Bluff Community Guide

Welcome to Bluff, Utah

A popular destination since 650 A.D., this town between the banks of the San Juan River and the towering red rock cliffs of Cottonwood Wash has historically been the realm of the Ancestral Puebloans, then Ute and Navajo indigenous people. In 1880, Mormon settlers pushed through 200 miles of frontier wilderness creating the Hole in the Rock Trail to the site that would become Bluff. Each October the Bluff Arts Festival and 100 yards of rock art panels at nearby Sand Island attest to the fact that for over 6,000 years art has been an important feature of the area. December finds it as the site of the Winter Solstice Celebration, and in January hot air balloons fill the skies during the annual Bluff International Balloon Festival. Gateway to Bears Ears National Monument, Bluff boasts world-class lodging, restaurants, and guided tours to nearby Cedar Mesa, Valley of the Gods, Bears Ears National Monument, as well as river trips on the San Juan River. Historic Bluff Fort gives visitors a glimpse of pioneer life and history that established a full time presence where today’s village sits.

Bluff attractions on the community map: 1. Bluff Fort & Visitor Center; 2. Bears Ears Education Center; 3. Sand Island Petroglyph Panel & San Juan River access. More at bluffutah.org.

Resident profiles

Amanda Podmore

Occupation: Conservation Consultant; Owner of Penny Nichols Jewelry.

What is your ideal day in Bluff? My ideal day in Bluff includes a local hike with friends or neighbors. This helps you get through the workday, especially if you work from home like I do. And if I’m lucky, there will be an archaeology lecture to attend in the evening.

What surprises you about Bluff? Its dark skies. Coming from a big city, I was blown away by the pristine views of the milky way and have challenged myself to learn new constellations when out on an overnight river trip or just looking at the stars from my porch.

Why do you live in Bluff? I moved to Bluff for work but I stayed for the community. It is diverse, vibrant, and keeps you engaged. That’s why I serve on the town’s Planning & Zoning Commission so I can continue to support the activities that make our town unique.

Any advice to a newbie? Find your favorite menu item at all our restaurants. We may not have a large grocery store but we have amazing key lime pie, vegan burgers, Navajo tacos, and delicious coffee. And I recommend walking to grab a bite to eat so you can take full advantage of the scenery.

The Benally family

Three generations: Ada Benally, Margaret Benally, and Shoni Austin. Occupations: Margaret - computer lab teacher; Ada - homemaker; Shoni - hospitality industry worker.

What is your ideal day in Bluff? Ada’s perfect day is a sunny, warm, fall day that is breezy but not too windy. She likes to sit outside and be with family. A perfect day also involves her sheep staying off the road. Margaret’s perfect day is sitting in her back yard watching her pets and listening to music. Shoni’s perfect day is being with family, enjoying a cookout, and being in nature. “You can hear the Creator when you listen to the river or hear the rustling of leaves.”

What surprises you about Bluff? After moving back, Shoni has a greater appreciation for the beauty of the area. She also meets amazing people at work who have a genuine interest in her and learning more about her culture.

Why do you live in Bluff? “It’s our home. Our family has been here for generations.” Ada was born on the Navajo reservation but her family moved here to be closer to her father, a silversmith, who worked in Bluff. She was married, raised her large family, and herded sheep in Bluff. Margaret and Shoni both lived in other locales but longed to move back to Bluff where they were raised. Margaret grew up near St Christopher’s Episcopal Mission, and remembers climbing cliffs, playing in trees, hauling water from the mission well, herding sheep, and having lots of fun. Her paternal grandfather was one of the first Navajo translators for the priest who established the mission in the 1940’s.

Any advice for a newbie? Leave things the way they are so others can enjoy them. Margaret advises newcomers to be content with the quiet and great people. For a small town, there are many things to do.

About that turquoise? Shoni explained that turquoise brings good fortune. “I was told that turquoise is like a locator. When you say prayers, the turquoise lets the higher power know you are Dine’ and are one of their children.”

JR Lancaster

Occupation: Artist; Owner of Cloudwatcher Studio.

