Bears Ears National Monument, located near Blanding, Utah, invites adventurers to walk among stories etched in stone and carved into cliffs. Here, ancient cliff dwellings cling to sandstone walls, while petroglyphs silently recount the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans. Exploring this landscape is not just a hike, but a direct encounter with history shaped by wind, water, and time.

The main trail to some of the most impressive sites usually starts within Cedar Mesa, a rugged area of Bears Ears. Hikers face about 6 to 9 miles round trip, depending on the selected route, with elevation changes typically around 700 feet. The terrain commands respect—rocky paths that sometimes narrow, with steep drops to the canyon floor below, challenge hikers to stay focused and steady.

As you move through the juniper and piñon pine forests, the landscape opens to overlook vast canyons carved by ancient rivers that now dare you to imagine their once powerful currents. The air is dry but charged with quiet anticipation, prompting a steady pace and careful footing.

Petroglyph panels appear alongside the path, their intricate figures alert and alive despite their age. The cliff dwellings emerge gradually, their stone facades blending perfectly with the natural rock, demanding attention to detail and respect for preservation rules—touch nothing and stay on marked trails.

For those planning a visit, timing is crucial. Early spring and fall soften the harsh desert heat, while mornings bring calm light to illuminate rock art. Carry a minimum of 3 liters of water, wear sturdy hiking boots with good traction, and pack sun protection. Weather can shift quickly; always check forecasts and prepare for sudden wind or temperature swings.

After the hike, Blanding offers friendly lodging and amenities for recovery and planning your next day exploring other parts of Bears Ears. Each step through this monument is a direct conversation with a landscape fiercely itself—wild, historic, and unforgettable.