Rattlesnake Creek Trail
This steep, rugged trail cuts through the Ashdown Gorge Wilderness Area below Cedar Breaks National Monument. The trail is not maintained and is not well-marked. To complete this route you need to possess good map reading and route finding skills.
From the upper trailhead, the trail drops some 2,500 feet in four miles as it descends to Ashdown Creek. From there hikers can choose to follow Ashdown Creek up into the canyons of Cedar Breaks National Monument, or can follow the creek down through the Ashdown Wilderness area. The trail drops another 1,000 feet over five miles as it cuts through the wilderness before ending at the 7 mile marker on Hwy 14 east of Cedar City.
Upper Trailhead
(37.6625, -112.839)
The upper trailhead is located just north of the Cedar Breaks north entrance, along Hwy 143. From there the trail heads west and south, skirting the edge of the monument and then drops into the wilderness area.
Lower Trailhead
(37.6419, -112.953)
The 9 mile route from the upper to the lower trailheads makes a strenuous day hike. It can also be done as an overnight backpack. If you choose to explore canyons in Cedar Breaks you need to plan for a multi-day backpack.