The Bear Ears National Monument is located in southeastern Utah and is home to one of the most fascinating cultural landscapes in the United States. Bear Ears gets its name from 2 distinctive buttes which tower over Utah landscape and those look like the ears of a bear. It includes thousands of rock petroglyphs, native community centers, ancient cliff dwellings, and artifacts.
The Bear Ears National Monument was created with an original size of 1,351,849 acres which were later reduced to just over 200,000 acres. The area within the monument is undeveloped and it has a wide array of cultural, historic, and natural resources. The proposed management plan for the reduced area permits firewood gathering and tribal access for the traditional plant, cattle grazing, use of recreational off-road vehicles, water, and utility infrastructure.
Want more ideas to round-out your trip to Utah?
A lot of great ideas are in these posts!
- 24 Amazing Arches National Park Hiking Trails – Easy, Moderate, Hard
- 19 Great NE Utah Boondocking Spots With Maps
- 32 Free North-Central Utah Boondocking Areas Along With Maps
- 24 Top NW Utah Boondocking Locations Including Maps
- 51 Amazing East-Central Utah Boondocking Campsites And Maps
- 33 Best Central Utah Boondocking Sites Also Maps
- 21 Favorite West-Central Utah Boondocking Camp Sites Plus Maps
- 36 Free SE Utah Boondocking Camping Sites And Maps
- 43 Amazing South-Central Utah Boondocking Campgrounds With Maps
- 54 Top SW Utah Boondocking Camping Areas Including Maps
check out our video
This piece of Utah landscape is a great place for visitors who are interested in site seeing, photography, mountain biking, rock climbing, and trail running. Travelers from different parts of the world visit the cultural history and natural beauty within 201,876 acres of Monument. You can spend several days or weeks exploring different ancient cliff dwellings, pictographs, petroglyphs that were occupied by ancient groups.
Proof of their lifestyles has been left for vacationers to appreciate include pottery, tools, granary, kivas, and other artifacts. This Bear Ears National Monument area has juniper forests, high plateaus, and red rock.
History of Bear Ears National Monument
The Monuments land is considered sacred by the region’s American Indian Tribes. About 13,000 years ago, individuals, started inhabiting Cedar Mesa part which currently is part of the Monument. Additional tribes of early people, such as the Puebloans, moved into area about 2000 years ago. This is evident by the cliff dwellings and artifacts that was left behind.
On 28, December 2016, former President Barack Obama declared Bears Ears as designated monument. The original designated area as noted above was a larger area than it is today. On 4, December, 2017, former President Donald Trump ordered to adjust the National Monument border.
In the coming term, the Biden government will decide if it is going to restore the Monuments original borders. Despite these recent changes, the surrounding and Bears Ears has a long history, back thousands of years.
Ideally, the Monument is administered jointly with U.S. Forest Service and BLM. It is made up of 2 units: the Indian Creek Unit to the north and the Shash Jáa Unit to the south. In the fiscal year 2020, the BLM estimated that there were 161,247 visitors with 125,911 to the Indian Creek Unit and 35,336 to the Shash Jaa Unit. In the face of growing visitation, this Monument has an estimated visitation of 450,000 people per year.
12 Free Bear Ears Monument Boondocking Locations
1. Bear Ears National Monument Boondocking – Hammond Canyon Overlook
Address
Utah
GPS: 37.681236, -109.767778
Elevation: 8058′
Management: Forest Service
The road in is Dirt and 15 miles from a paved road. Hammond Canyon Overlook is open April to early December. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. You may stay 14 Days at Hammond Canyon Overlook.
Amenities:
Horse Corral
Pets Welcome
Best Review:
One of the highest elevation camps in the area at 8000 feet with ok+ plus views of Hammond Canyon. One large site with easy access near corrals, several along Canyon rim with high clearance access. As I recall this was at the limit of 3g smartphone access. You can see the worst of the road from the corrals and there are plenty of alternatives in the area. Elk Ridge Road itself is a good quality gravel road
2. Bear Ears National Monument Free Camping – Human Panted Rocks in Burch Canyon
Address
Lake Powell, Utah
GPS: 37.610409, -109.929119
Elevation: 6811′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road in is Dirt and 6 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 campsites at this location. Cool little prepared spot on public lands great for tent camping (and you can pull your RV in Nearby).