What is your ideal day in Bluff? Weather permitting, I open the studio doors and let the north light pour in. I watch a cloud parade and the play of light and shadow on the cliffs while painting and listening to Mahler’s Ninth Symphony. Or, I hike to a remote location and discover a prehistoric art panel I’ve never seen.

What surprises you about Bluff? The vast and rugged terrain that surrounds Bluff has many hidden treasures seldom seen by human eyes. This unique quality appeals to my innate need for solitude and space.

Why do you live in Bluff? Prior to Bluff, I lived on the Navajo reservation. Upon my departure I sought a location near the reservation with a small population and a similar landscape. Thirty years ago Bluff answered that calling. Comb Ridge, Valley of the Gods, and the high concentration of prehistoric sites are some of my reasons for staying.

Vaughn Hadenfeldt

Occupation: Owner, operator and only guide for Far Out Expeditions®; Chairman of the Board of Friends of Cedar Mesa.

What is your ideal day in Bluff? My ideal day is to leave Bluff with friends or clients and access all the public lands surrounding our town. The unlimited opportunities for hiking plus the prehistoric and historic cultural evidence left by Puebloan, Ute, Navajo and early explorers add another layer of intrigue and appreciation to this place.

What surprises you about Bluff? For such a small town, the surprise is how many national and international visitors Bluff attracts and accommodates. The interest in the Bears Ears National Monument has highlighted what we locals have known for a long time: this is the most archaeologically rich area in the United States. The rock art and habitation sites of prehistoric people are beyond compare.

Why do you live in Bluff? I moved to Bluff to pursue my guiding career and to work in archaeology.

Any advice for a newbie? My advice to anyone coming to visit or stay is to enjoy the amenities of this beautiful town surrounded by cliffs and bounded by the San Juan River. Then, after visiting the Bears Ears Education Center, work with us to protect the natural and cultural resources that make Bluff unique.

Dining

Smoked bison tostada

Comb Ridge Eat and Drink combines indigenous foods with a southwestern flare. The Smoked Bison Tostada includes house smoked bison, refried Anasazi beans, pickled red onion, corn, lime crema, radish, purple cabbage, charred tomatoes, and Cotija cheese.

Comb Ridge Eat and Drink, 680 Main, Highway 191, 435-485-5555

Homemade pie

Cottonwood Steakhouse customers know to save room after dinner for a slice of homemade pie. The flaky crust is from an heirloom recipe of the owner’s mother. “Made-from-scratch pies are much more work, but they delight our customers and connect them to amazing cooks of past generations.”

Cottonwood Steakhouse, 409 Main, Highway 191, 435-672-2282

Cauliflower soup

Duke’s Cauliflower Soup is sweet and tangy with a bit of heat. Duke’s, named after owner Cindy’s father, loved to eat. After the depression, Duke wanted to make sure people had something to eat and was proud to have a restaurant named after him.

Duke’s Bistro, 701 Main, Highway 191, 435-672-2303

Eggs Atsidi

Named in honor of Atsidi Sani, the first Navajo silversmith, Eggs Atsidi is a delicious combination of eggs Benedict and huevos rancheros. The dish features two eggs over easy, on fry bread, with Anasazi beans, pork carnitas, and roasted chile hollandaise sauce.

Twin Rocks Café, 913 E. Navajo Twins Dr., 435-672-2341

Dining options

Lodging

Love the journey

Nestled among the majesty and solitude of sandstone cliffs, Bluff Dwellings Resort and Spa welcomes you to enjoy the night sky. Relax by the pool and release the outside world as you immerse yourself in the luxurious amenities of the resort.

Bluff Dwellings Resort & Spa, 2625 S. Highway 191, 435-672-2477

Enhance your Southwest experience

Bluff Gardens’ spacious cabins feature beautiful pine interiors, kitchenette, separate bedroom, double shower, and patio for an evening BBQ or stargazing. Owners Sam and Melanie showcase their community mindset with local artwork, hand-crafted soap, and local master craftsmanship in every detail.

