Travel Advisory
Visitors traveling to Bears Ears National Monument should note there are very limited travel services in the area. Don’t expect the same level of infrastructure as Utah's national parks. Much of the land in the area is rugged, wild and remote, and requires greater preparation, fitness and respect.
Before you visit Bears Ears National Monument, make sure you are prepared with the most up-to-date information about the area by calling or stopping by the BLM Monticello Field Office or the Kane Gulch Ranger Station (contact information provided below). The Bears Ears Education Center in Bluff or the Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum in Blanding also offer good context and resources for your visit to the area.
Stop Archaelogical Vandalism
When visiting sensitive archaeological sites on federal, state, and tribal lands, always visit with respect to keep the area Forever Mighty. Looting and vandalism of resources on federal, state, and tribal lands is against state and federal law.
Tips for visiting archaeological sites, include:
1. Leave artifacts in their place.
2. Stay on trails, and keep pets leashed.
3. Hands off rock imagery.
4. Help inform others.
If you see someone looting an archaeological site, don’t approach them. If someone is damaging an archaeological site because they don’t know any better, you can kindly ask them to stop if you feel comfortable. Otherwise, take photographs and take note of where you are. You can anonymously report new damage or call (800) 722-3998. (Read: How to Visit Rock Imagery Sites Like an Archaeologist)
Keep the Area Forever Mighty
We encourage all travelers to familiarize themselves with the principles of Forever Mighty to make sure you can maximize your experience while minimizing your impact.
The Bears Ears Partnership has also developed a series of Visit With Respect videos to guide visitors on respectful travel.
Planning Resources
Visitor Centers
There is no official visitor center in the area, thought these places will have information on visiting areas within and around the monument and current conditions.
Bears Ears Education Center
567 W. Main St., Bluff, UT 84512
Phone: (435) 672-2402
9 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday through Monday
Kane Gulch BLM Ranger Station
36 miles west of Blanding
March 1–June 15, September 1–October 31
8 a.m.–noon, 7 days a week
The Kane Gulch Ranger Station is located along Utah Highway 261 about four miles south of Highway 95, not far from Natural Bridges National Monument
BLM Field Office, Visitor and Permit Information
365 North Main, Monticello, UT 84535
(435) 587-1510
8 a.m.–noon, Monday–Friday
Blanding Visitor Center
12 North Grayson Parkway, Blanding, UT 84511
(435) 678-3662
Travelers on the Indian Creek Corridor Scenic Byway (S.R. 211) to the Needles District of Canyonlands may find visitor information within Canyonlands or at the Needles Outpost, in season.
Maps
The BLM has developed georeferenced maps compatible with any georeferenced map mobile application. These work without cell coverage and are perfect for remote adventure. Find instructions and the latest available maps (Look under Utah, then Monticello)
Weather and Climate
The best time to go is March through mid-June and September through October. The heat of July and August can exceed 100 degrees in some areas, and there are also monsoons, which can bring flash floods. Much of this area is high desert country, often exceeding 6,000 feet above sea level on the plateau. Carry plenty of water at all times and know your limits.
Permits, Fees and Roads
Permits and fees are required for several hikes in this area. Some permits are payable at the trailheads, others must be obtained from BLM field offices. Many of the dirt roads in this area are impassable when wet, snowy or muddy. Check at the visitor center or the ranger station before traveling into the backcountry. Permits are needed for both day and overnight trips, and backpackers must make advance reservations.
Mule Canyon/House on Fire requires a hiking permit, which is available online. Advance reservations for overnight trips in the Bears Ears area may be reserved online at recreation.gov and validated in-person at the Kane Gulch Ranger Station. Please visit the BLM Cedar Mesa Permits webpage for more information. Note there are additional permitting sites on nearby Cedar Mesa.
