Stage 2 fire restrictions are currently in effect at both Cedar Breaks National Monument and Canyonlands National Park as dry conditions and nearby wildfires increase fire danger across southern Utah. The restrictions prohibit most campfires and charcoal fires, while travelers should also prepare for significant construction-related road and overlook closures in both parks.
Fire Restrictions at Cedar Breaks
At Cedar Breaks National Monument, a Notice of Stage II Fire Restriction Order has been enough since 12:01 a.m. on June 26, 2026. The U.S. National Park Service implemented these measures due to increasing fire danger and dry conditions throughout southwest Utah.
Under the current order, building, maintaining, attending, or using any type of fire or campfire is prohibited in all areas of the monument, including charcoal fires. However, properly shielded gas or liquid-fueled portable camp stoves remain permitted for use. Additionally, smoking is strictly prohibited except when contained within an enclosed vehicle, and the use of fireworks or pyrotechnic devices remains a permanent prohibition on all federal public lands.
Wildfire Impacts on Canyonlands
Canyonlands National Park is also operating under Stage 2 fire restrictions, which prohibit all fires. Similar to the rules at Cedar Breaks, only petroleum or propane-fueled stoves and grills are permitted in picnic areas, campgrounds, and backcountry campsites. The park has also warned that smoking must be limited to inside vehicles or within developed areas at least three feet away from flammable materials.
The fire danger in Canyonlands is further complicated by the Babylon Fire located near Blanding, Utah. Although the fire is situated within Bears Ears National Monument and is not currently burning inside Canyonlands, the blaze has been progressing toward the park and Utah Highway 211. As a result, visitors may encounter smoke and poor air quality throughout the area.
Construction and District Closures
The Babylon Fire has also necessitated a temporary closure of The Needles district in Canyonlands National Park. As of late June, this district was closed to all uses, including backcountry access, until further notice.
In addition to the fire-related closures, Canyonlands is managing significant construction projects. A scheduled remodel at Grand View Point will impact travel from July 27 through October 1, 2026. During weekdays (Monday through Thursday), the Grand View Point Overlook, the Grand View Point Trail, and a 0.3-mile section of park road are closed to all users, including hikers, vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and tour buses. While parking remains available from Friday to Sunday, capacity is limited during these days.
Maintenance and Road Access
Travelers to Cedar Breaks should also be aware of ongoing maintenance at the Point Supreme Overlook walkway. While the overlook remains open, certain small sections of the viewing area and the walkway itself may face temporary closures while a new seal coat cures. The National Park Service advises visitors to follow all posted signage and staff directions to ensure safety and protect the new surface.
Road conditions in Cedar Breaks remain generally stable, with State Route 143 and State Route 148 both currently open. However, visitors should keep in mind that State Route 148 typically closes annually from mid-November to mid-May due to snowpack. During these winter months, certain overlooks like Point Supreme, Sunset View, and Chessman Ridge become inaccessible by road-based vehicles, though they can still be reached via snowmobile, cross-country skis, or snowshoes.
Seasonal Facility Updates
Infrastructure at Cedar Breaks is also seeing seasonal transitions. The newly constructed Visitor Center, the Human History Museum, and the Zion Forever Park Store reopened for the season on May 22, 2026, following their routine annual closure that lasts from mid-October to late May.
While the Point Supreme Picnic Area remains open with first-come, first-served access, the Point Supreme Campground is currently closed. This campground operates seasonally from June through mid-September, depending on weather conditions. Additionally, while flush toilets at the Cedar Breaks Visitor Center are operational, vault toilets at the Point Supreme Picnic Area may face accessibility issues due to lingering snowpack.
Traveler Advisories
Visitors to Canyonlands should also prepare for potential delays on Potash Road (SR-219). Paving crews have been working on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. since early June, with work scheduled to continue through mid-July 2026. This work involves shoulder closures in active zones and short delays caused by alternating one-way traffic controlled by flaggers.
General travel advice for Canyonlands includes preparing for long wait times at entrance stations during busy periods, such as the weeks surrounding Easter, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Utah fall break. Because unpaved roads in the park can become impassable due to rain or snow, officials recommend checking current conditions through the Utah Department of Transportation before attempting technical four-wheel-drive routes.