Best Review:
My friend and I car camped here for just one night on our way in to Natural Bridges National Monument. It was a great spot! The road in was just over a mile and we had no problems in our minivan. Found a nice flat spot to park and sleep. Noticed a few fire pits around the location but didn’t use them. It’s nice and quiet and away from the road but I imagine in the summer it might get more crowded.
3. Bear Ears National Monument Dispersed Camping – Burch Canyon Road
Address
Road 254
Utah
GPS: 37.601438, -109.923472
Elevation: 6998′
Management: Forest Service
You may stay 14 days at Burch Canyon Road. About 3 miles outside of Natural Bridges National Monument UT, look for a sign for Deer Flat Rd.
Best Review:
We spent one night here in late March as public lands were being shutdown for camping due to Covid-19 concerns. There are two roads close to each other that both have plenty of places to camp. I found a nice back-in site for my 19′ trailer down the eastern road. Anything longer than that may prove difficult to turn around so scope things out first. No cell service on AT&T.
4. Bear Ears National Monument Boondocking – Fry Mesa
Address
Lake Powell, Utah
GPS: 37.622705, -110.083528
Elevation: 5843′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road in is Dirt and .2 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 campsites at this location. Just off the 95 down a short dirt road, there were a few fire rings set up when we stayed.
Best Review:
Just off the 95 down a short dirt road, there were a few fire rings set up when we stayed there August 2022.
5. Bear Ears National Monument Free Camping – Grand Gulch
Address
Utah 95
Blanding, Utah
GPS: 37.582931, -109.893541
Elevation: 6772′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road in is 4×4. Free Dispersed camping in the Bureau of Land Management Monticello District. No reservations. First come, first served. It is recommended that you have 4×4 and high clearance to reach this free camping area.
Best Review:
None
6. Bear Ears National Monument Dispersed Camping – Jct. 95 – 261
Address
Unnamed Road
Blanding, Utah
GPS: 37.570671, -109.882549
Elevation: 6801′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
Free Dispersed camping in the Bureau of Land Management Monticello District. No reservations. First come, first served.
Best Review:
About a half mile of the paved road. Downhill going in, not bad. About halfway for 1/16 mile gets washed out, just got to pick your route. I made it fine with my jeep liberty and homemade utility trailer camper. comes out a a large flat area covered in pea gravel. Plenty of room.I would stay here again but due to the bad spot in the road would look got a better spot. No cell signal for att.
7. Bear Ears National Monument Boondocking – Jacob’s Chair
Address
Utah 95
Lake Powell, Utah
GPS: 37.706954, -110.23939
Elevation: 4849′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
Free Dispersed camping in the Bureau of Land Management Monticello District. First come -> First Camped. Reservations not accepted.
Best Review:
I spent a little over a week there. I was in a 29’class c pulling a motorcycle trailer, and had no trouble getting in and out. The site is close to the highway, but there is not much traffic. I had no cell service, and the nearest pit toilet is about 10 miles away. I was parked on the rim of the canyon with great views in all directions! I had the site to myself most of the time with the occasional motorcycle or jeep going up the trail to Jacobs Chair.
8. Bear Ears National Monument Free Camping – Salvation Knoll
Address
Blanding, Utah
GPS: 37.561635, -109.813721
Elevation: 7021′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road in is Dirt and 1 miles from a paved road. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length
Best Review:
Just got back from camping 8 days here. Love the Bears Ears area! One tent trailer and one travel trailer. We stayed in one of the first sites on the dirt road on the left. If you’re coming from Blanding the road turnoff on the left is after mile marker 98 and slightly before mile marker 97. If you’ve reached the top of the hill where the “knoll” is you’ve gone a bit too far. This dirt road actually loops back around to 95. Great views of Navajo Mountain and some of Monument Valley to the south.
