Experience the Proposed Bears Ears National Monument

 by Ellen Heyn, Communications Associate

The Bears Ears region of southeastern Utah is home to stunning scenery and more than 100,000 cultural sites. And, it could be the plateau's newest national monument! This living cultural landscape encompasses famed places like Cedar Mesa and Comb Ridge. Check out the hikes below to see a sample of the artifacts, cliff dwellings, and rock art that make that deserve protection. 

Bullet Canyon

While thick in brush and choked with large boulders, the most challenging part of hiking Bullet Canyon is not the physical navigation. Rather, it’s the level of focus you exercise in searching for archaeological sites on ledges and in cliff alcoves. This tributary of Grand Gulch houses two major sites called Perfect Kiva and Jailhouse Ruin. Keep your eyes peeled for others within the towering cliff walls. See the sights ›

Dark Canyon via the Sundance Trail

Starting high on Elk Ridge, Dark Canyon and its tributaries fan out to the desert lowlands and end at Lake Powell. Sculpted Cedar Mesa Sandstone walls rise above the canyon floor in this beautiful and remote area. The Sundance Trail is one of several access points into Dark Canyon. The 1,200-foot descent down a loose talus slope is not for novice hikers, but the perennial creek, sculpted pools, shady cottonwood trees, and waterfalls at the bottom make it worth the pounding knee pain! Hike details ›

Obama is readying his pen to take action on new national monuments, and Bears Ears could be at the top of the list. Help ensure this happens by signing a petition in support of the tribes’ request to designate a new Bears Ears National Monument.