THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
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.
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.
Book with Wild Expeditions
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Wild Expeditions · Bluff, Utah
Join Wild Expeditions for a 3-day trail running retreat at Bears Ears National Monument, located in the heart of Utah’s red rock desert near Bluff. This unique adventure blends high-intensity trail running with cultural exploration, guiding you through spectacular desert canyons, ancient archaeological sites, and scenic vistas. With expert guides, you'll move swiftly and lightly across varied terrain, from rocky trail sections to sandy washes. The retreat offers not only physical challenge but also an opportunity to connect deeply with the rich history of the Ancestral Puebloans, whose remnants scatter the landscape. The dry desert climate and wide-open spaces create a stunning backdrop for an unforgettable active weekend where the focus is on wellness, exploration, and discovery. Whether you're an experienced trail runner or looking to elevate your endurance, the retreat balances fitness with cultural insight and stunning natural beauty. Participants enjoy small group attention, personalized pacing tips, and immersive storytelling alongside breathtaking views. At day’s end, relax under star-filled skies in cozy accommodations nearby Bluff and share stories around the campfire. This retreat is a perfect escape from the everyday, offering adventure, education, and rejuvenation in one of Utah’s most captivating wilderness areas.
challenging.
6–8 hours daily.
Participants should have solid endurance, comfortable running on technical trails, and good overall fitness.
Yes, participants should have prior trail running experience and be comfortable with moderate to challenging terrain.
Accommodations are comfortable lodges or cabins near Bluff, offering a restful base after your daily runs.
Yes, all meals are provided, focusing on nutritious options to support your active days.
This retreat is best suited for experienced runners, though confident intermediate runners with strong fitness may participate.
Bring trail running shoes, hydration gear, sun protection, and layers for changing weather conditions.
Absolutely, expert guides will share insights into the archaeology and cultural significance of the areas visited.
Bears Ears is home to numerous Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites, with many cliff dwellings and rock art panels preserved.
The area is managed with strong conservation efforts to protect its archaeological sites and fragile desert ecosystem from overuse.
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.
Book with Wild Expeditions