9. Bear Ears National Monument Dispersed Camping – Blue Notch Road BLM Boondock
Address
Hanksville, Utah
GPS: 37.763397, -110.293869
Elevation: 4823′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road in is Dirt and .5 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 40+. You may stay 14 days at Blue Notch Road BLM Boondock.
Best Review:
Site is exactly where the map shows. Scenic area, and not many people are going to bother you here. There aren’t any facilities whatsoever. No water, no bathroom, no tables, no tent pads. It’s just a flat spot along the road.
There are numerous very similar sites to camp along 95 in this region. You can pick and choose whichever you’d like.
10. Bear Ears National Monument Boondocking – White Canyon Overlook
Address
Lake Powell, Utah
GPS: 37.798324, -110.304595
Elevation: 4610′
Management: Public
West of Natural Bridges National Monument on Hwy 95, just a large pullover site at MP 62.5, but beautiful views of the canyon and not much traffic on Hwy 95 so pretty quiet. There is another larger area about 5 miles east of here as well – both on the canyon side of the road.
Best Review:
None
11. Bear Ears National Monument Free Camping – Canyonlands NP – Devils Kitchen
Address
Unnamed Road
Monticello, Utah
GPS: 38.136053, -109.859954
Elevation: 5285′
Management: National Park Service
The road in is 4×4. There are four campsites at this location. There are four campsites at this location. You will need to be self sufficient. Water is not available
Amenities:
Restrooms
Best Review:
A permit is required to camp in the Canyonlands backcountry. The permit costs $30 and is good for 14 days and up to 7 Backpackers or 10 people and three vehicles. One motorcycle is considered one vehicle. Backpackers may stay up to seven consecutive nights in any one site or zone. Visitors using the designated vehicle camps may stay a maximum of three consecutive nights at a camping area before having to relocate.
12. Bear Ears National Monument Dispersed Camping – County Road 236 Boondock
Address
Blanding, Utah
GPS: 37.524635, -109.748459
Elevation: 6100′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road in is Dirt and 1.5 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 30. You may stay 14 days at County Road 236 Boondock.
Best Review:
Great spot, much better than Arch Canyon about 10 minutes east on the 95. As Arch Canyon is in a wash between two ridges, there is little to no mobile connectivity, but I was able to maintain connectivity at my site (which is nice for emergency concerns). If heading west on the 95, turn left about 1-3 minutes after passing the Mule Canyon Ruins site (this location is a paved road/parking lot and has pit toilets if necessary). The dirt road is actually road 236, there is not a sign for “236” when leaving the 95 but you can see the sign along the dirt road when turning onto it.
Top 5 Trails to Hike at Bear Ears National Monument
Try all of our top 10 hiking trails, there is so much to see and do it will make you want to return to this site again and again.
1. Bear Ears Hiking Areas – Valley of the Gods Road
Valley of the Gods Road is a 16.3 mile heavily trafficked point-to-point trail located near Mexican Hat, Utah that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for scenic driving and ohv/off road driving and is best used from April until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
Have you watched movie called the HBO series Westworld or John Wayne Western? Then there is a chance that you have seen this Valley. It is situated in the southern part of the Bear Ears National Monument close to a small town called Mexican Hat. It is red rock region spires and soaring monuments that Navajo alleged were immortalized warriors.
If you want to visit the place, you need to hop 17-mile rough loop and hike across the desert toward hills on the particular mesa, known as Moki Dugway. Besides, you will have panoramic views of the geologic prodigies on earth. Depending on which way you approach down the valley, the ground drops away and it will leave a breathtaking view of big sandstone that raises from the Valley Floor. It is a great alternative if you do not want to hike.
Length: 16.3 mi
Elevation gain: 1,653 ft
Route type: Point to point
OHV/Off-road driving, Scenic driving, Dog friendly, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife
2. Bear Ears Hiking Trails – Lower Muley Twist Canyon and Grand Gulch Loop
Lower Muley Twist Canyon and Grand Gulch Loopis a 14.8 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Boulder, Utah that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November.
