Cedar Breaks Geology Jamboree Returns With Free Ranger Walks This Weekend
Visitors to Cedar Breaks National Monument will have the opportunity to explore millions of years of Earth’s history during the annual Geology Jamboree, scheduled for July 31 through Aug. 2.
The three-day event will feature a variety of geology-focused programs designed to help visitors better understand the natural forces that shaped one of southern Utah’s most distinctive landscapes. According to the National Park Service, all ranger programming during the weekend will focus on the monument’s geologic history, from ancient lakebeds and volcanic activity to the uplift and erosion that created the colorful cliffs and towering hoodoos seen today.
One of the featured activities will be daily ranger-led geology walks beginning at 10:30 a.m., with an additional walk offered at 2 p.m. Saturday. Each guided hike is less than a mile long and covers different geological topics depending on the ranger leading the program. Participants can register at the Visitor Center, and there is no charge to attend.
Daily Geology Talks Featured
Visitors can also attend daily geology talks at 1:30 p.m. at Point Supreme Overlook. The presentations explain how layers of sedimentary rock, tectonic uplift and centuries of erosion combined to form the spectacular natural amphitheater that has become the centerpiece of Cedar Breaks National Monument.
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Families and younger visitors can take part in a self-guided Geology Scavenger Hunt, with activity sheets available at the Visitor Center. The hunt encourages participants to identify rock features, colors and textures while learning basic geology concepts as they explore the monument.
The National Park Service says the Geology Jamboree is intended for visitors of all ages, whether they are longtime rock enthusiasts or simply interested in learning more about the landscape surrounding them.
Located at an elevation of more than 10,000 feet, Cedar Breaks National Monument preserves rock layers that record millions of years of geologic history. The monument's colorful formations tell the story of ancient environments, volcanic activity, fault movement and ongoing erosion, making it one of Utah's premier destinations for discovering the forces that continue to shape the Earth.