Bluff Gardens Cabins, 550 E. Main, Highway 191, 800-595-7607

Stay in Southwest luxury

Desert Rose began with five cabins after owner Cindy lost a bet with husband Amer that the bank would not loan money to such young people. Now after 20 years, the Resort offers modern-designed rooms and cabins with amazing views. Amenities include a large, climate-controlled indoor pool, fitness room, gift shop, and Duke’s restaurant.

Desert Rose Resort and Cabins, 701 W. Main, Highway 191, 435-672-2303

Relax in a green boutique inn

Talented owners Jennifer and Antonio Davila made the bricks (seen in the wall inset) and constructed the inn. This green boutique inn is a quiet, relaxing, and upscale place to stay. Guests are treated to a delicious, complimentary breakfast each morning featuring Jen’s homemade breads.

La Posada Pintada, 239 N. 7th East, 435-459-2274

Bluff’s center of hospitality

A destination for over 60 years, guests relax at the sunny (or starry) outdoor pool, stroll to the river on the private trail, study maps while fueling at the free breakfast in the lobby or chat with friendly and knowledgeable owners Jim and Luanne Hook.

Recapture Lodge, 250 E. Main, Highway 191, 435-672-2281

Lodging options

Shopping

Art and jewelry by local artisans

In addition to serving great food, Comb Ridge also serves as a gallery for talented local artists such as JR Lancaster, Eileen Fjerstad, Lois Young, and Theresa Breznau. Find paintings, jewelry, clay figures, printed scarves and more.

Comb Ridge Eat and Drink, 680 Main, Highway 191, 435-485-5555

Curated selection of handmade arts and crafts

Cow Canyon’s art reflects indigenous cultures and owner Liza Doran’s eye for authenticity, creativity, and beautiful forms. The art in the photo showcases her lasting relationships of over 30 years with Navajo and other area artists. The Buick in front of the trading post is a Bluff landmark.

Cow Canyon Trading Post and Gallery, 163 Mission Road, 435-672-2208

Vintage Navajo jewelry

The perfect piece of Navajo jewelry to remember your Bluff vacation awaits you at the Dairy Café. Owner Nancy was born in Bluff, and her family has traded with Native Americans for decades. Vintage Native jewelry often features a dark silver patina and is very collectible. Choose from a great selection of bracelets, earrings, pins, rings, necklaces, and belts.

Dairy Café, 320 W. Main Street, 435-672-2287

Contemporary and traditional Navajo baskets

During the 1970s, artistic energy began building in Southeastern Utah. Beginning slowly, by the late 1990s the movement had transformed traditional Navajo basketry into an artistic juggernaut. The result: a basketry artquake, with Twin Rocks Trading Post at the epicenter. See work from the contemporary masters.

Twin Rocks Trading Post, 913 E. Navajo Twins Dr., 435-672-2341

Shopping options

Activities and resources

Bears Ears begins at the Education Center

Prior to your journey through The Bears Ears, visit the Bears Ears Education Center. Educational exhibits, maps, and knowledgeable volunteers help you plan your visit. Learn how to respectfully visit Bears Ears National Monument in order to protect and preserve this important landscape. Books, gifts, and limited gear available for purchase. Free admission. bearsearsmonument.org.

Bears Ears Education Center, 567 W. Main Street, 435-414-0343

Raft the beauty of the San Juan River

No trip to Bluff is complete without a rafting trip down the San Juan River. The usually gentle river makes for an excellent family trip and is an intimate way to see the region’s spectacular canyons, archaeology, and wildlife. Half-day, one-day, or five-day trips with a knowledgeable guide are available with Wild Expeditions in Bluff. Permits are required for river use. Contact the BLM for permits and information.

Wild Expeditions, 2625 Highway 191, 435-672-2244

Share pioneer heritage and legacy

Learn about the first Anglos to settle Bluff in 1880. Discover why Mormon pioneers came to Bluff and learn about their arduous journey over the Hole in the Rock Trail. View the original Barton Cabin and replicas of other log cabins designed to give visitors insight into pioneer life. The Co-op serves as the visitor center and gift shop. Free admission.

