A beginner’s guide to Bears Ears National Monument
Two towering buttes stand out against the landscape, a broad expanse of red rock, juniper forests and high plateaus. Within the 1.35 million acres (5,463.26 square km) of Bears Ears National Monument, visitors can learn about the cultural, historic and prehistoric legacies through cultural resources including ancient cliff dwellings, granaries and kivas as well as artifacts such as ancient tools and pottery. Petroglyphs and pictographs are also found in abundance within the monument.
Much of Bears Ears National Monument, within Utah’s Canyon Country, is remote, wild and rugged, requiring preparation on the visitors’ part. While there is currently no official visitor center for Bears Ears National Monument, visitor information is available at Kane Gulch Ranger Station on Highway 261, Monticello Visitor Center and Blanding Visitor Center. Also, Bears Ears Partnership, a nonprofit entity, has opened the Bears Ears Education Center in Bluff as an informational source on Bears Ears and how to visit fragile archaeological sites respectfully and without leaving a trace.
The guide at a glance
| Theme | Stops |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Bears Ears | Indian Creek Corridor Scenic Byway and Newspaper Rock; House on Fire and Cave Tower in Mule Canyon; Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum |
| Prehistoric villages and contemporary art | Hovenweep National Monument; Twin Rocks Trading Post; the Cedar Mesa / Grand Gulch area |
| Goosenecks, gods and bridges | Goosenecks State Park; Valley of the Gods; Natural Bridges National Monument |
Introduction to Bears Ears
Indian Creek Corridor Scenic Byway
Drive the Indian Creek Corridor and admire the scenery of the monument area. Open year-round, climbing is prominent in Bears Ears National Monument. Newspaper Rock is located along this drive and is a wonderful picnic stop while looking at one of the biggest petroglyph collections in the country on a 200-square-foot rock face.
Mule Canyon’s House on Fire and Cave Tower
Hike approximately 1.5 miles (2.41 km) to the famous House on Fire. This well-preserved archaeological site consists of five granaries built into Cedar Mesa sandstone. The overhang forms the ceiling with a unique streaked pattern that resembles flames and can be a perfect photographic moment at around 10-11 a.m. Cave Tower is located down a small spur road off UT-95. The short dirt road ends and becomes a parking area. After walking 100 yards (91.44 m), the remains of a few towers still stand.
Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum
The Puebloan lifestyle can still be seen throughout the 6.65-acre (26,911.6 square meters) Edge of the Cedars State Park property. Behind the museum is a 1,000-year-old restored kiva excavated by archeologists. Climb down the replica ladder into the dwelling that was used for religious rituals. Within the museum is the largest collection of Ancestral Pueblo pottery in the Southwest.
Prehistoric villages and contemporary art
Hovenweep National Monument
Explore six prehistoric villages constructed by the Ancestral Pueblo people. Marvel at the variety of structures including multi-story towers, square, circular and D-shaped dwellings. A visitor center is located on site. This area is particularly stunning at night because of its isolation from modern cities.
Twin Rocks Trading Post
A small shop located in Navajo Country, Twin Rocks Trading Post is a popular stop for visitors traveling through the area. Art and culture lovers should put this on their list in order to see handcrafted Native American and Southwest art like Navajo jewelry, rugs, baskets and more. If you get hungry, the Twin Rocks Cafe is next door.
Cedar Mesa / Grand Gulch area
The Cedar Mesa/Grand Gulch Area encompasses fascinating, red rock geological features. Along with the legacy of previous Native American residents, the greatest modern interest is remnants of incredible cliff dwellings. These dwellings were built with stone and adobe mortar into the sides of canyon walls and alcoves. Many are in remarkably good condition, even after hundreds of years of vacancy and were once used for protection and storage.
Goosenecks, gods and bridges
Goosenecks State Park
Look down to the San Juan River 1,000 feet (304.8 m) below. Millions of years ago, the land here was flat, but now the river meanders, cutting into the stone and providing this powerful landscape. A meandering 6 miles of river weaves back and forth over a stretch of land that’s only 1.5 miles (2.41 km).
Valley of the Gods
Take this backcountry adventure through freestanding Cedar Mesa sandstone monoliths, delicate spires and long rock fins in an area sometimes referred to as the miniature Monument Valley. To explore the Valley of the Gods, drive a scenic 17-mile (27.36 km) loop. This drive is an easy way to see beautiful and natural sights.
Natural Bridges National Monument
Within Natural Bridges National Monument, three bridges have stood the test of time to be the center of each traveler’s journey. Hiking trails give close access to the Kachina, Owachomo and Sipapu bridges to showcase a uniqueness that world-wide visitors come to witness.
#RecreateResponsibly in Utah’s Canyon Country
Utah’s Canyon Country is home to many wonderful destinations and experiences. From wide-open spaces to historic neighborhoods, please remember to #RecreateResponsibly. When you visit, follow Leave No Trace and Visit With Respect principles so everyone can have the opportunity for years to come to visit these amazing sights.
- Plan ahead and prepare for your adventures
- Stay on designated trails
- Leave artifacts where you spot them
- Do not enter any archaeological structures
- Do not eat near sites and pack out what you pack in
- Properly dispose of human and pet waste
- Leave historic sites and rock art untouched
- Respect and be aware of wildlife
- Keep dogs on leashes at all times
Questions about planning your trip? Call 800-574-4386.