Post Hike Brew

Hiking Cedar Breaks National Monument? We’ve got the perfect post-hike brewery for you.

After hiking Spectra Point Trail, grab a beer at Policy Kings Brewery in Cedar City.

Kolya Partan
November 11, 2024

If you’re looking for a rewarding hike in Southern Utah that offers a peaceful escape from the busy National Park crowds, Spectra Point Trail in Cedar Breaks National Monument is the place for you. The trail not only offers incredible views of Cedar Breaks’ dramatic amphitheater, but also pairs well with a local brewery, where you can enjoy a well-deserved post-hike brew.

The Hike: Spectra Point Trail

This 2-mile trail snakes along the rim of Cedar Breaks and provides continuous, unobstructed views over its stunning red rock amphitheater. The trail is at a high elevation (around 10,000 feet), so even the summer months bring cool temperatures, making it a refreshing escape from the desert heat below. If you’re coming from sea-level (like we were), you’ll definitely feel the altitude along the short stretches of up-hill on your way back to the trailhead.

One of the main highlights of Spectra Point Trail is the 1,600-year-old bristlecone pine tree that marks the halfway point. Parched and withered, these trees stand resolutely along the edge of the amphitheater. Their slow growth results in dense wood that resists rot, insects, and erosion.

When you finish the hike, take in another expansive view at Supreme Point Overlook and check out the thoughtfully designed Cedar Breaks Visitor Center that’s located at the Spectra Point Trailhead.

Spectra Point Trail

The Brew: Policy Kings Brewery

Policy Kings Brewery in Cedar City, Utah offers locally crafted beers and welcoming, laid-back vibes, making it the perfect spot to sit back with a cold one after a day of hiking. The brewery is a scenic 30-minute drive from Cedar Breaks National Monument and is located off of I-15, which is convenient if you plan on driving south along into southwestern Utah to explore other parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon.

Policy Kings isn’t your typical brewery. It a city-like swagger that’s rare to find in Utah south of Salt Lake City. Out front, you’ll find a casual seating area built from repurposed school bus seats. Inside, you’ll be greeted by vibrant, eclectic décor and a selection of board games to enjoy. The staff frequently rotate their beers on tap and don’t keep the same thing on the menu for long. The brewery is black-owned, and its name – “Policy Kings” – is a nod to early 20th century African American entrepreneurs who operated “policy” games, a type of lottery, within their communities. Known as “Policy Kings,” these figures played a significant role in providing entertainment and financial opportunities when mainstream economic avenues were closed due to segregation and discrimination.

tags:

Post Hike Brew

Kolya Partan

Kolya currently coordinates communications at Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust -- a regional land trust that has helped protect over 40,000 acres in North-Central Massachusetts. He has a a background in digital media and completed his B.A. in Political Science from the College of the Holy Cross in 2022, after which he spent two years working as a conservation corps field leader in Colorado and Maine. Kolya is passionate about connecting people with the land, and he’s an avid outdoorsman, likes to hike, fish and write in his free time.