Getting High in at Cedar Breaks

In the summer of 2019, I got high in Cedar Breaks National Monument. I saw swirling colors, shimmering stars, and psychedelic visions that quite literally took my breath away. It was one heck of a trip!

And yes - it was all thanks to drugs. But don’t worry, it was perfectly legal. Let me explain...

Just before heading out on our trip, I had my annual wellness exam. Everything looked great except for one minor, inherited issue I’ve been managing for years. My doctor recommended a new maintenance med - nothing major - and since he’s never steered me wrong, I said sure, why not?

I picked it up at the pharmacy and, like always, asked the pharmacist about any potential side effects.

“Do you exercise?” he asked. Strange question I thought. 

“Yeah,” I said, “I hike quite a bit.”

He nodded. “Okay, well... while your body adjusts to this med, your pulse might not increase much during exertion. Just push through it and you’ll be fine.”

“Got it,” I said, filing that little tidbit somewhere in the back of my brain. I was actually thinking about what camera lenses to bring on my trip and whether I should bring my full size tripod or a portable one.

Fast forward to Cedar Breaks - over 10,000 feet above sea level. The air was crisp, the sky dotted with puffy summer clouds, wildflowers were in full bloom, and it was 20 degrees cooler than Moab. Absolute perfection. What could possibly go wrong?

Well… hiking above 10,000 feet with a pulse that refuses to pick up the pace, that’s what.

As Rhonda and I hit the trail, photo opportunities were around every bend - perfect lighting, colorful flowers, and amazing views. Then the lightheadedness kicked in. At first, it was mild. Then the dizziness turned to sparkles. Stars danced in my vision. My breath got shorter. The canyon began to swirl.

Paired with the already surreal landscape, it was a full-blown psychedelic experience. I wasn’t just in Cedar Breaks - I was tripping in Cedar Breaks. Dude, it was awesome!

Moral of the story? Don’t start a new medication right before heading out on a high-altitude hiking trip.

So yeah - I got high in Cedar Breaks, as in two miles above sea level high. The views were spectacular, and the photos? Worth every dizzy step.

Note: My return trips have all gone smoothly, and Cedar Breaks remains one of my favorite summer hiking destinations. Thanks to its high elevation, it offers a cool escape when most of Utah is baking in triple-digit heat. Wildflower season peaks in early July, long after blooms have faded in most of the state and national parks. The monument is also home to some remarkably ancient bristlecone pines, many of them over 1,600 years old. With their twisted, weathered forms, they look like living sculptures - each one telling a silent story etched in wood. They are incredibly photogenic. I will have to dig up a few shots for a future post. Also, note that the main scenic road through the park is usually closed from mid-November through early May due to snow.

Columbines are one of my favorite wildflowers.

Altered state…😄