This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Directions • The trailhead is near Cedar City, in the spectacular Cedar Breaks National Monument that's open from late May to mid-October. To get there from Salt Lake City, take Interstate 15 south to the State Road 143/Parowan exit. Turn left on Main Street in Parowan and left on 200 South, then take a right on 143. Follow it about 15 miles to the Visitor's Center, where you pay a $4-per-adult entry fee. Children 15 and under are free.
The Alpine Pond trail is a loop that's accessible from two points, the Chessmen Ridge Overlook and the Winter Ranger Station. This version of the hike starts at the Chessman Ridge, a spectacular view in its own right. From there, the trail splits into an upper and lower route. We started with the upper route, which winds in and out of subalpine meadows covered with tall purple Shootingstar wildflowers, among others. It also offers new views of the breathtaking red-rock amphitheater through the trees and leads to the spring-fed Alpine Pond and back up to the start. • Trail data
Find GPS coordinates and more at: http://alltrails.com/tracks/track-jul-21-1037-am