Avoid the exhausting 6-hour drive with Wild Expeditions’ shuttle from Mexican Hat to Clay Hills. Discover how this service unlocks more time to explore the remote beauty of Utah’s San Juan River and Bears Ears National Monument.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
Flexible, depending on your adventure plan
Fitness Level
No physical exertion required for the shuttle service itself, but good health recommended for remote travel conditions.
Wildlife
History
This region has rich Native American history, with Ancestral Puebloan ruins and rock art reflecting thousands of years of cultural presence.
Conservation
Efforts in Bears Ears National Monument focus on protecting fragile ecosystems and cultural heritage through sustainable visitation and local stewardship.
Wild Expeditions
Avoid the exhausting 6-hour drive with Wild Expeditions’ shuttle from Mexican Hat to Clay Hills. Discover how this service unlocks more time to explore the remote beauty of Utah’s San Juan River and Bears Ears National Monument.
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.
Schedule Your Shuttle in Advance
Book your shuttle early to secure your preferred date and time, especially during peak seasons.
Prepare for Remote Terrain
Cell phone reception is limited; carry a physical map or GPS device for navigation.
Pack Water and Snacks
There are minimal services between Mexican Hat and Clay Hills, so bring sufficient water and food.
Check Weather Before Departure
Sudden weather changes can occur; dress in layers and be ready for high desert conditions.
Hydration Pack
Keeps you hydrated during hot desert conditions, especially important in summer.
summer
Layered Clothing
Allows easy adjustment to fluctuating temperatures throughout the day.
Sun Protection
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat protect you from intense sun exposure.
summer
Portable Phone Charger
Useful for emergencies as cell coverage is limited.