It’s a 15 mile hike on the Grand Gulch which is one of the unique trips in the planet. As you trek deeper in the desert, you will find more cultural artifacts. Watchtowers, granaries, kivas, Cliff dwellings are around each corner, and petroglyphs, arrowheads, pottery shards are in abundance.
Length: 14.8 mi
Elevation gain: 1,328 ft
Route type: Loop
Backpacking, Camping, Hiking, Nature trips, Bird watching, Views, Wildlife, Fee, No dogs
3. Bear Ears Nature Trails – Bullet Canyon Trail to Grand Gulch and Kane Gulch
Bullet Canyon Trail to Grand Gulch and Kane Gulch is a 20 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Mexican Hat, Utah that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from March until November.
Four days three nights may 24-27 gorgeous scenery unlike anything I have ever experienced. We entered at the ranger station and carried enough water for two days of hiking with the intent to hit the Green Mask spring on our second night. It was lovely and reliable. Lots of brushy wash-crossing, trail relatively easy to find, ruins absolutely spectacular. Hike out was moderate and beautiful. I would do this again in a heartbeat. All I can say is look up! Lots of unmarked ruins here.
Length: 20.0 mi
Elevation gain: 1,719 ft
Route type: Point to point
Hiking, Nature trips, Walking, Bird watching, Views, Rocky, No dogs
4. Bear Ears Hiking Areas – Wolfman Panel Trail
Wolfman Panel Trail is a 0.8 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Blanding, Utah that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
Very close to parking. Follow trail to the edge and you’ll see trail markings to your left. Lots of Petroglyphs in the area.
Length: 0.8 mi
Elevation gain: 91 ft
Route type: Out & back
Hiking, Dog friendly, Views, Rocky, Historic site
5. Bear Ears Nature Trails – Monarch Cave via Comb Ridge Trail
Monarch Cave via Comb Ridge is a 1.5 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Bluff, Utah that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and bird watching and is best used from April until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
Monarch Cave is located in Butler Wash on the east side of Comb Ridge near Bluff, Utah. A short trail leads from the trailhead up a narrow canyon to a cave.
Length: 1.5 mi
Elevation gain: 114 ft
Route type: :
Out & back
Kid friendly, Hiking, Walking, Bird watching, Cave, Dog friendly, Views, Wildlife
5 Scenic Places To Visit in Bear Ears
1. Mule Canyon Roadside Kiva
This Roadside Kiva was built for religious ceremonies. When you visit this Canyon Roadside Kiva, you will have a great sense of the type of underground and surface structure constructed by Ancestral Puebloans. Ideally, these structures were constructed on Cedar Mesa 700 years ago. The path to the kiva is paved and is an easy walk.
2. Sand Island Petroglyph Panel
This Sand Island is situated in the Sand Island Campground and it has a boat launch, a seasonal ranger station, camping, restrooms, and seasonal drinking water. Therefore, be prepared to carry your water.
3. House on Fire Archaeology Hike
This is an iconic Ancestral Puebloan cliff popularly termed “House on Fire” since, at some time of the day, the rocks become lit with colorful color. It is a great hike for families. If you want to obtain photographs of the rock structures, make sure that you visit before noon. An annual pass is accessible at the BLM office in Monticello or BLM Kane Gulch Ranger Station.
4. Butler Wash Ruins
This is an Ancestral Puebloan structure constructed and occupied around 1200 A.D. ideally, the cliff dwelling has storage, habitation, and ceremonial structures, including 4 kivas. The parts of the site have been reconstructed and stabilized. The moderate walking trail is 1-mile with a few plant identification signs and benches along the way. At the end of the trail, you will find a fenced overlook with interpretive signs. Restroom and packing are available.
5. Needles Overlook
This place offers stunning views of the BLM lands and Needles District of Canyonlands pack. This site provides a panoramic view whenever you are walking along the fence and you will see Canyonlands National Park, the Abajo Mountains, and Indian Creek. A pit toilet and picnic area are available.
