The best walks and hikes in Bears Ears National Monument

The Valley of the Gods Road offers an unparalleled opportunity for self-guided exploration through a landscape of towering red sandstone buttes and mesas, often compared to a less crowded Monument Valley. You'll find yourself immersed in a quiet, awe-inspiring desert, with formations like Setting Hen Butte rising dramatically from the valley floor. This difficult 16.4-mile (26.4 km) route involves about 1467 feet (447 metres) of elevation gain and takes around 7 hours and 8 minutes, making it a substantial day out for those who love off-trail adventure. Expect varied terrain, from gradual climbs to wash crossings, as you choose your own path through this unique area.

Planning your visit is simple, as this area is on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, meaning no permits or fees are required for hiking. The road itself acts as your access point, allowing you to park and begin exploring the surrounding desert. Always carry plenty of water and sun protection, especially during warmer months, and be aware that rattlesnakes can be present. For the best experience and photographic opportunities, consider visiting during the cooler seasons or at sunrise and sunset.

What makes Valley of the Gods truly special is its backcountry freedom and sense of remoteness. Unlike more popular destinations, you'll find significant solitude here, allowing for extensive off-trail exploration and even primitive camping. The geological wonders, sculpted over millions of years, provide exceptional photographic opportunities, particularly as the light changes throughout the day. It's a fantastic alternative to more crowded spots, offering a profound connection with nature.

The Mule Canyon Trail to House on Fire offers a delightful stroll through a verdant canyon, where colorful cliffs rise above a path that often follows a dry riverbed. You'll encounter sections of well-marked dirt and slickrock as you make your way to the iconic Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwelling. It's an easy 1.0-mile (1.6 km) hike with minimal elevation gain, making it a fantastic option for families or anyone seeking a quick, scenic journey into history.

Planning your visit is straightforward, though timing is key for the main attraction. To witness the unique "House on Fire" effect, where sunlight creates a flaming illusion on the ruin's overhang, aim to be there between 10 AM and 11 AM. There's a small day-use fee payable at a kiosk near the trailhead, where parking is also available. Even for this short 26-minute outing, bringing water is always a good idea, especially during warmer periods.

This trail is a highlight in the Cedar Mesa area, renowned for its rich Ancestral Puebloan history. Beyond the famous House on Fire ruin, Mule Canyon itself is dotted with other ancient dwellings and petroglyphs, offering a tangible connection to inhabitants from 700 to 1,000 years ago. It's a perfect blend of accessible hiking and profound cultural immersion, showcasing why this location was so vital to its original residents.

The Fish and Owl Loop offers a strenuous 15.5-mile (25.0 km) hiking experience through the deep, narrow canyons of Bears Ears National Monument. You'll traverse varied terrain, from slickrock streambeds to loose scree, with canyon walls rising 500 feet high. Keep an eye out for impressive natural features like Nevill's Arch in Owl Creek and lush hanging gardens, making this a visually rich journey for those up to the challenge.

This difficult route, typically taking 7 hours, requires careful planning. Permits are mandatory, and daily visitor numbers are limited, so book ahead. Be prepared for significant route-finding challenges due to unmaintained sections and unreliable cairns. Carrying ample water is essential, especially since some parts of Owl Canyon can be dry, and the 1476 feet (450 metres) of elevation gain will test your endurance.

Beyond the natural beauty, the Fish and Owl Loop is rich in cultural history, featuring numerous Ancestral Puebloan ruins and rock-art sites, some visible early in the hike. The solitude you'll find here is a major draw, as many hikers report not encountering other groups. This trail stands out for its unique combination of deep canyons, water pools, and historical significance, offering a truly immersive backcountry experience.

The Kane Gulch to Todie Canyon route plunges you into a dramatic desert landscape, where red/orange Cedar Mesa sandstone cliffs rise majestically above stream-braided plateaus. You'll navigate through washes and streambeds, encountering house-sized boulders and dense pinyon and juniper trees. This 6.2-mile (10.0 km) hike, rated moderate, offers a unique blend of rugged terrain and ancient history, with Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings like Junction Ruin tucked into the canyon walls. Expect a challenging journey that feels much longer than its 2 hours and 38 minutes, especially with the steep 250-foot descent into Todie Canyon.

Planning your visit requires careful consideration, as this trail is known for its strenuous sections, particularly the entry into Todie Canyon. Permits are essential for both day hiking and overnight trips within Grand Gulch and its tributaries, so secure these well in advance. Be prepared for scarce and often stagnant water sources; carrying ample water and a reliable filter is non-negotiable for this remote adventure. The trailhead access is generally straightforward, but the challenging conditions mean an early start is always a good idea.

What makes this route truly stand out is its role as a gateway to the extensive Grand Gulch Primitive Area, allowing day hikers to reach archaeological sites that would otherwise demand multi-day backpacking. The solitude of the desert canyons is a major draw, offering a profound sense of wilderness and connection to the past. While the overall elevation gain is a mere 40 feet (12 metres), the technical nature of the terrain, including scrambling and routefinding, elevates the Kane Gulch to Todie Canyon trail difficulty beyond what the numbers suggest.

Step into a classic desert landscape on the Butler Wash Interpretive Trail, an easy hike that offers a quick but profound journey. This short route, just 0.5 miles (0.7 km) with a gentle 82 feet (25 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 12 minutes to complete, winding through piñon pines and juniper trees. You'll traverse sandy patches and slickrock, all while enjoying expansive views of the Comb Ridge cliffs, culminating in a clear view of the ancient Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings known as the Butler Wash Ruins.

This easy to easy-to-moderate trail is ideal for families and beginners, providing an accessible way to experience the region's natural beauty and history. Interpretive signs along the path offer insights into the local ecosystem and the Ancestral Puebloan culture. Remember to stay on designated paths to help protect the fragile cliff dwellings for future visitors.

What truly sets this trail apart is its unique blend of natural desert beauty and significant cultural heritage within Bears Ears National Monument. The well-preserved structures of the Butler Wash Ruins, dating back to around 1200 AD, offer a tangible connection to the past. It's also a fantastic introduction to hiking in both desert and slickrock environments, making it a notable stop in the region.