevation and clear skies it is a marvelous place to study the night skies and during the summer months ' Star Parties' are held in the park. These events are free of charge and last approximately two hours. The Stargazing events take place at Pointe Supreme and are conducted by the park rangers and astronomy volunteers. Telescopes will be provided for viewing. Star Parties usually take place every Saturday evening from the beginning of July until Labor Day and additional events will be scheduled for full moons and meteor showers. The stargazing events take place subject to the weather and information can be found by calling the visitor centre. Warm clothing is a definite requirement as even after a blisteringly hot summers day once the sun has gone down the combination of the clear air and the altitude will make it very chilly.
Hiking is a popular summer pastime in the park. There are a variety of hiking trails available, some only slightly more challenging than a gentle stroll and others far more strenuous and ranging in length from a mile to several miles. Pets are only allowed on the campground trail. Remember that hiking at altitude is more challenging than hiking at lower levels and is not recommended for anyone with heart or breathing problems.
For a detailed account of one of the hiking trails read our article ' Alpine Pond Trail Cedar Breaks'
Even if you do not have time to partake in any of the activities on offer a visit to the park is well worth the effort for its stunning vistas and unique photo opportunities and should you ever you find yourself in this area of Utah don' t miss it!
The most sensible point to start your exploration of the park is the rim visitor center at Pointe Supreme. The visitor center opens daily 9 AM until 6 PM from around mid-May until around mid October. The winter ranger station is open Saturdays and Sundays only, from 10 AM until 2 PM mid-November until late March here operations are weather dependent.
At the visitor center you will find restrooms, exhibits, a small gift shop and information about ranger activities.
Daily ranger talks are held during the height of the season and cover subjects such as geology and the flora and fauna of the park. All the ranger talks take place at the Pointe Supreme overlook and the schedule can be found in the visitor center or on the notice board at the payment station. If you have the time it' s is well worth stopping by and listening to the rangers who are both passionate and knowledgeable about their subject and you will glean lots of information about the park, it' s history and its residents. During July and August evening ranger talks are held at the campground on Fridays and Saturdays.
Because of the park' s high elevation and clear skies it is a marvelous place to study the night skies and during the summer months ' Star Parties' are held in the park. These events are free of charge and last approximately two hours. The Stargazing events take place at Pointe Supreme and are conducted by the park rangers and astronomy volunteers. Telescopes will be provided for viewing. Star Parties usually take place every Saturday evening from the beginning of July until Labor Day and additional events will be scheduled for full moons and meteor showers. The stargazing events take place subject to the weather and information can be found by calling the visitor centre. Warm clothing is a definite requirement as even after a blisteringly hot summers day once the sun has gone down the combination of the clear air and the altitude will make it very chilly.
Hiking is a popular summer pastime in the park. There are a variety of hiking trails available, some only slightly more challenging than a gentle stroll and others far more strenuous and ranging in length from a mile to several miles. Pets are only allowed on the campground trail. Remember that hiking at altitude is more challenging than hiking at lower levels and is not recommended for anyone with heart or breathing problems.
For a detailed account of one of the hiking trails read our article ' Alpine Pond Trail Cedar Breaks'
Even if you do not have time to partake in any of the activities on offer a visit to the park is well worth the effort for its stunning vistas and unique photo opportunities and should you ever you find yourself in this area of Utah don' t miss it!