Crunched for Time? No Problem!
The Bears Ears National Monument is a world-class destination. Even if you only have a few hours, there’s still plenty to see and do. Enjoy three unique itineraries for an incredible visit that will give you the lay of the land.
Quick Links to the Itineraries
Take A Scenic Drive | Northern Excursion | Cultural Immersion Tour
Take A Scenic Drive
Start in quaint Bluff with a short walk to the easily accessed Sand Island Petroglyphs. Ponder their meaning as you head out to the Valley of the Gods scenic loop, then make your way to the lofty vista of the San Juan River at Goosenecks State Park. Continue your adventure with a drive up the twisty Moki Dugway and on to Muley Point. Your memory and your camera will be full of the scenic splendor that is Bears Ears National Monument!
Northern Excursion
The northern reaches of the monument are a great place to explore when also visiting the Moab area or Canyonlands National Park. Take the Harts Draw Road out of Monticello and over the side of the high and cool Abajo Mountains. Drop down to the Indian Creek Valley to view the thousands of years of rock art on Newspaper Rock, and then climb again for a desert vista of the Colorado Plateau at the Needles Overlook.
Cultural Immersion Tour
Spend some time exploring the diverse cultures of Bears Ears on scenic Hwy 95 and enjoy several educational stops. Start with a mile round trip walk to view the Butler Wash Ancestral Puebloan Ruins, then stop at Mule Canyon Kiva for an up close look at an ancient ceremonial site. Next visit Salvation Knoll and learn about the historic Mormon Hole-in-the-Rock expedition. End your cultural tour at the Kane Gulch Ranger Station and peruse the Cedar Mesa Rock Art exhibit.
