Cedar Breaks is what Bryce Canyon would look like if almost nobody came. The amphitheater here is over three miles wide and 2,000 feet deep, ringed by hoodoos and layered cliffs in purples, reds, and creams. The geology is essentially the same as Bryce — both were carved from the same Pink Cliffs formation — but the elevation at Cedar Breaks is even higher, topping out above 10,000 feet.
The monument sits about 55 miles west of Panguitch on UT-143, a drive that climbs through cedar forests and open meadows on the Markagunt Plateau. The rim road runs for about 5 miles past four named overlooks, all accessible by car, with short trails connecting them. The Spectra Point and Ramparts Trail follows the rim for about 2 miles round trip and is the most rewarding short walk — wildflowers line the path in July and early August, and the views into the amphitheater are outstanding.
The road and visitor center are typically open from late May through mid-October; deep snow closes access in winter. Entry is $10 per person or free with an Interagency Annual Pass. The combination of near-solitude, dramatic geology, and high-altitude meadows makes this one of the better half-days available from Panguitch, especially if Bryce feels crowded.