The wind was whipping, and the inches of snow that lined the path to the overlook stretched only about 30 yards or so in front of me. This, and Jason’s ultra-cautious warning that the weather wasn’t good for this short jaunt were the only deterrents that stood between me and what was to be my grand overlook into the beautiful hoodoos that formed Cedar Breaks.
The Quest for the Ultimate Cedar Breaks View
I stepped out of the car, immediately frigid from being beaten in the face by the wind, but determined to put one foot in front of the other to see the awe-inspiring view. I stepped in a path of footprints in the snow that was made by a previous onlooker – evidence that others too had been drawn to the views. Until those steps ran out… and the 30 yards seemed to grow into a football field before me – blanketed in white.
Determination
I was determined to have my Cedar Breaks experience, however, so I continued on. One step, then another – undeterred by the wind… and crunch – sink… brrrrrrrrrrrr. Water as cold as a half-melted Popsicle oozed into my tennis shoe as the 3 inches of snow rose above my knee with my next step.
I chuckled at myself for misjudging the depth of the snow and wished that I had bothered to break out the hiking poles that were stowed in the vehicle only several yards away. I willed myself forward until I felt my heel lift from the back on my shoe. Losing my shoe in the surprisingly thick snow is when the panic set in.
It was at this moment that I realized that I was woefully unprepared for what was to be a quick walk a few yards away for a photo. I was cold. I was wet. I was stuck. I was down a shoe… and the growing football field stretched into two (maybe more) before me 😉.
I was determined, however, to see the overlook still. But first thing first – I had to fish my shoe out of the snow drift. So, with ungloved hands, I started to dig. And I dug until I freed my shoe! Putting it back on my cold and wet foot, I pushed forward.
This time, determined to not step in the same drift, I turned to head back to the mere inches of snow that had greeted me before my misstep. But the anchor of wrenching myself from the prior step slowed me down and my next step came down only inches from where I had gotten stuck originally…. Crunch – sink… brrrrrrrrrr…
This time, I was really stuck. Not realizing how much energy I had expended trying to free my prior misstep, I quickly realized that I was panting for air. The whipping wind forced itself into my lungs, but my erratic exhales fought back. What made matters worse as I tried to work myself free from thigh high snow was that I saw Jason marching toward me (my hero!). And as embarrassed as I was, and as ridiculous as I felt, I couldn’t do anything except for feel some relief that I wasn’t out there alone!
Freeing myself from this new pickle was very similar to the last time. I warned Jason to stay back so as not to get stuck himself, but it was so helpful to have a stable hand to grab when I felt myself making some progress. I knew that I would hear about dismissing his concerns from the beginning for some time to come, but I was glad that I didn’t have to struggle in the snow any longer.
Reality
I am sad to say that I abandoned my quest to take in the sure-to-be spectacular vista at the overlook. All the more reason to return again someday (when it’s warm and the snow is long since vanished)!
After getting back to the car, Jason retrieved fresh socks and shoes for me. As he set my socks and shoes aside to dry, I took a few moments to gather my thoughts. From the car, the multiple football fields had shrunk back to 30 yards, but for the rest of the day, I had the stinging reminder of my snow struggle in the numbness that I felt in my fingertips.
The Moral of the Story
If you see any snow during your visit to Cedar Breaks, assume that it is deep, deep snow. Explore only if you are prepared! Despite our best efforts at planning (see our Cedar Breaks planning considerations here), I was not prepared for the snowy conditions that we encountered.
Check out our road trip to National Parks from Las Vegas here to see the other dozen stops on our route!
Have you ever taken a risk (maybe it paid off, maybe it didn’t) to have an experience? Let us know in the comments below.
