Rangers to Lead Snowshoe, Ski Tours of Cedar Breaks National Monument on Saturday

If you're within the vicinity of Cedar Breaks National Monument this coming Saturday, you might want to join the rangers there for a snowshoe hike or cross-country ski tour of the colorful monument.

Rangers Paul Roelandt and Teri Saa will be leading groups roughly 1.5 miles to a yurt that they use as a ranger station during the winter months. Once at the yurt, you'll be able to come in out of the cold, enjoy lunch (if you packed one) and hot chocolate or apple cider provided by the park. Park officials say the 3-mile roundtrip is not difficult, but they ask that you have snowshoed or cross-country skied previously before joining this outing.

You also must bring your own skis or snowshoes. If you don't own any, you can rent them at Southern Utah University in Cedar City, or at George's in Brian Head, which is on the way to the monument.

If this sounds like something you'd enjoy, meet in Cedar City at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Main Street Pavilion. From there carpools will be arranged. You can plan on being back in Cedar City by 4:30 p.m. It's suggested that along with packing a lunch, you dress warmly in layers and don't forget a hat, gloves or mittens, sunscreen, and at least two quarts of water.

This outing is, of course, dependent on weather. You can check Friday to see if it's a go by calling 435-586-9451, extension 0, after noon.