Bluff Fort Visitor Center, 550 Black Locust Ave, 435-672-9995

View centuries of rock art

Archaeologists believe that Sand Island along the San Juan River held special significance for ancient people by the amount of (over 100 yards) and time span of rock art. Most petroglyphs are from the early Basketmaker through Pueblo III eras, ranging from 2500 to 800 years old. More recent Ute and Navajo rock art have brighter carvings and lower wall locations. Easily accessible.

Sand Island Petroglyph Panel, 4 miles west of Bluff off Hwy 191

Fun things to do in Bluff and beyond

• Far Out Expeditions: Guided tours of greater Bears Ears area. Renowned guide Vaughn Hadenfeldt interprets the area’s archeology, culture, and history; half-day to multi-day backpacking tours. 435-672-2294, faroutexpeditions.net
• Wild Expeditions: Bluff’s rafting company for trips down the San Juan River. Offering river trips, hiking, scenic tours, and canyoneering from the Bears Ears to the San Juan River and the hundreds of miles of canyons between. 435-672-2244, riversandruins.com
• Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park: A must-see icon of the American West. Tour on horseback, with a guide, or on your own via a seventeen-mile loop.
• Goosenecks State Park: On the edge of a 1,000 ft deep canyon above the sinuous San Juan River meander known as a gooseneck, this park affords impressive views of one of the most striking examples of an entrenched river meander on the North American continent.
• Valley of the Gods: Also known as a miniature Monument Valley, this unpaved 17 mile scenic drive features stunning geological formations. The statuesque formations are sculpted from Cedar Mesa sandstone dating to the Permian period, around 250 million years ago.
• Moki Dugway: Unpaved, well-graded road winding 1,200 feet in elevation with breathtaking views of the area’s beautiful sites.
• Muley Point: Notched into the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, access Muley Point overlook at the top of the Moki Dugway to see panoramic views of Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods, and Goosenecks of the San Juan.
• Rock art exhibit at Kane Gulch Ranger Station: Learn about place, archaeology and ancient cultures through rock art.
• Natural Bridges National Monument: Three, majestic, natural stone bridges. See the Milky Way and night sky at this First International Dark Sky Park in U.S.
• Salvation Knoll (Bears Ears National Monument): A historic site located a few miles off the Hole-in-the-Rock Trail on Cedar Mesa. On Christmas day in 1879 scouts in advance of the wagons of the Hole-in-the-Rock-Expedition, climbed to the top of the little knoll to find familiar landmarks that led to their ultimate destination.
• Mule Canyon Kiva (Bears Ears National Monument): A roadside kiva. Kivas are special, sacred structures used by ancestral Puebloans for religious ceremonies. Please visit with respect.
• Butler Wash (Bears Ears National Monument): Archeology hike: 1 mile round trip hike to Ancestral Puebloan ruin. Please visit with respect.
• Edge of the Cedars State Park: Largest collection of Ancestral Puebloan pottery, authentic Puebloan village, and solstice Solar Marker (by Bluff artist Joe Pachak).
• Hovenweep National Monument: Once home to over 2,500 people, explore Hovenweep’s numerous prehistoric villages. Also a Dark Sky Park.
• Four Corners: Visit the only site in the United States where four states come together at once: Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado.

Featured events

Bluff International Balloon Festival

Colorful hot air balloons soar over the red rocks of Bluff and Valley of the Gods during Martin Luther King weekend in January. A glow-in, art fair, and chili and ice cream social are also part of the fun weekend. Sponsorship required for balloon rides. Go to bluffutah.org for more information.

Bluff Arts Festival

Since 2004, the Bluff Arts Festival has attracted creative enthusiasts from all over the world to the red rock desert of southeast Utah for a unique celebration of the arts. Activities include an artist market, hands-on workshops, a film festival, live music, and more! Held mid-October. Go to bluffartsfestival.org for more information.

San Juan County calendar

Visitor centers and information

Visitor information is available from the national, state, and tribal parks. Visitor centers in Blanding, Bluff, and Monticello are stocked with brochures, maps, books, videos, and mementos. The centers are staffed by knowledgeable local residents who will assist with information to make your visit exceptional.

Questions about planning your trip? Call 800-574-4386.