Bears Ears Overlook & Dark Canyon Wilderness

Proximity to Dark Canyon: 20 Miles

Coordinates: 37.629354, -109.867601

Bears Ears Overlook, situated within Bears Ears National Monument in southeastern Utah, provides visitors with stunning panoramic views of the monument’s iconic twin buttes and the expansive, rugged landscape that surrounds them. This vantage point is a must-see for those seeking to experience the beauty and cultural significance of this remarkable area.

overview

Bears Ears National Monument, co-managed by the Bureau of Land Management Monticello Field Office. the Manti La Sal National Forest. and the five Tribes of the Bears Ears Commission. is an outstanding landscape with extensive cultural and natural resources. Every year, visitors to Bears Ears National Monument enjoy many recreation activities, including hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, river rafting, and riding off-highway vehicles. However you choose to enjoy your visit to this area, remember to visit with respect, leave no trace, and know before you go. There are three main Bureau of Land Management areas where you may consider recreating within Bears Ears National Monument:

Highlights

Iconic Views: From the overlook, you can marvel at the twin buttes that give Bears Ears its name. These distinctive rock formations rise dramatically above the surrounding plateau and are visible from many miles away.

Scenic Beauty: The overlook offers breathtaking vistas of the vast, undulating terrain, including red rock canyons, lush valleys, and distant mountain ranges. The views are particularly spectacular at sunrise and sunset when the landscape is bathed in warm, golden light.

Cultural Significance: Bears Ears is sacred to many Native American tribes, including the Navajo, Hopi, Ute, and Zuni. The overlook provides a sense of the profound connection these tribes have with the land, which is rich in cultural and historical sites.

Photography: The dramatic scenery makes Bears Ears Overlook a prime spot for photography. Capture the sweeping landscapes, unique rock formations, and the interplay of light and shadow that changes throughout the day.

Dark Canyon Wilderness Area

Dark Canyon Wilderness Area, located in southeastern Utah, is a hidden treasure offering some of the most rugged and spectacular scenery in the American Southwest. Encompassing over 47,000 acres of deep canyons, dramatic cliffs, and lush riparian zones, this remote wilderness area provides a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude, adventure, and pristine natural beauty.

Highlights:

Dramatic Landscapes: Dark Canyon is renowned for its steep canyon walls, vibrant red rock formations, and contrasting green vegetation. The canyon descends over 5,000 feet from the Elk Ridge plateau to the Colorado River, offering breathtaking views and diverse ecosystems.

Hiking and Backpacking: The wilderness area features numerous trails ranging from short day hikes to challenging multi-day backpacking routes. Popular trails include the Woodenshoe Trail, which offers access to the heart of the canyon, and the Sundance Trail, known for its steep descent into the canyon.

Wildlife and Vegetation: Dark Canyon is home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, and peregrine falcons. The canyon's riparian zones support a diverse range of plant life, creating a vibrant and lush environment in stark contrast to the arid desert surroundings.

Cultural History: The area is rich in Native American history, with numerous archaeological sites, including ancient cliff dwellings and rock art. These sites offer a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans who once inhabited the region.