Paid Accommodations and Dining Near Bear Ears National Monument
Unless you like camping, there very few lodging options you will find near the Bears Ears area. The 2 nearest cities where you can find and rent Accommodations and Dining motels include Hanksville, Ut. And Blanding, Utah. There is no 4 or 5-star lodging anywhere close. If you want something nicer, than a typical road motel, Moab, Utah town is about 2 hours away and it has many lodgings. However, booking in advance is advised. Other lodging options include Abajo Havens Guest Cabins, Blue Mountain RV Park and Trading Post, and more.
Places and Things to Do and See in Bear Ears National Monument
1. Rock Climbing
If you adore climbing rocks, you need to visit Indian Creek section of the Monument. In this area, you will find around 1,000 diverse rock climbing routes that usually attract many climbers from all over the world who are looking forward to challenging themselves in climbing rocks. Remember that there are no amenities found within the rock area in the pack, however, you can utilize the vault toilets. You must bring your water and only experienced climbers should try to conquer these cliffs.
2. Bears Ears Education Center
One of the great places you need to visit when you arrive at the Monument is the Education Center. This place is situated in the city of Bluff. Ideally, this place was established to assist visitors to understand the local environment while educating them about the area’s history through educational exhibits. This education center is run by the local community. It is the perfect place to ask questions that you may have about this parcel of land before visiting. This Education Center is open from Thursday through Monday during peak season. If you want to get printable and downloadable maps, you can visit the Bears Ears Education Center website.
3. Mountain Biking
The enormous 4-wheel driving roads within National Monument are also ideal for mountain bikers who want to go exploring. Riding is permitted on all the roads found on the monument. One of the finest places to ride if you are an experienced rider is on the Lockhart Basin Road. You will get to see mesmerizing views of the bordering Canyonlands National Park. It is a 44-mile mountain ride, therefore, you must be prepared to have some sore legs if you consider to ride it on.
4. Hiking
No matter what pack of the Monument you visit there, it will be a great hiking opportunities ahead of you. There are various archeological sites situated inside the monument (including Butler Wash Ruins and Cave Towers) together with several hiking trails that allow you to have spectacular views of the surrounding area. One of the well-known places to visit is San Juan Hill where the Hole-in-the-Rock excursion took place. It is important to remember to carry plenty of water since the area is arid.
5. Auto Touring
If you are visiting the Monument with a vehicle, you can consider taking a drive on the many scenic roads. These roads have different surfaces including off-road which is ideal for 4-wheel driving. The most popular roads you can hike with your vehicle include Harts Draw Road, Valley of the Gods, Needles Overlook, and Bears Ears Buttes. If you decide to go auto touring, you are advised to bring extra supplies and fuel as you will be far from civilization. Driving in Monument Valley will give you maximum flexibility and it is the most cost-effective way to visit the park.
6. OHV Trails
There are a lot of trails ideal for recreational vehicles within the National Monument. One of the best trails is situated at Jacob’s Chair landmark where you will find a 28-mile loop ideal for riding. It is ideal for experienced riders and mostly runs sideways the ridge to offer you a great view. Whenever you are riding, do not disturb the surrounding environment and you will require to stick to the trail.
7. Canyoneering
This is a technical adventure requiring ropes and technical skills. Some people have the skills to navigate these canyons on their own. Nevertheless, you can opt to hire a guide service to take you. A technical canyoneering venture will often require swimming, climbing, and abseiling. Visitors who are brave enough to participate in the Canyoneering activity will discover beautifully sculpted places were few individuals get to explore.
What to Pack for Your Visit to Bear Ears National Monument
If you are traveling to Bear Ears Monument soon, you need to plan for you to get all the fun and learning out of the place. Make sure you don’t miss any ancient art, prehistoric sites, scenic routes, or breath-taking natural formations. Here is the list things you might need and somethings you have to have.
Water—at least one gallon per person per day.
Food—more than you think you’ll need.
Ice and ice chest.
Sun hat and sunscreen.
Sunglasses.
Layers of light clothing.
Sturdy footwear.
Daypack or Camelbak.
We hope that you have enjoyed reading the article and it has helped you plan a visit to Bear Ears National Monument. Happy travel planning!
You May Want to Join Our Boondocking Group on Facebook For More Information
You May Want to Join Our Campfire Recipes Group on Facebook For More Information
