Experience Bears Ears like never before with a 3-day trail running retreat that blends fast-paced adventure and rich cultural discovery. Explore ancient sites and stunning canyons near Bluff, Utah.
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Difficulty
challenging
Duration
6–8 hours daily
Fitness Level
Participants should have solid endurance, comfortable running on technical trails, and good overall fitness.
Wildlife
History
Bears Ears is home to numerous Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites, with many cliff dwellings and rock art panels preserved.
Conservation
The area is managed with strong conservation efforts to protect its archaeological sites and fragile desert ecosystem from overuse.
Wild Expeditions
Experience Bears Ears like never before with a 3-day trail running retreat that blends fast-paced adventure and rich cultural discovery. Explore ancient sites and stunning canyons near Bluff, Utah.
Wild Expeditions is an adventure outfitter based in Bluff, Utah, offering guided trips across the San Juan River, Bears Ears National Monument, and surrounding canyon country. The company provides half-day and multiday experiences including stand-up paddleboard and kayak expeditions on the San Juan River, private Bears Ears hiking tours with 4x4 transport, Valley of the Gods sunset drives, and UTV excursions to River House Ruin.
Additional offerings include canyoneering in Fry Canyon, an introductory Bears Ears tour, a 3-day trail running retreat, vehicle shuttles between Mexican Hat and Clay Hills, and a four-day river journey from Sand Island to Mexican Hat led by PhD historian Andrew Gulliford. Many trips combine paddling, short hikes, archaeological site visits, and scenic 4x4 or Hummer rides to remote cliff dwellings and rock art.
Trips list professional guidance, provided gear, and tailored itineraries for private tours; multiday journeys include backcountry-style meals and historic interpretation. Wild Expeditions operates from Bluff, Utah, with access to the San Juan River corridor, Comb Ridge, Cedar Mesa, Fry Canyon, and Valley of the Gods. The operation emphasizes access to sites not reachable by standard vehicles, including UTV routes and Moki Dugway drives. Visitors can choose single-day options such as half-day SUP and kayak floats or more immersive options like the Sand Island to Mexican Hat river expedition. Trip durations range from 3-hour excursions to multi-day river journeys, with private itineraries and shuttle logistics available directly.
Base Location
Bluff, Utah
Gateway to Bears Ears & San Juan River
Tours Offered
11 Trips
Half-day to multi-day adventures
Private Options
Custom Itineraries
Private 4-hour to multiday tours
Special Experiences
Historian-led trip
Four-day river journey with Andrew Gulliford
Choose a half-day paddle, a private Bears Ears hike, or a multi-day San Juan River journey — check availability and book now.
Hydrate Frequently
Carry at least 2 liters of water as desert heat can dehydrate you quickly.
Wear Trail Running Shoes
Choose shoes with solid grip to navigate rocky and uneven terrain safely.
Use Sun Protection
Apply sunscreen and wear a hat to protect yourself from intense sun exposure.
Keep Pace with the Group
Maintain communication and respect personal pacing to ensure safety on longer runs.
Trail Running Shoes
Provides grip and protection on rugged desert trails.
Hydration Pack
Allows easy access to water, which is critical especially in hot weather.
summer
Sun Hat and Sunglasses
Protects your face and eyes from strong sun rays during runs.
spring|summer|fall
Lightweight Running Jacket
Keeps you warm during cooler mornings and evenings on the trail.
fall|winter|spring